Southampton University: A Vibrant Community Of 23,000 Students

The University of Southampton is a public research university in Southampton, England. It has five campuses in Southampton, one in Winchester, and another in Malaysia, with a student population of almost 25,000 students, a third of whom are international. The university is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and is ranked 115th in the World University Rankings 2025.

Undergraduate (15,650) and postgraduate (10,305) student numbers

The University of Southampton has a large student population, with almost 25,000 students in total. Of these, 15,650 are undergraduate students, and 10,305 are postgraduate students. This makes the University of Southampton the largest university by higher education student numbers in the South East region of the UK.

The University of Southampton is a diverse and welcoming community, with a third of its students being international. The university has a global reach, with over 10,000 international students from more than 130 countries. The university's diverse student population creates a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, fostering a range of perspectives and cultural exchanges.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to cater to the varied interests and aspirations of its students. With five campuses in Southampton, one in Winchester, and another in Malaysia, the university provides a variety of educational opportunities and experiences to its students.

The University of Southampton is committed to supporting its students and offers a range of services through the University of Southampton Students' Union. The union provides support, representation, and social activities to enhance the student experience. With media outlets, affiliated societies, and sports teams, the union ensures that students can pursue their interests and connect with others.

The University of Southampton is a dynamic and inclusive community, offering a rich educational experience to its large and diverse student body. With a range of programs, campuses, and support services, the university creates an engaging and stimulating environment for its undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student demographics

The University of Southampton is a diverse and welcoming community with a student population of almost 25,000 students, a third of whom are international. The university has seven campuses – five in Southampton, one in Winchester, and one international branch in Malaysia. The university's main campus is located in the residential area of Highfield. The university is home to students from more than 130 countries, with 60.5% of international students enrolled at the institution from China, the highest proportion out of all mainstream universities in the UK.

The University of Southampton Students' Union provides support, representation, and social activities for students, ranging from involvement in the Union's four media outlets to any of the 200 affiliated societies and 80 sports. The university also provides accommodation for all first-year students who require it and places in residences for international and MSc students.

The university has a wide range of courses and subjects, spanning bachelor's, master's, junior doctorates, and higher doctorates. The university is part of the Engineering Doctorate scheme for the award of Eng. D. degrees.

In terms of UCAS Admission Statistics, Southampton ranked 25th in Britain in 2023 for average UCAS points of entrants. The university gives offers of admission to 84.0% of its applicants, the 6th highest amongst the Russell Group. According to the 2017 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, approximately 15% of Southampton's undergraduates come from independent schools. In the 2016–17 academic year, the university had a domicile breakdown of 72:7:21 of UK:EU:non-EU students, respectively, with a female-to-male ratio of 53:47.

Student accommodation

The University of Southampton offers accommodation for all first-year students who require it and places in residences are also available for international and MSc students. The university's accommodation is spread across two large complexes of halls and some other small halls located around the city.

Glen Eyre Complex

The Glen Eyre Complex is less than half a mile north of the Highfield Campus and houses approximately 2,000 students. The complex consists of several buildings designed over the years and arranged around a central landscaped garden. The oldest buildings, Richard Newitt Courts, are separated into blocks A-G and are the closest to the Glen Bar. Students in these blocks have very small flats, with between four and six people sharing a kitchen, and usually more than one bathroom. New Terrace has ensuite rooms, and Chancellors' Courts are the most modern blocks in the accommodation, while Brunei House is the most basic. Located on the south side of Glen Eyre Road on the periphery of the site are Chamberlain Halls, which share most amenities with the main Glen Eyre site. This site consists of Hartley Grove, South Hill, Beechmount House and the Chamberlain blocks. All Glen Eyre Halls are self-catered at present.

Wessex Lane Halls

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

City Gateway Hall

The City Gateway Hall is located in Swaythling, one mile north-east of the Highfield Campus, at the intersection of two major roads. This landmark building, included in the runners-up list of the 2015 Carbuncle Cup, features a 15-story elliptical tower and two adjoining six-story rectangular accommodation blocks. It provides accommodation for up to 375 students.

