Located in the south of England, Plymouth is a pleasant waterfront city that is perhaps most famous for being the temporary home for sailors. Indeed, it has a very rich maritime history, and draws thousands of tourists to its docks each year for this reason. If you’re considering rubbing shoulders with the seafarers, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about studying in Plymouth.

Universities In Plymouth

Of its total population of 256,000, Plymouth is home to 25,000 students. There are two universities in the city:

The University of PlymouthPlymouth Marjon University

University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is one of the UK’s biggest universities, and was founded way back in 1862. It was the first of all the modern universities to develop its very own dental and medical school; the first university to be awarded a Social Enterprise Mark in the world, and is part of the prestigious Combined Universities collective in Cornwall.

In terms of league table rankings, the university currently sits 76th. It is recognised for being sustainable and environmentally conscious, has good research standards while degree completion stands high at around 84%. Most students are undergrads, while teaching standards have been nationally acclaimed.

Plymouth Marjon University

Plymouth Marjon University started life in London before moving to Plymouth in 1997. It was awarded university college status as recently as 2007. It presently sits 102nd in the 2016 league table rankings, in which it scores very well for student satisfaction. Indeed, it was ranked 6th in the whole of the UK for student satisfaction as recently as 2013.

A lot of money has been invested in the University of late, with the amount spent on facilities as high as any other university in the country. Money has been spent on a revitalised library and improved halls of residences. As a result, the University of St Mark and St John is a very competitive uni which offers work-based study programmes, quality teaching standards, and a very responsive Students’ Union.

Fees, Student Finance & Living Aspects

Ah, if only uni was totally free. If it were, we’d never have to give ourselves a headache trying sort out the fees!

The bottom line is that most full-time undergrad courses up and down the UK now cost around £9,000 per year. Read our guide to the student loan system to learn how you can pay for your course.

Most students are eligible for a maintenance loan, which is designed to help with your living costs. A maintenance loan is paid into your bank account in three separate instalments throughout the academic year (Sept, Jan and April), and is also repayable once you graduate and are earning a certain amount of money. The max amount anyone is entitled to is £5,750, but what you yourself are offered comes down to your own personal circumstances. You might get the full amount, or you might get less than.

Any student who has mitigating circumstances or a disability can also apply for a maintenance grant which makes an extra contribution to your living costs.

Some students find that their maintenance loan covers all their living costs, from accommodation to food and drink. Others, however, choose to take up part time jobs in and around Plymouth to supplement their income. The good news is that Plymouth is one of the cheapest cities to live in as a student. The average first-year student in Plymouth spends around £250 per week on rent, which is some £50 lower than students living in nearby Exeter.

Most first-year students in Plymouth choose to live in their university’s halls of residence. Doing so offers them the protection of 24/7 security as well as the chance to meet similar people as soon as you move in. Student halls of residence are generally more expensive than house shares, though. Some of the most popular ones in Plymouth include:

• Astor House – from £125.00 per week
• The Court House – from £135.00 per week
• The Square – from £118.00 per week
• St. Augustine’s House – from £135.00 per week
• The Old Diary – from £135.00 per week

General Info About Plymouth

Located on the south coast in the county of Devon, Plymouth is the 30th most populous area in the country. Its historical associations with maritime shows no signs of abating, and shipbuilding and seafaring continue to be a strong influence on its economy. It is also home to the Marine Biological Association of the UK.

London is reachable in three and a half hours via train, while direct trains also run from here to major cities in South Wales, the Midlands, as well as the North West and North East of England. There are also ferries that regularly sail to France and Spain.

In the city centre itself, buses are regular and there are student discounts available. Attractions for students include a whole host of sporting activities, including bowls, skiing, rock climbing, surfing, scuba and football, as well as plenty of entertainment activities, such as museums, cinemas, bars and night clubs.

The city centre is the largest for shopping in the SW of England, while unusually for a city, Plymouth is surrounded by lots of countryside.

Events, Venues & Points Of Interest

Plymouth is popular with tourists, seafarers and students. As you might expect, then, there is always something to do in this vibrant city that sits by the water.

If you’re actually interested in Plymouth’s rich maritime history, you can trace the footsteps of sailors gone by in an eight-minute ferry trip that takes a tour of the nearby beaches. If you fancy staying on dry land instead, you can visit the awesome National Marine Aquarium.

Other sea-type things to do around here include learning to sail and also stopping by the Plymouth Sound, a tranquil bay where you can relax and watch the world go by.This bay provides you with a stunning view of the ocean and is a popular retreat with hungover students!

Culture vultures will be happy with the Cotehele art gallery and the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre, a museum that tells the fascinating story of the city’s long held associations with the Royal Navy.

The Mayflower Steps, Saltram House and Charles Church, meanwhile, provide ample points of interest for when you’re out exploring, while the Barbican district is the lively go-to place for all your entertainment needs. It is here where you will find a collection of retail art galleries, quaint bars and eateries, as well as indie shops and theatres. Perched on the waterfront, it’s Plymouth’s jewel.

Oh, and the district is also home to the UK’s oldest gin distillery. If you stop by, you’ll be offered the chance to concoct your very own individual bottle. Save some for us!

Nightlife

We’ve all heard the song about what became of the drunken sailor, right? But what becomes of the drunken student in Plymouth?!

Providing your own unique bottle of gin doesn’t put you off drinking forever, students often admit that the nightlife in Plymouth surpasses expectations. You could be forgiven for assuming this unassuming waterfront city doesn’t do nightlife as well as other cities – but you’d be totally wrong.

The “big” clubs in Plymouth cost around a fiver to get in at the weekends, but during the week there is always something cheap and easy going on for students. Oceana is the best place in town on Monday nights; entry is free, the booze is cheap, and a good time is always had by all. There is even a free bus that takes you from campus to the club each Monday until midnight. It’s basically like the Venga-Bus except without the Vengaboys.

Chain bar and club Walkabout is a big hit with students on Tuesdays, while C103 is always jam-packed on Wednesday nights. Although C103 is famed for its dirt cheap nights, awesome tunes, and it’s sticky floor, it is located in a not-so-nice part of town. There are no buses that take you directly to and from C103, so we’d always recommend you and your mates jump in a taxi.

Thursday nights offer a bit more class at Revolution, where pizza, cocktails and haircuts make for an unusually fun night out. Fridays and Saturdays are generally considered to be “Let’s go anywhere!!” nights, although the Student Union is always a good retreat if you’re all a bit short of cash.

In terms of pubs and bars, some of the best include The Ship, The Navy Inn, Varsity, and The Blues Bar and Grill. Or you could just go to Spoons.

So There It Is

If you think studying by the sea and drinking sailors under the table might be for you but you’d like a little bit more info about courses available in Plymouth why not start searching with Coursefindr here.

Okay, so you know that Bristol is birthplace of Wallace and Gromit, Banksy and Nelson Mandela House from Only Fools and Horses. But trivia aside, what has the city that The Sunday Times voted as “best UK city to live in 2014” got to offer for students? Join us as we take a look at everything you need to know about studying and living in one of the UK’s hippest, trendiest, and most environmentally friendly cities.

Universities In Bristol

Bristol is home to two universities:

The University of BristolThe University of the West of England

The University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is one of the UK’s top universities, and currently sits at 38th in the latest Guardian league table rankings for 2016. It boasts fantastic graduate prospects and super-high degree completion (96%).

Founded in 1876, it is located right in the city centre, which means that everything will be on your doorstep if you choose to study here. Entry requirements depend on the course you apply for, but generally 3 A-levels and 8 GSCE’s (or equivalent) are acceptable. The new core maths qualification is not currently a requirement.

