Why Southampton is the Perfect Study City: Students Share Their Experiences

Southampton was recently ranked as the 3rd most livable city in the UK*. With a diverse range of experiences to offer, from scenic parks to thriving nightlife, Southampton provides an exceptional environment for students to live, learn, and grow. Whether you're an undergraduate or postgraduate student, the city offers endless opportunities for personal and academic development.

Below is a selection of what University of Southampton students have to say about life in the city. If you would like to study in Southampton, arrange a free counselling today.

Southampton: The Perfect Student City

A Welcoming and Vibrant Community

Takamasa (MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering), describes Southampton as a unique and sociable place, sharing, "At Southampton, I am always running into my friends on campus or going out for dinner. It’s quite a unique experience.” Karla, a BA Philosophy, Politics, and Economics student, highlights the importance of community in her experience: "It’s really easy to make it your own here. There’s something for everyone, and it has a great sense of community."

Southampton’s lively atmosphere and friendly, diverse community make it an exciting place to live. Student Weronika shares, "What I love the most about Southampton is the feeling I get when I come back from anywhere else. When I'm coming back to Southampton and I see that welcome sign, I always feel like I'm back home." From societies and clubs to unique events, the city is filled with opportunities for students to thrive and engage with their interests.

A Safe and Accessible City

Southampton has been awarded Purple Flag status, recognised for its safe and vibrant nightlife, with Winchester also being one of the safest cities in the UK. George (BSc Environmental Science) highlights the convenience of living in Southampton: "Everything’s in walking distance. It feels really safe, actually. That’s something I’ve noticed, being out and about in the evenings or even in the day." Houda, a Nursing student, also emphasizes the safety and community feel: "Southampton has the perfect balance of city life and student life, which is hard to find elsewhere."

Student Georgina also appreciates the safety of the city, noting, "Southampton is a very good place to start a new life, build that life, and start a career." With a supportive environment and a variety of student services, the city offers a perfect mix of independence and security for those moving away from home for the first time.

Cost of Living and Student Life

Students also benefit from affordable living, with convenient amenities spread throughout the city. Takamasa adds, "The amenities in Southampton are distanced well – among the campus, residential area, halls, Portswood and city centre – therefore I can focus on each thing, such as studying, shopping and going out."

Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities

Southampton is home to many green spaces and scenic spots, offering students a great balance between city life and outdoor relaxation. Navya (BSc Accounting and Finance) describes Southampton as “a very student-friendly and green city.” Akshita (BSc Business Management with Placement Year), loves to visit Southampton Common, saying, “It’s a beautiful park with the lake and docks and it’s an amazing place to hang out.” For those who enjoy nature and fresh air, parks like Southampton Common provide a perfect escape while remaining close to the lively city atmosphere.

George adds, "Southampton Common is a lovely place to go. Bring a football, your mates, drinks, and just have fun."

Cultural and Social Activities

From bustling festivals to smaller, more intimate events, the city offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences for students to immerse themselves in. Thea (MA English Literary Studies), notes, "I enjoy that there’s a bit of everything. There’s a lot of activities you can get involved with, entertainment venues, art venues, music, gigs. There’s just a lot going on at any time."

Travel in and out of the city

Southampton’s central location makes it easy to explore other cities, with London just over an hour away via direct train. Southampton Airport is free to get to via the UniLink bus service and is connected to various popular destinations across Europe. Georgina appreciates this accessibility, saying, "It’s easy to get up to London or head to places like Bath for the day. It’s pretty great like that." Whether it’s a weekend trip or a day out, the city’s transport links ensure that students have many opportunities to broaden their horizons.

Within Southampton, travel is made even more convenient by the UniLink service. Dev (BSc Business Analytics), shares, "The UniLink service is good since it reduces the usage of vehicles with the large number of students."

Life in Winchester

For students studying at the Winchester School of Art, the city is only a stone’s throw away from Southampton. Wenjin (BA Fashion Marketing and Management), describes the city as “peaceful and full of charm.” “One of my favorite places is Winnall Moors Nature Reserve, just next to our university. It’s such a calming spot, with a river where you’ll often see ducks and swans." The city is also steeped in history, and Wenjin adds, "Another gem is the viewpoint on the small hill near the famous King Alfred the Great statue—you can see the whole town from up there, and it’s especially magical at sunset." Winchester’s independent shops, green spaces, and serene atmosphere make it a unique complement to the vibrancy of Southampton, offering arts students an inspiring place to live and create.

Study in Southampton

Southampton and Winchester are cities that truly cater to students looking for a dynamic, accessible, and student-friendly environment, making it an ideal place to live and study. Begin your journey today by arranging a free consultation.

*PWC Good Growth for Cities Scores, 2024