{"id":23345,"date":"2026-02-17T14:51:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T09:21:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/?p=23345"},"modified":"2026-02-17T15:36:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T10:06:00","slug":"best-areas-to-live-in-southampton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/student-guide\/best-areas-to-live-in-southampton\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Best Areas to Live in Southampton for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you\u00a0finding the best student areas in Southampton? Then you\u00a0landed\u00a0on the right page.\u00a0Getting\u00a0a place to live\u00a0abroad\u00a0is difficult, but\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0even\u00a0tougher\u00a0to get a place in a good area. As much as\u00a0the type of<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-kingdom\/city\/southampton\" title=\"student\u00a0accommodation in\u00a0Southampton\">student\u00a0accommodation in\u00a0Southampton<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0matters,\u00a0the area matters\u00a0to the same extent. A good area or\u00a0neighbourhood\u00a0keeps you safe, places you near your university and meets\u00a0all your basic needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide mentions the\u00a0<strong>best areas to live in Southampton for students<\/strong>, and\u00a0focuses 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\u00a0it all.\u00a0Now, if\u00a0the city ticks all your checkboxes, it\u00a0is also important to get an idea of how the<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/student-finances\/cost-of-living-in-southampton\/\" title=\"cost of living in Southampton\">cost of living in Southampton<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0differs in each area.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which Areas\u00a0are\u00a0Best to Live in Southampton for Students?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The area is one of the\u00a0first and foremost\u00a0factors you should check while choosing\u00a0student accommodation areas in Southampton, since the right\u00a0neighbourhood\u00a0can make university life easier and less hectic.\u00a0Let\u2019s\u00a0now see the<strong>\u00a0best student areas in Southampton\u00a0<\/strong>and what makes each one\u00a0a great place\u00a0to call home.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highfield\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Highfield is\u00a0the first\u00a0choice among\u00a0student accommodation areas in Southampton, mainly\u00a0because of how close it is\u00a0to the University of Southampton\u2019s Highfield Campus.\u00a0The area\u00a0has it all, from\u00a0university-managed halls\u00a0to\u00a0shared student houses and private flats.\u00a0All these add up to make this area a number 1 choice.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0great for students:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Located next to the\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.southampton.ac.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" title=\"University of Southampton\">University of Southampton<\/a><\/strong>, giving unmatchable\u00a0convenience.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You have\u00a0access to local cafes, small shops, and green spaces such as Southampton\u00a0Common,\u00a0so you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0just get lost in\u00a0studies.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Well-connected by public transport to\u00a0Portswood\u00a0and the city\u00a0centre.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Portswood\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portswood\u00a0is one of Southampton\u2019s most popular areas for students,\u00a0making most students end up living here.\u00a0Every city has\u00a0that one\u00a0area\u00a0which is perfect in all\u00a0senses, right?\u00a0Portswood\u00a0is\u00a0Southampton\u2019s\u00a0neighbourhood.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The area\u00a0provides\u00a0numerous\u00a0accommodation options, including shared student houses, private flats, and purpose-built student accommodation. With its\u00a0fun\u00a0high street lined with cafes, supermarkets, and independent businesses,\u00a0you have a lot of things to spend your hard money on.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0great for students:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A\u00a015-20 minute\u00a0walk to the University of Southampton Highfield Campus\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>15 minutes to Solent University via public transport\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Direct\u00a0Unilink\u00a0bus connections to all campuses\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Just 20 minutes by bus or bike to the city\u00a0centre\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Transport<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Highfield Campus:<\/strong>\u00a0Walk in15-20\u00a0minutes\u00a0for free\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>City Centre:<\/strong>\u00a015 minutes\u00a0through\u00a0Unilink\u00a0U1\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Southampton Central Station:<\/strong>\u00a020 minutes\u00a0by bus, costs\u00a0\u00a32.50.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Southampton Airport:<\/strong>\u00a030 minutes\u00a0through\u00a0Unilink\u00a0U1\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bedford Place\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u00a0affordable student housing Southampton\u00a0options 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\u00a0street, and\u00a0hence may be\u00a0suited to your lifestyle.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0great for students:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nightlife, transport\u00a0hubs\u00a0and amenities are\u00a0near.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Positive access to Solent University by transport.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enclosed with\u00a0well-liked student locations.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Transport<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>University of Southampton:\u00a0<\/strong>15- 20\u00a0minutes by bus.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>City Centre:\u00a0<\/strong>5-10 minutes on\u00a0foot\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Central Station, Southampton:<\/strong>\u00a010-15\u00a0mis by\u00a0bus.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Southampton Airport:<\/strong>\u00a0Approximately 35 minutes by train or bus.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ocean Village\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting settled in Southampton is not all about the location in relation to lecture rooms; it is\u00a0rather about\u00a0the atmosphere you\u00a0desire\u00a0in your\u00a0day to day\u00a0life. The\u00a0ocean village\u00a0is fashionable with waterfront experience and is a perfect place to be\u00a0by\u00a0students who are\u00a0seeking\u00a0a little calmer and scenic environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u00a0centers\u00a0are all close\u00a0by\u00a0and you still have\u00a0all\u00a0you need at the comfort of your\u00a0door\u00a0as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the city-centre life.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0great for students:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fabulous waterfront landscape and a calmer place to live.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Near recreational grounds,\u00a0cafes\u00a0and marina.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">City Centre\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The students living in the City Centre of Southampton can get direct access to all the amenities,\u00a0shops\u00a0and entertainment that are available in this city. The location is ideal when one wants to be at the\u00a0center\u00a0of the\u00a0game\u00a0and\u00a0knowing\u00a0that\u00a0everything\u00a0including cafes and restaurants as well as culture and\u00a0night life\u00a0is within walking distance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are diverse\u00a0student accommodation Southampton\u00a0options\u00a0which include\u00a0the university run\u00a0halls, private\u00a0flats\u00a0and shared student\u00a0houses\u00a0to ensure that students can get a home\u00a0which\u00a0meets their budget and lifestyle. Having this much to do on your\u00a0door,\u00a0it is possible to study, socialise, and sightsee the city without ever feeling out of\u00a0the\u00a0reach of anything.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0great for students:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All this is within walking\u00a0distance;\u00a0cafes, shops, restaurants, and entertainment places.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Solent University and University of Southampton are\u00a0commuter-friendly.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Big social life, perfect\u00a0among\u00a0students who like living in the city and being busy all the time.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Diversity in the rooms and other accommodation facilities to suit various budgets and preferences.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comparison Table: Best Areas to Live in Southampton for Students\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;\"><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Area<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>University Distance<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Rent (per month)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Transport Links<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Social Life<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Highfield<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Very Close\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u00a3400-\u00a3700\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Bus routes, walking distance\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Quiet,\u00a0Residential,\u00a0Low-key, Academic\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Portswood<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Close (10-15 min walk)\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u00a3400-\u00a3700\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Excellent bus &amp; train links\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Student Hub, Social\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Bedford Place<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Close (15-20 min walk)\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u00a3450-\u00a3800\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Excellent transport access\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Trendy, Active\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Ocean Village<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">30-40 min from\u00a0uni\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u00a3600-\u00a31,000\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Bus, walking distance\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Modern,\u00a0Waterfront,\u00a0Relaxed, Scenic\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>City Centre<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Very Close\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u00a3500-\u00a31,000\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Best public transport links\u00a0<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Urban, Convenient,\u00a0Busy, Social Hub<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Table Explanation:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Proximity to University:<\/strong>\u00a0How close each area is to the University of Southampton.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rent (per month):<\/strong>\u00a0Average rent for student accommodation in each area.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transport Links:<\/strong>\u00a0Public transport options in each area.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Social Life:<\/strong>\u00a0The level of social activity and entertainment available\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verdict: The Best Area to Select in Southampton\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your\u00a0uni\u00a0life is\u00a0determined\u00a0by 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\u00a0reason why\u00a0right area is important.\u00a0Portswood\u00a0strikes the right balance between convenience and community with value, which is why it is so popular with lots of students.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That being said, there\u00a0is no universal solution. In case, affordability is the greatest consideration, Highfield has low-priced alternatives usually quieter, and quite near the campus.\u00a0Or,\u00a0need 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want to feel relaxed and prefer something new and\u00a0scenery?\u00a0Ocean Village is situated with the waterside and in a serene setting yet still attached to the university.\u00a0Not sure what area you would best fit in?<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/\" title=\"\u00a0University Living\">\u00a0University Living<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is\u00a0at\u00a0your service.\u00a0Let us\u00a0help you to find the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/country\/united-kingdom\" title=\"most\u00a0affordable student accommodation in the UK\">most\u00a0affordable student accommodation in the UK<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0which suits your personality, your\u00a0budget\u00a0and your student life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1771312568434\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is the best area to live in Southampton for university students?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It depends on your priorities. Highfield and\u00a0Portswood\u00a0are great for affordability and campus access. Bedford Place and the City Centre suit students who love nightlife, while Ocean Village offers a quieter, scenic waterfront lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1771312576721\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>How much is rent for student accommodation in Southampton?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Rent varies by area and type: Highfield\/Portswood\u00a0\u00a3400-\u00a3700\/month, Bedford Place\/City Centre \u00a3450-\u00a31,000\/month, Ocean Village \u00a3600-\u00a31,000+. Shared houses, private flats, and purpose-built student accommodation all fall in these ranges, with bills-inclusive options usually slightly higher.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1771312681302\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is it better to live near the university or in the city centre?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Living near campus means short commutes and quiet study-friendly areas. The city centre offers shops, nightlife, and transport links but higher rent and more noise. Choose based on whether you value convenience, social life, or a balance of both.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you\u00a0finding the best student areas in Southampton? Then you\u00a0landed\u00a0on the right page.\u00a0Getting\u00a0a place to live\u00a0abroad\u00a0is difficult, but\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0even\u00a0tougher\u00a0to get a place in a good area. As much as\u00a0the type of\u00a0student\u00a0accommodation in\u00a0Southampton\u00a0matters,\u00a0the area matters\u00a0to the same extent. A good area or\u00a0neighbourhood\u00a0keeps you safe, places you near your university and meets\u00a0all your basic needs.\u00a0 This guide mentions [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":23346,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1098],"tags":[229],"class_list":["post-23345","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-student-guide","tag-united-kingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23345","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23345"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23345\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23346"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23345"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23345"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}