The University of the West of England

The University of the West of England can trace its roots as far back as 1595, which pretty much makes it one of the oldest universities in the UK. It currently sits in 68th place on the latest league table rankings for 2016 and has an overall score of 632. It scores well for facilities spend and graduate prospects, while degree completion remains low.

The University of the West of England has 3 campuses dotted around Bristol, with another located in Gloucester. There are 600 courses to choose from, teaching assessments continue to praise its “excellent” teaching standards, while user-led research that can be applied to real world problems is famously outstanding.

Fees, Living Aspects & Student Finance

Ah, fees these days are so confusing. Why can’t Uni just be 100% free?!

The max amount you will be paying for any course you choose to study in Bristol is £9,000 each year. The precise amount you will pay is determined by the course you are taking, but most full-time courses are in this ball park. If you can’t pay your tuition fees yourself, Student Finance is a government-funded initiative that offers to pay them for you.

Read our guide to student loans for more information.

When you head to university for the first time, it’s highly likely that you will be managing your personal finances and budget for the first time. Each week and month you will need to work out how much money you need to pay your rent and bills, as well as how much will be needed for food, travel, study materials, socialising and so on. Some students find that they can live on just their maintenance loans alone, while others need part-time work in order to help with their living costs.

The average first-year student living and studying in Bristol spends in the region of £7,000 – £11,000 on their cost of living. This is broken down to between £3,700 – £7,500 on accommodation, £615 on food, £180 in utilities such as water and Internet, £300 on books and printing, £1,500 on entertainment and sports. Other things students typically spend their money on include phone calls, drinking and travel expenses. Despite these figures looking pretty scary, Bristol is actually the 18th most cost effective student city in the UK.

If you want to study in one of the most cost effective cities in the UK check them out here.

Most first-year students choose to live in their university’s halls of residence, but you can also choose to live in a private house-share. Halls of residence, particularly those which are catered/private, provide 24/7 security and a chance to meet new like-minded people, but they are also typically more expensive than living in a shared house. For students wishing to study at the University of Bristol, you have a range of 27 student halls to choose. The biggest halls of residence, accommodating 443 students every year is Badock Hall. Students that choose to live here can expect to be sharing bathrooms and kitchens, however, benefit from being catered for (how fancy!).

As the UWE Bristol has multiple campuses, you will need to check where you will be based before you consider your accommodation. If you are based on the Frenchay Campus then you’re more than likely going to want to be living at the Student Village with 1,800 other students. Although you’ll get to meet a lot of new people and get a true freshers experience, the accommodation will be making a huge dent in your student finances at £145.15 per week for a standard room. If you’ve got the finances you can upgrade to a superior room for an extra £3 per week.

Aside from living in the traditional halls of accommodation, students can also opt for the private residence in the city centre. Some of these are:

• iQ Bristol – from £164 per week
• Liberty Park – from £144 per week
• Print Hall – from £149 per week

General Info About Bristol

As mentioned earlier, Bristol is one of the most environmentally-conscious cities in the UK. It’s also the biggest in south west England, and has for a long time been hugely popular with students. Thanks to National Lottery funding, it has seen some spectacular regeneration projects in recent years and is now a throbbing hive of activity, culture and entertainment. The local economy is doing well, and students and local residents will attest to what a great city it is to live in.

Getting around by car is not particularly easy because the city centre is quite expensive to park in. With that in mind, many students prefer to either walk or cycle through the city. Cycling networks have recently been improved and will be improved further in the coming months. The bus network covers a large area, is reasonably priced and offers travel cards. London is reachable in 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the main trains station offers direct lines to a number of the UK’s biggest cities.

Events, Venues And Points Of Interest

There is literally so much going on in Bristol that it’s impossible for you as a student to get bored. There is a reason why more students head to this city than anywhere else, and that’s because it’s an action-packed metropolis that just gets better and better.

