Krzysztof Mikulski, Union President
Southampton is full of great places to eat, drink, and have a boogie! We have so many amazing places to visit, such as our very own student pub, The Stag’s, which is located on Highfield Campus. In the Portswood area, there is The Mitre and The Gordon Arms and closer to the city centre you can find pubs like The Titanic and The Duke Of Wellington. As well as these local heroes, there are also three Wetherspoons in the city!
West Quay is full of restaurants such as Franco Manca and Bill’s, along with some great fast-food options. Portswood also offers a range of restaurants and food options, including Charcoal Grill, which I personally enjoy after a boogie at Jester’s, Circuit or Trilogy!
Joshie Christian, VP Education
I love when you can track down a spot that’s just yours for a little while… Daisy Dip is nearby for anyone living in Glen Eyre or around Bassett, and it’s a lovely bit of green for reading out on the grass, or doing some genuinely decent stargazing considering we’re in a city!
For spending some time with friends – book the pottery painting in the Marlands, try any of the escape rooms in the city centre, or jump on a passenger ferry to the Isle of Wight and pick a town; my favourites are Ryde and Godshill for the model village and cute shops.
And my one Southampton Highlight is the Mayflower Theatre! In four years, I’ve been to plays, comedies, and a bunch of musicals, including SIX, Matilda, The Lion King, and loads more. The best thing I’ve been to this year was War Horse – I always cry…
Harvey Penycate-Smith, VP Communities
At the top of my list has to be climbing at Bouldershack. I try to go once a week at least but aim for two to three times when I can. Bouldering is a great way to get stronger and stay in shape, and I find that it suits my ADHD well. It’s also a good place to make friends as the community is very welcoming and supportive. I also enjoy exploring Southampton Common; it’s nice to have so much green space close by, and it reminds me of the countryside back home. It’s also a fun day out to just go shopping with friends down in the town centre, whether it’s searching for the latest manga volumes in Forbidden Planet or finding stuff for our rooms in IKEA.
Charlie Bell, VP Sports
As a student, I have loved getting involved with Wednesday socials with a few different sports. This has been a great way to socialise and meet new people throughout my time at the University. A go-to is also a trip to The Gordon Arms pub in Portswood after a Wednesday of BUCS fixtures! Another place that has been great to visit while at the University is West Quay. West Quay has a huge array of shops and restaurants and is a great place to go with your friends, whether it’s for a coffee or a shopping trip. Also, Jester’s Monday and Chicksy Loaded Chicken on your walk back is something no one should miss!
Annie Whyman, VP Inclusion
There is a lot more to Southampton than meets the eye. While I did spend most of my degree sitting in The Bridge studying, much of my evenings and weekends are spent exploring the city end to end, seeing all it has to offer. The Southampton Common and connected Old Cemetery are gorgeous green spaces for picnics (with Maurie’s sandwiches), walks or hanging out with friends. West Quay and The Marlands are a huge hub for shopping, restaurants and cafes; I particularly enjoy getting dinner or lunch before watching a movie at the cinema, as they are all so close! West Quay is next to the gateway into the medieval city, Bargate, and the somewhat destroyed medieval walls. These walls carry a deep history within them and are so beautifully situated within the modern city; you feel their presence constantly. Finally, nights out can be anywhere, from The Stag’s to The Hobbit, to the London Hotel; the nightlife in Southampton stretches out across the city, and you can find something to do most evenings.
