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.

Check out the University of Southampton Halls Life page where you will be able to find out what different halls look like, take a virtual tour of halls of residence4, or read the common myth busting facts about living in halls!

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?

Consider: 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.

Virtual Tours of Halls of Residence videos give you a virtual look inside University of Southampton halls, helping you familiarise yourself with room layouts, communal areas, and key facilities across different residences.

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 Anna McCann, University of Southampton (August 2026).