The River Avon runs right through the heart of Bristol, and you can get on a ferry boat anytime you want to take in the lively atmosphere. You can even use the boat service to travel from one part of the city to another in style. Don’t bother with it if you’re already late for class, though!

If dry land is more your thing, many students bring their bike to Bristol because, although it’s probably got more inclines than your average ski resort, its twists and turns make cycling fun and entertaining. The wooded trails of the nearby Ashton Court offer a scenic countryside cycle too, and there are 13 miles to cover.

And, yes, you can hop on the train back if you want. Lazy bones.

Perhaps one of the most endearing things about Bristol is that it certainly isn’t flat. It’s supposed to comprise seven hills, but as most hungover students will attest, it certainly feels more like twenty+ hills. Although hills can make walking tiresome, they lend a lot of charm to Bristol and give you a chance to get up high and do some serious people watching. You can take in the vast panoramas, do a spot of homework from a mound, or just general feel inspired and relaxed.

Activities in Bristol include swimming at Clifton Lido, drinking on the Suspension Bridge, taking in one of the many summer festivals, getting scared to death on the Haunted & Hidden ghost tour, or playing frisbee (or getting lost) on The Downs.

Bristol also does culture really well too, and is home to a large number of theatres, including Old Vic, Hippodrome, Wardrobe (which is literally no bigger than a wardrobe), Little Blackbox and Factory.

There are also plenty of gig venues here too, including The Fleece if you like your indie music, The Tunnels and the massive O2 Academy.

Nightlife

Like everything else in Bristol, the nightlife is tip top. In fact, it’s so good that even the toughest of freshers can find it a bit too much!

Whether you like dancing to cheese or get your kicks to some classic motown, Bristol has something for everyone.

Bunker is one of those students clubs that everyone loves during first year but looks back on with embarrassment during third year. “Let’s go to Bunker” someone sarcastically suggests as graduation approaches. Everyone offers a chortle loaded with scorn, even though you all know that two years earlier you practically lived in the place. Oh, if only someone would get rid of those photos …

Lizard Lounge is another one of those Bristol student clubs that everyone knows is actually pretty rubbish but can’t stay away from. It’s a nightmare when you’re sober but oodles of fun when you’ve had a few. Music-wise it’s pure cheese, from Bon Jovi to Bee Gees.

Syndicate is the Friday night “super-club” that lots of students find themselves drawn to if they’re wanting to get down to some chart music. MBargo is another popular club with students that offers free entry most of the time, while Blue Mountain is located in the area of St Paul’s and pumps out House music to the masses. A word of warning: St Paul’s is not what you’d call safe, so always stick together with your mates and always get a cab home if poss.

Bristol is also awash with pubs that serve cocktails, real ales, and show football. Our favourites include The Highbury Vaults, Air Balloon – Flaming Grill, Drawbridge, and The Cross Hands.

So There It Is …

Bristol truly is a head-spinning mistress of a city that offers so much fun for students. If you think you can keep up with your studies while living in the hippest part of Britain, why not start your search for a course in Bristol today.

Coventry is one of the UK’s biggest cities but despite its sheer size, the city commonly features in “Things You Didn’t Know About Coventry” lists than “Things You Knew About Coventry”. However, discovering untapped secrets in a new city is one of the best things about studying at university. If you’re thinking about making Coventry your place of study for the next three years, let’s take a look at all you need to know.

Universities In Coventry

Coventry has two universities:

Coventry UniversityThe University of Warwick

Coventry University

Although Coventry University only officially became a university in 1992, its history goes right back to 1843 when it was known as the Coventry School of Design. After 1954, it became the Coventry College of Art until it became a polytechnic in 1980. It was granted university status in the early nineties and the rest is (recent) history.

Coventry University scores very highly for student satisfaction, and also has near-outstanding graduate prospects. Indeed, employability is central to the student experience. Research quality is on par with similar-sized universities in the country, while degree completion stands at 85%. Entry requirements, although dependent on the subject, range from AAB-BCC. The overall reputation of the university grows year on year and it is currently ranked 15th in the Guardian 2017 league table rankings.

