Southampton Solent University

What's it like as a place to live? A busy, diverse city with a large student community - possessing two universities and several colleges. Southampton is dubbed the 'Green City' due to its many central parks and green spaces, which gives it a less-hectic feel and is especially welcome in the summer when you can chill, or study, in the parks next to Solent campuses.

How's the student accommodation? There are several different university-owned halls of residence, in all manner of shapes, sizes and noise levels! From the social hubs of Kimber and Lucia Foster, to the quieter digs, Hamwic and Chantry. They are based in 6 different locations, mostly for 1st year students. 2nd and 3rd years can apply to live in Emily Davis halls, situated next to the train station and ASDA. There are small, ensuite rooms available, or larger rooms for those willing to share a bathroom (it's not THAT bad!). Make sure you ask for a tour before you decide which one you'd like to live in. Private halls of residence owned by external company, UNITE, are also available and there is a large student community based in various inner city residential areas. Houses vary in price and standards - viewings are essential and our SU Advice Centre can help you with contracts, landlords and estate agents.

What's the student population like? Solent's student community is very vibrant and diverse; from those who love art and media, to sporting, academic and business students. You'll meet all sorts of varying people on your courses, within your halls of residence and through clubs and societies - some of whom you may not normally have mixed with. Coming here is a real eye-opener that diminishes your average stereotypes.

Fairly well. There are many community links made through the university and Students' Union with local residents, particularly within the highly student-populated areas. These include volunteering projects and community rubbish clear-ups. Beyond this, students tend to mingle amongst the locals at popular bars, clubs and shopping areas. Many have met great friends through part-time jobs or within specialist nightclubs (eg Lennons = indie central).

What's it like as a place to study? Course amounts increase year-on-year. We have some niche courses from the likes of Media & Fashion Styling, Outdoor & Water Sports, to Yacht & Boat Design. The Music & Media course facilities are brilliant and recently improved further. We also have brand-new gym facilities for sports courses and Media students have the enviable opportunity of being the only university to film at Glastonbury and Glade festivals every year! And if that wasn't enough, check out individual courses for trips abroad to India, France and the USA.

What are the teaching staff like? There are plenty of specialist lecturers and staff, many of which are willing to put on guest speaker sessions from industry professionals and devote extra time for tutorials, workshops and revision sessions.

What are student societies like?  The SU provide loads of sports clubs and societies for students to get involved in, as well as the chance to set up your own if it doesn't already exist! We currently have around 50 sports clubs and societies. Many sports teams compete in Varsity matches against neighbouring universities, such as Southampton University and Bournemouth University. Other popular sports include Surf, snowboarding, wakeboarding and martial arts...there's something for everyone. Our society of the year, twice in a row, is our student-run radio station, Sin Radio, which this year had close-competition from the Afro-Caribbean society. A major attraction for many students coming here is the Southampton Stags American football team, which is a joint venture between Solent and Southampton universities. We also have a joint cheerleading club who support the games.

What's a typical night out? Depending on your budget many students either start drinking in their halls or the Students' Union (for example Shots'n'Shares on a Friday night), then head on to our regular link-ups with local clubs, such as student-only venue, Kaos.

And how much does it cost? On average £15-£20...but it can easily be done on a tenner!

How can you get home safely? Walk back with friends or housemates. All halls and most shared housing areas are within 10-15 minutes away. There are also taxi services and late-night buses, which venture further out of the city. Within fresher's fortnight we put on the Big Night Out, where student guides (known as Angels) show our students the safest routes around the city, when visiting different bars and clubs.

Is it an expensive place to live? No way, it's really cheap, especially for students. Various student discounts apply in shops, bars, clubs and restaurants when you show your university campus or NUS card. There are also many student-themed club nights and two student-only venues (Kaos and Jesters).

Average price of a pint?  Considering all the clubs and bars, £2.40 (£1.90 here at Solent SU).

And the price of a takeaway? £3-£5, depending on what you want! There are LOADS of takeaway shops right next to the main student housing area. There's allsorts: Pizza, Chinese, fish and chips, burgers and kebabs etc.

What's the part-time work situation?  The Students' Union provide students with jobs in the SU shop, café, bars and on reception as well as jobs doing flyering and promotional work. The university has a great job shop and careers service, where you can either go straight to them or sign up for regular email notifications on internal and external vacancies.  Popular student jobs include being a Tour Guide for students (through the university), working in our bars or becoming a Freshers' Guardian Angel. There are also plenty of opportunities in the city centre, in various bars, clubs and shops, around ten minutes walk from the university campus and accommodation.

What's the best feature about the place? Southampton is a busy city, without being too big and daunting. There are plenty of students here and endless amounts of entertainment. Solent is central to all of this and there is easy access to surrounding attractions, such as Bournemouth beaches, shopping or entertainment in Portsmouth, and relaxing trips to the New Forest.

And the worst?  So many courses, sports clubs and societies to choose from and almost too many clubs nights to keep up with! You have to be motivated to get on with your studies, as there are plenty of fun distractions.

And to sum it all up?  An exciting place to be!

David Quayle (founder of B&Q), Mike Wedderburn (sports commentator). 

Contact the SU president, tel 023 8038 6656 or email supresident@solent.ac.uk, website www.solentsu.co.uk.