The popular high street is a stone’s throw away from the Southampton Solent University. In the heart of the high street is the West Quay shopping centre, which boasts over 90 stores spread out over three levels.

The major stores, such as Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, are located in the mall. Leading fashion stores such as Zara, French Connection, River Island, Coast, and Dune are also found among the retailers. The Food Terrace, situated on the top level, is a great place for students to grab some grub. Everybody loves Nando’s, home of the Portuguese Peri-Peri chicken, and the restaurant is located here along with Café Giardino, Harry Ramsden’s and others. You’ll find all of your other favourite eateries located on the high street too. The mall has won a whole host of awards since opening in 2000 including “Best New Centre 2001” and “Loo of the Year 2008”.

There are two smaller malls situated in the high street as well – Bargate and The Mall. Bargate specialises in unique shopping outlets, from fashion to music. The Mall is great for discounted goods and special offers. Southampton also has a large retail park right behind the West Quay shopping centre. Stores found there include IKEA, Toys R Us, and Halfords.

Conveniently located right near student accommodation are large supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda. There are other supermarkets dotted around Southampton too such as Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Lidl, while smaller supermarkets like Somerfield and The Co-op are based in largely populated student areas for convenience.