The purpose built campus is located ideally in the heart of the city centre.

The University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK, currently sitting 9th on the Guardian 2017 league table rankings and has never dropped outside the top ten. Entry standards, research quality, student satisfaction, graduate prospects and degree completion are all super-high, with the only real thing letting the university down being their green score, a ranking of UK universities by their carbon footprint, where the University of Warwick score poorly.

It currently has 29 academic departments and almost 60 research centres spread across four faculties:

• Medicine
• Arts
• Social Sciences
• Science

The University has strong links with local businesses and is responsible for attracting a lot of recent investment to the city of Coventry. Entry requirements depend upon the course, and it has a balanced mix between undergrad and postgrad students. All degrees are built around optional and core modules.

The contemporary campus can be found some 3 miles from the centre of the city.

Fees, Living Aspects & Student Finance

We all wish that university was totally free, even more so now that the government has made fees more confusing to solve than a Rubik’s cube. But the maximum amount you will be paying for any course in Coventry is £9,000 per year. The exact amount you will pay comes down to the degree you’re taking, but you will find that most full-time courses are in this financial ball-park. If you can’t afford to pay for your course yourself, Student Finance offers to pay them for you.

For more information about student loans, read our ultimate guide to student loans article.

Some students find that their maintenance loan covers their entire living costs, while others rely on extra handouts from their parents or they bag themselves a part-time job in Coventry. Whether your maintenance loan is enough to cover your entire living costs will largely come down to how you plan and manage your budget. You will need to carefully allot how much money you need each week for accommodation, utility bills, food, study materials, booze, and so on.

The average first-year university student living in Coventry spends around £500 per month on accommodation including bills, £160 per month on food and general housekeeping, £30 per month on mobile phone bills, £20 per month on study materials, £120 per month on socialising, and £20 per month on transport and travel.

Most first-year students in Coventry choose to spend it in a student halls of residence. These buildings offer 24/7 security, and they give you the chance to meet like-minded people straight away. The only real downside is that student halls of residence are often more expensive to live in than a private house-share. Here are some of the most popular halls of residence in Coventry:

• Mercia Lodge – from £115 per week
• Study Inn Coventry – from £141 per week
• Merlin Point – from £135 per week

General Info About Coventry

As we mentioned earlier, Coventry is one of the UK’s biggest cities. Formerly a very productive medieval town and later a major force in cycle manufacturing and the motor industry, it is still home to 19 Grade I listed buildings and 25 Grade II listed buildings. And thanks to a recent multi-million-pound scheme called The Phoenix Initiative, the city lovingly merges contemporary revitalisation with its proud history. As such, you will find a city that is buzzing with culture and regeneration.

Because the two universities in Coventry are situated so far apart, students from each only tend to bump into one another if plans have been made between friends. Warwick’s students live mostly in the Leamington Spa area, while Coventry students generally gather in and around the city centre. There are reliable bus services for all, with a student discount rate offered between the centre and Warwick University. London takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach by train, while a direct train from Coventry is provided to many of the UK’s biggest cities.

Events, Venues & Points Of Interest

As a curious student, it would be hard for you to ever get bored in Coventry. It’s rich in cathedrals and castles, awash with parkland and sporting venues, and is home to enough bars, restaurants and shops to keep you entertained.

In terms of shops, Coventry does very well. It is home to the first ever IKEA store in Britain, as well as a traditional indoor market. If you enjoy shopping in indie stores, Far Gosford Street is a historic part of the city that is home to a clutch of unique businesses. Good quality restaurants include Turmeric Gold Restaurant. Blue Bistro, The Ocean and Noodle Bar. The city centre is largely pedestrianised, so you won’t have much trouble getting from place to place.

