Southampton

Welcome to the 'Sunny South' of England

Living in Southampton will be a walk in the park, particularly because the city boasts some of the greenest parks and commons in the entire country. With a mix of history and heritage, pubs and clubs, shops and docks, there's bound to be something to catch your fancy.

History

Maritime

Cruise ship

Many of the rich and famous have stopped in Southampton, if only to board the Queen Mary at the Southampton Docks.

Since 1843, the docks have provided water transportation to destinations all over the globe. The port was once called the 'Gateway to the World' and still holds the reputation for docking some of the world's largest ships.

In April 2006, Southampton welcomed the world's largest cruise liner, Freedom of the Seas, and in 2008 the city witnessed the historic sight of all three of Cunard's "Queen" liners in port together for the last time before the Queen Elizabeth 2 left for its new home, as a hotel, in Dubai.

Shopping

woman holding up shopping bags

With one of the largest shopping centres in Europe, Southampton is ideal for some retail therapy.

With two universities, Southampton caters to its large student population. Use your NUS Extra Card and take advantage of student discounts at local restaurants and retail shops.

WestQuay is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. With three floors and nearly 100 stores, it's the ideal outlet for some retail therapy. Shops range from John Lewis and Marks & Spencer to Next and H&M. Ride the escalator to the top of WestQuay and grab a bite from one of the many eateries.

Cinema and Theatre Guide

Cinemas

man facing cinema screen

Odeon (Leisure World)
West Quay Road
Southampton
0871 2244007
http://www.odeon.co.uk

Cineworld Cinemas
Ocean Way
Ocean Village
023 8023 2880
http://www.cineworld.co.uk/

Harbour Lights Picture House
Maritime Walk
Ocean Village
0870 7551237
http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/

Theatres

theatre curtain

Mayflower Theatre
Commercial Road
Southampton
023 8071 1811
http://www.mayflower.org.uk/

Nuffield Theatre
University Road
Southampton
023 8067 1771
http://www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk/

Southampton Guildhall
West Marlands Road
Southampton
023 8063 2601
http://www.southampton-guildhall.com/

Jongleurs (Comedy Club)
2-4a High Street
Bargate
Southampton
0870 7870707
http://www.jongleurs.com/

Club Guide

Southampton is a vibrant city with a wide range of cosmopolitan nightlife Whether you want to party the night away with friends or have a drink and watch the world go by, you will find a venue to suit your needs.

nightclub interior

Oceana (Leisure World)

Formerly Ikon/Diva, Ocenea is one of the largest nightclubs in the U.K. The super club, famous for its themed rooms, includes two clubs, five bars, VIP rooms and restaurants.

The Rhino Club (Off London Road)

A good mixture of hip-hop, R&B, dance and an excellent Bump and Grind Night on Thursdays. Gets very hot and the bouncers are a bit intimidating, but well worth a visit for something different from the usual.

Junk (London Road)

Starting out with a single floor the club has since taken over basement club Tusk. Open till the early hours the trendy club has seen some of the biggest name DJ's on their decks. Two good-sized dance floor, three bars and comfortable seating. No spit and sawdust here, just good vibes and student discounts during the week.

DJ

Unit (St Mary's)

An intimate, three-room venue in the centre of Southampton that offers a choice of nights in a totally relaxed atmosphere. Wednesdays have a variety of music from funk to disco. Thursdays are dedicated to R&B and hip-hop. Fridays are devoted to funky drum'n'bass and hip-hop. Saturdays are a mix of house and breaks.

Kaos (St Mary's)

A complete hole, but it actually becomes your home no matter how much you avoid it! Very cheap and cheesy on student nights, and a range of music on other nights.

Pub Guide

Have a drink with friends and watch the world go by

Whether you want to party the night away with friends or have a quiet drink and watch the world go by, you will find a venue to suit your needs.

Bedfords (Bedford Place)
It's very student-orientated with pool tables, a video jukebox, huge screens for major sporting events and of course cheap drinks. What more could you ask for from a pub?
Giddy Bridge - Wetherspoons (London Road)
Nice, bright, busy. With two floors, there's enough tables to cater to the crowds. Not a bad selection of ales and cheap food.
Bambuubar (Leisure World)
A very unusual bar, situated down in Leisure World, with a sophisticated atmosphere coupled with cage dancers! One not to miss or at least try once.
Avondale (Carlton Place)
One of the 'It's a Scream!' pub chains. Good prices with a yellow 'Scream' card and a 'Pound a Pint Night' on Tuesdays. There are three levels in total as well as stools, tables and pool tables. They also show live footie games on the big screen.
The Chambers (London Road)
A cool bar that has a slightly later license and serves delicious pizza. A chilled atmosphere. Grab a bite on a warm day and enjoy the sofas and open atmosphere.
The Cricketers (Carlton Place)
A busy, older-style pub just off Bedford Place. It has cheap roasts on Sundays and DJ's in the evening. You can also enjoy a couple pints of real ale.
Orange Rooms (Carlton Place)
If you want cocktails and mini bottles of bubbly, then this is the bar for you. It can be expensive, but well-worth a visit if only to see the huge piranhas upstairs.
Varsity (London Road)
Lots of wood, cheap drinks for students who have a v-card (the Varsity loyalty card) and the food is reasonable. Footie games are also screened here.
The Wine Bar (Bedford Place)
Sophisticated bar with a very large selection of vodkas and tasty tapas. Enjoy Happy Hour here and then explore the many other bars in Bedford Place.
Mono (Carlton Place)
Right next door to Orange Rooms, just as pricey but worth it! A new trendy minimalist bar, full of trendy people and staff. Most definitely a good night out.
Vodka Revolutions (Bedford Place)
One of the newest additions to the town, the stylish bar serves a unique selection of specially flavoured vodkas. The food on the new 'love food' menu is top notch and even includes a vodka burger!
Originally Lizard Lounge and Apartment 26 it covers three floors with a spacious roof top bar.
Goblets
Deep down underground bar. Real ale, great juke box and the place to go for some top lunch grub or to start a night out.
'Will you wake up''  - Carbon Monoxide Campaign for Students

The SASSH scheme is for the benefit of students studying at Southampton Solent University or the University of Southampton. For students to access this site please look on the accommodation sections of the Universities Portal or alternatively contact the accommodation Offices for the password to access this site


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