The University of Southampton Accommodation Thread

What University of Southampton accommodation is there to offer ?

Different halls, all slightly off-campus. All different but have their own things to offer students.
Southampton-based halls - you get a bus pass included with fees. The Southampton buses are very good and link up every campus to every hall to the city centre and Portswood. All halls have some common areas that are shared such as music rooms, common rooms, study rooms and sometimes gyms - check each hall website!
All bills etc. included in the price. You have the option to go into a mixed gender or single gender flat. You can choose a quiet area as well. This means that if you are put in a quiet flat you will be put with others who have selected the option.
Last year the University trialled "alcohol-free" flats and it has not been confirmed whether these will make a return.
New undergraduate students are often guaranteed an offer of accommodation if they apply before the 1st August 2020. (Not confirmed yet). Postgraduate and returning students can re-apply and can apply in a group application where all members of the group have to select the same accommodation preferences - group applications are not available to undergraduate students.

Halls:
Wessex Lane - 20 minute walk from Highfield Campus. 2 parts - Montefiore (self-catered), Connaught (part-catered)
Glen Eyre - 10 minute walk from Highfield Campus. Made up of lots of little blocks "student village".
Highfield Hall - 5 minute walk from Highfield Campus. Part-catered accommodation near to green areas and Avenue Campus.
Archers Road - 20 minute walk from Highfield Campus. 2 parts - Romero and Gately. Near to Southampton Common.
Mayflower Hall - 30 minute walk from Highfield Campus. In city centre, built in 2015. Near to NOCS.
City Gateway - 15 minute walk from Highfield Campus. Postgraduate only hall!
Erasmus Park (for WSA students) - Right next to Riverside Way, you can get a shuttle bus to Highfield Campus.
Riverside Way (for WSA students) - Built in 2017, next to Erasmus Park. Privately owned but has a partnership with the Uni.
Flats/Houses (for couples/families) - Scattered around the University site. There are very few of these.

The viewing gallery above the central common room at Connaught Hall (my photo)

What is the application process?

The process usually opens in March/April of the year (2020).

You will need the following to complete the application form:

•

your Student ID number for your application. This will have been supplied to you by your faculty when you were made your offer of study

•

an email address that you have access to. Email addresses that are likely to expire or terminated, for example school or college email addresses, are not suitable

•

your current personal details, including a current address

•

the dates that you wish to apply for (if you are a pre-sessional or visiting student, or if you wish to extend your halls contract, you may need to apply for the current academic year)

Please ensure that you read the Terms & Conditions for applying for halls before submitting your application.
[This is directly from the website here.]

You then will have to select 3-5 choices for accommodation for your application to go through. If you do not put at least 3 choices, your application will not go through (unless you are applying for Winchester accommodation, then it's 2 choices).

Offers of accommodation are made in batches up until mid-September from the Monday after A-level results day. If you submitted your application before 1st August 2020, you will be guaranteed an offer (usually).

How does allocation work and do I get much choice?

You can choose your contract length, type of room, hall and if you want your flat to be mixed or single gender, in a quiet area or a show flat.
Show flats are when your room can be used as an example for people to tour on open days (you get paid for it) :borat:

When you submit your application, the Team looks at it and tries their best to get you one of your top 3 choices. Allocation depends on availability and is done on a day by day basis. The Team allocate you a room according to what was specified on your application.
When you have met your offer conditions (you are unconditionally firmed as a student) we can offer you accommodation. You then have to log into your accommodation portal account and accept this.
Offers expire up to 4 days after being received, you should check your email and portal regularly (3 times a week) so you don't miss it!
You need to enter in bank details to accept your offer of accommodation. This sets up a recurring card payment plan for the rest of the fees which are paid in 3 instalments.

What is included in University accommodation?
see website information below:
Your accommodation fees include:

•

All your bills (gas, electric, water)

•

Wi-Fi and high speed internet connection

•

Unilink bus pass*

•

24 hour support and services

•

24 hour security

•

Variety of on-site facilities (e.g. common rooms and communal computers)

•

Contents insurance (depending on possessions you wish to insure you may need to purchase additional cover)

*Excluding Erasmus Park and Riverside Way.

Do they cater for special requirements?
Yes - tell enabling. [email protected] with medical evidence, forward it to accommodation. They can look into your requirements and ensure the room you are allocated is suited for you!
Before you start your application for accommodation please contact Enabling Services who will be able provide guidance and who will work closely with us to meet your needs. (from Uni website)

How much is it and when/how do I pay?
See the fees table on the website here or on the pdf you can download here.

You pay for accommodation in 3 instalments.
For example for the 2019/20 academic year:
7 October 2019
6 January 2020
20 April 2020
1 July 2020*
*51 week contract only

Trouble accepting offer? Email the team.
Trouble with SFE? Get it sorted with them before contacting accommodation. Try their facebook.
Anything else (after accepting offer) - contact the SSC Fees department for more information on options.

FAQ
bed sizes etc. see here

If you visit the area - there is a walking tour of the halls here that you can do yourself.
You can find the Halls Guide for residents here.

DISCLAIMER - All of this is Student perspective and Student-based advice. This is NOT directly from the University and is no way official.

