This article introduces typical accommodation options available and provides some tips for making the right choice for you.

Once you have an offer of a place at University, you will need to think about where you would like to live. If you decide that you want to live away from home, your chosen university typically offers a variety of accommodation options suited to different budget, group sizes and lifestyle preferences.

As you spend a lot of time in your accommodation, it is important that you make the right choice for you. You may be sharing facilities such as kitchen and social spaces with your flatmates. Everybody has their own way of living, socialising and thresholds for cleanliness and noise levels.

Think about:

• Whether you want to live in a lively place in the city centre, or if you would prefer a quieter location outside of the city?
• Do you want accommodation that offers its own social calendar?
• Do you need an en-suite room?
• Do you want to be close to the University?
• Think about how you will get to University? Will you walk, cycle, travel by public transport?
• How many people you would be comfortable sharing with?

Click on the picture below to watch a video of the accommodation on offer at the University of Southampton.

For those starting at the University of Southampton, there is lots more information and virtual tours on our website. You can also attend tours of our accommodation at all Open Days.

Accommodation is allocated on a first come, first served basis and so it is beneficial to apply as early as possible and make the Accommodation Team aware of any specific requirements you have.

Halls Life – A helpful website about University of Southampton Halls, including what events are planned for students in halls and the local area information, as well as advice and guidance articles.

This article was written by Kate Walker, Disability Advisor at Leeds Beckett University (26 May 2017). Updates made by Beth Lawson, UoS (March 2023).