Tour an oceanographic research institute, watch independent theatre productions and see designs by notable British architects at this 150-year-old university.
The University of Southampton regularly features in the world’s top 100 universities. Get a feel for the lifestyles of students, professors and alumni while you explore the campuses spread across the city of Southampton. Check the university’s events schedule for concerts, talks and theater shows. The University of Southampton’s origins date back to 1862 and it was given its official university status in 1952.
Much of the university’s life revolves around the Highfield Campus, large parts of which were designed by Scottish architect Sir Basil Spence in the 1950s. The redbrick Hartley Library is the work of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Note the fractal pattern that decorates the glass façade of the award-winning Mountbatten Building.
Landscaped gardens surround the buildings and present areas for those studying and teaching to relax or read in peace. Spot a variety of plant species at the campus’ botanical garden. More opportunities to enjoy the city’s greenery await in Southampton Common, a wooded parkland adjacent to the campus.
Book tickets for an evening of music and spoken word at the Turner Sims Concert Hall. National and international theater companies take to the stage at the NST Campus theater. In the city’s Cultural Quarter, the John Hansard Gallery works closely with the university. It puts on five exhibitions of contemporary art a year by well-known and up-and-coming artists.
Make your way on foot or by bus to the Waterfront Campus, in the city’s port area. Here, the National Oceanography Centre conducts scientific research on the coastlines and seas of the United Kingdom. Learn about the work of scientists at the annual open day in June and at monthly marine conservation talks.
The University of Southampton is easy to reach via a public bus service from Southampton Central train station.
Pick up a walking tour leaflet of the Highfield Campus at the main reception or download the leaflet onto your smartphone via the university’s website.
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