There are three ace cinemas in Coventry: You’ll be able to catch the latest blockbusters at the Odeon, take in a few arty films at Warwick University’s Film Theatre, or try something outside the city at the Showcase Cinema. Meanwhile, the Belgrade Theatre regularly plays host to plays and musicals, while the charming Warwick Arts Centre puts on operas, classical concerts and ballets. There are plenty of live music and comedy venues, too, including The Arches, The Crescent Theatre, The Jam House and The Actress & Bishop.

On the edge of the centre, the Cathedral links the old quarter with the newly regenerated quarter. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum offers some intellectual stimulation, while the Ricoh Arena is your number one stop for sporting events, including football. Going a little further outside the city you can take a walk around the War Memorial Park whenever you fancy catching some fresh air and downtime.

Nightlife

You’ll never be short of a night-out in Coventry because there’s always something going on right throughout the academic year. Like with any city, the best student nights are during the week, and if you know how to pre-drink on a budget like a boss you’ll be able to stretch your maintenance loan across the whole nine months.

Now, if you’ve recently been to Ibiza, you’ll probably think Coventry’s nightlife isn’t up to much. But providing you’re just after a cheap, fun and even dirty time with your pals, you’ll have a ball.

Monday nights often mean Kasbah for most students, a lively club with 3 different rooms. It also houses a smoking garden and its very own shot bar. There is even a VIP Lounge if you’re feeling super flushed and super special.

Mortimers is great on a Tuesday night. The club pumps out r ’n’ b, hip hop and pop, and comes with a pole for when you and your mates down your third jaeger bomb and reckon pole dancing upside down to Kanye is a good idea. Wednesday’s in Cov are all about Phoenix, an indie club with 2 bars, and if you’re still going at 4am, you can pop into The Oak for last orders before stumbling into math class.

Other popular clubs and bars for students in Coventry include Rainbows, the city’s friendliest gay bar, Platinum or even The Students Union itself.

If, however, you fancy just pubbing it now and then, top pubs and bars in the city include The Town Crier, Inspire, City Arms, Drapers Arms and Castle Grounds.

So There It Is

If you like what you’ve read and think studying in Coventry might well be for you but don’t know what you want to study, why not start your search for a course available in Coventry here.

As a student you will obviously be looking for any reason for a night out, and what better excuse than St Patrick’s Day. The city you’re studying in will very likely have events and offers on to help you celebrate in style.

Student Offers

It’s St Patrick’s Day, guess what drink will be on offer in most pubs and bars? That’s right, Guinness. Look out for offers in advance, many pubs and clubs will advertise what deals they will be doing in advance to entice students like you. Don’t like Guinness? You may find that most places will feature other deals, especially to draw in the female population. Look out for offers on cocktails and emerald coloured drinks as you will certainly encounter the theme of green in a number of student bars.

Fancy Dress

Not only will there be a good chance of offers on green beverages but with it being the day of the Irish there’s a pretty good chance students will be flocking out in leprechaun fancy dress or just generally the colour green. Where there is a university, there is a fancy dress shop! These shops will stock a wide range of St Patrick’s Day related costumes and accessories for celebrating the big day. If you don’t want to spend much on a costume for one night then look out for green clothes, tights, hats etc in cheaper clothes stores.

Competitions

Clubs love to draw students in with offers and student only events, which not only offer deals on drinks but also invite students to join in competitions, often with an opportunity to win free drink or merchandise, and who doesn’t like free stuff? You may find St Patrick’s Day themed competitions which could include anything from best fancy dress costume to best attempt at river dance. Whatever the competition may be it’s always worth the laugh (craic) to get involved or watch from a distance while other people embarrass themselves.

Students Union

The Student Union at any uni is the hub of student welfare and fun. The SU will make it their priority to ensure the needs of all students are met and ensure no discrimination takes place. This may mean that your SU will be running an event or one off meeting for students wishing to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Night time events may be found at the institutions SU bar or at a designated night club in town which hosts dedicated student nights.

