University Guide

University of Southampton

The University of Southampton traces its roots to the Hartley Institution, founded in 1862, and received its Royal Charter in 1952. Today, it is a founding member of the Russell Group. Its UK teaching locations include Highfield, Avenue, Boldrewood and the Waterfront Campus, alongside hospital facilities and Winchester School of Art. Check your course’s location before choosing accommodation, particularly if you’ll study in Winchester.

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University of Southampton

The overview

The main things you need to know about studying at the University of Southampton.

  • Rankings

    Southampton ranks 15th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027 and joint 111th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Subject results vary, so compare your chosen programme’s teaching, facilities and opportunities alongside its league-table position.

  • Employability

    Southampton’s Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team supports students with career planning, applications, interviews and business ideas. MyCareer provides access to vacancies, events and application resources. After graduation, you can access careers appointments for up to five years, while eligible graduates can apply for university internships, career mentoring and student enterprise opportunities for up to one year.

  • Fees

    Standard full-time home undergraduate tuition fees are £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28. International fees vary by course, so check Southampton’s undergraduate fee listings for your entry year. Postgraduate fees also depend on the programme. Fees can increase during your studies, and accommodation, living expenses and additional course costs should be budgeted for separately.

  • Bursaries

    For students starting a new course from September 2025 onwards, the Southampton Undergraduate Bursary provides eligible students with £2,000 annually for household incomes up to £23,200, or £1,000 for incomes above £23,200 and up to £36,200. Full-time study, home tuition fee and other conditions apply. Assessment uses your Student Finance household income information, which you must consent to share. Payments are made in three instalments, and support depends on your course start year.

Accommodation

Southampton offers self-catered and part-catered halls, with shared-bathroom, en-suite and studio options. For 2026/27, a standard shared-bathroom room at Wessex Lane costs £139.09 a week, with 41- and 51-week contracts available. Accommodation fees include utilities and Wi-Fi; students in university-owned Southampton halls also receive a Unilink bus pass. The accommodation guarantee covers eligible new full-time undergraduates and postgraduates, subject to application deadlines and other conditions. A particular room type or price is not guaranteed. Current published deadlines relate to 2026 entry, so check updated terms for 2027. Compare private accommodation in Southampton through AFS, or focus on Winchester if you’ll study at Winchester School of Art.

Need a place to stay in Southampton?

We have lots of available student accommodation in Southampton.

Students' Union

Southampton University Students’ Union (SUSU) offers sports clubs, societies, volunteering and events, alongside student networks and academic representation. It also runs campus venues and services, including places to eat and socialise. Its Advice Centre provides free, independent and confidential support with academic issues, finances and housing, including practical guidance on renting.

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University of Southampton Students' Union
University of Southampton Students' Union

Famous for

Alumni of the University of Southampton include Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Dame Jocelyn Bell and Justine Greening.

News

In October 2026, Southampton received recognition in the Knowledge Exchange Framework for its work beyond academia. It achieved the highest rating, “very high engagement”, in areas including working with business, public and community engagement, and intellectual property and commercialisation, reflecting how its expertise supports organisations and wider society.

Accommodation for Students says

"Southampton has come a long way from its humble origins as a medieval market town to its present day status as a cosmopolitan student nexus".

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We have lots of great student properties available near the University of Southampton.

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