there are so many options for shopping and eating out with two different shopping centres in the city centre. Although this is coming from someone who moved from a small town to this city, so many of the big brand name shops, and food places were new to me. Theres also a cool Christmas market and an ice rink throughout the winter. I don't really use public transport since my accommodation, uni campus, and the city centre are all close around 10-20 minute walk. I have used Uber quite a bit, which is also new to me since coming here, and every uber has been good although they're a bit expensive, so I only use them when transporting a lot of heavy equipment for my course, or if I'm travelling farther than usual.
On 27th June 20
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there are so many options for shopping and eating out with two different shopping centres in the city centre. Although this is coming from someone who moved from a small town to this city, so many of the big brand name shops, and food places were new to me. Theres also a cool Christmas market and an ice rink throughout the winter. I don't really use public transport since my accommodation, uni campus, and the city centre are all close around 10-20 minute walk. I have used Uber quite a bit, which is also new to me since coming here, and every uber has been good although they're a bit expensive, so I only use them when transporting a lot of heavy equipment for my course, or if I'm travelling farther than usual.
On 27th June 20
Living in Southampton
The city of Southampton has a relaxed seaside atmosphere, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a quiet place. It’s a big city with a constant bustle of activity and two universities, Southampton Solent University and University of Southampton.
Where there are student there’s usually a nightlife. A lot of the popular student nightclubs can be found in the area around East Park, and there are three cinemas down the road in the Ocean Village, including the Harbour Lights PIcturehouse. This is a little indie cinema that shows niche and classic films as well as the big blockbusters, which is a great nostalgia kick for those days when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the new sights.
Unsurprisingly, what Southampton has always been and probably always will be famous for is boats. This town really loves boats. Like, A LOT. The Solent - that bit of water that divides the mainland at Southampton from the Isle of Wight, stops all the really big waves from getting to the city. You’ll often see big cruise ships moored up in the docks, and even the Titanic shipped out from here. Sadly, the student budget doesn’t usually allow for a Titanic, but there are other things you can do on the water. The whole area is a haven for nearly every kind of watersport in existence, and for those who prefer to spectate with a bottle of fizz and a sandwich the Skandia Cowes Week happens on the nearby Isle of Wight. This is the world’s biggest international sailing regatta and just to see the amount of boats involved is mind-boggling.
What’s that? You get seasick? Fear not! There are activities here for you too. For starters the shopping round here is very good; the West Quay centre is actually rated as one of the UK’s top ten retail locations, and Bargate has some more unique shops. For the engineering students (or people that just like the idea of flying) there’s also a proud history of aeronautical engineering in Southampton, particularly the famous Spitfire fighter plane, which was designed in the city. We would suggest getting lost in the Southampton Hall of Aviation for a couple of hours.
But there’s no beach! What kind of coastal city doesn’t have a beach?
- Ok we admit it, there’s no beach here, but we knew you’d only get all burnt like a lobster instead of studying anyway. Bournemouth, known for having some of the UK’s best beaches, is only an hour down the coast.
- Ok, but can we tempt you with cute fluffy animals? The New Forest National Park is literally on your doorstep, and its semi-wild native pony has the right of way in the villages. Find a traffic jam, and there’s probably a small adorable horse munching up some nice lady’s garden at the head of it.
- Ok, but there’s a lot of parks where you can do your relaxing instead. Southampton is actually the greenest city in south England because of the sheer amount of parkland it has. Take a picnic blanket and a good book.
It’s raining - what now?
- The Hobbit pub: A student favourite, and we can see why! This proper English pub has live entertainment every night, and sells hobbit cocktails (are they extra large to make us feel tiny?). Bizarrely it also does a Caribbean BBQ. We’re not quite sure why, but we like it.
- Civic Centre: This impressive looking building contains the City Art gallery, known for its impressive collection. Leave about 2hrs to see all of it.
- Mayflower Theatre: This theatre is big enough to house West End shows and big name acts, so keep an eye on their website for what’s coming up.
Read Southampton Reviews
there are so many options for shopping and eating out with two different shopping centres in the city centre. Although this is coming from someone who moved from a small town to this city, so many of the big brand name shops, and food places were new to me. Theres also a cool Christmas market and an ice rink throughout the winter. I don't really use public transport since my accommodation, uni campus, and the city centre are all close around 10-20 minute walk. I have used Uber quite a bit, which is also new to me since coming here, and every uber has been good although they're a bit expensive, so I only use them when transporting a lot of heavy equipment for my course, or if I'm travelling farther than usual.
