Nightlife in Southampton – A Fashion Guide

As you might expect from a city university, the nightlife in Southampton is a pretty lively affair. From the WW1 trench-like dance floor of Jesters to the high-end establishments of Voodoo and Oceana, there’s something for everyone. But for freshers (and those who have forgotten), here’s a handy guide of what to wear and where to wear it!

Oceana – City Centre

Apart from the various SUSU events and society balls, this is the place of sophisticated dress. For boys, it’s all about looking good, with the various dance floors usually littered with checked and denim shirts and the odd tight fitting t-shirt for those with the body to get away with it. A standard pair of jeans will suffice and, unless you insist on drunkenly stumbling for an hour and half back to your halls, a decent pair of shoes. We don’t know of any Inbetweeners moments, but trainers are a risky move. And for the ladies, break out those nice dresses you’ve got in the wardrobe with the highest pair of heels you can find. But try not to break your neck, as Oceana has way too many flights of stairs and a podium or two to slut drop on.

Voodoo – City Centre 

A similar sort of place to Oceana that’s very popular on a Friday night. It can get hot on very busy nights so less really is more here. Try to avoid wearing layers; however there is a coat room for those travelling on cold winter nights. Again, heels for the girls, tight dresses and your best clutch is required.

Myth (previously known as Provenance) – City Centre

Again, this is similar to Voodoo and Oceana (it’s only once we move to the Portswood strip that things get interesting). So just look good and smell nice, as opposed to the actual venue, and you’ll be fine. You will spot the occasional Snapback and high top geezer who is simply there for the Jay-Z mash up. Girls tend to go for the shorts and crop look to ensure they are looking ‘G’. We’ll be sure to bring you the gossip on the newly refurbished ‘Myth’ when it opens for Fresher’s Week.

Bedford Place Clubs

With over 10 clubs here, such as Vodka Revs, Orange Rooms and 90’s club Popworld, Bedford Place is very popular on a Tuesday and weekends. With wristbands that can get you into multiple venues in one night, it’s a great place for throwing socials, and fancy dress is a bit more acceptable here!

Freshers ‘avin it large at Carnage

Again, it’s a jeans and shirt/dress and heels place if you’re not dressing up, but a little more laid back. Carnage, the infamous and very messy bar crawl, is held here too, so watch out for t-shirt sales throughout the year. Archers Road halls are just around the back, and are short walking distance away.

Jesters/Sobar – Portswood

If you asked a second or third year about Jesters or Sobar, you’ll be told countless stories of debauchery and drunken antics. These are THE PLACES TO BE on a Monday and Tuesday.

Tee Off: Golf gloves are a must at pub golf

The most famous and popular venues among students, part of its notoriety derives from its dress code, mainly because there isn’t one. All you will need is a pair of ‘Jesters Shoes’; a pair of closed-toe shoes (girls, don’t risk flip flops) that you don’t mind getting ruined. Its a casual affair, coats recommended in the winter so you can enjoy the outside areas all through the evening.

You can pretty much get away with anything (we’ve seen mankinis being worn on cold winter nights) and when the Baywatch Song comes on, you’ll be stripping off anyway. With 50p shots on a Monday in Jesters and the infamous Jesticle, and £1.50 triples on a Sobar Tuesday, these venues attract all kinds of students – those looking for a cheap night out, sports clubs and societies!

Standard Jesters shoes after visit #1

Pulse @ The Cube – Highfield Campus 

Wiley at The Cube. Image: SUSU

This year, SUSU’s very own nightclub – The Cube – is hosting a brand new Friday night called Pulse. Previously, The Cube has hosted nights with the likes of Wiley, Ministry of Sound, Jameela Jamil, Scott Mills and Made in Chelsea, and can be a great place to meet other people during the Fresher’s Welcome Parties and Fresher’s Ball. The dress code is pretty smart, similar to Orange Rooms and the rest of Bedford Place, and the drinks are cheap.

So there you have it Freshers- the only fashion guide you’ll need this year. Catch more advice for the year by following @sotontab and ‘liking’ us on Facebook here.