Staying in Southampton this summer?

Staying in university halls over the summer is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to solo adventures. Without the pressure of packed timetables, you can explore Southampton on your own terms.

Unwind with nature

🌳 Southampton Common Picnic & Book Date: Take a book, a blanket and your favourite snacks from the local Sainsbury's to Southampton Common. It's completely free, peaceful on weekdays and ideal for resetting your brain.

🌳 Riverside Park Walk & Coffee: Walk down to Riverside Park in Bitterne Triangle. You can watch the paddle boarders on the River Itchen, stroll along the paths and grab an iced drink from a café nearby.

🌳 The Ultimate New Forest Day Trip: Walk down to Swaythling or Southampton Central station and catch a quick train straight into the New Forest. Rent a bike, spot the wild ponies, and enjoy a quiet pub lunch away from the city buzz.

Culture & caffeine

Perfect for rainy summer days or when you want to absorb some local art.

🖼️ Art Day: Visit the John Hansard Gallery in the city centre to explore their contemporary art exhibitions. Follow it up by treating yourself to a speciality coffee and a study/reading session at Mettricks Guildhall.

🖼️ The Cultural Quarter Crawl: Head into the city centre to visit the Southampton City Art Gallery or the SeaCity Museum.

🖼️ Westquay Solo Cinema & Retail Therapy: Spend an afternoon at Westquay Shopping Centre. Grab a table at the food hall, pick up a new outfit with a UNiDAYS student discount, or catch a summer showing by yourself at the Showcase Cinema.

Summer 2026 big events to attend

Going to festivals or public lectures solo is incredibly liberating. You can arrive when you want, leave when you want and stand/sit exactly where you'd like.

🎉 Southampton Mela Festival (18 July): Held in Hoglands Park, this vibrant summer festival celebrates modern and traditional Asian culture. It's full of incredible street food, dance performances, and music - the ultimate solo feast-and-stroll date.

🎉 Summer Sessions at Guildhall Square: The Cultural Quarter turns into an open-air concert venue this summer. If you love live music, check out the artists playing right on the square.

🎉 University Summer Lectures: On 13 July, the university is hosting a fascinating public lecture titled "Telescopes on the Moon" at the Centenary Building (Building 100) on Highfield Campus. It's free and a brilliant low-pressure evening solo date.

Pro-tips for students staying in halls over summer:

• Utilise the Bus Pass: Your student halls accommodation usually includes a Unilink bus pass, and on some lines you can get free transport from your accommodation into the city centre or down to the waterfront, so utilise it to get out and about. 
• Check the Common Rooms: Don't forget your own accommodation's facilities. If you want a zero-travel day, cook your favourite meal in the kitchen, put on a podcast and head to the halls common room for a casual game of pool or a movie night on the big screen. 

This is a great opportunity to try something new and learn to enjoy your own company, which can do wonders for your wellbeing. If you do need support over summer, we're here for you.