[Lauren]

Academically - Southampton (if you mean the University of Southampton, and not Solent) is definitely the best. It's one of the top 20 Universities, and is part of the research Russell Group which is a highly-regarded group of Universities that specialise in research. Bournemouth isn't renowned academically (it's not bad or anything, just not famous for it). Though if you're doing a vocational subject, or something more hands-on then Bournemouth will do it better than So'ton.

Locally - Both have their ups and downs. I know Bournemouth is meant to be one of the best-located Universities in the UK, so obviously that tops So'ton. But thats not to say that So'ton is in a bad location. It's obviously closer to city life, but its worth bearing in mind that it's a nice city.