A second home if you will, student pubs in Southampton are the perfect place to hang out to meet other people, watch sports, eat comforting food or grab a beer (or three). Particularly during Freshers Week, pubs are an excellent place to meet new students if you don’t know anyone, or throughout the year for simply enjoying some downtime away from the stress of uni work. But with a reported 172 pubs in the city, which ones are the best in Southampton for students?

Here are my 10 favourite ones to go to. So, grab a pint (or you favourite non-alcoholic alternative) as we delve into the 10 best student pubs in Southampton. Coke no ice for me please…

1. The Mitre

Situated in the highly student area of Portswood is The Mitre. Part of the Greene King chain, this classic pub serves food and drink all day, as well as offering pool tables and all the sport you could want on TV. Plus, students get 20% off food and drinks all year round, making it a great pub in Southampton that shouldn’t drain your student loan, even with frequent visits.

The Mitre is outside of the city centre, meaning its walking distance from many student houses and halls. It’s perfect if you want to fit in a quick pint or two in the week, even if deadlines are looming!

Address: 200 Portswood Rd, Portswood, Southampton SO17 2LB

2. The Giddy Bridge

student bars in Southampton
Source: J D Wetherspoon

We couldn’t possibly have written this article without mentioning a Wetherspoons, perhaps the most popular destination in the country for all things beverages. Southampton is no exception, with The Giddy Bridge being the most popular of 2 JD Wetherspoon pubs in Southampton for students. It’s a large pub situated further into the city, and, it’s just across the street from Trilogy, one of the most popular student clubs, so it’s perfect for your pres. It can get crowded on the weekend though, so be sure to arrive early to secure a table.

Speaking of, if you’re also into clubbing, check out our article on the best clubs in Southampton.

Address: 16 London Rd, Southampton SO15 2AF

3. The Stag’s

Every student should check out their university bar at least once, but the SUSU student pub on campus has enough to keep you coming back. It offers weekly quiz and curry nights, plus a karaoke night, and fairly affordable drinks. If you’re a University of Southampton student, this is perhaps the best place to meet students living near you or on your course. The Student Union pride themselves on their large screens, even showing Southampton matches. Just be sure to remember your Student ID, as there are bouncers on the door to keep you safe and permit only students to enter.

Address: Building 40 University Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ

4. The Hobbit

The odd one out on this list is The Hobbit. Its theme is, obviously, that famous novel everyone’s heard of. Even the drinks have interesting names, though they’re a favourite among students. It boasts the “biggest beer garden in the South”, plus a live music floor with affordable gigs and mini-festivals most Saturday nights. If you’re looking for a friendly pub that offers a little bit of everything, The Hobbit is for you. There’s also plenty of societies who meet there, including the University of Southampton’s Alternative and Indie Music Society. It’s student-central here, making it one of the best student pubs in Southampton.

Address: 134 Bevois Valley Rd, Southampton SO14 0JZ

Discover more incredible beer gardens in Southampton in our guide.

5. The Fleming Arms

If you’re looking for a more relaxing student pub in Southampton, The Fleming Arms, part of the Hungry Horse chain, could be best for you. Serving affordable food and drink all day (including a brilliant burger deal if you club together with friends), The Fleming Arms is situated outside of the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s great for a quiet midweek gathering with a few friends, if that’s what you prefer. As an aside, pubs like this one are always looking for vacancies, so if you’re looking for work, take a look at this or an equivalent to earn yourself a staff discount!

Address: Wide Ln, Southampton SO18 2QN

6. The Cowherds

Picture the scene. Perhaps you’ve been working all month and have earned enough for a little splashing of the cash. If you’re feeling fancy, The Cowherds is about as fancy as it gets. Situated on the edge of Southampton Common, it’s a Vintage Inns pub amongst the serene surroundings of the Common. They serve food and drink all day, including a cheaper set menu in the week. It’s certainly a payday treat, though you won’t regret it. It helps if your parents are there to ease the financial burden, however…

Either before or after your drink, why not enjoy a walk in the beautiful Southampton Common? With over 350 acres of surroundings, it’s enough in itself to attract students to The Cowherds.

Address: Hampshire, The Common, Southampton SO15 7NN

7. The Guide Dog

The Guide Dog Southampton
Source: The Guide Dog Facebook

The Guide Dog is a smaller microbrewery just outside of the city of Southampton. Serving fantastic craft ales, as well as offering live music in their very own back room called The Doghouse, The Guide Dog is a nice balance between busy and quiet. It’s also guaranteed to have students there, since the University of Southampton’s FolkSoc (Folk music society) often performs there. Its location makes it extremely accessible either on foot or via public transport (which Southampton is well catered by), meaning that’s one less thing to think about when you’re feeling thirsty for a pick me up. If any of that quenches your thirst, check this one out.

Address: 38 Earls Rd, Southampton SO14 6SF

8. The Pig in the Wall

Sat in the medieval walls of Southampton is The Pig in the Wall. It’s actually a boutique hotel, but it offers a lovely quaint outdoor drinking area as well as an indoor Deli Bar. You may not find as many students here, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be enjoyable. Of course, if all else fails, you could make use of their hotel facilities. Just don’t let the name put you off. Vegetarians and vegans are welcome.

Address: 8 Western Esplanade, Southampton SO14 2AZ

9. The Brewhouse & Kitchen

If you’re in the University of Southampton’s Highfield Hall, this could be your best bet. Just a few minutes walk from the hall, you can practically see it from your bedroom window. It boasts a nice outdoor area, serving good quality food and drinks. It’s a little on the pricey side, but it’s well worth it if you’re in need of a quick drink. It’s also often quieter than others, so you’re more likely to get a table here on a busy Saturday night. Not only that, but this is one of the only places with a car park. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a car, you can drive straight there.

Address: 47 Highfield Ln, Southampton SO17 1QD

10. The Broadway

If you want a slightly more lively and interactive experience, The Broadway is a perfect pub in Southampton for students. As with the Mitre, it’s in the busy student area of Portswood, so you’re bound to meet one of your own. They offer live sport and the occasional gig too. On Sundays they offer a big pub quiz, with the winner receiving a £100 bar tab! Time to brush up on your general knowledge…

Just be aware that for anything else, such as club nights, you’ll want some transport into the city from Portswood. That is, unless you’re in need of an early night. But hey, this is for students.

Address: Unit 5-6, Portswood Centre, 136 Portswood Rd, Portswood, Southampton SO17 2NH

In the mood for great pub grub, what’s better than indulging in one of the best Sunday roast dinners in Southampton this weekend?

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