University of Southampton Students – Your Complete Move-In Guide

Everything You Need to Prepare for Student Life at the University of Southampton



Starting at the University of Southampton means joining one of the UK's leading Russell Group universities, renowned for world-class research, outstanding teaching and excellent graduate prospects. Whether you're moving into University halls for your first year or renting privately later in your degree, preparing before move-in day will help you settle in quickly and make the most of student life.

Located on the Highfield Campus, with additional campuses including Avenue, Boldrewood, Waterfront and the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton offers a vibrant campus community alongside a lively coastal city. Your accommodation quickly becomes the place where you'll study, relax and build lifelong friendships.

This guide covers everything you need to know before moving to the University of Southampton, including accommodation advice, packing tips and the everyday essentials that will help you feel at home.

University of Southampton at a Glance

📍 Location: Southampton, Hampshire

🎓 Student Population: Around 25,000 students

🏠 Popular Accommodation: University halls include Glen Eyre, Wessex Lane, Highfield Hall, Archers Road, City Gateway, Erasmus Park and Orion Point. Mayflower Halls are closed for the 2026/27 academic year due to essential works. Eligible new students who meet the published criteria are guaranteed an offer of accommodation.

🛒 Nearby Shopping: Westquay Shopping Centre, Portswood High Street, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl and Aldi

🚆 Transport: Southampton Central railway station provides direct services to London, Bournemouth and Bristol. Students living in University-owned halls also receive free access to the UniLink bus network.

Student Accommodation at the University of Southampton

The University of Southampton offers a wide choice of University-managed halls, allowing students to choose accommodation close to campus, in the city centre or near specialist teaching facilities. Most rooms are single occupancy within shared flats and include utility bills and Wi-Fi.

Popular accommodation includes:

  • Glen Eyre
  • Wessex Lane
  • Highfield Hall
  • Archers Road
  • City Gateway
  • Erasmus Park
  • Orion Point (University partner residence)

For the 2026/27 academic year, Mayflower Halls are unavailable while essential works are carried out, so new students will instead be allocated across the University's other residences where appropriate.

Each residence offers a slightly different experience:

  • Glen Eyre is the University's largest student community, close to Highfield Campus with extensive green spaces and excellent facilities.
  • Wessex Lane offers a sociable student village atmosphere close to Portswood and Highfield Campus.
  • Highfield Hall provides traditional accommodation beside Southampton Common.
  • Archers Road is ideal for students wanting to live closer to Southampton city centre.
  • City Gateway offers modern accommodation close to Highfield Campus and local transport links.
  • Erasmus Park is particularly convenient for students at Winchester School of Art.
  • Orion Point is a University-approved partner residence in the city centre.

Accommodation typically includes:

  • Utility bills
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • 24/7 reception and security
  • Free UniLink bus travel (University-owned halls)
  • Residence support
  • Social spaces
  • Laundry facilities

The University guarantees an offer of accommodation in a single-occupancy room for eligible new undergraduate and postgraduate students who:

  • Apply before the published deadline
  • Meet the conditions of their academic offer
  • Choose an accommodation contract of 38 weeks or longer

The guarantee is for an offer of accommodation, not a particular hall or room type.

Many returning students choose to rent privately in Portswood, Highfield, Polygon, Swaythling, Bassett and Southampton city centre.

Before buying everything, check your accommodation inventory so you know exactly what's already provided.

What Should You Pack?

Preparing before move-in day makes settling into university life much easier.

Bedroom Essentials

Make your room comfortable with:

  • Duvet and pillows
  • Bedding sets
  • Mattress protector
  • Clothes hangers
  • Laundry basket
  • Storage boxes
  • Soft lighting

Kitchen Essentials

If you'll be sharing a kitchen, don't forget:

  • Plates and bowls
  • Cutlery
  • Pots and pans
  • Cooking utensils
  • Food storage containers
  • Tea towels
  • Washing-up supplies

Bathroom Essentials

Pack your everyday necessities, including:

  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Shower caddy
  • Cleaning products

Study Essentials

University of Southampton students combine lectures with laboratory work, research projects, placements and independent study. Creating a comfortable workspace from day one helps you stay organised throughout the academic year.

Useful items include:

  • Desk organiser
  • Adjustable desk lamp
  • Extension lead
  • Laptop accessories
  • Cable organisers
  • Storage for textbooks and coursework
  • Notebooks and stationery

Experience Student Life in Southampton

Southampton offers an excellent balance of city life and coastal living. You'll find major shopping centres, independent cafés, live music venues, parks and the waterfront all within easy reach of campus. The city also provides quick ferry connections to the Isle of Wight and easy access to the New Forest National Park.

The University's award-winning Students' Union supports hundreds of clubs, societies and sports teams, making it easy to meet new people outside your course. Whether you choose the lively community of Glen Eyre, the village atmosphere of Wessex Lane or the convenience of City Gateway, you'll quickly become part of Southampton's welcoming student community.

After a busy day of lectures, society events or exploring the South Coast, it's always good to return to a room that's organised, comfortable and feels like home.

Popular with University of Southampton students include:

All Loomz products are selected with student accommodation in mind, making them ideal for furnished student rooms where permanent alterations aren't permitted.

Why Students Choose Loomz

Students across the UK choose Loomz because we understand what makes student accommodation feel like home.

✔ Designed specifically for student accommodation

✔ Affordable essentials for every student budget

✔ Perfect for halls, studios and shared houses

✔ Free UK delivery

✔ Practical products that make everyday student life easier

Helpful Student Guides

Planning your move? Explore our other useful resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accommodation guaranteed at the University of Southampton?

Yes. Eligible new undergraduate and postgraduate students are guaranteed an offer of a single-occupancy room if they apply before the deadline and meet the published eligibility criteria. The guarantee is for a room offer, not a specific hall.

Where do University of Southampton students live?

Many first-year students live in Glen Eyre, Wessex Lane, Highfield Hall, Archers Road, City Gateway or Orion Point. Returning students often rent shared houses in Portswood, Highfield, Polygon and Swaythling.

Is Mayflower Halls available?

No. Mayflower Halls are closed for the 2026/27 academic year while essential works are carried out. Students applying for University accommodation can choose from the University's other residences instead.

What should I buy before moving to the University of Southampton?

Most students need bedding, towels, kitchen equipment, study accessories and practical storage before arriving. Preparing your room before move-in day helps you settle in quickly and stay organised throughout the academic year.

Ready for the University of Southampton?

Moving to the University of Southampton means joining one of the UK's leading research universities while studying in a vibrant coastal city with excellent facilities and a welcoming student community. By preparing your accommodation before you arrive, you'll be ready to settle in quickly, focus on your studies and enjoy everything Southampton has to offer.

Browse Loomz's collection of student essentials to find everything you need for your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and study space before beginning your journey at the University of Southampton.

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