New starters FAQs

We want to make your first few days, weeks, months as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here is some information about the local area and its amenities.

Southampton

  • How do I get to site?
    Maps, directions and transport links.

    We recommend walking or using public transport, if possible, to minimise the environmental impact of your commute. If you do intend to drive however, please let your HR / Recruitment contact know and we will reserve a visitor space for you. On your first day you can then arrange for a parking permit for the main car park.

  • What time should I arrive on my first day?
    Please arrive at 10am, unless otherwise instructed.

  • Who do I ask for?
    Please ask for your line manager at reception when you arrive, unless otherwise instructed.

  • Do I need to bring anything with me?
    No, you don’t need to bring anything specific with you on your first day.

  • Can I buy food and drink?
    Yes, there is a canteen offering hot meals, snacks, sandwiches, and hot and cold drinks. It’s usually open from 8am to 4.30pm. Contactless payments only. There are also vending machines near reception. If you would like to bring you own food most teams have access to a fridge.

  • Is there a dress code?
    Each department will dress differently. If this hasn’t been discussed with you before you start we’d recommend smart-casual for your first day. You can then discuss with your manager what is expected.

  • I’m just about to start at the NOC but a problem has come up. What should I do?
    Please speak to your HR recruitment contact or line manager as soon as possible. We understand things can happen outside of our control and will do everything we can to help. The Southampton NOC reception phone number is +44 (0)300 131 2321 or email careers@noc.ac.uk.

  • I don’t know the area well, what is there to do?
    Our Southampton site is in a great location, just a 10-minute walk to the bars and restaurants of Ocean Village and Oxford Street. A few minutes further and you’ll find the high street with all the shops you’d expect as well as many more places to eat and drink.

    You can find more information on our website and the Visit Southampton website.

  • What facilities are on site?
    Details of facilities at both our sites.

Liverpool

  • How do I get to site?
    Maps, directions and transport links.

    We recommend walking or using public transport, if possible, to minimise the environmental impact of your commute. If you do intend to drive however, chargeable parking (set at maximum £2.31 per day - correct at time of writing) is available around site on the University of Liverpool campus. Please let your HR / Recruitment contact know and we will work with Estates team colleagues to reserve a free visitor space for you for your first day. Once on site you can then arrange with the Estates team to have an access card the main car park, costs for usage are deducted from your pay.

  • What time should I arrive on my first day?
    Please arrive at 10am, unless otherwise instructed.

  • Who should I ask for?
    Please ask for your line manager at reception when you arrive, unless otherwise instructed.

  • Do I need to bring anything with me?
    No, there is nothing specific you need to bring with you on your first day.

  • Can I buy food and drink?
    Our Liverpool office doesn’t have a canteen or vending machines, however it does have a kitchen for all staff to use which has fridges, microwaves and tea and coffee making facilities. There are a good selection of food shops and cafés within a short walk of the building – for example on the University campus around Brownlow Hill, or around London Road. Please do ask anybody at site for directions or recommendations.

  • Is there a dress code?
    Each department will dress differently. If this hasn’t been discussed with you before you start we’d recommend smart / casual for your first day. You can then discuss with your manager what is expected.

  • I’m just about to start at the NOC but a problem has come up. What should I do?
    Please speak to your HR / recruitment contact or line manager as soon as possible. We understand things can happen outside of our control and will do everything we can to help. The Liverpool NOC reception phone number is +44 (0)151 795 4800 or email careers@noc.ac.uk.

  • I don’t know the area well. What is there to do?
    Our Liverpool site is in a great location, just a 10-minute walk from Lime Street Station and, a little further, all the amenities of the City Centre beyond. There are museums and galleries to visit, a beautiful library, and you can easily access all the shops you’d expect as well as many places to eat and drink. The renowned Liverpool Waterfront and dock area is also within easy reach. The wider city region has a number of excellent parks and beaches - and is well connected by road, rail, air and river to all kinds of other places you might wish to visit.

    You can find more information on our website and the Visit Liverpool website

  • What facilities are on site?
    Details of facilities at both our sites.