Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.03.5
The University of Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, internationally renowned for its education and research. It ranks in the top 20 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2024), and 92 per cent of its research is classed as world leading or internationally excellent, placing Southampton in the top 10 per cent of UK institutions (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
Students will study in a world-class learning environment, use cutting-edge facilities, and benefit from global networks and collaborations. They are immersed in an environment that drives innovation and discovery, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive job market.
At Southampton, students join academics and a diverse global student community, working together to impact lives and help change the world for the better, from improving cancer treatments and fighting diseases, to optimising renewable energy. The university's mission includes sustainability in everything it does, with ambitious targets that challenge its community to think about their impact on the planet.
Outside of the classroom, the University of Southampton Students' Union (SUSU), has one of the largest ranges of clubs and societies in the country. With over 350 clubs and societies to choose from, there's something for everyone, with lots of opportunities to make friends and enrich university life.
The student-friendly city of Southampton has plenty to explore. There's an abundance of parks and green spaces. There is also a vibrant live music scene and a bustling shopping centre (Westquay), with a range of bars and restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, all connected by the university's Unilink bus service, nearby train stations and international airports.
University of Southampton students on Whatuni say:
''Good overall.''
''Very collaborative.''
''It's very nice. I love it here.''
4.2Southampton plans to invest over GBP 600 million into its campuses over the next few years. Students have over three million books and journals to choose from, across five libraries.
The university has also invested GBP 40 million into new sports facilities that opened in 2024, as well as a range of course-specific technologies and equipment including:
University of Southampton students on Whatuni say:
''The campus amenities are great.''
''Lots of study and socialising spaces.''
''Clean and well managed.''
4.0The university has over 6,000 student rooms across self-catered and part-catered accommodation, all with 24/7 reception security, as well as communal bathroom and ensuite options. Southampton was one of the first universities to provide 24-hour mental health support and advice, available via The Student Hub. At Southampton, there are lots of different flats for students to choose from including:
All rent includes utilities, laundry, internet, contents insurance, and a Unilink bus pass. Students can visit the website to see the latest details.
University of Southampton students on Whatuni say:
''Great location, nice en-suite, good value for money. Good flatmates who will be lifelong friends!''
''It is close to the uni.''
''Very good location.''
Southampton has been described as the perfect medium between a ‘big town' and a ‘small city', and is known for its maritime heritage, natural beauty and cultural highlights.
Home to two universities, Southampton has a thriving student community. Students will find plenty to do in the city, with plenty of shopping options and five central parks covering 52 acres of green space. Southampton also has excellent nightlife, with plenty of cocktail bars, nightclubs and live music venues.
Joining a club or society whilst at university is one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends. The Students' Union, SUSU, have over 350 amazing student groups to choose from. This includes 40 different performing arts groups and over 90 sports clubs, with opportunities to represent Southampton in inter-university competitions.
3.9When students enrol, they automatically become a member of the University of Southampton Students' Union (known as SUSU), which is independent of the university. The union is one of the biggest in the country and represents the voice of the university's students at every level, to ultimately make their experience unforgettable.
University of Southampton students on Whatuni say:
''Beautiful location.''
''I like the sports facilities.''
''Best aspect being able to connect with other students.''
3.2Southampton encourages students to think about their future. Maybe they're already thinking about their first job, or what their steps into a career will look like, or if they might have entrepreneurial ambitions. Southampton is a place where students can grow and develop, discover and achieve their goals.
Employers
Southampton is a top 10 UK university targeted by the largest number of top graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024 by High Fliers Research). Students benefit from careers fairs and employer-led workshops, for opportunities to network with top employers, and alumni career panel events, which provide advice from those who have already been on the same path.
Internships
For short-term work experience opportunities, students can join a paid internship. All internships are university-approved roles, with local and national SMEs, large corporations and public and third-sector organisations. Companies have included Rolls-Royce, the NHS, Goldman Sachs and British Airways.
Student Innovation Projects
Student Innovation Projects are designed for students to be able to gain valuable experience working on a real-life business issue with other students across disciplines.
Development programmes
The dedicated Student Enterprise Team can help develop students' enterprise skills and even help them launch their own business or social enterprise. There is a 12-month personalised development programme of intensive career support for students who are the first in their family to go to university. This is in addition to an on-campus start-up accelerator, Future Worlds, and an online Career Hub, which allows students and recent graduates to access online careers tools and 24-hour support from any location around the world.