Mayflower Halls

The Mayflower Halls are located in the city centre, within the 'Cultural Quarter', and are just a two-minute walk from Southampton Central railway station. The halls, which opened at the start of the 2014/2015 academic year, house over 1,100 students in a mix of rooms and include a gym available to residents and the public.

Archers Road

Archers Road is two miles south of Highfield and houses 500 students. It comprises two halls on separate sites: Gateley and Romero. Both halls are self-contained and self-catered but share a reception and other community facilities.

Highfield Halls

Highfield Halls is located adjacent to Avenue Campus and half a mile from Highfield campus. It comprises Aubrey and Wolfe houses, both of which have on-site catering. The site is also used as a University conference facility during the summer months.

Gower Building

The Gower Building is located on the Highfield campus and is mainly used by mature and postgraduate students. It contains a small number of self-contained apartments.

Erasmus Park

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

Riverside Way

Riverside Way is located in Winchester, in close proximity to Erasmus Park. This is a private halls site, but the university has an agreement to allocate some students there.

The university also has accommodation in Balmoral House and Victoria Place, Portsmouth, and in Basingstoke for Nursing and Midwifery students on placement in these areas.

Student societies and sports

The University of Southampton has a student population of almost 25,000 students, a third of whom are international. The university has over 90 student sports clubs, ranging from watersports to martial arts, and including football, paddleboarding, powerboating, windsurfing, sailing, paddlesport, rugby, swimming, yoga, and more.

The university's sports venues offer a wide range of activities and classes, with a variety of gyms and sports centres for members to use. Some of these members also have access to additional Active Nation facilities across Southampton. The university is an RYA Recognised Training Centre, offering a variety of Royal Yachting Association-accredited watersports courses and qualifications.

The Southampton University Aerial Sports Society is open to all members of the university, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and staff. The university also has clubs dedicated to badminton, darts, fencing, gymnastics, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, shooting, snooker, squash, and table tennis.

The university's sports programmes include the Sports Performance Programme and a range of bursaries that provide financial and fitness support to students competing at the regional, national, or international level.

Student support

The University of Southampton had a total of 23,240 students in 2021/22, with 12,030 male and 11,210 female students. The student body is diverse, with students from all over the UK and more than 130 countries internationally.

The University of Southampton offers an extensive range of student support services to ensure that all students have a positive and successful university experience.

Academic Support

The university provides a wide array of academic support services to assist students in achieving their full potential. All students have access to a personal academic tutor who can offer guidance, support, and direction throughout their studies. In addition, the university offers a comprehensive range of workshops, courses, and resources to develop academic skills, such as critical thinking, research techniques, and effective writing. The university library also provides dedicated support, with subject-specific librarians offering guidance and training to students.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

The University of Southampton prioritises student wellbeing and mental health. They offer a range of services, including counselling and mental health support, provided by qualified professionals. The university's Student Services Hub provides a central point of contact for all students seeking advice and guidance on any matter affecting their wellbeing, including financial concerns, disability support, and personal issues. The university also has a network of student mentors and peers who offer support and a sense of community.

Career and Employability Support

Southampton offers comprehensive career development and employability services. The university's Career Hub provides a range of resources, including career guidance, CV and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and access to internship and job opportunities. Students can also access the university's alumni network, which offers valuable connections and insights into various industries. Additionally, the university organises career fairs, networking events, and workshops to help students develop the skills and confidence needed for their future careers.

Financial Support

The University of Southampton provides financial support to students through scholarships, bursaries, and grants. These are available to students from a range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, and specific subject areas. The university also offers advice and guidance on managing finances, budgeting, and accessing external funding sources.

Student Communities and Accommodation

The university fosters a sense of community and belonging through its student union, which organises social events, clubs, and societies. The union also provides representation and advocacy for students, ensuring their voices are heard. Southampton offers a range of accommodation options, including guaranteed housing for first-year students, with support and guidance provided by the accommodation office.

The University of Southampton is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all its students, ensuring they have the resources and assistance needed to succeed academically and personally.

Frequently asked questions