Four reasons to set your sights on this coastal university ‘with a very different vibe’ when you start your UCAS application
This article was originally published on theguardian.com as part of the University of Portsmouth and Guardian Labs campaign.
When you’re choosing a university, what do you look for?
A course that can set you on the path to the career you want, top facilities, clubs and societies to satisfy your social life or, perhaps, a location that has everything you need for a memorable uni experience?
With a campus boasting a new £57m sports centre, world-leading academics teaching more than 400 courses, and its position in one of the top 10 trending UK destinations on Airbnb, the University of Portsmouth’s location and facilities make it an inspiring place to live and learn. It was recognised as being among the top 10 young universities in the UK in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
But don’t take our word for it. We asked two students to tell us why you should add Portsmouth to your UCAS undergraduate application when the portal opens in May.
1 | The joy of studying by the sea
Portsmouth is the UK's only island city.
Spread across Portsea Island (making it the UK’s only island city), Portsmouth offers the rare chance to study minutes from picturesque stretches of beach. Southsea Common, which runs alongside the seafront, is also a popular spot among students gathering to relax and socialise.
“Being by the seaside was a big factor for me when I applied to Portsmouth, and I think that was the case for most students,” says Imran Karim, 20, who is in his second year of a degree in business management and entrepreneurship.
“The beach is a nice place to just chill with other students, especially when the weather is good, as everyone does the same thing. We’ll go there for barbecues, or just to hang out in the evenings. It’s also handy if you’re stressed out – you can walk along the coastline, see the sunset and relax. And because Portsmouth is a small city, it’s only a 20-minute walk from the campus.”
2 | The chance to be taught by expert academics
5* Star rated Teaching
The teaching at Portsmouth is rated five star by QS World University Rankings, thanks to its outstanding programmes. The university’s expert lecturers have years of experience, often in industry, while simulated work environments and learning spaces are designed to help students excel.
“When I was doing my UCAS research, I discovered Portsmouth offered a course that was a great combination of hands-on experience and lessons,” says Alisha Turner, 20, who is in her second year of a criminology and forensic studies degree.
“We explore a different topic every week, through lectures, tutorials, and weekly practicals, and our tutors include an entomologist, a firearms commander, and a former crime-scene investigator. We have excellent facilities, too – they even create simulated crime scenes for us to analyse – and I absolutely love it.”
3 | The top-class facilities
Students can get membership from just £15 a month
The newly opened Ravelin Sports Centre is home to dozens of sports clubs and societies, as well as housing an eight-court sports hall, 175-station gym and 25-metre swimming pool.
“The centre has a rock-climbing wall, a gym, and a multi-court sports hall, where I play volleyball,” says Karim. “It’s modern, in a great location, and a hugely attractive factor for most of us here. It’s open to the public, but students can get membership from just £15 a month.”
Alisha adds: “Ravelin is pretty insane – it’s even got a ski simulator. It’s just around the corner from where I live, and I’m a member of the Archery Society, so I head over there to meet up with the team for practice. I’ve made some great friends that way.”
On top of all that, Ravelin is one of the UK’s most sustainable sports centres, receiving an “outstanding” rating from BREEAM UK, the world’s leading sustainability assessment for buildings.
The library is also a big draw for students, as it includes study suites and meeting pods for collaborative learning, more than 800 computers and loaner laptops, and a coffee shop complete with charging points.
“I spend so many hours in the library,” says Alisha. “It’s got everything I need to study, it’s a nice change of environment from my bedroom, and it’s moments from the cafe where everyone socialises.”
4 | Plenty of culture, shopping and nightlife
“It’s quiet here, but energised. Almost everyone you see around the streets or out shopping is a fellow student, and because of the beach, it’s a completely different vibe compared to other cities - Karim.”
As well as a wealth of clubs to join – “there’s even a karaoke society”, says Alisha – the university offers students the chance to join creative short courses and workshops alongside their studies, plus there’s plenty to do beyond campus.
Portsmouth has a lively music scene, including festivals held throughout the year, while bars, pubs and clubs provide a vibrant nightlife. If you prefer soaking up some culture, the city is packed with art galleries and museums, and hosts annual festivals including Comic Con and DarkFest. Lovers of the great outdoors will find the South Downs and the New Forest on their doorstep.
Alisha agrees: “We’ve got Gunwharf Quays shopping centre, some great bars on Albert Road, and the historic dockyard to explore. As a woman in the city I feel safe, which is important. I think students should definitely take a look at what we have to offer and consider Portsmouth university, because it’s a really nice place to be.”