Our student accommodation areas

The University of Southampton has seven campuses across three cities: Southampton, Winchester, and Iskandar Puteri in Malaysia. In each of these cities, there are several areas where most students live while studying.

Where students live in Southampton

In Southampton, most of our students tend to live either close to Highfield Campus or in the city centre. There is convenient transport between these areas.

Portswood

There are plenty of private rented accommodation options for students in Portswood, located south of Avenue Campus and Highfield Campus. Highstreet shops and eateries are on the doorstep, and there are bars, gyms, and good transport links to travel around the city.

Swaythling

A large residential area that’s popular with students as it’s close to both Highfield and Boldrewood campuses. You’ll find plenty of food options and smaller shops along Burgess Road, and the University’s water sports centre is located here too. Wide Lane sports centre, home to many Team Southampton sports clubs, and the city’s airport are a short bus journey away.

Highfield

The quiet residential area of Highfield is home to both the Highfield and Avenue campuses. The area borders Southampton Common to the west, so is a great place for fresh air and outdoor fitness.

Bassett

This leafy residential area is situated north of Highfield Campus and Boldrewood Campus. It’s a great area to choose if you’re into sport, as Bassett is home to many of the city’s sports facilities. This includes Southampton Outdoor Sports Centre, which has tennis courts, a cricket pitch and BMX track. It also includes Alpine Snowsports Southampton, Southampton Golf Club, and Red Lodge Community swimming pool.

Shirley and the city centre

Shirley is a suburb on the edge of the city centre, so it’s a good choice for shopping, socialising and nightlife. You can find mountain bike and BMX tracks close by in Lordswood. Shirley has its own high street with pubs, bars, cafes and small shops. It’s popular with medical students as it’s so close to the hospital. Our Waterfront campus is also an easy commute from this area.

Learn more about Southampton

Discover the many things to do in our home city, Southampton, with our Southampton city guide

Winchester

Our Winchester School of Art students tend to live in Winnall, on the east side of the city, close to the River Itchen. It’s just a short walk into the city centre, where there’s a great selection of shops, pubs, and restaurants. Winchester is a fantastic city for arts and culture, so you’ll also find a selection of theatres, museums, and Winchester Cathedral not far from the campus.

Winnall

This small residential area has a big sense of community. It’s close to the city centre and our Winchester Campus, making it a popular choice with our students. You’ll find a large Tesco Extra superstore close to our halls.

Learn more about Winchester

Discover the many things to do in this historic and green city, with our Winchester city guide

Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia