Student life in Southampton

Southampton is a thriving city which has been the subject of much re-development and regeneration in recent years, making it a highly desirable place in which to live and study.

Cost of living

According to figures released by the University of Southampton, the cost of living is 20% cheaper in Southampton than in London. Many of Southampton's shops will give students up to 10% discount on production of their NUS card, and travel on buses and coaches is heavily discounted to help keep students mobile.

Nightlife

There are a number of night time hot spots dotted around the city centre, with many pubs, clubs and bars to choose from on the High Street and in neighbouring areas. Bevios Valley offers much student evening entertainment including the ever popular Jesters and other numerous student bars. The student union itself has a very lively student bar and often plays host to big name and local bands. In the city centre Bedford place is the place to be with a hoards of popular bars and clubs including, Lizard Lounge, Orange Rooms, Varsity, Apartment 26 and many more all within walking distance of central Portswood and the Polygon.

Live entertainment

Southampton is studded with live music venues, including The Guildhall in the city centre, several pubs (Joiners Arms, The Brook, Talking Heads) and clubs including Unit 22 on Town Quay and The Concorde on the road out to Eastleigh. At the Leisureworld entertainment complex, the Ikon and Diva night club is the largest dance venue in the south, with two dance floors and six bars to its credit.

Cultural pursuits

Southampton has a rich and chequered history. It was one these shores that the Viking King Canute ordered the waves to retreat (allegedly!), the Pilgrim Fathers boarded The Mayflower heading for the New World and the Titanic left on its fateful maiden voyage. There are many museums commemorating Southampton's rich history scattered around the lower end of town, some located in beautifully preserved medieval buildings.

Big scale theatrical and musical productions are staged at The Mayflower, and West End pre-runs and tours at The Nuffield, while three movie venues provide for different audiences wanting mainstream blockbuster, arts cinema or foreign films.

Transport

The public transport system has been set up to accommodate the many students living in the city and wider region. Most student sites are connected to others (and the rest of the city) by regular bus routes, and discounted fares are available to help you go further on your grant. A safe night bus service operates in the centre, delivering late-night revellers back home to beds across the city and in neighbouring towns and villages.

For travelling further afield, Southampton Coach Station offers students up to 30% discount on fares (for those with a £10 annual student coachcard) and services major destinations around the country including Aberdeen, Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton, Cambridge, and Plymouth.