University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is located on the South Coast of England. The campus is in the heart of the seaside city of Portsmouth, combining the convenience of city living and the relaxed atmosphere of the seaside.
The University welcomes 28,000 students, including 5,700 international students coming from over 150 countries, so you will be part of a vibrant global University community. And with over 150 student-led groups, clubs and societies, you can connect with other students and develop your network of connections.
The gold-rated teaching (TEF 2023) blends academic and practical learning making you ready for the working world. You will also have access to career and employability support services while at the University and 5 years after you graduate. 93% of graduates are in further study or employed six months after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2022/23).
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Life at University of Portsmouth
Student Life at University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is in the heart of the city, so you are never far from what you need – whether it is the library or the sea. Getting around in Portsmouth is easy. It is walkable, bicycle-friendly and has a network of buses, including free University buses.The University of Portsmouth welcomes 28,000 students. That includes 5,700 international students from over 150 countries. You will be part of a vibrant global community. With so many people coming from all over the world, there are international food shops and restaurants throughout the city. So you can discover new flavours or enjoy the comforting tastes of home.
There is something for all kinds of students in Portsmouth: independent restaurants for the foodies, art studios at the Hot Walls for artists, the beach for the outdoor enthusiasts, Ravelin Sports Centre for the athletes and so much more. With over 150 student-led groups, you can make new friends, discover a new passion, or share your culture.
From Portsmouth, it is easy to explore the rest of the UK and Europe. London is just a direct train away and you can reach major airports by public transport in just a few hours.
Careers at University of Portsmouth
At Portsmouth, courses are designed to make you ready for the world of work. You get to learn from experts in their fields and practice your skills in professional grade facilities. 93% of University of Portsmouth graduates are in work or further study (HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2022/23), so you will be joining a dynamic network of alumni.
The careers and employability services are available all through your time at the University of Portsmouth and up to 5 years after you graduate. You can access this for free.
They provide a range of services such as:
- Careers advice in 1 to 1 appointments
- Help in finding part-time job, volunteering opportunity or graduate job
- Access to an online jobs board
- Career skills workshops
- Online advice and resources
- CV and cover letter writing support
- Interview preparation and practice
Most of the courses allow students to take a flexible placement year, helping them to build their CV and make professional connections. And with the Connected Degrees, you get to choose when to take your placement year – between your second and third year or after your third year. The University provides support to find suitable placement opportunities with world-leading companies.
City Life at University of Portsmouth
There is nowhere like Portsmouth. Located on the UK’s south coast, the city is famous for its maritime and naval history. It is now also home to a wide range of contemporary exhibition spaces and independent businesses. It is a Top 10 most affordable cities for students in the UK (Natwest Student Living Index 2024).
The city campus places you in the centre of everything. You will be close to all amenities and a short walk from the seafront. There you can enjoy four miles of beach and the green spaces of the Southsea Common – perfect for warm summer evenings or refreshing winter walks.
The diverse community living in Portsmouth means you will feel welcome here. It also means that you will find international restaurants next to British pubs. So you can immerse yourself in British culture but also discover new cultures and stay connected to your roots through food.
The city is easy to get around. Everything is close by and the city is flat, so it is perfect for walking and cycling.
Student Support at University of Portsmouth
The University is here to support you so you can make the most of your time at Portsmouth.
Moving to a new country is exciting but also challenging, so the support begins before you travel. You can receive help to be prepared for UK university life, visa advice and secure accommodation even before you are a student at the University of Portsmouth.
While you are here, you have access to even more free services to help you navigate your new responsibilities and life as a student. The Finance team can help you learn to budget; the Careers and Employability team can help you find a part-time job while you study; and the Student Life team is here to help you navigate complex issues like mental health.
The support does not stop when you graduate. The Careers and Employability team is still available for you up to 5 years after you graduate.
Student Accommodation at University of Portsmouth
Whether you want to live in University halls of residence or rent privately, the University Housing team is here to help you find your home away from home.
You can choose from a wide range of halls of residence including rooms in apartment or corridor style flats or studios, catered or self-catered, mixed or same sex flats. If you live in halls, our Reslife team is here to help you navigate the challenges of university life.
All new, full-time students who accept an offer of study at the University and meet the accommodation deadlines are guaranteed a room in halls. The University halls of residence are in the heart of the city. So you are close to campus, the sea and everything you need.
A lot of privately rented accommodations are available throughout Portsmouth and near the city. The University provides a list of verified landlords and properties, so you can safely secure accommodation.
Facilities at University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth has superb facilities and the campus is always being improved. Recently, a £5.2 million Centre for Creative and Immersive XR (eXtended Reality) has been opened, giving the opportunity to students to use professional specialised equipment.As a student, you will be taught in simulated environments. This means conducting mock trials in the replica courtroom; testing hypotheses in science labs; filming a student TV-show and more. Students also have access to laptops and computers with specialised software and the library is open 24/7 during term time, so you can access the resources you need whenever you need.
As part of a £250 million plan to develop the campus, the University built Ravelin Sports Centre. This is one of the most sustainable sports centres in the country. New buildings, including teaching spaces, labs, workshops and student spaces are in development as part of this plan. Like Ravelin Sports Centre, these spaces will be sustainable and make your student experience even better.
Sports & Clubs at University of Portsmouth
At the University of Portsmouth, there are over 150 student-led groups, from sport to culture, faith and much more. You can meet new friends, build your skills, discover new passions or share your interests and culture. Many events are organised throughout the academic year by the societies, from small get-togethers and socials to bigger celebrations, like the Holi colour run.
Whether you exercise regularly or want to start something new, you are welcome at Ravelin Sports Centre. This University gym has excellent facilities, including a 25m swimming pool with 8 lanes, a bouldering and climbing wall, fitness studios and squash courts.
If exercising alone is not for you, you can join one of the classes offered at Ravelin Sports Centre or join one of the 35 sports clubs. The sports teams take part in leagues and competitions against other universities. Alternatively, campus sports leagues offer a chance to compete socially against student and staff teams.
Sustainability at University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is committed to be sustainable, achieving it through: carbon and emission management, environmental management and performance, recycling and waste management, and sustainable printing. Some of the initiatives that have been put into place include using electricity that is 100% from renewable sources and reducing carbon emissions further.Sustainability is also embedded in the teaching at Portsmouth. A lot of courses offer the opportunity for students to learn more about sustainability in relation to their field of study. Protecting the environment is a key research theme of the University and world leading research is happening to build a bright future for all. One of the projects currently taking place is Revolution Plastics, tackling plastic pollution.
Rankings
The University has been rated 5 Stars (QS Top Universities 2025)
The University has been awarded TEF Gold (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
