University of Southampton

Students' Union

All students are automatically a member of the Students’ Union, SUSU, which is independent from the university and run by students.

The union building itself has a range of facilities, including restaurants, a vegan/vegetarian cafe, bars, shop, 260-seat cinema and advice centre. There’s also an entertainment venue, which has hosted some world-famous acts over the years.

SUSU offers plenty of exciting opportunities for students. There are over 300 clubs and societies to choose from, ranging from archery and performing arts to debating and quidditch – it’s an ideal opportunity to try something new.

There are also student media teams, including a radio station, TV station and two magazines. If students need advice, they can get it at The Advice Centre, which can help address any concerns about finance, housing, wellbeing or academic issues.

Clubs and Societies

Joining a club or society whilst at university is one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends, as students will have the chance to find people with a shared interest. It also helps to strengthen a CV, especially when students’ progress to more senior positions running a club or society.

There are over 300 different student groups available at the University of Southampton representing a hugely diverse range of interests. This includes 40 different performing arts groups and over 90 sports clubs, with the opportunity for the best students to represent Southampton in inter-university competition.

Students who can’t find a club or society that they want to join are encouraged to start their own, with support of the Students’ Union. A full list of clubs and societies is available on the university’s SU website.

City life

Southampton has been named the 3^rd best place to live and work in the UK (Good Growth for Cities Index, DEMOS-PwC, 2021). It’s just 75 miles from London, with good connections to cities across the UK, as well as overseas.

But students don’t need to travel outside the city to have fun or relax – Southampton itself has plenty to offer from sports to culture, there is something for everyone. On the weekends, students might find themselves at St Marys Stadium to support national or international teams, at the Mayflower theatre for a show or soaking up an exhibition at the university’s very own John Hansard Gallery.

The campus is also within easy reach of some excellent nightlife, shopping, and places to eat, while there are many parks and places to unwind if students want to take a day off with a picnic.

Being close to the Solent, it’s also an excellent destination for water sports and sailing, with the Isle of Wight and its annual Cowes Week regatta only a short ferry trip away.

Cost of a pint This is the average cost of a pint.

Source: IDP Connect 2019

£3.30

per pint