The best student bars and clubs in Southampton

Let’s not kid ourselves. Uni is mostly about going out and (responsibly) getting on it whenever you can. Sure, there are lectures and life lessons to be had, but everyone knows the real memories are made in the smoking area of a bar or a club at 2 am with people you met just a week earlier. And nowhere does student nightlife quite like Southampton. Especially during Freshers Week.

So, if you fancy being the one who actually knows where to go, grab your new housemates and lead the charge. Here’s your guide to the best student bars and clubs in Southampton.

 

Southampton student bars

 

The Stag’s 

Photo: What's On at SUSU / Instagram.com 

Where: Building 40 University Road in Southampton SO17 1BJ

Since we’re going over the best Southampton student bars, we might as well start with one that’s dedicated to students. The Stag's, formerly The Stags Head, is on the Uni of Southampton’s Highfield Campus, making it the perfect place to meet new mates. It’s open 7 days a week through term time and boasts a Happy Hour Monday to Thursday, running from 4 pm until 7 pm, where you can get a pint of lager or cider for as little as £2.99. Score!

Known for its wild karaoke sessions on Thursdays, it also offers its patrons free live sport and use of its pool tables and dartboards. The perfect place to spend an evening mid-week or kick-start a wild adventure come the weekend.

 

Find tickets for Southampton University events

 

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Orange Rooms 

Photo: Orange Rooms / Facebook.com 

Where: 1-2 Vernon Walk in Southampton SO15 2EJ

A firm favourite with both alumni and current students, the iconic Orange Rooms has long been a go-to for anyone after a quality night out - particularly if cocktails are your drink of choice.

Granted, prices aren’t the lowest in town, but the deals more than make up for it, like two cocktails for £13 before 11pm every day. And then there’s the setting itself: a 70s-inspired retro-chic bar that oozes character and cool, serving up the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed. 

 

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The Hobbit Pub

Photo: The Hobbit Pub / Facebook.com 

Where: 134 Bevois Valley Rd in Southampton SO14 0JZ

As close to Middle-earth as you’ll get without bumping into hobbits or cursed jewellery, The Hobbit is a beloved Southampton staple - especially among students. With budget-friendly prices and what it proudly claims is the city’s biggest beer garden, it’s easy to see why this quirky pub remains a firm favourite.

The pub hosts regular quizzes, themed nights and free live music, with a varied calendar of DJs and groups staging performances right through the year. There are also pint cocktails (yes, you read that right), slushies in the summer, and mocktails to get suck into, plus the ultimate drunk foods - pizza and garlic bread. 

 

Find tickets for events at The Hobbit Pub

 

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The Scholars Arms 

Photo: Scholars Arms / Instagram.com 

Where: 166 Above Bar St in Southampton SO14 7DU

The Scholars Arms is a go-to for sports fans, especially loyal Southampton F.C. supporters looking to soak up matchday buzz. Set in the city’s Cultural Quarter, this lively sports bar is kitted out with big screens, live TV, and plenty of competitive distractions like shuffleboard and pool. Widely regarded as the best sports bar in Southampton, Scholars knows how to keep the energy going, with student deals on drinks and weekend entertainment ranging from crowd-belting karaoke to late-night DJ sets that fill the dancefloor. 

 

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The Alexandra Hotel

Photo: The Alex / Instagram.com

Where: 6 Bellevue Rd in Southampton SO15 2AY

Cosy English pub aura, a beer garden with fairy lights and greenery, smash burgers, and lots of history - that's just a bit of what The Alexandra Hotel has to offer. This budget-friendly pub is one of Southampton’s oldest taverns, having been around since the 1800s, and is certainly one of the best Southampton student bars. 

The “sexy burger pub”, a title awarded by its humble owners, has loads of thrills on offer too, including quiz night Wednesdays, open mic Thursdays, and free live music on Saturdays. You’ll also find a pool table, board games, and classic video games. 

 

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Stein Garten 

Photo: Stein Garten Southampton / Facebook.com

Where: 46-47 High St in Southampton SO14 2NS

Top of every uni student’s wishlist when moving to a new city? An authentic German bar experience, naturally. Perhaps that explains Southampton’s enduring appeal.