Obviously we celebrate St Patrick’s Day as a nation, but if you are of Irish heritage and want to celebrate for that reason rather than as an excuse for a night out then your Students Union should be able to point you in the right direction to a local church or community that you can celebrate with in your own way.

Southampton is probably most famous for being home to the port where the legendary Titanic set off on her doomed maiden voyage. But rather than being a harbinger of total calamity, Southampton is actually one of the UK’s prettiest modern cities. It’s the booming seaside metropolis of Spitfires, ground-breaking scientific research and cultural growth. If you’re thinking about making it your home for the next few years as you study for a degree, let’s take a look at what it’s all about.

Universities In Southampton

There are two universities in Southampton:

• Southampton Solent University
• The University of Southampton

The University of Southampton

The University of Southampton’s origins go back as far as 1862 and it sits proudly in a very respectable 16th place in the latest League Table Rankings. Graduate prospects are sky-high, while student satisfaction is above average. Research quality is among the finest in the country, and degree completion stands at 92.4%.

The main campus is located north of the city centre but public transport links are excellent. To get in, applicants generally need to achieve at least three A-Level passes. With over 300 degree programmes to choose from, there is a balanced mixture of undergrad and postgrad students, while UK students make up just 71% of the student body. Both single and combined honours are offered, while teaching standards are extremely high: The University was awarded the highest possible level of achievement in teaching by QAA.

Southampton Solent University

Southampton Solent University is still only a babe-in-arms in university years; it gained uni status just ten years ago, after existing for 150 years as a School of Art. It currently sits in a rather lowly position of 100 in the updated 2017 UK League Table Rankings, and spending on facilities has been high in recent years, while the University also enjoys a good green score.

The main campus is situated right in the middle of the lively city centre, which means that you’ll be studying on the doorstep of Southampton’s nightlife. Undergraduates make up 96% of the students here, with just 14% studying part-time. An array of undergrad and postgrad courses are available, and teaching standards are high.

Fees, Living Aspects & Student Finance

The maximum amount that you will be expected to pay for your course is £9,000 per year, regardless of what you study or where you choose to study in the UK. The exact amount you pay will naturally depend on the degree you choose to take. If you cannot afford to pay your tuition fees yourself, you can apply for Student Finance.

Student Finance is a government-funded initiative that offers you a series of loans to help you pay your way through university. Once you have applied, you will be offered a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan. The amount you are offered for the tuition fee loan will match your tuition fee, and the money goes directly to your university. These loans will be repayable only after you have graduated and are earning a certain amount of money. Student Finance pays your tuition fees for each year of study.

For more information about student finance try reading our Ultimate Guide to Student Loans.

When you go to university, it’s highly likely that you will be managing your personal finances for the first time. This means that you’re in charge of budgeting! Each week, you will need to carefully decide how much money you need for your daily essentials, including rent, bills, food, study equipment, travel, socialising, and so on. Some students are able to live purely on their maintenance loans, while others decide to take up part-time jobs to help them pay their way.

On average, students who study and live in Southampton spend £82 per week on rent, £25 per week on groceries, and £10 per week on utilities. Most first-year students prefer to live in university halls of residence, although private accommodation is also a (usually cheaper) option. Living in halls of residence gives you a chance to spend your first year with like-minded people, and it’s often the case that the people you live with during your first year of university become your friends for life.

Below is a list of some of the most popular student halls of residence in Southampton:

• Brunswick House Apartments – £158 per week
• Richmond House – £150 per week
• London Road Studios – £125 per week
• Unilife – £165 per week
• Austen House – £110 per week
• Crescent Place – £125 per week

General Info About Southampton

Southampton is a heavily populated city, 1.5 million people live here, while the cruise capital of Europe also welcomes well over four million tourists per year. It’s big enough to go out and explore, but it’s still compact enough so that you don’t spend half of your life wandering around and getting lost!

