A Vibrant Student Community: Southampton University's Population

The University of Southampton is a large university, with almost 25,000 students spread across its eight campuses. The university has five campuses in Southampton, one in Winchester, one in Malaysia, and was recently awarded a licence to establish a new campus in Delhi, India.

Undergraduate and postgraduate student numbers

The University of Southampton is a public research university with a student population of almost 25,000. It has a total of 15,650 undergraduate students and 10,305 postgraduate students, making it the largest university by higher education students in the South East region. The university has a diverse student community, with students from more than 130 countries.

The University of Southampton is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for its students. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business, health sciences, and humanities. The university's main campus is located in Highfield, Southampton, with additional campuses in Winchester and Malaysia, contributing to its diverse and vibrant community.

The university's undergraduate programs offer a combination of academic excellence and innovative thinking. With over 350 courses to choose from, students can customise their degrees and explore a diverse range of subjects. The university encourages students to gain practical experience through its Year in Employment, work placement, and internship opportunities. Southampton's undergraduate programs provide valuable skills and knowledge to enhance students' employability and help them discover their passions.

The University of Southampton also offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including taught postgraduate degrees, research degrees, and PhDs. The university supports postgraduate students in their pursuit of advanced knowledge and research. With a strong focus on research, the university helps students develop their ideas and turn them into reality. The university's business incubators and Science Park provide an excellent platform for students and staff to start their own companies.

The University of Southampton is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. It welcomes students from different countries and backgrounds, offering them a variety of opportunities to develop intercultural skills through its clubs and societies. The university provides comprehensive support to its students, ensuring they have the necessary resources and assistance to succeed in their academic endeavours.

Student demographics

The University of Southampton is a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive global community, welcoming students from over 130 countries. The student population is almost 25,000, with a third of students being international. The university has a large student population, with numbers ranging from 15,001 to 25,000.

The university has a near-equal gender ratio, with a slight female majority of 53% as of the 2016-17 academic year. The undergraduate to postgraduate ratio is 60:40, with 15,650 undergraduate and 10,305 postgraduate students.

The University of Southampton is a research-intensive university, attracting talent from across the globe. 35% of its academic staff and 29% of its students are from outside the UK. The university is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, known for its academic excellence and innovative, entrepreneurial approach to research.

The university has a wide variety of clubs and societies, providing students with opportunities to develop intercultural skills and connect with others.

Student accommodation

The University of Southampton offers accommodation for all first-year students who require it, as well as places for international and MSc students. Accommodation options include catered or self-catered, en-suite, rooms with a sink, or access to communal bathrooms. Each hall has a Junior Common Room (JCR) committee, responsible for social events and student representation.

Glen Eyre Complex

Glen Eyre is the largest student community, with lots of green space and great facilities. Located less than half a mile north of the Highfield Campus, it houses around 2000 students across several buildings, including Richard Newitt Courts, Old Terrace, New Terrace, Chancellors' Courts, and Brunei House. Glen Eyre Halls are currently self-catered.

Wessex Lane Halls

Located in Swaythling, around one mile east of the Highfield Campus, Wessex Lane Halls provide accommodation for over 1,800 students across two halls of residence: Montefiore Hall and Connaught. Connaught Halls are fully catered. The complex also features South Stoneham House, a period building constructed in 1708.

City Gateway Hall

City Gateway Hall is located in Swaythling, one mile northeast of the Highfield Campus. The landmark building features a 15-story elliptical tower and two six-story accommodation blocks, providing accommodation for up to 375 students.

Mayflower Halls

Mayflower Halls are located in Southampton's 'Cultural Quarter', a two-minute walk from Southampton Central railway station. The hall houses over 1100 students in a mix of rooms and includes a gym for residents and the public.

Archers Road

Archers Road is compromised of two halls, Gateley and Romero, which are self-contained and self-catered but share a reception and community facilities. Located two miles south of Highfield, it houses 500 students.

Highfield Halls

Highfield Halls, comprising Aubrey and Wolfe houses, are located adjacent to the Avenue Campus, half a mile from the Highfield campus. These halls offer on-site catering and are also used as a University conference facility during the summer.

Gower Building

Gower Building, located on the Highfield campus, contains a small number of self-contained apartments, primarily for mature and postgraduate students.

Erasmus Park

Erasmus Park, located in Winchester, houses around 400 students studying at the Winchester School of Art.

Riverside Way

Riverside Way is a private hall site in Winchester, close to Erasmus Park, where the university allocates some students.

Additional Halls

The University of Southampton also provides accommodation in Balmoral House and Victoria Place in Portsmouth, and in Basingstoke for Nursing and Midwifery students on placement in these areas.

Student societies

The University of Southampton has a total of 25,905 students, with 15,650 undergraduates and 10,305 postgraduates. The university has a large student population, with a range of clubs and societies for students to join.

The Students' Union (SUSU) is central to campus life, offering support and advice to students and hosting inclusive events and activities. SUSU has over 240 societies, ranging from faith and political groups to cultural and volunteering societies. The Union also has over 300 sports and activities, with one of the biggest Athletic Unions in the country.

