The University of Southampton was originally the Hartley Institute, founded in 1862. The University was granted Royal Charter in 1952. Today Southampton is a top, UK research university, ranked 95th in the world – among only 17 UK universities to make the top 100 (The Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings 2009).
Living and learning at Southampton is a unique, exciting experience. Our state-of-the-art facilities and supportive environment create an impressive recipe for personal success and rich opportunities for the future. We have five campuses in Southampton and our School of Art in nearby Winchester. The main campus is just two miles from the city centre.
On England’s south coast, around one hour from central London and Heathrow Airport, within easy reach of open countryside, the University enjoys an outstanding location. Major European cities are just a short flight from Southampton Airport. This cosmopolitan city provides a warm welcome to our 22,000 students, including 1,400 students from the European Union and 3,400 international students from over 130 different countries outside the EU. The city offers a vibrant mix of recreation, culture and entertainment, from cinemas, theatres, concert halls and art galleries, to a wide variety of sporting facilities and one of the south coasts top ten shopping centres.
For more information see:
- Studying at Southampton
- How to apply
- Meet and Greet service for international students
- Clubs and societies, and on-campus facilities
- Academic schools and departments
Key facts
Academic excellence and wide range of courses on offer:
- A top UK and international institution
- Member of the prestigious Russell Group (top-20 research-led UK universities)
- More than 300 courses from over 65 subject areas
Great location:
- Just over one hour from central London
- International transport links to the UK and Europe
Diverse and welcoming university community:
- 20,000 students including 1,400 from the EU and 3,400 from outside the EU
- 240 clubs and societies (82 Athletic Union clubs and 162 societies, including Mexican, Japanese, Malaysian, Persian and many more international societies)
Great support and benefits for international students:
- Guaranteed accommodation for international students (as long as certain requirements are met)
- Free and confidential support provided by the Students' Union Advice and Information Centre, and the University's Visa Team
- Dedicated International Office