Southampton's Career Mentoring Programme is another great opportunity to develop skills and build a network, explore career ideas and prepare for the world of work.
Some subjects offered by the university have scholarships specific to the field. Non-repayable scholarships to students that are eligible are also offered. Scholarships include:
Prospective students can find out more information about student funding on the university's website.
Bursaries
The Care Leaver & Estranged Student Bursary Scheme offers GBP 2,000 bursaries to qualifying students.
Home student fees
The university sets fees subject to any conditions imposed by the government.
Overseas student fees
Southampton is one of the only UK universities to offer international students the same fixed fee for each year of their course, except for programmes where a combination of clinical and non-clinical fees applies.
If students are starting any university-run Foundation Year, they'll pay less for their Foundation Year than for the rest of their integrated degree.
At Southampton, students are taught by outstanding lecturers who are specialists in their field and are actively involved in the latest research surrounding their topic. Students will also be assigned their very own personal academic tutor, dedicated to advising on course related issues, from settling in, to module questions, or helping with job applications.
Students will learn in a variety of ways throughout their course. They might find themselves taking part in lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as field trips, laboratory sessions, work placements and group projects. Depending on their course, students will be assessed through presentations, coursework and exams, with a final-year project or dissertation.
At Southampton, many programmes can be customised and offer interdisciplinary modules. Students can choose to learn a language alongside their degree or even take a sustainability module to understand these considerations within their industry.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a fantastic way to broaden cultural horizons, take on new challenges, and make global connections. Over 320 University of Southampton students choose to study abroad every year and can subsequently add international experience to their CV.
Students can choose from a range of exchange programmes at high-ranking partner institutions worldwide, including Perth, Berlin, Kyoto and Toronto. There are semester, year-long and summer school opportunities available depending on the degree.
Students don't even need to know another language before they study abroad, as most of the partner universities teach in English or are based in English-speaking countries. Students will be well supported throughout their time from pre-departure guidance to financial assistance.
University of Southampton students on Whatuni say:
''The lecturers are good, and they are very approachable.''
''Majority taught in person with all lectures recorded in case you miss it or want to rewatch it to understand the content better.''
''It's very interesting.''
Complete University Guide 2026
In the Complete University Guide 2026, the University of Southampton is ranked as a top 20 UK university, with 12 subject areas ranked in the top 10:
Research Excellence Framework (REF)
In REF 2021, 92 per cent of the university's submissions were classed as ‘world leading' (4*) or ‘internationally excellent' (3*), placing Southampton in the top 10 per cent of UK institutions.
Over 89 per cent of submitted outputs were classed as 4* or 3*, placing the University of Southampton's published research in the top 15 per cent of institutions.
Southampton placed within the top 10 per cent nationally for research impact, and 4th in the Russell Group. 97 per cent of its environment statements were classed as 4* or 3*, placing Southampton in the top 25 per cent of the sector. This is the environment for supporting research and enabling impact within each submission.
University of Southampton students on Whatuni say:
''The best aspects of the University of Southampton are the great opportunities, e.g. societies and guest talks.''
''Modules follow a good structure, and the group coursework is always fun.''
''The teaching quality is good.''
4.0The Student Hub is the first point of contact for students, assisting with:
There's also specialist assistance for students with disabilities, mental health conditions and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. International students can access a wide range of English language study skills and other courses.
The students' union, SUSU, advisers can offer guidance on a range of issues, including any course-related disputes. The union has also launched several initiatives, such as the Food for All Programme, supported financially by the university to provide free basic food. SUSU hosts a range of support events throughout the year, including free puppy therapy and ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays' to help create safe spaces to chat with fellow students and experts, on a range of topics.
Personal academic tutors can advise on course-related issues, such as settling in or module questions, to even helping with job applications.
Every year the University of Southampton reviews its initiatives to make sure it is supporting students in the best way that it can.
University of Southampton students on Whatuni say:
''Good support, green campus friendly, environment.''
''Great lecturers, lecturers pay great attention to detail when teaching and giving help.''
''Good support from the uni and SU.''
4.2
