Is Southampton rundown?

I’ve applied to University of Southampton but I’ve heard that the area is a bit dodgy and rundown. I know that every area has its bad spots but I just wanted to know whether Southampton in general is okay.

Reply 1

Clearing and Applications Advisor

Just visit and see for yourself.

Without knowing what you consider run down it’s impossible for anyone to comment (and like any city Southampton has areas that are well off and others that are deprived)

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Reply 2

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Anonymous

I haven’t been in a few years but nothing struck me as overly run down the last time I visited (either the university or the city), sure some facilities aren’t brand new, but this is normal everything seemed to be maintained as it were...

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

Every city has its deprived areas southampton is the same

Reply 4

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

The campus and surrounding area definitely isn't, or wasn't when I was there. Elsewhere in the city it varies somewhat but bear in mind the University of Southampton is a campus uni so you could entirely possibly spend your entire degree not venturing further afield than Portswood!

Reply 5

Debs25

One of my daughters is at the University of Southampton. It's a lovely campus with lots of green spaces. Most first year students live in Glen Eyre Halls which are a short walk from campus and the surrounding area is quite nice. Private accommodation is really cheap and plentiful and most areas are fine and not rundown at all. There's the Common which is lovely for walking around.

If you're applying for engineering or CS, the university has an excellent reputation.

Reply 6

Maths Fan

I’m a currently student so feel well placed to answer.

Is the area run down?…..No.
The campus is immaculate and the gardens around campus seem to have gardeners attending them daily both on the main campus and at the accommodation sites.

The city is like any other there are nice area many of which are by the main campus and not so nice area but you’ll not find a city that isn’t like that. It’s easy to stay in the nicer areas put it that way.

I’m terms of dodgy… No.

So on campus and at accommodation there is security constantly walking around, the area is well lit at night and I’ve never personally seen any crime although of course there will be some happening somewhere I’m sure.

In general Southampton is better than ok to directly answer the question but if you are thinking of coming here you really should visit to see for yourself.

Reply 7

Anonymous #2

You do have to remember that Southampton was heavily bombed in WW2. There are lovely buildings in the city, modern and historic and some that are...shall we say 70s functional. The fact that alumni absolutely rave about their time there is testament enough.

You tend to get a different student experience if lots of the students apply to a Uni because e.g 'it looks like Hogwarts'.

Reply 8

Oxford Mum

My son used to live in Southampton for a couple of years ( he worked for carnival cruises). He got made redundant so left the city. Frankly he hated it. When I asked him what advice he had, he said “run”. However, he never studied there and loves old architecture.

I can remember staying in a hotel and going for a meal at a rather swanky hotel on the waterfront. The lift to the restaurant stopped between floors and there was an announcement saying “this lift is in a special situation “. The hotel I stayed in, the de vere, has the worst service I have ever seen.

Of course I may be wrong in my opinion but just thought I would throw my two cents in.

Reply 9

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Hi,

It is great to hear you have applied to the University of Southampton!

In answer to your question, I would not say Southampton is run down or dodgy.

I am currently in my second year here and really enjoy it. Southampton as a city is really student friendly, it is constantly bustling with people and in general feels really safe. Highfield campus and Avenue campus (where I spend most of my time) are located next to residential areas, with lots of green space that is perfect for walks with friends or outside summer study sessions.

The city centre has a thriving nightlife and plenty of places to shop, eat and socialise. Plus, the bus links are so frequent you will be sure to get home safely too.

It is important to think about what you want from the location of your university. Is there anything you would prioritise?

If you have any more questions please feel free to ask!

Jasmine (an Official University of Southampton Rep) :smile: