How it works
Meet and Greet will be available for students arriving for Semester 2 in January 2025. This includes Study Abroad and incoming Exchange students.
The service is available on Sunday 26 January 2025. Coach pickup times are based on flight arrival times and will be shared with you closer to your arrival.
Book Meet and Greet - bookings close on Sunday 19 January 2025.
Meeting our team
Our meet and greet team will meet you at either:
- London Heathrow Airport (Terminal 3 international arrivals lounge)
- London Gatwick Airport (South Terminal international arrivals lounge)
They'll be there to help direct you towards public transport and answer your questions.
If you are going to be living in one of the University's halls of residence or have a booking through the University in our private partner hall Orion Point, a limited coach service can take you and your luggage from the airport to your halls. You must book this service in advance.
If your flight is delayed and you miss your coach booking, we will release your space to another student on the waiting list and you will need to make your own way to your accommodation.
Due to the limited space, family and friends cannot accompany you on the coach services. If you are a PhD student travelling with your family, please email the meet and greet team.
If you need to cancel your booking, please email us as soon as possible so your space can be released to other students.
Luggage
The amount of luggage you can bring is limited to:
- 2 large suitcases
- 1 item of hand luggage
- 1 rucksack or laptop bag
You are responsible for carrying your own suitcases. We understand airlines may offer you more than this luggage allowance, however there is no space available for additional luggage on the meet and greet coach.
Please email the meet and greet team if you will have more luggage than our allowance before you book your seat, or to discuss other options available to you.
Independently travelling
If you arrive after the last meet and greet service, you can take a National Express coach to Southampton Central Coach Station or Winchester. Alternatively, you can take a direct train from London Gatwick Airport to Southampton.
There will be signs directing you to National Express or National Rail trains in the airports. National Express coaches run throughout the night.
Once you arrive in Southampton or Winchester, you will need to take a taxi to your University accommodation. We recommend using Radio Taxis.
If you are using the National Express Coach Service, or arriving by train at Southampton Central Train Station or Winchester, you will need to pay all travel costs.
Getting to Southampton
From London Heathrow Airport
Southampton is approximately 60 miles, or 96.5 kilometres, away from London Heathrow Airport.
| Transportation method | Approximate cost | Instructions | Website |
| Train | £45 to £60 | Take a Heathrow Express train to London Paddington Station, then take the London Underground or a taxi to London Waterloo Station. From there, you can catch a direct train to Southampton Central Station. | |
| Coach | £25 | Walk to Heathrow Central Bus Station, located outside Terminal 2. Take the National Express service to Southampton City Centre or the University. | National Express |
| Taxi | £150 to £200 | Book a long-distance taxi before you arrive. Please note that not all taxis at ranks will travel beyond London. | minicabit |
From London Gatwick Airport
Southampton is approximately 80 miles, or 129 kilometres, away from London Gatwick Airport.
| Transportation method | Approximate cost | Instructions | Website |
| Train | £20 | Take a direct train to Southampton Central Station from Gatwick Airport Station, located in the airport's South Terminal. | |
| Coach | £25 | Walk to Gatwick Coach Station, located in the North Terminal. Take the National Express service to Southampton City Centre or the University. | National Express |
| Taxi | £125 to £175 | Book a long-distance taxi before you arrive. Please note that not all taxis at ranks will travel beyond London. | minicabit |