Your son/daughter's own circumstances, personality and choice of course or university will all impact upon their accommodation preference. At Solent University we're keen to ensure that all our student residences provide a home from home.
Where will my son/daughter live?
The majority of our new students choose to live in one of the University's student residences in their first year and most of our residences are set aside for new undergraduates.
Built in the 1990s, our five student residences are not only contemporary, clean and comfortable, they're also great places to work, relax, socialise and meet new friends. All University-owned residences benefit from supportive, but not intrusive, management and on-site security.
How can we see the accommodation?
During a University open day, your son/daughter (and you, space allowing) can take a tour of our student residences.
What is the distance between the student residences and campus?
All our residences are located within walking distance of the campus and the city centre. There is no real need to bring a car, although there is limited parking available at most properties.
How are student residences paid for?
To make life easier, accommodation fees can be paid in three equal instalments – normally in October, January and May.
What is included in the cost of accommodation?
As well as covering the rental cost of the accommodation, the fees also pay for:
- utility bills,
- high-speed internet connections,
- cleaning of communal areas,
- accommodation during Christmas and Easter,
- repairs and maintenance.
How does my son/daughter apply for accommodation?
Once your son/daughter receives an offer to study here, and Solent University is their first choice university, they will be sent an application pack which includes a booking form. This information is normally sent out during late March/early April.
Is an advance rent payment required for accommodation in student residences?
Yes. To accept the offer of accommodation, you'll need to choose a payment plan and make an advance rent payment by credit or debit card.
- £150 for UK applicants,
- £1,000 for applicants from outside the UK, if accepting before 31 August,
- Full payment for applicants from outside the UK, if accepting after 31 August.
- £50 for second- and third-year students.
This advance rent payment is not a deposit and will be taken off your son or daughter's overall accommodation fees for the year.
If your son or daughter has requested a car parking space you'll receive a separate parking allocation offer. To accept this offer, you'll need to make full payment of the parking fees. Typically, car parking offers are sent during August.
Is accommodation guaranteed for the first year?
Accommodation for a ‘standard’ room in student residences is guaranteed providing an application is received prior to 1 June 2022. Places are allocated by the University's accommodation office on receipt of applications on a first-come, first-served basis, although students with an established need (that is, those with a disability) are given priority on certain types of adapted rooms.
Are there restrictions for accommodation if we live locally?
All undergraduate applicants are eligible to apply for accommodation irrespective of where they live – unlike some universities, our rooms are not allocated according to distance between the University campus and the family home.
What is the cost/availability of private accommodation?
For more independence, some students opt for private rented accommodation, either as a lodger or sharing a house or flat with some friends.
To safeguard our students' interests, we have a landlord accreditation scheme for Southampton and the surrounding area. Properties can be viewed on the SASSH website, along with the criteria that properties must achieve to qualify for the scheme.
It's a good idea to encourage your son/daughter to start looking as early as possible before the course starts and ensure they visit private accommodation to check that it is both suitable and affordable.
Does my son/daughter need to bring anything with him/her?
Students living in the University's residences are required to provide their own bedding, including sheets, pillows, pillowcases, duvet, duvet cover and blankets. The residences are self-catering and students will need to bring crockery, including cups, plates, dishes, and so on (suitable for microwave use). All cutlery and cooking utensils, pots and pans must be suitable for use on an electric hob. It is also advisable to bring tea towels, dishcloths and coat hangers.
Security and welfare
Student life provides young people with the opportunity to be independent and stand on their own two feet, but we believe that help should never be far away if they need it. All our student residences have a dedicated management team on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each residence, study-bedroom and kitchen is designed to ensure only residents can gain access.
The residences meet the current fire safety regulations and the government approved codes of practice for management of student accommodation.
We would welcome comments from parents and students alike, and if, over the course of the year, you have additional questions we could include, please let us know.
Read our guide for parents and carers about student life at Solent University
Back to top