Unilink and Bluestar

Bus Services in Southampton

How do I use my bus pass?

Students living in University-managed halls in Southampton receive a UniLink app-based bus pass, which can be used on a smartphone or device and is valid for the duration of their stay.

Once you have registered for your bus pass, you’re free to explore! Your pass can be used on any UniLink or Bluestar bus in the Southampton area. Download the apps for a full list of routes and live bus timetables.

Bus pass registration

In order to use your pass on the Unilink bus network, you will need to first download the Unilink bus app (links below) and create an account using your University of Southampton email address (e.g. ab1c20@soton.ac.uk).

Once you have created an account, you will receive a bus pass gift code to activate in the app when you move into your accommodation.

Step by step guide

Step 1 - Download the app. If you don't have the app on your phone, install the app by clicking on the buttons below.

• UniLink App on App Store
• UniLink App on Google Play Store
• Bluestar App on App Store
• Bluestar App on Google Play Store

Step 2 - Redeem the code. Enter the gift code you have received by email into the mobile app. 

Open up the app and go to Settings, and tap Redeem a gift code. You can then enter the gift code there to redeem your ticket.

Step 3 - You're ready to go! You will find your new ticket in the Mobile Tickets section of the app, ready to be activated. Once you have activated your bus pass, you’re free to explore! 

Your pass can be used on any Unilink or Bluestar bus within the Southampton network. For a full list of routes and live bus timetables, check online or download the Unilink / Bluestar bus app. You will then be able to use the app to travel on Unilink and Bluestar buses in the Southampton area (not as far as the Winchester stops).

For queries, contact:

UniLink: 023 8059 5974

App Support : 01202 678100

Email Support : talk2us@unilinkbus.co.uk

Winchester School of Art: Bus Service

The Unilink U7 bus is an express shuttle between Highfield Campus (Centenary Building 100 bus stop) and Winchester School of Art. It complements the Bluestar 1 bus route, which operates between Southampton and Winchester, offering direct peak time journeys. Buses will run Monday to Friday during term time, excluding bank holidays.

You can buy passes from Unilink. You will need a Southampton Zone + routes U7 & Bluestar 1 ticket to cover the Highfield to WSA routes.

For Unilink buses to Southampton, the nearest bus stop to Erasmus Park and the Winchester School of Art can be found on North Walls (SO23 8DB) or Winchester Broadway (SO23 9BE, stand 7)

Click here for further details: UniLink Bus Service to/from Winchester.

When your contract ends

The bus pass included in your halls fees is only valid for the duration of your contract. When your contract ends, or if your contract is terminated, your bus pass will be cancelled.

Halls contract extensions

If you apply to stay in University of Southampton-owned halls over the summer or for another year, you will receive a new gift code to your university email address to extend your bus app pass until the end of your stay.

Thinking ahead to next year.

If you aren't living in halls next year, you will need to think about how you are going to get around. However, you can buy an annual pass by directly from UniLink, or you can purchase a Dayrider ticket whenever you need to travel. You can even tap and pay every time you board the bus, and there is a cap for payments made.

Tip: If you plan to buy a day rider pass, then buy it online, as you get to pay less online rather than getting one from the driver. UniLink also gives an offer to get a Group Day rider, in which a group of 5 people can take unlimited rides on the services for a day.

Top Tip: Single journeys after 6pm are currently available for £1 on participating services.

Halls Life Quality Check ✔ Updated August 2026 — Reviewed by TMW