Southampton Student Guide

With two large universities, Southampton is full of students. So it is fair to assume that most markets are tendered for the student lifestyle, namely shopping, eating and drinking.

The city has three shopping centres, the biggest and most popular being West Quay (8-10 Portland Terrace, SO14 7EG). This multi-storey complex has a massive range of high street shops and eateries. Student discounts can be acquired in most places and it is always easy to bag a bargain or two. You’ll find mainstream fashion everywhere in West Quay from popular men’s retailers such as Burtons and Republic to women’s outlets such as H&M and Monsoon.

If you’re looking for something less high profile then check out Bargate (City Centre, SO14 1HF). Set for maybe a slightly younger crowd then the bustling West Quay, Bargate features several alternative shops and is definitely seeking out if your looking for something different from the mainstream. The Mall (Civic Centre Road, SO14) is not far away from West Quay and is on a smaller scale but still has it’s appeal with useful shops specialising in clothes and several birthday/gift shops.

When it comes to eating then Southampton has choice aplenty. The two main areas are the high class Oxford Street, located close to Ocean Village and the student-filled Bedford Place. Bedford Place features the usual student style late night curry houses and chip shops, which are easy on the wallet. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter then have a look at the Pride of India restaurant, which has an excellent quality of food and is reasonably priced.

Also if you in the mood for typical pub fare then be sure to stop in at Varsity and Avondales, two very cheaply priced student pubs with surprisingly good food. Oxford Street is a little more pricey but well worth it - Pizza Express is a must for all Italian food lovers and The Pilgrim House is also worth a look if you in the mood for Chinese.The city has a wide array of pubs and bars, particularly in the city centre where you can find The Slug and Lettuce, Walkabout, Que Pasa and two Wetherspoons pubs. Most of the cities bar are quite cheap and a great deal features drinks discounts when in possession of their cards - i.e. Walkabout’s Survival Card.

Southampton has plenty of areas to relax in, that is if the weather meets your liking. Hoglands Park is located right between Solent University and the halls of residence and is a popular haunt, during the summer time at least, for students who just want lie in the sun, have a small barbeque or play some football. If all that sounds too chaotic then there are several, more low key, parks further north, near to Solent University. Filled with walkways, fountains and statues, they are very picturesque and relaxing to either walk through or just sit down in. If all this sounds to quiet then head to Leisureworld (West QuayRoad, SO15), a massive entertainment complex featuring a cinema, bowling alley, arcade and several bars and clubs.

With loads to see and do, Southampton truly is one of the best cities to be in if you’re a student. So take advantage!

Mark Tilley, MyVillage, 10th September

(article for www.myvillage.com/southampton)