What to do if you or a flatmate has severe allergies

Living in halls is a communal experience and is a great time to make friends and have a great time living together. We expect everyone in halls to be kind and considerate and to look after each other and that includes being aware of those with severe allergies. To those with allergies some extra considerations maybe required to ensure everyone can have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in your halls accommodation. Every year we will have a number of people with severe allergies living in halls and it's always lovely to see how flatmates look out for each and make slight adjustments to avoid potential allergic reactions.

You can find more information of allergies, such as causes, symptoms and guidance on when to call 999, on the NHS website.

Where possible the Residences team will put posters up in flat kitchens to highlight where a resident may have an allergy that other residents may need to be considerate of. In some instances we may even action adjustments within the flat e.g. removing a carpet and replace with hard flooring for someone with a dust allergy.

How you can assist..

• Communicate with each other to ensure everyone understands the allergy and how best to assist the person with the allergy while you are living together.
• If someone has a severe food allergy make sure none of that foodstuff, for example nuts, is brought into the flat or kitchen area. In instances of less severe food allergies please ensure you make the person with the allergy aware if you will be cooking any items they are allergic to and ensure that any items or surfaces in contact with that foodstuff are thoroughly cleaned after cooking.
• If you are in contact with an allergen, such as a food stuff, outside of the flat please ensure you thoroughly wash your hands before returning to the flat.

• Keep the flat clean and tidy. Regularly cleaning the flat will reduce dust, food contamination of surfaces and potential for pests within the flat and will make the experience of living in halls more pleasant generally.

What to do in an emergency

If there is a medical emergency, whether related to an allergy of not, you should call 999 as a priority.

Having contacted 999, and if possible to do so, as a secondary contact you may also wish to contact the University security team if you are on campus or in halls on 02380 593311 (this number is also on the back of your id card) to let them know what is happening. The security team are first aid trained and may be able to assist.

For instance of an allergy that isn't an emergency you can call 111 to get further guidance from the NHS (National Health service) however if there is any doubt on severity of the issue please call 999.

Nearest Accidents and Emergencies departments to our halls

Southampton: Southampton General Hospital (East wing of the hospital), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD.

Winchester: Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5DG.