Accommodation

Living in Halls

Communal living

Living in Halls is a great way to find new friends and enjoy the University lifestyle, particularly as a first year student. But communal living can be a challenge. You need to be responsible for your own space and be aware of the needs of others when sharing spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms. Halls staff will clean public areas but it’s up to you and your flatmates to do the rest, so be flexible and friendly and enjoy yourself.

What do I bring?

In your study room we provide a bed (with mattress), a bookcase, desk, chair and wardrobe. In addition to your personal belongings you should bring bedding, (pillows, a duvet or blankets, pillowcases and sheets), towels and clothes-hangers. The International Office offers a scheme for international students arriving in September 2013 whereby a free bedding packs will be provided on arrival to all new international (non-EU) students allocated a place in our halls of residence.  These packs contain one sheet, one pillow and pillowcase, one single duvet and duvet cover.  For further information, please visit the International Office website. If you’re in self-catered accommodation you should bring cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery. It might be a good idea to bring provisions for the first few days until you get settled in with your flatmates.

Broadband and phones

All rooms are supplied with free 10mb broadband. The telephone service is supplied by Freewire, this can be used to make free calls to other Freewire telephone users, anywhere worldwide.

When calling other networks and mobile phones, the Freewire Telephone offers very competitive rates with the advantage of no additional setup or subscription fees.

Television

All rooms have access to over 50 channels of entertainment, music, sport, movies and more direct through the high-speed broadband connection. All that is required to watch is a PC or Laptop.

Insurance

The University provides basic insurance cover to cover possessions in your room, including a specific amount for laptop cover. Please check with the Student Housing Department for full details as some items may require additional cover at your expense, such as bikes.

TV licence

You will need to purchase your own TV licence if you are watching TV, either on a computer or on a normal television  Individual TVs are not covered by the halls licence and the authorities do check and can fine you.

Transport

Getting around in Portsmouth is easy. The city is compact and it’s only a short walk between most of the University buildings on the main campus at Guildhall. Cycling is a very popular way of getting around, plus the University provides a free bus service to all students for journeys around the campus.

As the main Guildhall campus is so convenient right in the city centre you won’t need a car. Indeed, we’re participating in the city’s initiative to reduce congestion and traffic in the city, so there are no car parking facilities at the Guildhall Halls or Rees/Burrell Halls. Should you wish to bring a car, then Langstone Student Village has allocated parking for student cars.

Fees

Students will be invoiced for hall fees at the beginning of session. Facilities are available to pay by direct debit. Further details can be obtained from the Finance Office, University House, Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, PO1 2UP. This is also the address for the payment of the advance rent and fees.