Southampton Student Accommodation: The 2026 Guide
Southampton flies under the radar.
It's not as hyped as Manchester or as expensive as London. But here's what most people miss: Southampton has some of the cheapest student housing in southern England, a proper port city vibe, and you're 80 minutes from London.
Plus, University of Southampton is a Russell Group uni. You're getting quality without London prices.
The Numbers
Let me show you what the data reveals:
- 20 properties in our database
- Cheapest room: £85/week (Lucia Foster Welch)
- Average rent: £152/week
- Most expensive: £285/week (premium studios)
| Southern England Comparison | Avg Weekly Rent |
|---|---|
| Southampton | £152 |
| Portsmouth | £148 |
| Brighton | £198 |
| Bristol | £189 |
| London | £347 |
You're paying half what London students pay. For a Russell Group university. The maths makes sense.
Top Value Properties
1. Lucia Foster Welch - £85/week
The budget champion. Every Student (3.6★ Trustpilot - that's actually good).
6-minute walk to Southampton Solent. En-suite room with bills included.
My take: At £85/week, this is exceptional value for southern England. The 3.6★ rating suggests decent management.
2. Mayflower Point - £99/week
Under £100/week with bills included. Great for budget-conscious students.
3. Emily Davies Hall - £120/week
Mid-range option with good transport links to Highfield Campus.
4. Hampton Square - £179/week
Capitol Students (3.3★). 11-minute walk to University of Southampton's main campus.
Best for: Those who want to be close to Highfield Campus and don't mind paying extra for convenience.
University of Southampton vs Solent: Location Matters
University of Southampton:
- Main Highfield Campus - north of city centre
- Avenue Campus - humanities and social sciences
- Boldrewood Campus - engineering
- Best areas: Portswood, Highfield, Bassett
Southampton Solent University:
- City centre location
- Easy access to everything
- Best areas: City centre, Ocean Village, St Mary's
The Southampton Lifestyle
What makes Southampton different:
Port City Vibes: This is a proper working port. Cruise ships leave from here. There's something cool about watching massive ships while you're eating your lunch.
Sailing Capital: If you're into water sports, Southampton is the place. The university sailing club is one of the best in the UK.
History: The Titanic left from Southampton. There's a museum about it. Bit morbid, but interesting.
Ocean Village: Regenerated waterfront area with restaurants and bars. Nice for a weekend.
Portswood: The main student drag. Takeaways, pubs, charity shops - everything you need.
Nightlife Reality Check
I'll be honest: Southampton nightlife isn't legendary.
It's fine. There are student nights, there are clubs, you won't be bored. But it's not Manchester or Leeds.
The upside? Portsmouth is 30 minutes away. Brighton is an hour. London is 80 minutes. You have options for bigger nights out.
Safety Data
Southampton's crime rates are average for a city its size:
- Ocean Village/City Centre: Moderate crime
- Portswood/Highfield: Lower crime - student areas are generally safe
- Avoid: Late night walks through city centre alone (standard city advice)
Why Choose Southampton?
Reasons to say yes:
- Russell Group uni at non-Russell-Group prices
- £85-150/week rent (insane for southern England)
- 80 minutes to London (weekend trips easy)
- Strong engineering/science reputation
- Actual waterfront city
Reasons to hesitate:
- Nightlife is okay, not amazing
- City centre can feel quiet
- Weather is... British
The Verdict
Southampton is a smart choice for students who:
- Want a good uni without London prices
- Care more about academics than nightlife
- Like having easy access to London for weekends
- Are into sailing/water sports
- Want southern England without southern England costs
Browse all Southampton properties →
Prices verified January 2026.
Disclaimer: Personal opinions based on research. Always verify prices on provider websites before booking.