Accommodation Website.
Accommodation Portal.

General University of Southampton Contact details:
Phone: +44(0)23 8059 5000

University of SouthamptonUniversity RoadSouthamptonSO17 1BJUnited Kingdom

Student Service Centre Contact Details:

To help you get the support you need quickly, there is an online chat service. We will be online 10:00 - 16:00 Monday - Friday. Just click here to speak to us during these times. You need your University of Southampton ID number for this!
If you have a more complicated query or would like to speak to us outside of our chat hours, we are still available by phone on +44(0)23 8059 9599 or email at [email protected] or in person in Building 37 on Highfield Campus (opposite the Jubilee Sports Centre) between 08:30 to 18:00 Monday - Friday.

When to contact Your Faculty and Accommodation
If you have not yet had your accommodation confirmed (and it's after mid August/mid-September) please contact accommodation to see if your application is alright.
If you've not received a confirmation email that your place at the University of Southampton has been confirmed, you need to first contact the admissions team of your faculty. You can find phone numbers for them here. Please ensure you've sent the relevant documents your faculty has requested in order for your place to be confirmed swiftly.
Then you can always inform accommodation of the steps taken and for example if you are waiting for a DBS check it ensures they know everything is on track!

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 20

CheeseIsVeg

OP

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by Jhold001

Hey, was wondering how many people share the shower and bathroom facilities for a non en-suite room at both wessex lane and glen eyre. Also, how many are usually in an ensuite flat together.

hi, flats are usually around 6-12 on average
there are usually 3 showers per flat as well as around 2 toilets I think but am not 100% sure.

sharing facilities has never been an issue in my experience. they are cleaned for you and it anything is up with them you can report it online and it usually gets sorted within the day you reported it

Reply 21

HCDenton

7

Hey,
i was wondering if these any information or advice surrounding private halls. i know there are pros and cons to each, I'm just worried about the quality of private halls in Southampton and wonder if anyone has any experience with them.
thanks in advance :smile:

Reply 22

CheeseIsVeg

OP

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by HCDenton

Hey,
i was wondering if these any information or advice surrounding private halls. i know there are pros and cons to each, I'm just worried about the quality of private halls in Southampton and wonder if anyone has any experience with them.
thanks in advance :smile:

Hi there

You're best contacting the private hall on their website themselves as that's where you will get the best info.
All I would say is be prepared to have a slightly smaller room than you might have in a privately rented house or uni hall. This is because I think they're all ensuites and have everything in them so you have a little less space.
I have visited VITA and Hampton Square accommodation and have a friend who recently visited Liberty Quays as well.
Hope this helps + best wishes,
Cheese

Reply 23

Vhewitt

6

Hi I was just wondering how part-catering actually works at Southampton - is it a case of you'll get a certain amount a day or week to spend or is it more like help yourself type thing where people who are part-catered have a card to swipe for their breakfast then second meal?

Reply 24

CheeseIsVeg

OP

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by Vhewitt

Hi I was just wondering how part-catering actually works at Southampton - is it a case of you'll get a certain amount a day or week to spend or is it more like help yourself type thing where people who are part-catered have a card to swipe for their breakfast then second meal?

hi there,
excellent question!

part catered food I included in the fee you pay for halls. this works in that you go to the outlet and your ID card acts as proof of eating in your halls canteen.

if you decide to take lunch on campus, you can spend around £7.50 (changes a bit each year) in university catering outlets in the same way but with your ID card.

you always get breakfast Mon - Fri and the option of the above or the evening meal at your hall

I hope that is clear. if it's not feel free to ask another question!
cheese :smile:

Reply 25

Vhewitt

6

Original post

by CheeseIsVeg

hi there,
excellent question!

part catered food I included in the fee you pay for halls. this works in that you go to the outlet and your ID card acts as proof of eating in your halls canteen.

if you decide to take lunch on campus, you can spend around £7.50 (changes a bit each year) in university catering outlets in the same way but with your ID card.

you always get breakfast Mon - Fri and the option of the above or the evening meal at your hall

I hope that is clear. if it's not feel free to ask another question!
cheese :smile:

Thanks for such a quick reply, that’s really helped make things clear. When you say we can spend around £7.50 on either lunch or dinner would any remaining amount be rolled over to the next day say if you didn’t use it that day? Or is it a case of you get that amount just for that day?

Reply 26

CheeseIsVeg

OP

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by Vhewitt

Thanks for such a quick reply, that’s really helped make things clear. When you say we can spend around £7.50 on either lunch or dinner would any remaining amount be rolled over to the next day say if you didn’t use it that day? Or is it a case of you get that amount just for that day?

no that's the daily amount. nothing rolls over but you can spend it in several uni catering places.
ie: lunch at piazza and then coffee at café :smile:

Reply 27

Vhewitt

6

Original post

by CheeseIsVeg

no that's the daily amount. nothing rolls over but you can spend it in several uni catering places.
ie: lunch at piazza and then coffee at café :smile:

Thought as much - thanks for all the help, time to sort out my accommodation me thinks :smile:

Reply 28

Ariana260693

1

is it possible for 1st years to be in the same block with friends?

Reply 29

CheeseIsVeg

OP

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by Ariana260693

is it possible for 1st years to be in the same block with friends?

Do you mean make an application so you are placed in a flat with a friend when you're both first year students?
if so
no you can't do this.
it's to benefit your student experience by getting to know your flatmates, making some friends. you get a bus pass with your accommodation which means you can go see your friend anytime for no extra cost so i promise it will be ok and no detriment to seeing them!
hope this helps,
cheese :smile:

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 30

Ariana260693

1

Original post

by CheeseIsVeg

Do you mean make an application so you are placed in a flat with a friend when you're both first year students?
if so
no you can't do this.
it's to benefit your student experience by getting to know your flatmates, making some friends. you get a bus pass with your accommodation which means you can go see your friend anytime for no extra cost so i promise it will be ok and no detriment to seeing them!
hope this helps,
cheese :smile:

Not a flat but like share a kitchen in the same block with that friend and then a few others

Reply 31

CheeseIsVeg

OP

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by Ariana260693

Not a flat but like share a kitchen in the same block with that friend and then a few others

right well it's unlikely as you can't make group applications if you're a first year student
don't worry though, you can go to their kitchen/flat at any time and cook together
I used to do this with my friends all the time :smile:

))

Reply 32

Ariana260693

1

Original post

by CheeseIsVeg

right well it's unlikely as you can't make group applications if you're a first year student
don't worry though, you can go to their kitchen/flat at any time and cook together
I used to do this with my friends all the time :smile:

))

Alright thank you!

Reply 33

OOOllie

11

I've heard for Glen Eyre, the cheapest rooms i.e Non Ensuite Category 1, there is a very big chance game involved whether you get a nice modern or an old shabby one? How true is this?

Reply 34

CheeseIsVeg

OP

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by OOOllie

I've heard for Glen Eyre, the cheapest rooms i.e Non Ensuite Category 1, there is a very big chance game involved whether you get a nice modern or an old shabby one? How true is this?

I don't actually know. Usually these cheap rooms are of the older part of Glen Eyre.
However what I will say is that there are very few of these cheap rooms and so actually receiving one is not guaranteed.

Reply 35

CameronWS

15

Nice thread! I've applied for (All en-suite self catered)
1. Wessex Lane Category 1
2. WL Category 2
3. Glen Eyre Category 1

Really hoping I get in come September, it means so much to me at the moment.

Also: Don't suppose you know but are those halls good socially? Like pre's, clubbing etc

Reply 36

CheeseIsVeg

OP

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by CameronWS

Nice thread! I've applied for (All en-suite self catered)
1. Wessex Lane Category 1
2. WL Category 2
3. Glen Eyre Category 1

Really hoping I get in come September, it means so much to me at the moment.

Also: Don't suppose you know but are those halls good socially? Like pre's, clubbing etc

You'll be just fine :hugs:

Wessex Lane is a super social hall, I was there in my first year of uni and there are plenty of pre's and events that the reps run for you where everyone goes to the club together, sometimes they hire out a bus as well.
Glen Eyre is very similar as well, lots of students close together so super easy to make friends and bump into people out and about :smile:

You get a bus pass so you can visit your friends' halls, the city centre, train station and other campuses as well (included in halls fees)!

Reply 37

marycorn

7

I am a bit concerning now, as the virus issues.
Should we book the accommodation now or should we wait :frown:

Worry that if i booked and the course said we can distance study and i can get back the deposit.

Dose anyone here have the same concern ?
I am not sure is that a right place to ask.
I am new to the forum.

Reply 38

CheeseIsVeg

OP

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by marycorn

I am a bit concerning now, as the virus issues.
Should we book the accommodation now or should we wait :frown:

Worry that if i booked and the course said we can distance study and i can get back the deposit.

Dose anyone here have the same concern ?
I am not sure is that a right place to ask.
I am new to the forum.

Hi there

Welcome to :tsr2:

First question is, are you booking private accommodation or University accommodation (halls of residence)?
Are you a postgraduate or new undergraduate student?

It's a troubling time but the accommodation services at the University are currently planning to go ahead and receive applications as normal. I've even put my own one in!
You don't have to sign anything with them or ever pay a deposit unless you fit certain criteria.

Please don't worry :grouphugs:

Hope this helps,
Cheese

Reply 39

marycorn

7

Original post

by CheeseIsVeg

Hi there

Welcome to :tsr2:

First question is, are you booking private accommodation or University accommodation (halls of residence)?
Are you a postgraduate or new undergraduate student?

It's a troubling time but the accommodation services at the University are currently planning to go ahead and receive applications as normal. I've even put my own one in!
You don't have to sign anything with them or ever pay a deposit unless you fit certain criteria.

Please don't worry :grouphugs:

Hope this helps,
Cheese

Wow amazing that you quick reply.

I am postgraduate student new to Southampton. Still picking the accommodation, not so sure which one is suit for me and have no idea about the surrounding location.

If you could provide some idea for living in Southampton for my Uni life that would be really nice.

One more concern, do you have any idea that if i would like to view the room before i book. Did the University accommodation allow for viewing ?

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