Honest Views and Opinions of Southampton
Hello people of Southampton!
I'm a prospective PhD student who was accepted to Southampton. I've never been and unfortunately may not have the chance to visit before starting (international) , so I've been doing a lot of searching and research on the city and what it's like to be there. I hear a lot of mixed things, from "I love it" to "best thing to do is leave" and honestly it's a bit hard to tell what's an honest evaluation and what's the more typical sort of complaining about where you live that seems to transfer regardless of location (if that makes sense). My other PhD offer is in a bigger city and it seems that everyone around me thinks I'd be crazy to pick Southampton over that place, but the kind of research I want to do and network I'd want to build is heavily centered there.
For context, I'm 21F, no real interest in partying (although I do enjoy a nice relaxed drink at a bar or day out), and I'd be aiming to move in to a small 1-bed or studio flat with my partner. I'd be especially interested in experiences from women, international students/immigrants, advice on job market (for my boyfriend, also recent masters grad who isn't picky), or really anything you have to share about day-to-day life in soton. Thank you.