Clubbing is an essential part of your time at university. Nightlife and culture was not something I actually looked at, nor became aware of, until Freshers, where nightclubs roll tickets and promotions to their events. Being a moderately sized city, Southampton has a refined selection of nightclubs which are fairly easy to get to.
Before we get into the main list, let’s go through some basic nightclub etiquette to maximise your enjoyment on nights out. It’s important to speak up for yourself – say when you want to leave, if you feel uncomfortable, or when you don’t (or do!) want to do something. Also, don’t put things in other people’s drinks, don’t touch people in an unwanted manner, and look out for your friends. Finally, wear comfortable shoes, make sure your phone is charged, and don’t forget your ID!
Now, let’s break down the best student nightclubs in Southampton:
1. Sobar
A largely undisputed favourite among all Southampton students, Sobar has it all. Convenient Portswood location? Check. Cheap drinks? Check. Electric and sociable atmosphere? Check, check, check. The legend of Sobar Tuesdays lives up to the hype. There’s nothing better than rocking up, getting a round of QuadVods (a Southampton delicacy and just as lethal as they sound) and talking to complete strangers all night in the smoking area. I once went on a cold Tuesday in February and bumped into pretty much everybody I had met since starting uni. Sobar is arguably unbeatable.
Speaking of drinks, if bars are more your thing, check out our article on the best roof top bars in Southampton.
Post night out takeaway spot: Chicoland or Charcoal Grill
2. Jesters
Perhaps this one is a little controversial, but the secret to enjoying a Jesters night out is to keep your expectations low and lean into the awfulness of it all. This is a nightclub that has (rightfully) earned its place on the worst nightclubs in the UK list because of its sticky walls and floors, four corners challenge, urine cup stacks and growth of mushrooms in the men’s toilet. The cubicle in the gents has no door, while in the ladies there are two toilets in a single cubicle – a true bonding experience. Everything about Jesters is objectively grim, but the vibes are immaculate. Their playlist stands out from the other nightclubs – Baywatch at midnight tracks varying from 80s cheese, 90s RnB, nostalgic 00s and (yes) even the 2013 cringe that used to dominate your Spotify playlists. Plus, you can’t beat a Jesticle!
Post night out takeaway spot: Chicoland or Charcoal Grill
3. Switch
The music, while good enough, doesn’t cater to everyone as much as Sobar and Jesters. However, the mezzanine layout of the main floor is impressive to look down on when you’re waiting (ages!) to get your coat in the cloakroom and watch the confetti and inflatables rain down on everyone below. Switch does come with the usual safety warnings (which you should always be wary of), even more so than the other nightclubs. One of my most memorable Switch experiences was when my friend and I were queueing in the lady’s bathroom, and a very, very drunk man stumbled in, unzipped his trousers, and took a leak in the corner!
Post night out takeaway spot: Subway
4. Trilogy
Billed as Southampton’s biggest nightclub, Trilogy opened its doors soon after COVID in summer 2021. It has two music rooms, with one playing RnB, house, and dance music, and another with a colour changing dance floor and disco balls soundtracked by pop music. Trilogy also operates in Blackpool and High Wycombe. They even give away free pizza on student Thursdays.
Post night out takeaway spot: Subway
5. The Edge
The Edge is proud to be Southampton’s only LGBTQ+ nightclub. Near to Solent University and connected to the Box Bar, the drinks and cocktails are cheap and tasty, the music and karaoke are excellent, and the vibe is welcoming and non-judgemental. With multiple rooms to cater to different music tastes, and staff who are vigilant to create a safe environment for everyone, the Edge is an asset to the Southampton nightclub scene.
Post night out takeaway spot: Pizza 4 U or Sal’s Kebab & Pizza
6. Orange Rooms
This 70s inspired cocktail lounge is tucked away in Bedford Place. Entry to Orange Rooms is free before 11pm, and the deals on drinks are unbeatable. When it comes to cocktails, Orange Rooms is far and away the best nightclub in Southampton, with excellent two for one offers and bottomless cocktail hours.
Post night out takeaway spot: Subway (again)
7. Café Parfait
On some nights, the nightclub is only open to over 21s, meaning you have to do your research before trying to get in. The bathrooms are new and clean, but it is probably a bit too expensive to regularly visit as a student. It’s definitely a night out for a more acquired taste.
Post night out takeaway spot: Subway
8. Popworld
View this post on Instagram
If you’ve never heard of Popworld, don’t worry. Hidden away near Bedford Place and Archers Road, it’s not exactly something you’d pass and think ‘huh, maybe we should try that sometime!’. I never knew there was a Southampton branch of the Popworld franchise, but I did once see a flyer for a One Direction themed night, which, as far as I’m concerned, sealed its fate. Each to their own, I guess!
Post night out takeaway spot: Probably another Subway (Southampton is full of them)
9. The Cube
The University of Southampton ‘nightclub’ in the basement of the Student Union. Everyone went for the Welcome Party on their first night, had a couple of cheap drinks, spoke to some new people, then went home and never returned. Nobody really wants to go clubbing on campus – it’s mixing business with pleasure.
Post night out takeaway spot: Wessex Lane McDonalds or Star Pizza
Southampton does not have much of a reputation for nightlife, but judging by this list, it certainly should do. At the end of the day (or night, in this case), you have to try everything to know what you like the best!
Last Updated on September 9, 2024
Published on September 19, 2020
