A Student Ambassador is leading a group of new students on a tour of the City

International Student Ambassador Aleksandra shares some of the events that have made her university experience vibrant and exciting.

7 min read

Study and student life International students International student stories

My name is Aleksandra, and I studied Drama and Performance at the University of Portsmouth. In my three years at the University, I’ve had the chance to experience a wide range of events that made my university experience more vibrant and exciting. From meeting new people to getting involved in campus activities, these events have been some of the best moments of my academic journey. In this blog, I’ll take you through five of my favourite events during the academic year that have truly enhanced my university experience.

1. Orientation Week

Orientation Week is always the first big event of the year, happening in the beginning of September. The week is all about settling in, meeting new fellow international students, and getting familiar with the campus. The University does an excellent job of welcoming new students, whether they’re first years or returning students.
The events are a mix of workshops, presentations and fun activities that help with getting to know people. From campus tours to quiz nights, Orientation Week sets a friendly start for the year ahead. From personal experience, it's the perfect way to start building friendships that will last throughout your studies.

2. Freshers’ Fayre

Freshers’ Fayre in September is a few days that promotes all University’s Sport Clubs and Societies. It's a chance to explore various student organisations, charity activities, discover new sports and gather freebies. Whether you’re interested in sports, culture, or even hobbies like gaming or book club, the fayre has something for everyone.
It is a wonderful way to get involved in the university culture, try new things, and meet people who share your passions. I personally found some great societies and sport clubs during Freshers’ Fayre, as in my first year I took part in Dramatic Musical Society and Cheerleading, and during my second and third year I trained with the Boxing club.

3. SportoS

SportoS, held in December, is another one of the University's standout events. It’s a charity event organised by the UoP Dance club. It is the time of the year where students get to compete, cheer on their peers, and celebrate the sports culture within the university.
Each UoP team has around six weeks to learn dance choreography and then perform it in front of the other clubs. Whether you’re an athlete or just someone who enjoys watching sports, SportoS is an event that brings the whole sports community together for a friendly competition. It’s an exciting day filled with energy, and it’s a great opportunity to get to know people and work towards a good cause.

4. Festival of Cultures

One of the most unique and enriching events at the University of Portsmouth is the Festival of Cultures, held in March. This event celebrates the diversity within our University and gives everyone an opportunity to showcase their culture through food, dance, art, and music.
I’ve always enjoyed seeing how different students share their traditions and cuisine. It is a fantastic way to learn about the world from a local perspective. The vibrant performances at the end of the day and the food stalls in the afternoon make this event one of the most memorable during the academic year. This year my favourite stall was the Nigerian one, where I ate the most delicious rice I have ever tried.
 

Aleksandra and other Bulgarian students posing behind a table with Bulgarian food

Aleksandra and other Bulgarian students held a booth at the Festival of Cultures. They shared homemade traditional Bulgarian dishes.

5. Varsity

Varsity is the ultimate sporting event of the year. It’s a competition between the University of Portsmouth and University of Southampton, and it runs for one weekend around April. The competition includes multiple sports, including rugby, football, basketball, and equestrian and the atmosphere is always exciting.
It's a fantastic event for anyone who enjoys sports or just wants to take part as a spectator. Even if you’re not an athlete, Varsity is an event that makes you feel proud to be part of the University of Portsmouth. Often the outdoor fixtures are on Saturday and the indoor ones are on Sunday. After the end of all games, our Sport Clubs go out and celebrate the results.

These events have made my time at the University of Portsmouth incredibly memorable. Whether you're a new student or have been here for a while, I highly encourage you to participate to fully embrace the university experience. Thank you for reading, and I hope you get to enjoy these events as much as I have!