Studying at Southampton Solent University and looking to rent in the private sector? From traditional house shares to modern student residences, we offer a wide range of student accommodation in Southampton, with lots of options near the university.

Whether you want to be based on the waterfront or close to campus in areas like St. Mary’s and the Polygon, we’ve got something for everyone. And with our filter features, it’s easy to find and compare properties that fit your budget.

Start exploring our Southampton Solent University accommodation at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life at the university...

Where is Southampton Solent University located?

Southampton Solent University is based just north of Southampton city centre, with the main campus overlooking East Park. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the traditional heart of the city, which runs from High Street to Southampton Port.

The university also has secondary campuses in St. Mary’s – just a 10-minute walk from the main campus – and Warsash, which is further down the Southampton Water estuary and home to the university’s maritime training school.

Southampton itself is compact and walkable, but should you need to make longer journeys, the university is well-served by public transport – there are several bus stops right outside the main campus, and Southampton Central train station is close by. 

Does Southampton Solent University have a good reputation?

Awarded full university status in 2005, Southampton Solent University is a modern institution known for its practical, career-focused approach. It’s been steadily climbing the academic rankings and typically places among the top 100 universities in the UK.

The university excels in various areas, including maritime studies, sports science, law, interior design, architecture, music and communications – so definitely worth considering if you’re interested in studying one of these subjects.

Student satisfaction rates are generally very positive, often outscoring higher-ranked universities. Another major benefit is the small class sizes, which allow for stronger student-faculty relationships.

Courses at Southampton Solent University

Southampton Solent University offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate programmes across nine main schools and departments. Courses cover a broad range of subject areas, from business and computing to law and performing arts.

The university is best known for its maritime school, which provides specialist programmes like marine engineering, shipping operations and yacht design. Architecture, engineering, and sports science courses are also extensive.

Many courses include work placements, which can be taken either as part of a module or for a full year. There are also lots of opportunities for studying abroad through the university’s international partner network. 

Student life at Southampton Solent University

Student life at Southampton Solent University is exciting with dozens of student-run clubs to get involved in, ranging from cultural and academic organisations to interest-based groups for darts and video games.

The main campus has lots of great social spaces for catching up with friends between lectures, while The Dock serves as the university’s very own restaurant and is the place to go when you need a bite to eat.

Beyond campus, there’s plenty to explore in Southampton, whether that’s shopping at Westquay, enjoying theatre in the Cultural Quarter or relaxing by the water at Ocean Village Marina. 

How much does it cost to study at Southampton Solent University?

Tuition fees at Southampton Solent University vary depending on your home country – students from the UK and Ireland pay about £9,500 per year of undergraduate study, while fees for international students are typically around £17,500 per year.

Student accommodation near Solent will generally be between £8,000–£10,000 per year in rental costs. The university also estimates that a typical student will need roughly £5,500 per year to cover additional living expenses.

Altogether, then, a domestic student will need around £23,000–£25,000 to cover a year of undergraduate study, while international students should budget £31,000–£33,000 per year. That said, many students will be entitled to financial support to help cover these costs.

Best areas to live near Southampton Solent University

There are lots of great student areas near Southampton Solent University. The city centre is an obvious choice owing to its proximity to campus and wealth of amenities – here you’ll find lots of purpose-built student residences packed with slick features.

Portswood, roughly a 30-minute walk from the university, is one of Southampton’s biggest student hubs. It's especially popular with University of Southampton students, but with its cheaper prices, it also attracts a large number of Solent students.

Just south of Portswood, Bevois Valley is another great pick with lots of local shops and an easy walk to the university. Shirley, to the northwest of the city centre, offers excellent value and a more suburban feel.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start looking for private accommodation for Southampton Solent University?

If you’re looking for private accommodation, it’s best to start your search at least three months before you intend to move in – though ideally sooner. Properties come onto the market as early as December and January for the following academic year, so you should begin looking shortly after to avoid disappointment. 

How much does student accommodation near Southampton Solent University cost?

Rental costs for private accommodation vary depending on the area. A house share in a suburb like Portswood may only be around £100 per week, while a private apartment in a city centre residence may be over £200 per week. The student accommodation we list near Southampton Solent University typically ranges from £160–£200 per week. 

Where are the best areas to live near Southampton Solent University?

Many Southampton Solent University students choose to live in the city centre, which offers easy access to the university and Southampton’s top attractions. The student hub of Portswood is a popular pick for those looking for something cheaper, while Bevois Valley and Shirley also draw a significant number of students. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad at Southampton Solent University?

If you’re planning on studying at Southampton Solent University and live outside the UK or Ireland, you’ll generally need to obtain a student visa before you start your course. You can read about the process and application requirements here. 

What if I didn’t find the answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!