Make the most of your visit
As well as learning more about your course and seeing the University, you can also get expert advice on applying to uni, funding your studies and writing your personal statement. Here’s a rundown of everything you can do on the day.
Checking in
As you'll be arriving as part of a school or college group, your teacher and/or school staff will know more about getting here on the day – they'll have all the information to guide you.
Key talks
All your uni essentials, in one place
Repeated at various times throughout the day so you can fit them easily with other talks and tours.
- Welcome (Life at Portsmouth) – an overview of what we can offer you
- Student finance – information about what financial support is available
- Student accommodation – find out about halls of residence and other housing options
- Applying to university – everything you need to know about applying to university
- Careers and employability –explore the support we can give you to complement your studies and reach your career goals
- Personal statements – what you need to know to write the best personal statement
- Subject talks – find out more about the courses you’re interested in and take a look at where you’ll be studying.
Tour Portsmouth
Explore our city, campus and halls
Campus and city tours
As well as seeing our halls of residence, you can go on these tours:
- City coach tour – from the quaint streets of Southsea to the historic ships of Portsmouth harbour, take a sightseeing tour of Portsmouth between 10.00am and 3.00pm
- Walking campus tour – find out what university life is like with our current students, running from 9.30am and 4.00pm
- Sports and recreation tour – explore societies and our new Ravelin Sports Centre, running from 10.00am and 4.00pm
- Library tour – check out our comfortable library, open 24 hours a day during term-time, running from 10.00am and 4.00pm
Halls tours
We know that moving away from home is a big step. We want to make sure you find accommodation to suit your needs. Our Open Days give you the chance to look around many of our halls of residence to compare options and see where you’ll be living.
Tours start at 9.30am with the last tour departing at 4.00pm. There’s no need to book – just turn up and join the next tour. Please note our halls tours are very popular and you may have to queue for up to 30 minutes.
Remember, you’re guaranteed a room in halls if you apply as a new, full-time undergraduate student starting in September or October 2024 or 2025 and make us your firm choice.
Other essentials
Student Support Services information fair
Want to know more about tuition fees or studying abroad? Need help with your uni or student finance application? Got questions about where to live?
Our Student Support Services Information Fair takes place from 9.30am – 4.00pm in the Students' Union.
You can put your questions to our student finance, admissions and housing experts and find out more about our sport and rec, study support and wellbeing service.
What to expect from our Open Day
Hi, I'm Marlena and I'm one of the many student ambassadors here at the University of Portsmouth.
I'll be showing you around the campus of the university and we cannot wait to meet you at our next open day.
You'll start your day at the check-in where you’ll collect your guide, and then you can decide where to go from there.
It is really easy to get to campus, whether you're travelling by car or by public transport.
If you decide to use the Park and Ride, you’ll be dropped by check-in and that’s where your day would begin.
To help everything run smoothly on the day, please have your QR code ready to show at check-in which you should have received by email.
Hey, are you okay? It's just right there. No worries. Have a good day.
You can come and ask us questions at any time, even if you just want advice on where to get lunch.
One of my top tips is to use the planner, which is found at the back of the guidebook, to help you plan your day and make sure you don't miss out.
Once you're ready to start, one of the first things to do is to take a campus tour.
I'll be showing you around some of the main uni buildings, including the Ravelin Sports Centre, which is one of the most sustainable sports centres in the UK.
My favourite part of the campus tour is sharing my student experience and also sharing my favourite spots around the uni.
If you'd like to see more of the city, you can hop on the coach tour to see the beach.
My top tip is: you can do this tour at any time of the day so it fits around your key talks.
I’ll also show you the library, which is great if you need a quiet place to study.
During term time, it’s open 24 hours and you can book rooms for group assignments.
When I came to an open day, I immediately felt at home and could picture myself here.
On the day, you’ll have talks covering your uni essentials.
Speak to us about what's important to you and we’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
You might want to learn how to make the most of your student finance.
There’s a talk for that.
Or finding your new home in Portsmouth? There's a talk for that.
Or how to write a killer personal statement? There’s a talk for that.
And if that's not enough, you can speak to our student support teams at our information fair.
This is what you're here for, right? To find out if the course is for you.
The talk will most likely be in your course building where you get to see the facilities, and this will help you to picture yourself here.
When I came to the open day, I was able to meet the people who would teach me.
The lecturers were so friendly and informative.
My top tip for you is to give yourselves a bit of time between your lectures because the buildings are about 5 to 10 minutes’ walk apart.
On open days, we have a number of halls open for you to visit.
We'll show you around the rooms, the kitchens and social areas.
There are so many options.
You can choose between catered and non-catered, in the city or by the sea.
There's something for everyone.
We can't wait to see you at our next open day at the University of Portsmouth.
Food and drink
There’s a lot to do on an Open Day but there are plenty of options for keeping your energy up.
You're entitled free tea and coffee at the cafes in Anglesea Building, Cafe Coco (next to the Students' Union), Dennis Sciama Building, Eldon Building, Park Building and Portland Building. For something more substantial, you can take advantage of our special Open Day meal deals.
And there are loads of cafes and restaurants throughout Guildhall Walk, Southsea and Gunwharf Quays – featuring well-known names and independents.
Getting here
Directions and where to check-in
Checking in on the day
Teachers and schools staff
Before making your way to the Open Day, please chat with our Open Day Team via rao@port.ac.uk to confirm your school/college check-in location.
Students
Speak to your teacher or the member of staff organising the trip to find out more about checking in on the day and getting here. You'll need your QR code ready for check-in, which you'll have received when you booked your place. Just search your email inbox for 'Your Open Day ticket' to find it.
If you need directions while on campus, look for our staff and students in grey and/or purple tops, who will point you in the right direction.
Trains
The closest station to the University is Portsmouth and Southsea. It’s a 5-minute walk from the nearest University buildings and close to all parts of the campus. Plan your train journey to Portsmouth on the National Rail website.
Car parking
If you choose to drive, please note that we're unable to offer parking on campus. But there are lots of public transport options and car parks available around the city, particularly around the city centre. There's more information about city centre car parking on the Portsmouth City Council website.
University buildings and further travel information
Check out where our teaching and learning spaces are, and discover more travel information on our maps and directions page.