FAQs

Your child will get to experience university life, develop independence and improve self-confidence in over 2 inspirational days (1 night).

Together with Year 10 pupils from other local secondary schools, they’ll take part in a variety of workshops, while being supported by current University of Portsmouth students. They’ll be encouraged to try new things, ask lots of questions and make new friends.

Along the way, we hope they’ll be inspired by the benefits of continuing on to higher education and feel motivated about future options and pathways.

It usually takes place during the summer term. This year's Up For Uni Residential starts on Thursday 23 June and finishes on Friday 24 June.

Daytime activities take place in University of Portsmouth buildings. During the evening there is a variety of entertainment on offer. Your child will stay in Rees Hall  one of the University’s halls of residence. Boys and girls will be housed on separate floors, each in their own individual bedroom. Every room has its own en suite bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower. The room also has the basics provided – a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, bedding and towels (hand and bath).

Our Residential Team and Student Ambassadors (current students helping out at the event) stay overnight to make sure everyone gets a good night’s sleep.

The jam-packed timetable is split into 2 themed days centred around University life. We cover the University’s support services, including student finance, employability and study skills. And we inspire young people to learn something new with workshops in subjects like cosmology, politics, journalism, architecture, radiography and hospitality.

University experience is also about putting the books down and getting involved in the fun side of life. So they’ll also get the chance to take part in their choice of activities with our Sport and Recreation teams, from sports to performing arts. After discovering what clubs and societies have to offer our students, everyone prepares for the exciting, and well-earnt celebration event.

Workshop choices can be made on the choosing workshops page.

If your child is coming to the Up For Uni Residential, you can check out our guide for parents and supporters anytime you need to.

We also hold an information evening, where you can come along to ask any questions or queries about the event. This year's parents information evening is on 25 May 2022 at 6.00-7.00pm. For more information, please contact upforuni@port.ac.uk.

Nothing at all! There is no cost involved – all activities, food and accommodation are paid for. We encourage pupils not to bring a lot of money, as there will be very little opportunity to spend it.

However, there are vending machines around the campus, so if your child does want extra snacks and drinks on top of what is provided, they'll need additional money for this.

Your child’s school will liaise with you to discuss travel to Rees Hall on Thursday 23 June 2022. Each school will be given an allocated arrival time between 8.30am and 9.00am.

Parents and carers are invited to the celebration event on Friday 24 June 2022 from 5.30pm until 7.00pm. All pupils will be able to leave from 7.00pm once they have collected their belongings. This may take some time, so please allow plenty of time if you require public transport.

If you're not able to attend the celebration event and are unable to arrange collection of your child, please let us know and we'll liaise with you and the school to make arrangements. You can contact our team at upforuni@port.ac.uk.

Pupils are allowed to bring their mobile phones, however, they are their own responsibility throughout the trip and should not be used during workshops and talks. 

We will also provide a list of contact names and mobile numbers nearer the time, so you can easily reach us before or during the Residential.

The teachers from the Isle of Wight schools will be required to travel to Rees Hall to ensure the pupils arrive safely. Rees Hall is directly across Southsea Common from the Hover Terminal.

If you are not able to collect your child from the Residential, your child’s teacher will be required to escort them back to the island. Please contact us at upforuni@port.ac.uk if you're not able to collect your child and we'll make arrangements with your school.

The Celebration Event will be held on 24 June 2022 at 5.30pm-7.00pm in Richmond Building, Portland St, Portsmouth PO1 3DE.

It will begin at 5.30pm and end no later than 7.00pm. It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear more about what your child has been up to and share all of their achievements over the programme.

Your child's safety, and that of our students and staff, remains our priority – so a range of measures will remain in place to provide reassurance to all visitors and staff for the residential. This may update as the Government guidance changes, but these measures are:

Face masks

Although face coverings are now optional, some of our buildings are medical settings, so don't forget to bring one along during your visit, unless you're exempt. Some of our staff rely on lip-reading, so you may be asked to lower your mask when speaking with them.

Hand sanitisers

These will remain in place and we advise everyone to continue with regular hand washing as well. This remains a good way to help reduce the risk of infections.

Coronavirus testing

Before travelling to the University, we strongly encourage you to take a lateral flow test at least 48 hours before your arrival on campus. Rapid lateral flow testing kits are available from the Government website and community collection points near you.