The University of Southampton accommodation landscape combines university-managed halls, private student accommodation, and shared housing across several well-connected parts of the city. With Highfield Campus as the University’s main academic hub, areas such as Highfield, Portswood and Swaythling are popular with students, while Southampton city centre offers a wider choice of modern PBSA close to shops, restaurants and transport links.
This University of Southampton accommodation guide covers the main accommodation options available to students, including university-managed halls, private student accommodation and shared houses. It compares rental costs, room types, locations, campus commute times and key facilities, helping students understand how different options fit their budget and lifestyle. Whether you want to stay close to Highfield Campus, live in a modern studio in the city centre, or find a more affordable shared house, this guide provides the key information you need to start your accommodation search.
Best on-campus halls of residence at University of Southampton
The best on-campus halls at the University of Southampton include Glen Eyre, Wessex Lane, and May Flower. Each hall offers different room types, facilities, locations, and price ranges, so the most suitable option depends on your budget, preferred room type, and campus location.
Glen Eyre
Average Rent: £157.64 to £284.48 per week
Location: Glen Eyre Road, Southampton SO16 3UF, United Kingdom
Glen Eyre is the largest on-campus halls of residence at the University of Southampton, with weekly rent from £157.64 to £284.48. It sits close to the Highfield and Boldrewood campuses, the university’s sports facilities and the Jubilee Sports Centre.
Room types at Glen Eyre include standard en-suite rooms with a private bedroom and a shared bathroom and kitchen, enhanced en-suite rooms with a private bathroom and shared kitchen, and studio flats or one-bedroom flats offering full privacy.
Each kitchen is fitted with an oven, fridge, microwave, dining table and chairs, ironing board and vacuum cleaner. Bedrooms include a desk and chair, wardrobe, shelving and curtains, with double beds in studios and flats and single beds in other room types.
Glen Eyre residents have access to a regular Unilink bus service, a computer room, a fitness suite and a TV and music room for downtime between lectures.
Wessex Lane
Average Rent: £139.09–£252.56 per week
Location: Swaythling, Southampton
Wessex Lane is a large student accommodation complex in Swaythling, Southampton, close to the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus. It has a lively student community and is within easy reach of the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants in Portswood, making it suitable for students who enjoy a social living environment.
Students can choose from standard rooms, en-suite rooms and studio flats, with refurbished accommodation available. Facilities include laundry rooms, BBQ areas, accessible and adapted rooms, and common areas for studying and socialising.
When applying, students can request different flat arrangements, including alcohol-free flats, postgraduate flats, single-sex flats or flats shared with friends, subject to availability. Regular Unilink bus services also provide convenient transport between Wessex Lane and the University of Southampton’s campuses.
Mayflower
Average Rent: £204.54 to £304.71 per week
Location: Southampton city centre
Mayflower is a city centre halls of residence at the University of Southampton, with weekly rent from £204.54 to £304.71. It sits on the edge of a conservation area close to the Mayflower Theatre, within walking distance of Westquay shopping centre and Southampton Central train station.
Room types at Mayflower include en-suite rooms and studio flats, with laundry facilities, study spaces, unlimited high-speed internet and free membership to the on-site gym included.
Maintenance work is scheduled at Mayflower for the 2026/27 academic year, which may cause some disruption to residents. Students planning ahead may wish to consider Mayflower for future intakes once the renovation is complete.
What are the best student accommodations near University of Southampton?
The best student accommodations near University of Southampton include Canvas Capital House Southampton, Hampton Square Southampton, Vincent Place Southampton, Vita Student Richmond House, and Portswood House. They offer different room types, rents, facilities, and travel times to Highfield Campus and Avenue Campus, making them suitable for students with different budgets and preferences.
Canvas Capital House Southampton
Canvas Capital House is a high-quality student accommodation in Southampton city centre, offering studios, en-suites and shared apartments for students attending Solent University and the University of Southampton.
- Location: 1 Houndwell Place, Southampton SO14 1BW, United Kingdom.
- Commute: A 5-minute walk to Southampton Solent University and a 13-minute walk to the University of Southampton.
- Room Types: Townhouse shared apartments, en-suite rooms (Bronze, Silver, Gold), and studio flats.
- Key Facilities: On-site cinema, gym, study zones, social lounges and games areas.
- Rent: Rooms start from £138 per week.
Hampton Square Southampton
Hampton Square is a boutique student accommodation near the University of Southampton, offering a wide range of en-suite and studio rooms with bills included in the rent.
- Location: 2 Mayfield Road, Southampton SO17 3SX, United Kingdom.
- Commute: A 10-minute walk to the University of Southampton and a 16-minute bus ride to Southampton Solent University.
- Room Types: En-suite rooms and studio flats.
- Key Facilities: Study rooms, an outdoor courtyard, a gym, and a lounge.
- Rent: Rooms start from £203 per week.
Vincent Place Southampton
Vincent Place is a popular University of Southampton accommodation option located in the heart of Southampton city centre, offering studios, en-suite and non-en-suite rooms. Opened in September 2017, the property has 283 beds across two blocks and sits just a 7-minute walk from Westquay, Southampton’s largest shopping centre. Vincent Place also has 24-hour security, CCTV surveillance and a Chinese-speaking receptionist, making it a popular choice among international students at both the University of Southampton and Southampton Solent University.
- Location: Vincents Walk, Southampton SO14 1JY, United Kingdom.
- Commute: A 5-minute walk to Southampton Solent University and an 11-minute drive to the University of Southampton’s main campus.
- Room Types: Studios, en-suite rooms, and two-bedroom shared apartments.
- Key Facilities: 24-hour gym, rooftop terrace, on-site laundry, and bike storage.
- Rent: Rooms start from £188.41 per week.
Vita Student Richmond House
Vita Student Richmond House is an all-inclusive student accommodation in Southampton, offering fully furnished studios with breakfast and cleaning services included in the rent.
- Location: 3 Terminus Terrace, Southampton SO14 3EU, United Kingdom.
- Commute: An 18-minute walk to Southampton Solent University and a 21-minute walk to the University of Southampton Waterfront Campus.
- Room Types: Studio rooms only (Classic, Classic Plus, Premium, Deluxe, Accessible).
- Key Facilities: On-site gym, cinema room, table tennis, pool table, and a breakfast bar.
- Rent: Rooms start from £394 per week.
Portswood House, Southampton
Portswood House is a popular student accommodation on Portswood Road, offering 435 fully furnished studios just a 10-minute walk from the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus. Built in 2018 across two blocks, the property sits beside the River Itchen with Sainsbury’s and a Chinese supermarket right next door, and all bills are included in the rent with no extra costs. Portswood House stands out for its full range of communal facilities, including a private cinema, a gym, a games room with an automatic mahjong machine, and an integrated restaurant within a large communal dining area, making it a well-rounded choice for students at both the University of Southampton and Southampton Solent University.
- Location: Portswood Road, Southampton SO17 2BF, United Kingdom.
- Commute: A 10-minute walk to the University of Southampton and a 20-minute bus ride to Southampton Solent University.
- Room Types: Studio rooms (Lite, Classic, Accessible, Premium, Deluxe).
- Key Facilities: On-site gym, laundry, private cinema, games room with mahjong table, and an integrated restaurant.
- Rent: Rooms start from £283 per week, all bills included.
Where do most University of Southampton students live?
Most University of Southampton students live in Portswood, Highfield, and Southampton City Centre. Portswood is popular for its student-focused atmosphere and convenient access to Highfield Campus, Highfield offers a quieter residential setting close to the university, while Southampton City Centre suits students who prioritise shopping, dining, nightlife, and convenient transport.
Portswood
Rent Cost: £220–£280 per week
Portswood is one of the most popular areas for University of Southampton students, located just south of Highfield and Avenue campuses. The area is known for its strong student community, with plenty of shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, gyms, and supermarkets along Portswood Road. The University of Southampton also highlights Portswood as a student-friendly area with high-street shops, eateries, bars, and good transport links.
