5 Best Areas to Live in Southampton for Students

Are you finding the best student areas in Southampton? Then you landed on the right page. Getting a place to live abroad is difficult, but it’s even tougher to get a place in a good area. As much as the type of student accommodation in Southampton matters, the area matters to the same extent. A good area or neighbourhood keeps you safe, places you near your university and meets all your basic needs. 

This guide mentions the best areas to live in Southampton for students, and focuses on letting you know the key factors such as closeness to the University of Southampton, rental costs, transport links, and social opportunities. Whether you prefer being close to lectures, enjoying an active nightlife, or living by the waterfront, Southampton has it all. Now, if the city ticks all your checkboxes, it is also important to get an idea of how the cost of living in Southampton differs in each area.  

Which Areas are Best to Live in Southampton for Students? 

The area is one of the first and foremost factors you should check while choosing student accommodation areas in Southampton, since the right neighbourhood can make university life easier and less hectic. Let’s now see the best student areas in Southampton and what makes each one a great place to call home. 

Highfield 

Highfield is the first choice among student accommodation areas in Southampton, mainly because of how close it is to the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus. The area has it all, from university-managed halls to shared student houses and private flats. All these add up to make this area a number 1 choice. 

Why it’s great for students: 

• Located next to the University of Southampton, giving unmatchable convenience. 

• You have access to local cafes, small shops, and green spaces such as Southampton Common, so you don’t just get lost in studies. 

• Well-connected by public transport to Portswood and the city centre. 

Portswood 

Portswood is one of Southampton’s most popular areas for students, making most students end up living here. Every city has that one area which is perfect in all senses, right? Portswood is Southampton’s neighbourhood. 

The area provides numerous accommodation options, including shared student houses, private flats, and purpose-built student accommodation. With its fun high street lined with cafes, supermarkets, and independent businesses, you have a lot of things to spend your hard money on.  

Why it’s great for students: 

Location: 

• A 15-20 minute walk to the University of Southampton Highfield Campus 

• 15 minutes to Solent University via public transport 

• Direct Unilink bus connections to all campuses 

• Just 20 minutes by bus or bike to the city centre 

Transport: 

• Highfield Campus: Walk in15-20 minutes for free 

• City Centre: 15 minutes through Unilink U1  

• Southampton Central Station: 20 minutes by bus, costs £2.50. 

• Southampton Airport: 30 minutes through Unilink U1 

Bedford Place 

Bedford Place makes the life of a student seem painless whether you are taking a coffee before a lecture or heading to a Friday night out with your friends. There are also affordable student housing Southampton options such as shared houses in isolated areas of the city where the high street is not too busy, and there are also modern flats directly overhead the main high street, and hence may be suited to your lifestyle. 

Why it’s great for students: 

Location: 

• Nightlife, transport hubs and amenities are near. 

• Positive access to Solent University by transport. 

• Enclosed with well-liked student locations. 

Transport: 

• University of Southampton: 15- 20 minutes by bus. 

• City Centre: 5-10 minutes on foot 

• Central Station, Southampton: 10-15 mis by bus. 

• Southampton Airport: Approximately 35 minutes by train or bus. 

Ocean Village 

Getting settled in Southampton is not all about the location in relation to lecture rooms; it is rather about the atmosphere you desire in your day to day life. The ocean village is fashionable with waterfront experience and is a perfect place to be by students who are seeking a little calmer and scenic environment. 

The University of Southampton is a little further, but the trade-off is an opportunity to wake up with a view of the water, have stress-free walks and the marina, and rest in a neighbourhood that does not feel as busy as the student centres. The cafes, restaurants, and recreational centers are all close by and you still have all you need at the comfort of your door as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the city-centre life. 

Why it’s great for students: 

• Fabulous waterfront landscape and a calmer place to live. 

• Near recreational grounds, cafes and marina. 

City Centre 

The students living in the City Centre of Southampton can get direct access to all the amenities, shops and entertainment that are available in this city. The location is ideal when one wants to be at the center of the game and knowing that everything including cafes and restaurants as well as culture and night life is within walking distance. 

There are diverse student accommodation Southampton options which include the university run halls, private flats and shared student houses to ensure that students can get a home which meets their budget and lifestyle. Having this much to do on your door, it is possible to study, socialise, and sightsee the city without ever feeling out of the reach of anything. 

Why it’s great for students: 

• All this is within walking distance; cafes, shops, restaurants, and entertainment places. 

• The Solent University and University of Southampton are commuter-friendly. 

• Big social life, perfect among students who like living in the city and being busy all the time. 

• Diversity in the rooms and other accommodation facilities to suit various budgets and preferences. 

Comparison Table: Best Areas to Live in Southampton for Students 

Area	University Distance	Rent (per month)	Transport Links	Social Life
Highfield	Very Close	£400-£700	Bus routes, walking distance	Quiet, Residential, Low-key, Academic
Portswood	Close (10-15 min walk)	£400-£700	Excellent bus & train links	Student Hub, Social
Bedford Place	Close (15-20 min walk)	£450-£800	Excellent transport access	Trendy, Active
Ocean Village	30-40 min from uni	£600-£1,000	Bus, walking distance	Modern, Waterfront, Relaxed, Scenic
City Centre	Very Close	£500-£1,000	Best public transport links	Urban, Convenient, Busy, Social Hub

Table Explanation: 

• Proximity to University: How close each area is to the University of Southampton. 

• Rent (per month): Average rent for student accommodation in each area. 

• Transport Links: Public transport options in each area. 

• Social Life: The level of social activity and entertainment available 

Verdict: The Best Area to Select in Southampton 

Your uni life is determined by the tone of place to live. In case you are in the wrong, you would be wasting your time travelling or find yourself alone. It is the reason why right area is important. Portswood strikes the right balance between convenience and community with value, which is why it is so popular with lots of students. 

That being said, there is no universal solution. In case, affordability is the greatest consideration, Highfield has low-priced alternatives usually quieter, and quite near the campus. Or, need a partying experience with night life and entertainment right in your front door? The City Centre and Bedford Place deliver that energy to the full extent. 

Want to feel relaxed and prefer something new and scenery? Ocean Village is situated with the waterside and in a serene setting yet still attached to the university. Not sure what area you would best fit in? University Living is at your service. Let us help you to find the most affordable student accommodation in the UK which suits your personality, your budget and your student life.

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