At Stein Garten, friends, frothy steins, and oompah bands come together in a riot of Bavarian-themed fun. Serving up some of the finest wheat beers, sausages, and sauerkraut this side of Munich, the bar pours classics like Krombacher, Erdinger, and Franziskaner, plus its own house beer and cider. Not a beer fan? No problem! The menu also features wine, cocktails, and a solid line-up of spirits. And the best bit? Happy hour runs daily from 5pm to 7pm, except Saturdays. Prost!

 

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Revolution

Photo: Revolution Bars / Facebook.com 

Where: 28a Bedford Pl in Southampton SO15 2DB

Revolution is another killer Southampton student bar with an abundance of mega drink deals devised specifically for students. 

Freshers and newcomers are urged to download the Revs app to unlock a load of perks - we’re talking two-for-one cocktails all day, every day, £3 pints of Amstel, and 40% off food. Both the drinks and food menus deliver big on flavour, with something to please every palate. Feeling bold? Their bottomless brunch is perfect for some daytime mischief.

When the sun’s out, head up to the rooftop bar - a dreamy spot decked out with cosy booths, fairy lights, and a TV for good measure. And if you’re part of the hospitality crew, don’t miss Industry Sundays: flash your payslip for 40% off food and drink, all day and night.

 

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Belgium & Blues

Photo: Belgium and Blues Southampton / Facebook.com

Where: 

Belgium & Blues is a cosy, two‑floor beer bar and brasserie tucked into Southampton’s Cultural Quarter. Born from three friends wanting more than your average pub, it’s now legendary for a massive selection of quality Belgian and craft beers - from hand‑pulled ales to keg pours - plus artisan wines, spirits, and beer cocktails. 

The food is just as good too, with starters like Camembert, hearty mussels, steaks, sandwiches, and quirky Belgian-inspired bites. 

Add live blues or vinyl DJ sets, snug booths in the cellar and a vibrant yet relaxed vibe, and you’ve got a top‑tier stop for students craving something offbeat.

 

Find tickets for events at Belgium & Blues

 

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Boom Battle Bar

Photo: Boom Battle Bar Southampton / Facebook.com

Where: Lower level, South Unit WM03, West Street in Southampton SO15 1DE

Where else can you chuck axes, battle with augmented darts, play shuffleboard, beer‑pong, sing your heart out in karaoke, and sip on mega drink deals all under one roof?

Welcome to Boom Battle Bar. Tucked inside West Quay South, this two-floor games bar serves up everything from axe throwing and AR darts to karaoke booths, shuffleboard, beer pong, and more.

Perk up midweek with their unbeatable happy hour - two‑for‑one cocktails from 4 pm to 7 pm, Monday to Thursday - no booking needed. Whether you’re looking for a cheeky date-night activity or a full-on squad outing, it’s a battle zone built for laughs, friendly rivalry, and unforgettable nights.

 

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The Brewhouse & Kitchen

Photo: 

Where: 47 Highfield Lane in Southampton SO17 1QD

Just a short walk from Highfield Campus, Brewhouse & Kitchen is a student-friendly brewpub where the beer’s brewed on-site and the vibes are always laid-back. With over 50 craft beers and ciders (including their own, like the brilliantly named On Le Tiss), there’s plenty to explore pint by pint. The food menu is solid too - think burgers, loaded fries, and proper pub classics that won’t break the bank. 

Whether you’re heading in for chilled drinks after lectures or a Sunday roast hangover cure, it’s a great shout. And keep an eye out for tasting nights and beer masterclasses if you fancy levelling up your pint game.

  

Find tickets for events at The Brewhouse & Kitchen

 

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Southampton student clubs

 

Jesters Nightclub

Photo: Jesters Nightclub / Facebook.com

Where: 114-118 Bevois Valley Road in Southampton SO14 0JZ

So sh*t that it’s great, Jesters has been dubbed “one of the UK’s worst nightclubs”. That might sound off-putting but all that tells you is that you’ll have a night or two you definitely won’t forget.

Get over there, order yourself a Jesticle (their signature cocktail with mystery ingredients), and dance to the Baywatch theme tune. You’ll understand once you’ve done it. 