For students at Highfield Campus, Portswood offers a convenient daily commute, with the campus around a 10–15-minute walk depending on where you live. The Unilink U1 and U2 services also connect Portswood with the university, Southampton City Centre, and other parts of the city. St Denys railway station provides an additional transport option for regional travel.
Best for: Students who want a lively student atmosphere, plenty of local amenities, and easy access to Highfield Campus.
Highfield
Rent Cost: £180–£250 per week
Highfield is one of the most convenient areas for University of Southampton students. Highfield Campus is located within the area, while Soton Avenue Campus is around a 10-minute walk away. Southampton Common is also around a 5-minute walk from Highfield Campus, giving the neighbourhood a quieter and greener atmosphere than Southampton City Centre.
Living in Highfield means many students can walk to lectures, libraries, sports facilities, and the Students’ Union instead of relying on public transport. The area is mainly residential and quieter than nearby Portswood, while Portswood Road is around a 10–15-minute walk away, providing easy access to shops, cafés, restaurants, and supermarkets.
Best for: Students who prioritise a short campus commute, a peaceful residential environment, and access to green space.
Southampton City Centre
Rent Cost: £200–£290 per week
Southampton City Centre is a practical choice for students who want to combine university life with the convenience of living in the heart of the city. The area offers easy access to Westquay Shopping Centre, restaurants, cafés, bars, entertainment venues, Southampton Central railway station, and the waterfront. It is also particularly convenient for students studying at the University’s Waterfront Campus.
For students based at Highfield Campus, the commute is longer than from Portswood or Highfield, usually requiring a bus journey of around 20 minutes depending on the route and traffic. However, the city’s extensive bus and rail connections make the area convenient for students who frequently travel around Southampton or to other UK cities.
Best for: Students who prefer city-centre living, convenient transport, shopping, dining, nightlife, and access to the waterfront.
What room types are available for Southampton University students?
Southampton University students can choose from studios, en-suites, non-en-suites, shared apartments, and 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom flats. The main differences are the level of privacy, whether you share a kitchen or bathroom, and how much space you need.
Studios
Student studios in Southampton are self-contained rooms with a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen or kitchenette. They are suitable for students who prefer maximum privacy and want to manage their own living space without sharing essential facilities.
En-Suites
En-suite rooms provide a private bedroom and bathroom, while the kitchen and common living area are shared with other students. They offer a balance between personal privacy and the social experience of living with flatmates.
Non-En-Suites
Non-en-suite rooms have a private bedroom but a shared bathroom. Students usually share the kitchen and communal areas with their flatmates, making this option more affordable than many en-suite or studio rooms.
Shared Apartments
Shared apartments are designed for students who want to live with flatmates and share common facilities such as the kitchen and living area. Depending on the property, bedrooms may have private or shared bathrooms.
1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Flats
Private 1-bedroom flats generally include a separate bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen or living space. 2- and 3-bedroom flats provide multiple private bedrooms with shared communal areas, making them suitable for students who want to live with friends while maintaining their own bedroom.
Should I choose on-campus or off-campus accommodation near Southampton?
Off-campus accommodation is generally a better choice for students who want more options for room types, locations, prices, and tenancy lengths, while on-campus accommodation is better suited to students who prioritise living close to university facilities.
For students who want more flexibility and choice, private accommodation near the University of Southampton offers a wider range of studios, en-suites, non-en-suites, shared apartments, and 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom flats. On-campus accommodation can be more convenient for students who want a shorter commute and the experience of living in university-managed halls.
| Factor | On-Campus Accommodation | Off-Campus Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Close to university facilities and teaching spaces | Located across Southampton, including areas near the university and city centre |
| Commute | Usually a short walk to campus | Walking, cycling, bus, or other public transport may be required |
| Room Types | Mainly university-managed halls with shared or private facilities | Studios, en-suites, non-en-suites, shared apartments, and 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom flats |
| Facilities | Shared kitchens, study areas, social spaces, and other hall facilities | Facilities vary by property and may include gyms, study rooms, lounges, and laundry |
| Contract | Set by the university for each accommodation option | More choice of providers, contract lengths, and tenancy options |
| Social Life | Easier to meet other students living in the same halls | Depends on whether you live in a shared flat or private accommodation |
| Location Choice | Limited to university accommodation locations | More choice across areas such as Highfield, Portswood, and Southampton city centre |
| Best For | Students who want convenience and university-managed housing | Students who want more choice and flexibility |
How much does University of Southampton accommodation cost?
University of Southampton accommodation costs generally fall between £94 and £320 per week, depending on whether a student books university managed halls, private purpose built student accommodation, or a room in a shared house.
On-campus halls prices
For the 2026/27 academic year, University of Southampton halls cost approximately £139–£284 per week. The cheapest options include standard shared-bathroom rooms at Wessex Lane from £139.09 per week, while studio flats and couples’ accommodation can cost up to £284.48 per week. Most university accommodation fees include gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, laundry, 24-hour support and a Unilink bus pass.
PBSA prices
Off-campus purpose built student accommodation booked through uhomes.com starts from £94 per week and generally ranges up to £250 per week near the University of Southampton, with all bills included in the rent. The most affordable PBSA rooms cluster in Portswood, Swaythling and St Mary’s, while studio apartments in the city centre and closer to campus command higher weekly rates, with en suite rooms averaging around £210 per week and studios averaging around £260 per week.
Shared house prices
Renting a room in a private shared house is typically the cheapest way to live near the university. Rooms in shared houses in Portswood have recently been advertised from around £107 to £119 per week for postgraduate housemates, with bills excluded from the rent. Larger five bedroom student houses on streets such as Northview in Portswood list at a combined rent equivalent to roughly £98 per person per week when split evenly, while smaller shared flats with bills included can reach £185 per week for a single en suite room. Because bills are sometimes bundled into the rent and sometimes charged on top, students should always confirm this detail with the landlord before signing a shared house contract.
How to book University of Southampton accommodation?
You can book University of Southampton accommodation in two main ways: apply for university-managed halls through the University’s accommodation portal, or book private student accommodation through uhomes.com. The university route is suitable for students who want to live in halls, while private accommodation gives you more choice of location, room type, contract length and facilities.
On-campus
For the 2026/27 Accommodation Guarantee, new undergraduate students needed to apply by 1 July 2026, while new postgraduate students needed to apply by 1 August 2026, subject to the University’s eligibility conditions. Applying after the guarantee deadline is still possible when accommodation is available, but a place is not guaranteed. To apply for university accommodation, follow these steps:
- Receive your University of Southampton offer and student ID. You need your 8-digit student ID number from your offer to study letter to register for the accommodation portal.
- Register on the University accommodation portal. Use a personal email address, rather than a school or college email address.
- Choose your accommodation preferences. You can select 5 to 7 room choices, rank them in order of preference and choose an available contract length.
- Submit your application. You do not need to pay when submitting the accommodation application.
- Wait for your accommodation offer. For 2026/27, new undergraduate students received offers between 13 August and 1 September, while postgraduate offers started from June 2026. International postgraduate students must pay their course deposit before receiving an accommodation offer.
- Accept your offer by the deadline shown in the accommodation portal. You will then sign the accommodation contract and arrange your payments.
Off-campus (booking via uhomes.com)
If you prefer private student accommodation, you can compare and book properties through uhomes.com. The process is:
- Search for Southampton student accommodation on uhomes.com and filter properties by price, location, room type and facilities.
- Compare available properties and rooms. Check the rent, contract length, bills, deposit, move-in date and other booking conditions before choosing a room.
- Contact a uhomes.com adviser if you need help with availability, room details or booking requirements.
- Submit your booking application with the required personal and study information.
- Pay any required reservation fee or booking payment according to the property’s terms. uhomes.com will then contact the property to confirm your booking.
- Review and sign the tenancy agreement once your booking is confirmed.
- Prepare for move-in according to the property’s check-in instructions.
Where to find Southampton University Student accommodation?
The easiest way to find student accommodation near the University of Southampton is to compare private student properties on uhomes.com. You can find 80+ accommodation options around key student areas including Highfield, Portswood, Bassett, Swaythling and Southampton City Centre, with properties offering convenient access to the University of Southampton’s campuses.
uhomes.com makes it easier to compare accommodation based on price, location, room type and tenancy length. Options include studios, en-suite rooms, non-en-suite rooms, shared apartments and 1–3 bedroom flats, so students can choose accommodation that matches their budget and preferred living arrangement.
Another advantage is that many properties are fully furnished and bills included, with facilities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, study areas, gyms, social spaces and laundry facilities. Students can also check real photos, videos, floor plans and reviews before booking, while 360° virtual viewings can help international students inspect a property remotely.
For students who are unsure which area is most convenient, uhomes.com also makes it possible to compare properties by their distance from the University of Southampton. Highfield and Portswood are particularly convenient for Highfield Campus, while Swaythling can offer more budget-friendly options and Southampton City Centre provides easier access to city-centre amenities and transport links.
In short, uhomes.com gives Southampton students one place to compare accommodation, check the location and facilities, view the property remotely, and get help from an accommodation adviser before booking.
What to consider when choosing Southampton Uni accommodation?
When choosing accommodation for the University of Southampton, consider your campus, commute time, rent, room type, tenancy length and included bills. The best choice can vary depending on whether you study at Highfield, Avenue, Boldrewood or Waterfront Campus, as well as where you spend most of your time in Southampton.
Location and campus commute
Your campus should be one of the first things to consider when choosing accommodation. Highfield Campus is the University’s main campus, while Avenue Campus, Boldrewood Innovation Campus and Waterfront Campus are located in different parts of Southampton.
If you study mainly at Highfield, areas such as Highfield, Portswood and Swaythling can provide convenient access to campus. Students based at other campuses may prefer a different location. When comparing properties, check the actual walking, cycling or bus journey to your campus, rather than choosing accommodation based only on its distance from the University.
Rent and your Southampton student budget
Compare the weekly rent with your overall cost of living in Southampton. University-managed halls, private student accommodation and shared houses can have significantly different prices.
Also check whether water, electricity, heating and Wi-Fi are included. This is particularly important when comparing private accommodation with university halls, because a lower advertised rent does not necessarily mean a lower total housing cost.
Room type and living arrangement
Think about which room type suits your university lifestyle. Southampton accommodation includes en-suite rooms, non-en-suite rooms, studios and shared apartments.
An en-suite can give you a private bathroom while allowing you to share a kitchen with other students, while a studio provides more privacy. Students who want to live with friends may prefer a shared flat or house with several bedrooms.
Tenancy length and academic year
Check that the tenancy covers the period you actually need to live in Southampton. Compare the contract length, start date and end date before booking, particularly if your course has a placement, study abroad period or different academic calendar.
For University of Southampton students, this can also help you avoid paying for accommodation after your course commitments have finished.
Facilities for University of Southampton students
Consider which facilities will make your university routine easier. Depending on the property, Southampton student accommodation can offer study areas, gyms, laundry facilities, social spaces, bike storage and high-speed Wi-Fi.
If you spend a lot of time studying on campus, a quiet study space may be more useful than extensive social facilities. If you cycle to Highfield or another campus, secure bike storage may also be worth prioritising.
Check the property before booking
Before booking Southampton student accommodation, check photos, videos, floor plans, room details, reviews, bills and contract information. This is particularly useful if you are an international student and cannot visit the property in person.
On uhomes.com, you can compare accommodation near the University of Southampton by location, price, room type and facilities, making it easier to find a property that matches your campus and budget.
How to avoid rental pitfalls when booking Southampton accommodation?
To avoid rental pitfalls when booking University of Southampton accommodation, check the total cost, tenancy agreement, deposit, bills, guarantor requirements and property condition before paying or signing a contract. Southampton students should also check how far the property is from their campus and whether the landlord or accommodation provider offers the support they need.
Check the total accommodation cost
Do not compare properties based on weekly rent alone. Some private accommodation may charge separately for electricity, gas, water or internet, while many university halls include these costs in the accommodation fee. The University of Southampton recommends checking all additional costs before signing a private tenancy.
When comparing Southampton accommodation, check whether the advertised price includes bills, and look for any deposit, advance rent or other required payments.
Read the tenancy agreement before signing
A tenancy agreement is legally binding, so make sure you understand the rent, tenancy dates, payment schedule, deposit and cancellation terms before signing. The University of Southampton specifically advises students to check the contract carefully and seek advice if anything is unclear or appears irregular.
If you are sharing a house, also check whether you are signing an individual or joint tenancy. Under a joint agreement, your financial responsibility can extend beyond your own bedroom.
Check the deposit and guarantor requirements
Ask how much deposit you need to pay and how it will be protected. For private rented accommodation, landlords are required to protect deposits through an approved tenancy deposit protection scheme.
International students should also check whether a UK-based guarantor is required. If you do not have one, confirm whether the accommodation provider offers an alternative arrangement before booking.
Check the property and its location
Before booking, check the property’s condition, security, room size, facilities and transport links. For University of Southampton students, the most convenient location depends on your campus, so check the journey to Highfield, Avenue, Boldrewood or Waterfront Campus rather than simply searching for accommodation labelled “near Southampton University”.
If you cannot visit the property in person, use recent photos, videos, floor plans and virtual viewing options to check the accommodation before making a commitment.
Do not rush into a contract
The University of Southampton advises students to think carefully before signing a private tenancy because the contract legally commits them to paying rent for the agreed period. Starting your search too early can also mean committing to a property before you are certain about your housemates or accommodation requirements.
Compare booking terms on uhomes.com
When comparing private student accommodation on uhomes.com, check the rent, bills, room type, contract length, deposit and booking conditions for each property before confirming your choice. Students can also compare property information, photos and videos in one place and contact a uhomes.com adviser if they need clarification about the accommodation or booking process.
The safest approach is to understand the full cost and contract before paying or signing. For University of Southampton students, checking the property, campus commute and tenancy terms together can help avoid unexpected costs or unsuitable accommodation.
Conclusion
Choosing University of Southampton accommodation depends on your campus, budget, preferred room type, tenancy length and daily commute. University-managed halls can offer a convenient option for students who want a university-based accommodation experience, while private student accommodation gives you more choice over location, facilities and room types.
If you are looking for private accommodation, uhomes.com makes it easy to compare student properties near the University of Southampton by price, location, room type, facilities and contract length. You can check property photos, videos and reviews, compare your options in one place, and get support from an accommodation adviser before booking. Start your search early, compare the total cost rather than rent alone, and check the tenancy terms carefully before making a decision. With the right accommodation, you can spend less time worrying about where to live and more time enjoying your student life in Southampton.
FAQs on University of Southampton Accommodation Guide
You should start booking private student accommodation near the University of Southampton around January and May for a September start. If you are a new student, you can start researching options earlier, particularly if you want a specific location, room type or private student residence.
Vincent Place is a particularly suitable choice for international students at the University of Southampton. Located in Southampton city centre, it offers studios, en-suite rooms and two-bedroom shared apartments, giving international students different living options. It also has 24-hour security, CCTV and a Chinese-speaking receptionist, which can be particularly useful for international students who are moving to Southampton from overseas. The property is a 5-minute walk from Southampton Solent University and around an 11-minute drive from the University of Southampton’s main campus.
Vincent Place is a particularly suitable choice for international students at the University of Southampton. Located in Southampton city centre, it offers studios, en-suite rooms and two-bedroom shared apartments, giving international students different living options. It also has 24-hour security, CCTV and a Chinese-speaking receptionist, which can be particularly useful for international students who are moving to Southampton from overseas. The property is a 5-minute walk from Southampton Solent University and around an 11-minute drive from the University of Southampton’s main campus.
Yes. All bills are included in Southampton student accommodation, covering water, electricity, and wifi.
You do not need a guarantor when booking University of Southampton accommodation through uhomes.com, which cater specifically to international arrivals. However, you will strictly need a UK-based guarantor if you rent through local real estate agencies.
