There is plenty of private student accommodation to choose from in Southampton, with options across the city centre and nearby student areas. Most properties include bills in the weekly rent and offer facilities such as on-site gyms, communal spaces, and study areas. The main things to consider are which university you are attending, how close you want to be to campus, and your budget.
If you are studying at Solent University, city centre properties will put you within walking distance of campus. Southampton Crossings offers en-suite rooms with an on-site gym and social spaces, and is around a 10-minute walk from Solent. For something at the more affordable end, Lucia Foster Welch has en-suite rooms starting at a lower price point and sits close to the city centre.
For students at the University of Southampton, location depends on which campus you are based at. The main Highfield campus is a bus ride north of the city centre, so properties in Portswood or Highfield tend to be most convenient. If you prefer city centre living with a short commute, Hamwic Hall offers en-suite rooms and studios with good bus links to campus. Vita Student Richmond House is a premium option overlooking the marina, offering self-contained studios with facilities including a gym, private dining, and study spaces.
Southampton is one of the more competitively priced student cities in the south of England, so your budget is likely to go further here than in cities like London, Brighton, or Bristol. You can use the filters on Mystudenthalls.com to narrow your search by price, room type, and features.
Southampton is a port city on the south coast of England, located where the rivers Test and Itchen meet Southampton Water. It has a long maritime history, most famously as the departure point for the Titanic in 1912. The SeaCity Museum on Havelock Road has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the story of the ship and the city’s connection to it, alongside other displays on Southampton’s seafaring past.
The city is home to two main universities. The University of Southampton is a Russell Group university with campuses at Highfield, Avenue, Boldrewood, and the National Oceanography Centre at the waterfront. Solent University (formerly Southampton Solent University) is based in the city centre and is known for its industry-focused courses in areas like maritime, media, and sport. Together they bring over 35,000 students to the city each year, contributing to a young and diverse population.
There is a lot to see and do beyond campus. Bargate, the medieval gatehouse that once marked the entrance to the old walled town, is a good starting point for exploring Southampton’s historic quarter and remaining sections of the town walls. For shopping, Westquay is one of the largest retail centres on the south coast, with restaurants and a cinema alongside the shops. Oxford Street, in the city’s cultural quarter, has a cluster of independent restaurants, bars, and cafes and is popular with students for evenings out.
Sport and outdoor activities are a big part of life in Southampton. The Southampton Water Activities Centre offers sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, and the city’s location on the water means there are always opportunities to get out on the Solent. Southampton Common, a 148-hectare green space just north of the city centre, is popular with runners, dog walkers, and students looking for somewhere to clear their heads. For a bigger day out, the New Forest National Park is less than 30 minutes away by train and offers miles of walking, cycling, and riding trails through ancient woodland.
For culture, the Mayflower Theatre is one of the largest theatres outside London and hosts touring musicals, ballet, opera, and comedy. The Southampton City Art Gallery has a well-regarded permanent collection and free entry. Down at Ocean Village, the marina area has waterfront restaurants and bars and is a pleasant spot for an evening walk.
The nightlife in Southampton is concentrated around Bedford Place, which has a string of bars and late-night venues, and Above Bar Street in the city centre. Southampton has been awarded Purple Flag status, which recognises safe and well-managed town centres at night.
Southampton is a relatively compact and flat city, which makes it easy to get around on foot or by bike. For longer journeys, particularly between the city centre and the University of Southampton campuses, the bus network is the main option for students.
By bus
Unilink is the dedicated bus service connecting the University of Southampton’s campuses, student accommodation areas, and the city centre. It runs frequently during term time and is open to everyone, not just students. University of Southampton students living in university-managed accommodation receive a free Unilink bus pass for the duration of their stay, which also works on Bluestar services within the Southampton zone. For students not covered by the free pass, day and annual tickets can be bought through the Unilink app. First Bus also operates routes in the city, and regional services connect Southampton to nearby towns.
By train
Southampton Central is the main station, located just northwest of the city centre. South Western Railway runs regular services to London Waterloo (around 80 to 90 minutes), as well as to Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Winchester, and Salisbury. Southampton Airport Parkway station is also useful for flights and connects to the Unilink bus network. A 16-25 Railcard is worth picking up if you plan to travel regularly by train.