Nice city to live, study and work
Southampton is great if you are willing to get the bus about or invest in a bike
Shopping here is very convenient and there are many restaurants nearby.
Convenient and quiet
Shopping is the biggest selling point for solent as west quay is 5-10 min walk away. The clubs are good and there are loads or bars. We often eat meals out as friends as there are tonnes of restaurants.
Small city nothing special
the transportation is very convenient, every 10 minutes to uni.
Beautiful city to live in.
It's a really good city but not in a very classic style, casue it had been damaged before, many properties are built recent years. But it is a city that very suit for student, whcih had offered kind of discount and convenient services for them. For example,wherever you are uni-link can take you to the University.
Love Southampton, convenient and colourful life without mess and noises.
quite and beautiful place, I love it.
Bit of a boring city but some interesting places near the center of the city.
City is great! Not too big, but big enough to find job, if you will study and work ! If you are used to the business and craziness of London and want similar experience - this is not the place for you. :D Southampton is more chill. But I love it . :)
Amazing transport links, west quay provides lots of shopping and job opportunities
Hampton Square is too terrible
Too expensive. Rent is too high. Food does not taste good unless you go to expensive resultants costs you at least £15 for a single meal. small student cheap meal cost you £ 8.99 near the school. Last night I had a burger (no drink just tap water) at the University costs me £7.99. It is so expensive for me. Busses are always late, and I missed lecturers many times because the busses are full or late. The University does not listen. I stopped going in night outs because I do not have enough money to pay a £10 entry fee and spent money for expensive taxis (who charge 1.5 time the actual rate!). Google and YouTube are the only friends I have - they are cheap to talk to but highly cherished and valued by me.... This is the reality :((
Really nice environment and lovely people!
The city is small and comfortable, but expensive
Overall it’s great, but the buses are always delayed, sometimes it can be over 20mins, which has caused me late for class.
Lovely city and kind locals.
very good city
Here is only one shopping mall. That’s not enough
everything is good
Great place with nice people
Shopping stores are limited.
i love the sea
prople are very friendly
A city full of homeless and rude people.
Public transport here is fast and easy to access
it is a very good town to live
Public Transport is a nightmare and the cost of living is expensive but the social life is fantastic.
Great night life, always something going on!
The cost is relatively low than big cities like London. It is a good place to live.
If you come from a big city like London, the transport will shock you and I would like to say it gets better .. but it doesnt. sorry.
Lots of crime compared to what I'm used to.
The bars and clubs in Southampton are pretty amazing; The Hobbit and The Edge are probably the best, in my opinion. The main shopping areas are fantastic and there're so many great places to eat (seriously, try Sula's.)
A lot of people describe Southampton as a 'northern city in the south', because of its still-present industrialisation. This is probably why I like it so much, because it reminds me a little bit of home. Like home, it had a golden age but quickly declined, then got bombed to bits during WW2 and rebuilt in hideous 60s concrete style. But if you ignore what it looks like, it's fab. The uni night life is incredibly good, so much to choose from (and CHEAP), the WestQuay shopping centre is great for chain stores (if that's what you like) and Above Bar Street has some more independent shops. Public transport, A++, the unilink buses are brill (and free in 1st year), the trains are well connected, v quick to London/the New Forest/Bournemouth for a day out.
Terrible clubbing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cheap and student focused
Southampton is great, close to the sea, with a good city centre and lots of drinking opportunity's!
The town itself has no character and no aesthetic appeal. The locals are terrifying. The nights out are okay but repetitive. Do not be fooled by the 'good deals' - avoid alcohol in Sobar at all costs!
A lovely city, but only if you actually get involved in it and don't view it as a uni place. There's a wonderful arts scene that takes place entirely outside of the uni, but most people don't see it because all the city is to them is a Bermuda Triangle of halls-campus-city centre. You get out what you put in; make the effort, get to know the locals, and you'll stop being another faceless student and you'll actually get a sense of enrichment and achievement from the town. Very well integrated bus system, big shopping centre, wide variety of clubs and pubs (the Shooting Star being a personal favourite), lots of places to eat to suit your budget and it's relatively cheap. Not a bad city, not a great one, but there's enough here to make your home if you engage with it.
Good variety of clubs/nights out. Range of shopping facilities and eating out places. Good transport links with the train station being close to everything. Most things are within walking distance of the halls, housing and university.