
Portsmouth is a vibrant and historic city in the south of England, known for its maritime heritage and lively student community. With students from over 150 countries, the University of Portsmouth is a popular choice for international students. The city boasts a diverse population, a bustling nightlife, and plenty of entertainment options, including restaurants, bars, cafes, and cultural activities. In terms of accommodation, there are various options available, including halls of residence and private renting. While some accommodations receive praise for their location, amenities, and friendly staff, others are criticised for being expensive and lacking in certain facilities. Overall, Portsmouth offers a unique student experience, combining a vibrant city life with the charm of a seaside town.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student population | 68,000 |
| Number of rooms | 2,700+ |
| Average score for accommodation | 4.31 |
| Location | Close to train station, Tesco Express, bigger Tesco, Asda, clubs, university buildings, Eldon building, Lidl, Gunwharf, and nightlife |
| Facilities | Bean bags and TVs in all kitchens, 2 fridges for 4 people, en-suite rooms, big desks, and storage space |
| Cost | £90-£130 per week, £153 per week, £196 per week, £220 per week, £222 per week, £225 per week, £1960 per month |
| Pros | Good location, spacious rooms, friendly and helpful staff, good social experience, clean, good food, nice building, access to bike storage |
| Cons | Expensive, mold problem, poor laundry facilities, poor reception/security, limited access for physically disabled students |
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What You'll Learn

Student accommodation
Portsmouth is a great place to live and study, with a vibrant and historic city environment and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. The University of Portsmouth guarantees a room in halls for new, full-time undergraduate students who make the university their firm first choice and meet the accommodation deadline. All the university's halls are in the centre of Portsmouth, close to the campus, and signed up to the Student Accommodation Code or National Code, ensuring safety and comfort.
The rooms are singles and are available for the entire academic year, including holidays. They include a bed, desk, drawers, plenty of sockets, and most have en-suite bathrooms. All bills are included, and accessible rooms are available. Students can also request access for their bikes. The university offers catered and non-catered accommodation options.
There are over 2,700 student rooms across Portsmouth, provided by Unite Students, with five properties to choose from, all strategically located near university campuses and the city centre. These properties include Grosvenor Halls, The Osborne House, Rosalind Franklin, Chaucer House, and Bateson.
Students can also choose to rent privately. Portsmouth has many beautiful and buzzing places to live, with beaches, great restaurants, independent shops, music venues, cultural hotspots, and green spaces. Private accommodation options include flats, houses, or lodgings to suit different budgets.
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Cost of living
The cost of living for students in Portsmouth varies depending on the type of accommodation and its location. The city has a wide range of options, from university halls of residence to private rentals, with prices to match different budgets.
For instance, weekly room rates in student accommodation can range from £153 to £225 per week, with some options offering monthly rates of £1960. These prices can also depend on the duration of the stay, with shorter stays during the summer costing more per week.
Portsmouth is a vibrant and historic city with a diverse population, known for its maritime heritage and bustling community. As a port city, it has long welcomed people from across the globe, contributing to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. The city boasts a lively city centre, a vibrant student nightlife, and a range of entertainment options, including numerous bars and restaurants.
Students can easily access essential amenities, with supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, and Lidl within walking distance of the university. The city also offers a mix of independent businesses, unique green spaces, and cultural attractions such as art galleries and board game cafes.
When considering the cost of living, it's important to factor in not only accommodation expenses but also the price of utilities, transportation, food, and other personal expenses. While Portsmouth offers a range of amenities and entertainment, students can also find free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as exploring the island's coast and green spaces.
To manage their budget effectively, students can compare different accommodation options, review the included amenities and facilities, and consider the proximity to the university and other necessary locations. Additionally, early applications are advisable, as prices tend to increase annually.
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Social life and nightlife
Portsmouth is a vibrant and historic city known for its maritime heritage and bustling community. It is the UK's only island city, with a diverse population, making it a popular choice for international students. The city has welcomed people from all over the world for hundreds of years, contributing to its rich culture and vibrant atmosphere.
Portsmouth offers a lively social scene and a vibrant nightlife for students. The city centre is the heart of the action, with a bustling commercial road and a vibrant atmosphere. Student nightlife is thriving, with numerous nightclubs and entertainment options. The city also boasts an array of restaurants, bars, and unique cafes, catering to a range of tastes and preferences.
For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Southsea, a charming seaside town, offers a tranquil escape. Students can enjoy lazy days at the beach, picnics in the common areas, and explore the beautiful coastline. Portsmouth also boasts an array of independent businesses, including entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants, providing a diverse and dynamic social scene.
The University of Portsmouth organises social events and parties, such as the Cinco de Mayo party, enhancing the social life on campus. The university accommodation is strategically located near key locations, making it easy for students to access the city's vibrant social offerings.
Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays, the waterfront shopping centre, is a popular destination for students, featuring brand outlets, independent businesses, and a lively atmosphere. The city also offers a mix of green spaces, such as Canoe Lake and the Rose Garden, providing tranquil spots for reflection or social gatherings with friends.
For students seeking a diverse culinary experience, Portsmouth delivers an array of options. From freshly roasted coffee and doughnuts to vegan food and artisan bread, the city caters to a range of dietary preferences and tastes.
Portsmouth's student accommodation costs vary, with prices starting from £153 per week and going up to £225 per week for different properties. The city offers a range of accommodation options, including halls of residence, private renting, and staying at home, ensuring that students can find a suitable living environment to match their social and budgetary needs.
Overall, Portsmouth offers a dynamic and vibrant social life and nightlife, providing students with a diverse range of options to suit their interests and preferences. The city's rich cultural blend, historic charm, and bustling community create a unique and exciting student experience.
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Food and drink
Portsmouth is a vibrant and historic city known for its maritime heritage and bustling community. It is the UK's only island city and is located on the sunny southern coast of England. As a port city, Portsmouth has long welcomed people from all over the world, making it a cosmopolitan town with a diverse population. The city is packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars, offering a wide range of food and drink options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.
For coffee lovers, there are numerous cafes serving freshly roasted coffee, as well as doughnuts and artisan bread. Vegan options are also widely available, with one source specifically mentioning vegan food as one of the city's highlights. The city's nightlife is also impressive, with lots of nightclubs and entertainment activities to choose from.
If you're looking for a lazy seaside atmosphere, Southsea is the place to be, with its beach and common areas perfect for picnics on sunny days. The city also boasts unique green spaces like Canoe Lake and the Rose Garden, ideal for studying, reflection, or simply enjoying a meal with friends.
For those who prefer to cook at home, Portsmouth's accommodation options often include kitchen facilities. Some students have reported having two fridges for every four people, and one review mentions bean bags and TVs in the kitchen, creating a cosy atmosphere.
Portsmouth also offers catered accommodation, where meals are served at set times in a dining hall. This option typically provides reduced access to kitchen facilities, so it may be preferable for those who don't plan to cook regularly.
Overall, Portsmouth offers a diverse and exciting food and drink scene, with options to suit all preferences and lifestyles. Whether you're looking for cafes, restaurants, bars, or picnic spots, you're spoilt for choice in this vibrant island city.
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Portsmouth's culture
Portsmouth is a vibrant and historic city known for its maritime heritage and bustling community. As a port city, it has welcomed people from all over the world for hundreds of years, making it a cosmopolitan town with a diverse population. Students from over 150 countries attend the University of Portsmouth, contributing to the city's vibrant culture.
The city has a lively student nightlife, with plenty of nightclubs and entertainment options. Portsmouth also offers a range of culinary choices, from cafes to restaurants serving various cuisines, including vegan food, fish and chips, and artisan bread. The city's proximity to the sea also provides a more relaxed atmosphere, with lazy seaside days in Southsea and picnics on the beach or the common. Portsmouth's independent spirit is reflected in its many local businesses, bars, restaurants, and unique green spaces like Canoe Lake and the Rose Garden.
Portsmouth's student accommodation options cater to different preferences and budgets. The city has over 2,700 student rooms, with properties located near university campuses and the city centre. Students can choose between halls of residence, private renting, and staying at home. The university's halls of residence offer various facilities, including gyms, study rooms, and communal areas, enhancing the overall student experience.
The University of Portsmouth is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for its students. The university accommodates students with disabilities, offering larger rooms for those who need them. The university's staff are described as friendly, helpful, and active in arranging social events and providing assistance.
Portsmouth's student culture is characterised by its diversity, lively nightlife, culinary delights, and beautiful coastal and green spaces. The university's accommodation options and supportive community further enhance the student experience, making it a popular choice for students from around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Portsmouth is a vibrant and historic city known for its maritime heritage and bustling community. It is a cosmopolitan town with a diverse population, making it a popular choice for international students. The city has a lively city centre, great student nightlife, and a more relaxed seaside town feel in Southsea. Portsmouth also has a variety of food options, entertainment activities, and beautiful coastlines to explore.
There are various accommodation options available for students at the University of Portsmouth. Unite Students offer five properties in Portsmouth, all strategically located near university campuses and the city centre. Other popular options include Chaucer House, Grosvenor Halls, The Osborne, Rosalind Franklin, and Trafalgar. Prices vary across accommodations, with some rooms costing around £153-£225 per week.
When choosing student accommodation in Portsmouth, it is important to consider your budget and what facilities are important to you. Facilities like gyms, study rooms, and communal areas can enhance your student experience. It is also worth considering the location of the accommodation in relation to the university campuses and the city centre. Additionally, some accommodations may offer catered options, while others may be self-catered.











