By bike
Southampton is a flat city, which makes it well suited to cycling. The council has invested in cycle infrastructure in recent years, and there are dedicated cycle paths on several routes across the city. The Love to Ride app encourages cycling through rewards and community challenges, and most university campuses and student accommodation buildings have bike storage.
By e-scooter and e-bike
Voi operates a rental e-scooter and e-bike scheme across Southampton, Portsmouth, and the Isle of Wight. You can hire vehicles through the Voi app or the local Breeze transport app. You will need to be 18 or over with at least a provisional driving licence to use the e-scooters, while e-bikes are available to anyone aged 16 and over.
City Centre
The city centre is the most convenient area for students at Solent University, with the campus just a short walk away. It is also where you will find the bulk of Southampton’s shops, restaurants, and nightlife, with Westquay, Bedford Place, and Oxford Street all within easy reach. For University of Southampton students, the city centre is a bus ride from the Highfield campus, but Unilink services are frequent and the commute is straightforward. The Tudor House and Garden and the Southampton City Art Gallery are both in or near the centre and worth a visit.
Portswood
Portswood is one of the most popular student areas in Southampton, sitting just south of the University of Southampton’s Highfield campus. Portswood Road has its own high street feel, with supermarkets, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and independent shops including October Books, a community-run bookshop and co-operative. The area is well served by Unilink and Bluestar bus routes, with regular services into the city centre and across to other campuses. It is also close to St Denys station for rail links. Portswood has a more residential feel than the city centre but is close enough that a night out is never far away.
Highfield
Highfield is the area immediately surrounding the University of Southampton’s main campus. It is a quieter, more residential neighbourhood that suits students who want to be close to lectures without the bustle of the city centre. Southampton Common is right on the doorstep, providing green space, running routes, and a place to unwind. Highfield is connected to the rest of the city by Unilink bus services, with the U1 and U2 routes running frequently between campus and the city centre.
The Polygon
The Polygon sits between the city centre and Portswood, making it a practical middle ground for students at either university. It is known for its nightlife and social scene, with a good selection of pubs, bars, and restaurants. The area has a mix of student housing and residential properties, and benefits from being within walking distance of both the city centre and Portswood Road.
Southampton is considered one of the more affordable student cities in the south of England. The cost of living, including rent, food, and going out, is noticeably lower than in London, Brighton, or Bristol. Student accommodation in Southampton is competitively priced, with a range of options available across different budgets.
Southampton has a large international student community, with students from over 100 countries studying across its two main universities. Both the University of Southampton and Solent University offer dedicated support for international students, including help with visas, English language courses, and orientation programmes. The city is well connected to London and to Southampton Airport, which has flights to a number of European destinations.
Southampton has a good mix of culture, sport, and nightlife. You can visit the SeaCity Museum, catch a show at the Mayflower Theatre, explore the medieval town walls, or spend an afternoon at Westquay. The waterfront and Ocean Village area are popular for eating out, and Bedford Place is the main hub for nightlife. For days out, the New Forest is less than 30 minutes away by train, and the Isle of Wight is accessible by Red Funnel ferry from Southampton’s Town Quay.
Southampton has a range of private student accommodation, including en-suite rooms in shared apartments, self-contained studios, and larger apartments. Most properties listed on Mystudenthalls.com include bills in the rent and offer facilities such as on-site gyms, study spaces, communal areas, and laundry. You can filter by room type, price, and features to find the option that suits you best.
You can browse all available student accommodation in Southampton on Mystudenthalls.com, compare prices and features, and contact providers directly through the listing pages. Many properties offer online viewings or virtual tours if you are unable to visit in person. It is worth starting your search early, as popular rooms tend to fill up quickly for the next academic year.
Most student tenancy agreements in Southampton run for between 42 and 51 weeks, covering the full academic year. Some providers offer shorter or more flexible contracts, so it is worth checking the details on each listing or asking the provider directly if you need something different.
Is Southampton a good student city? Let us take you on a virtual tour of Southampton student life with our comprehensive guide that explores the most student-friendly restaurants and bars, Southampton’s best live music and nightlife venues, affordable and inclusive sports and recreational activities and your essential transport links to get you to and from…
