Moving to Southampton: A Guide for Students and Professionals Moving to Southampton? Whether you're starting university, relocating for work or simply looking for a fresh start, Southampton is a fantastic place to call home. With a lively city centre, beautiful green spaces, excellent transport connections and a wide choice of residential neighbourhoods, there's plenty to discover. At Manderley Homes, we know that finding the right property is just one part of moving somewhere new. So, we've put together this practical guide to help you settle into life in Southampton. Choosing the Right Area to Live in Southampton One of the first decisions you'll make is which part of Southampton suits your lifestyle. The city offers a mix of bustling student neighbourhoods, quieter residential streets and locations close to major employment centres. Portswood A popular choice for students and young professionals, Portswood offers a lively high street with supermarkets, independent cafés, restaurants and everyday amenities. Its convenient location near the University of Southampton makes it particularly attractive to students looking for accommodation close to campus. Highfield Home to the University of Southampton's main campus, Highfield combines residential streets with easy access to university facilities and Southampton Common. It's a great option for anyone wanting to balance city living with nearby green spaces. The Polygon Situated close to Southampton city centre, The Polygon is popular with students and young professionals who enjoy having shops, entertainment, restaurants and nightlife within easy reach. Swaythling Swaythling offers a more residential feel, with convenient access to the university, local amenities and transport connections. It's worth considering if you prefer somewhere a little quieter while remaining well connected. Bassett For those seeking a more relaxed residential environment, Bassett offers leafy surroundings and convenient access to northern Southampton, including the university and local sports facilities. Getting Around Southampton Southampton is relatively easy to navigate, with several options for travelling around the city. The Unilink bus network connects key locations, including university campuses, the city centre and transport hubs. Southampton Central railway station provides connections to destinations such as London, Winchester, Bournemouth and Portsmouth. Cycling and walking can also be practical options, particularly if you choose accommodation close to your workplace or university campus. Before choosing a property, it's worth checking your regular journey during busy periods. A home that looks conveniently located on a map might involve a longer commute than expected. Things to Do in Southampton There's plenty to enjoy once you've unpacked. Southampton Common is one of the city's best-loved green spaces, ideal for walking, running, picnics or escaping the busy city streets. Westquay Shopping Centre offers a wide selection of shops, restaurants and entertainment, while nearby Bedford Place and Oxford Street provide plenty of options for meeting friends and enjoying a meal out. Southampton's waterfront is another major attraction, reflecting the city's long maritime history. You can also explore its museums, galleries, music venues and sporting events. If you enjoy getting outdoors, the New Forest and the Hampshire coastline provide excellent opportunities for day trips. Preparing for Moving Day A little organisation can make your move much easier. Before collecting your keys, make sure you've: Confirmed your move-in date and tenancy arrangements. Checked which furniture and appliances are included. Arranged broadband and utilities where necessary. Organised your belongings and transport. Updated your address with your bank, employer, university and other relevant organisations. Checked parking arrangements if you're bringing a vehicle. When you move in, take photographs of the property's condition and check the inventory carefully. It's also worth locating the stopcock, fuse box and heating controls straight away. Finding Your New Home in Southampton Whether you're searching for a shared student house, a professional let or a residential rental property, the right home can make all the difference to your experience of a new city. At Manderley Homes, we believe renting should feel straightforward and personal. We offer well-managed accommodation, clear communication and a friendly, approachable service to help tenants feel comfortable from their first enquiry onwards. Planning your move to Southampton? Explore our student accommodation , professional lets and residential lets , or contact Manderley Homes to discuss your next move.
Best Coffee Spots in Portswood, Southampton Whether you're a student looking for somewhere to take a break from studying, a remote worker in need of a change of scenery or simply someone who appreciates a good flat white, Portswood has plenty to offer. One of the great things about living in Portswood is having a lively selection of cafés, restaurants and independent businesses right on your doorstep. Located close to the University of Southampton, this popular neighbourhood has become a favourite with students and professionals alike. If you're new to the area, here are some coffee spots worth discovering. Mettricks Portswood – For Coffee Lovers Location: 267–271 Portswood Road, Southampton Mettricks is a well-known name on Southampton's coffee scene, and its Portswood location is a great place to start exploring the area's café culture. Housed in a former bank building, Mettricks offers a relaxed atmosphere, carefully prepared coffee and a menu featuring brunch dishes and baked goods. It's also home to the Ascapart coffee roastery, making it an especially interesting stop for anyone who appreciates freshly roasted coffee. Whether you're meeting friends for breakfast or taking a break from your day, Mettricks is well worth a visit. Best for: Specialty coffee, brunch and catching up with friends. Muse Coffee Co. – For Coffee and Something Sweet Location: 14 The Broadway, Portswood Road, Southampton If you enjoy pairing your coffee with a cake or pastry, Muse Coffee Co. deserves a place on your list. Situated on The Broadway in Portswood, Muse serves a variety of hot drinks, iced coffees, smoothies and sweet treats. It's a handy place to stop while exploring the local shops or catching up with friends between university lectures. With plenty of choice beyond a traditional cappuccino, it's also a good option if you're visiting with someone who isn't particularly interested in coffee. Best for: Casual coffee dates, sweet treats and a quick pick-me-up. Coffee#1 Portswood – For a Cosy Coffee Break Location: 203–205 Portswood Road, Southampton Sometimes all you want is a comfortable chair, a hot drink and somewhere to escape the bustle of the high street. Coffee#1 offers exactly that. Its Portswood café features welcoming interiors, comfortable seating and shelves filled with books, making it a pleasant place to sit and unwind. There's a selection of coffees, teas, cakes and pastries, along with Wi-Fi for those who need to get a little work done. Whether you're reading a book, meeting a friend or enjoying a quiet moment, it's a reliable choice in the heart of Portswood. Best for: Relaxed afternoons, reading and coffee with friends. Kate's Café Lounge – For Breakfast and a Friendly Local Feel Location: 227 Portswood Road, Southampton For something a little more substantial with your morning coffee, Kate's Café Lounge is another local spot worth knowing about. Known for its breakfasts, brunches and relaxed café atmosphere, Kate's offers a friendly alternative to the larger coffee chains. It's a good option when you're looking for somewhere to sit down and enjoy a proper breakfast or leisurely lunch rather than simply grabbing a takeaway drink. With vegetarian and vegan choices available, there's something for a variety of tastes. Best for: Breakfast, brunch and relaxed weekend mornings. Why Portswood Is Such a Popular Place to Live Of course, there's more to Portswood than its coffee shops. The neighbourhood has long been popular with students and young professionals thanks to its convenient location, everyday amenities and lively atmosphere. With supermarkets, independent shops, restaurants and transport links close by, it's easy to see why so many people choose to make Portswood their home. The University of Southampton's Highfield Campus is nearby, while Southampton Common provides a welcome escape from the busier streets. For tenants who enjoy having plenty to do without travelling into the city centre every day, Portswood offers an appealing balance. Looking for a Home in Portswood? Finding the right neighbourhood is just as important as finding the right property. At Manderley Homes, we offer student accommodation and rental homes across Southampton, with a personal approach that helps make finding and settling into your next home straightforward. Whether you're moving to Southampton for university, starting a new job or looking for a change of scenery, we'd love to help. Explore our student accommodation in Southampton , browse our professional lets or get in touch to find out more about our available properties. Your next home in Southampton could be closer than you think.