This Soton institution is currently up for sale after being served with a repossession notice earlier in the year. Its current owners have said it will remain open for the coming term, but this might be one of your last chances to experience this infamous nightclub. Give it a go and write yourself into Jester’s history.

 

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Sobar

Photo: The Sobar Southampton / Facebook.com 

Where: 98-102 Bevois Valley in Southampton SO14 0JZ

In the heart of student territory with big screens, comfy sofas, and drink deals, Sobar is considered by many students to be the best of all Southampton student clubs. Part club, part bar, Sobar attracts students for a few reasons including SO:Crazy. On Tuesdays, SO:Crazy brings £1 doubles. Yep, a quid for a double. 

When they aren’t helping you get leathered for just a few pounds, Sobar hosts some incredible artists, including some you definitely recognise - from across DnB, house, UKG, rap, and more, often (but not always) in the Sobar Garden. 

 

Find tickets for events at Sobar 

 

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The Edge 

Photo: The Edge Nightclub, Southampton / Facebook.com 

Where: Compton Walk in Southampton SO14 0BH

With over 28 years of experience serving Southampton’s LGBTQ+ residents and allies, The Edge is the city's biggest, most popular LGBTQ+ club. But if that didn't convince you, they have regular nights with solid drink deals. 

For example, at Edge Me Wednesdays, guests can enjoy £1.50 drinks and karaoke late into the night. Fridays are Bingo, Cabaret and Cocktails, and Saturdays are for The Big One with so many drink deals we’d be here all day if we listed them. Just know Saturdays have deals on cocktails, beer, and shots. 

 

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Circuit

Photo: Switch Southampton / Facebook.com 

Where: 127 Above Bar Street in Southampton SO14 7FN

Previously known as Switch - and briefly, District - the newly rebranded Circuit has undergone a sleek half-a-million-pound transformation, set to reopen just in time for the 2025/26 uni term.

A long-standing favourite among fans of house and techno (with regular doses of DnB, UKG, and hip-hop thrown in), the venue has welcomed some of the biggest names in electronic music, including Josh Baker, Murphy’s Law, Turno, Oppidan, SOSA, Tion Wayne, Hannah Wants, and BBCC.

As it throws open its doors once again, both freshers and returning students can expect more of what made the club a Southampton staple, with a bold ambition to reclaim its crown as the city’s top student nightlife spot.

 

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Popworld

Photo: POPworld Southampton / Facebook.com

Where: 17 Lower Banister St in Southampton SO15 2EH

Self-described as "cheese with style", Popworld is known for drinks deals, nostalgic decor, and cheesy pop anthems. But the main star of the Popworld show is the super-cheap drinks at its events running throughout the week. 

Rubix lands in the club on Fridays, offering remixes of Popworld music (you'll understand when you get there), chart, and dance anthems, with 50% of all drinks before 11 pm. Then there’s Wonderland Saturdays, with 50% of all drinks from 9 pm until 11 pm, and, mid-week, Switch Up Wednesdays, where you can get your lips around £1 shots, £2 WKD’s, £2 singles and £3 doubles.

We’ll leave you to discover the rest. 

 

Find tickets for events at Popworld 

 

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Trilogy Nightclub

Photo: Trilogy Nightclub Southampton

Where: 55 London Road in Southampton SO15 2AD

Split across two floors with three bars and a big-club feel, Trilogy is a standout in Southampton’s student nightlife scene. Weekly events like Skint Tuesdays, Glam Thursdays, and Frequency Fridays keep the party pace high, with drink deals, giveaways, and DJs spinning everything from chart to DnB. Saturdays go full throttle with VIP booths and packed dancefloors, while themed pop-up nights add variety. 

Whether you’re after cheap drinks, a big night out, or somewhere to let loose midweek, Trilogy delivers across the board, and with plenty of student offers to boot, it’s easy to see why it’s a midweek-to-weekend favourite.

 

Find tickets for events at Trilogy Nightclub

  

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Ready to make these epic Southampton student bars and clubs your second home? Of course you are! Whether you’re in it for boujee nights out drinking cocktails, karaoke chaos or full-blown DnB carnage, your student social life starts here.

Hit the link to discover your perfect Southampton freshers event – pizza parties, raves, and everything in between. 

 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

 

 

  

 

 

Header: The Sobar Southampton / Facebook.com