Southampton Institute - Student Life

Housing: Most first years in halls; majority of others in nearby private rented accommodation (standard and price vary). Help from accommodation service, SU and noticeboards.

Eats: Food in SU bar - wide variety, quality, well-priced food; meals from £1+, burger and chips £2.70. Subway is also good, with student discounts.

Drink: SU bars very cheap (pint from £1.50); 2 happy hours each weekday (drinks 2-4-1). Frog & Frigate, Lizard Lounge. Firkin pub also good.

Nightlife: SU events cheap; recently Craig David, Louise, Artful Dodger and Damage as headline entertainment; top name DJs (incl Lisa Lashes, Dennis G, and Mike 'Ruffcut' Lloyd). In town, Jongleurs, 3 cinemas (2 in Ocean Village, 1 in Leisure World complex which also has restaurants and 4 nightclubs). Clubs in town: IKON/DIVA, Rhino Club, NY2, The Academy, Kaos and Paradise Club.

Sports: Cheap, well-equipped sports centre + gym on campus. All usual sports in the city.

Financial help: Access funds and hardship loans available through SU and the Institute Student Services; SU also has emergency loan scheme.

Jobs: SU bar and shop work; JobShop in the Institute. Lots of jobs in city shops (pubs and clubs).

Annual living costs: The minimum amount students say you need to live on each year (covering rent and £20 pw for food but excluding tuition fees and any fun) is £100 per week; institute rent payable for 10 months a year, private rentals for 12 months.

Locals: Most are friendly as long as students use common sense and aren't noisy or a nuisance.

Best features: Close to centre of town and near the coast. Opposite Southampton FC & Premiership football; 20 mins drive to New Forest.

Good news: IT facilities; rapidly improving SU.

More info: Contact the SU President, Tel: 023 8023 2154 or email: supres(at)solent.ac.uk, website: www.sisuonline.co.uk

Past students: David Quail (founder of B&Q), Mike Wedderburn (Sports Commentator), R Parkes (HCC wicket keeper).