Culture & International

The University of Southampton has a diverse range of cultural and international societies. These include the African and Caribbean Society, the Asian Cultural Society, the Greek and Cypriot Society, and the Middle Eastern & North African Society. The university also has faith societies and a faith centre on campus, catering to a wide range of religious beliefs.

Enterprise and Business

For students interested in business and enterprise, there are several societies to join, including the Trading & Investment Society, the Enterprise and Business Society, and the Women in Business Society. These societies provide opportunities for students to develop their business acumen and network with like-minded individuals.

Social Awareness, Campaigns & Fundraising

The University of Southampton encourages students to get involved in social issues and make a difference in the community. Societies under this category include Amnesty International, the Neurodiversity & Disability Society, the Southampton Student Action for Refugees, and the Vegan and Vegetarian Society. These groups provide a platform for students to discuss and address social topics and contribute to various causes.

Arts & Entertainment

The university caters to students with artistic and creative interests through societies such as the Creative Writing Society, the Digital Arts and Gamedev Society, the Electronic Music Society, and the Photographic Society. Additionally, the university has performance arts groups, including the Kathak Bharatanatyam Dance Society, the Southampton Swing Dancers, and the Stage Technicians' Society.

Academic & Professional

The University of Southampton also has a variety of academic and professionally-focused societies. These include the Biological Sciences Society, the Law Society, the Life Sciences Postgraduate Society, the Occupational Therapy Society, and the Southampton Robotics Outreach. These societies provide students with opportunities to explore their academic interests further and network with peers in their field.

With such a diverse range of student societies, the University of Southampton offers numerous opportunities for students to connect with others who share their interests, develop new skills, and make a positive impact during their time at the university.

Student support

The University of Southampton has a total student population of 25,955, comprising 15,650 undergraduates and 10,305 postgraduates. The university offers a wide range of student support services to ensure that students have a positive and successful university experience.

Student Hub

The Student Hub is the first point of contact for students and is available 24/7 via phone, email, or online chat. It assists students with queries and concerns relating to fees, financial support, accommodation, wellbeing, disability, careers, and course administration. The Student Hub also provides in-person support at the Highfield Campus from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Sunday.

Academic and Mental Health Support

The University of Southampton understands the importance of mental health and provides free support services to its students. The Student Wellbeing Team offers proactive wellbeing support, including workshops and events to foster a sense of community. Students can also book a Wellbeing Chat at any time to discuss their concerns and explore support options. Additionally, the university offers access to the University Counselling Service and external support services.

Student Disability and Inclusion

The University of Southampton is committed to disability equality and offers specialist support to ensure that disabled students can fully participate and benefit from all aspects of university life. The Student Disability and Inclusion team recommends reasonable adjustments to teaching, learning, and other areas, such as assistive technology facilities and spaces available at each campus.

Financial Support

The university provides financial support and guidance to help students manage their money. This includes information on bursaries, funds, and cost-of-living support. Students can also access the Student Support Fund and receive assistance with budgeting and financial planning through partnerships with organisations like Blackbullion.

Academic Writing and Study Skills

The university offers academic writing support and guidance on study skills, such as giving presentations, note-taking, learning from lectures, and effective reading. Additionally, advisors are available to provide general advice on planning and writing dissertations and essays.

Library Research Skills

The library staff at the University of Southampton are experts in their field and can assist students in making the most of the extensive digital and print resources available. They can provide help with finding and evaluating information, citing and referencing, understanding plagiarism and copyright, and developing research strategies.

Maths and Statistics Support

The university offers one-to-one tutorials, workshops, drop-in forums, and a range of resources to support students in mathematical and statistical topics.

Personal and Senior Tutor

Upon arrival at the university, each student is allocated a Personal Academic Tutor who offers one-on-one support and advice throughout their time at the institution. Students also have access to a Senior Tutor or equivalent within their discipline or faculty, providing an additional layer of support and general advice.

University of Southampton Students' Union (SUSU)

The Students' Union provides free, independent, and confidential support to students, including housing, financial, and emotional advice. They also assist with academic integrity appeals, complaints, and special considerations or extensions.

Faith and Reflection Centre

The Chaplains and faith advisors offer a listening ear to students and staff of all faiths or none. They are based at the Highfield Campus but are happy to meet at a convenient time and place.

International Student Support

The University of Southampton welcomes students from over 130 countries and offers specialist international student support. This includes guidance on international support, visa applications, and accessing UK healthcare. The Academic Centre for International Students (ACIS) provides language and cultural support, offering courses such as the International Foundation Year, Pre-Masters, and English for Academic Studies.

Safety and Security

The University of Southampton prioritises the safety and security of its students, staff, and visitors. The University Security Service operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and is always available to assist. Additionally, the university has partnered with Hampshire Police to provide official information on staying safe and accessing support during their time at the university.

Frequently asked questions