The University of Southampton is located north of the city centre, but there is a regular and reliable Uni-Link bus service that connects the main campus with the city centre. There are also regular public transport services that connect the hub of the city with the outer edges, while the main train station links directly with some of the UK’s major cities. London is reachable by train in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Southampton also has a coach service that provides transport to the UK’s major cities.

Southampton is great for shopping, and is in fact known as the Emporium of the South. Its West Quay shopping development cost £300 million to develop and is home to the usual big-name brands. There are also vintage shops dotted around the city, with an entire “antiques quarter” dedicated to all things traditional, handmade and specialist.

Events, Venues & Points Of Interest

Located on the southern coast, Southampton is one of the UK’s most energetic and vibrant cities. It is home to a winding coastline that is dotted with beaches, ports, docklands and caves, while the city centre itself is a Mecca of shopping centres, gig venues, bars and restaurants.

The non-academic side of university is one of the reasons more and more students are increasingly drawn to Southampton. Ocean Village is one such catch. It’s a stunning area of the city that offers quality seafood, excellent bars, a cinema, and a relaxing place to just sit down, watch the boats and forget all about that exam in the morning! Sprinkles Gelato is another win with students that offers you all the milkshake and ice-cream ever. No matter how busy their schedule is, students always make time – and room – for Sprinkles.

Hoglands Park is a great place to just chill out in the spring and summer. An ideal place to sit down with your friends and listen to some tunes, it’s a huge park that will be right on your doorstep. Each summer it also hosts a massive Asian festival. Here you will find great music, great food and great exhibitions.

Or, if you’re just looking for somewhere to chill after a big night out, Southampton Common is a fav with students who just want a bit of peace and quiet. You can have a stroll and feed the ducks until your hangover disappears!

Southampton isn’t massively spoiled when it comes to cinemas, and there is only one Odeon which you will find situated near the docklands. There are plenty of music venues, though, including the O2, alternative venue The Joiners, and The Brook, a venue that regularly hosts touring bands and stand-up comedy shows. Theatres include the Grade II listed Mayflower Theatre, as well as the aforementioned O2.

There are plenty of “touristy” things to do, too; if you love your boats, the annual Boat Show is world famous and showcases some of the best boating models from around the world. SeaCity Museum offers escape from the humdrum of daily life, as does Southampton Art Gallery.

Nightlife

We want to see you have a good time in Southampton just as much as you do, so we’ve reserved the last section for the booming nightlife in this lively metropolis.

Unlike many university towns up and down the country, Southampton actually has a wealth of student clubs. Instead of run-down, boarded-up student unions that hint at past glories, you’ll find a tableau of popular clubs which means there is always something for the night you and your mates have got in mind.

One of the very best is Jesters And Clowns, which for many students in Southampton is actually the best place on earth. Also known affectionately as The Palace of Dreams, Jesters is the club downstairs while Clowns is the bar upstairs. You’re guaranteed a fab night and no doubt you’ll bump into that classmate you always wanted to talk to but never got a chance to. Naturally, you’ll both forget this convo ever happened come Monday morning.

Voodoo Lounge is another student friendly club that has had more name changes than Prince. Jaeger Bombs cost just a quid, while the music’s chart oriented. There is also Sobar, which is located just a few doors down from Jesters and has an excellent beer garden, and The Cube, a club popular with post-grads who just love to tell you everything you can expect after uni has finished. “GETTING A JOB IS SO HARD, MATE.” Yeah. Right. Just give me another £2 double.

If you love your pop music, Pop World on Tuesday nights is for you, while Orange Rooms is a strangely fish-inspired dive that costs a quid to get in on a Tuesday. At the end of the night, someone gets a chance to win £500 of the door money. Ace. That’s just something that can’t be taught in the classroom.

So There It Is …

If you think living and studying by the sea in a vibrant city like Southampton might well be for you, get searching for courses in Southampton below!