How applications work when apply to return to Halls

FAQ’s 

Who is eligible to apply to return to halls? 

Any current University of Southampton students can apply to return to live in University halls for their subsequent years of study. 

When are applications open for returner applications? 

Applications for returner applications are open and will close on Tuesday 1 July 2025. 

How do I apply? 

Applications can be made via the accommodation portal up until Tuesday 1 July 2025.

How do applications work? 

When applying, returning students can submit a minimum of 5 or maximum of 7 preferences.  

You also have the option to apply as a group and the ability to select a variety of lifestyle preferences. 

On logging into the portal select "New Application" and then academic year "2025-2026". Select "Returning - I am a student in my second or subsequent years." Select "Returning undergraduate" for the remaining two stages and you will then be able to select your accommodation preferences.

How do I apply as a group with friends?

Returning Students are able to apply to live with a group of students. Once you have submitted all your accommodation preferences you will then be offered the chance to add notes to your application.

In the notes section add any details we need to be aware of in relation to your application and then put your group name (you will need to agree on a name with your friends). Please put Group Name: followed by the name of your group in the notes.

Please make sure you and your friends all apply for the same accommodation preferences and all use the same group name or we will not be able to allocate you together.

If after submitting your application you then wish to be removed from the group you applied with please email accommodation@soton.ac.uk explaining you wish to be removed from the group application.

How will I know if I have been successful or not? 

Those who are successful will receive an offer of accommodation around a week after the application has been submitted. We will continue to make offers while we have availability of returner accommodation. 

Students with medical conditions or disabilities which present difficulties in finding suitable alternative accommodation will be prioritised, as will students requiring accommodation for part of the year due to placements or Study Abroad.

If you have not received an offer of accommodation by 9 July 2025, your application has not been successful.

Are there any application fees or costs involved? 

There are no application fees or prepayments required.

Additionally, if for whatever reason, you do not return to University, we will not hold you to your contract.

Find out more about our confirmed fees and contract dates for 2025/26.

Where can I find information on the halls? 

As well as on the accommodation portal you can also find details of our halls on the accommodation website. Please note not all accommodation options are available to returning students. You can find a playlist of virtual accommodation tours for our halls site on our accommodation tours playlist.