Finding the right halls for you

Choosing where to live is a significant part of preparing for University life. For students who have a disability, long-term health condition, sensory impairment, neurodivergence, or other support needs, accommodation decisions can feel particularly important...and sometimes overwhelming.

We have created the Disability & Inclusion Halls Guide for Students, providing a clear overview of the support, adaptations, and facilities available across our halls of residence to help you make an informed choice. If you think you may benefit from adapted accommodation, or simply want to understand what support is available in halls, this guide is a valuable place to start.

What the guide covers

The guide brings together essential information about University-owned halls in Southampton and Winchester, focusing on how they support students with additional needs. Rather than expecting students to search for details across multiple platforms, the guide presents key accessibility and inclusion information in one place.

You'll find an overview of:

• Accessible and adapted room options, including both fully accessible and partially adapted rooms.
• Physical adaptations and equipment available in halls, such as adapted bathrooms, hearing-support equipment, automatic doors, and adjustable furniture.
• Hall-by-hall snapshots, an outline of the location, transport links, and practical considerations of each site.
• Support services available before and during your time in halls, including how Residential Services work alongside Student Disability and Inclusion (SDI), the Student Hub, and the Wellbeing Team.

The aim is not to tell you which hall you should choose, but to help you understand what's available so you can make choices that suit your needs and preferences.

A supportive approach to living in halls

Living in halls is about more than just the room itself. The guide highlights how the Residences team works closely with support services across the University to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive living environment.

This includes practical arrangements such as:

• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
• Quieter or alcohol-free accommodation options
• Support for registered assistance and support animals
• Allergy awareness measures for shared flats
• Approved arrangements for medical equipment, personal assistants, or medication storage where required

The leaflet also explains how adaptations can sometimes be arranged or adjusted following discussions with your Disability Practitioner, helping ensure your accommodation continues to meet your needs.

Useful information before you arrive

In addition to accessibility details, the guide answers common questions students often have before moving in, including transport links, parking availability, ground floor privacy, and what support is available once you are in residence.

By reading the guide early, you can:

• Feel more confident about what to expect from different halls
• Understand what support requests may need to be discussed in advance
• Know who to contact if you have questions or need further advice

Who should read the guide?

The Disability & Inclusion Halls Guide for Students is particularly useful for:

• Students applying via the Student Disability & Inclusion (SDI) pathway
• Students with mobility, sensory, or medical needs
• Students with long-term health conditions or mental health considerations
• Anyone who wants to understand the accessibility features of University accommodation

Even if you are undecided about your accommodation choices, the guide can help inform conversations with your Disability Practitioner or the Residences team.

Read the full guide

The full leaflet contains detailed, hall-specific information and practical guidance to support your accommodation decisions.

If you have questions after reading the guide, the Residences and Student Disability & Inclusion teams are always happy to help.