Students enjoying Portsmouth, with beach and pier in view

Discover your seaside city

Find home among beaches, history, festivals and food

Portsmouth is a great place to live and a vibrant city surrounded by the sea. Discover why our students love living here and what it’s like to live and study in Portsmouth.

We've got refreshing beaches, fantastic places to eat, independent shops and music venues to explore, and lots of green space – so we’re more than just a coastal town. In Portsmouth, you'll discover a diverse and connected community, and everything you need to make this your new home.

Portsmouth is a top 10 trending travel spot for domestic travel in the UK (Airbnb, 2023) and the No. 2 best place to live in the UK (Nomads Nation, 2023).

Our students LOVE Portsmouth

You don't have to take our word for it, hear from the people who know and love Portsmouth – our students.

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Ariel view of Gunwharf Quays
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Students at the pier

I loved the location and the idea of a city campus. Being by the sea is so amazing, especially in the summer as there are many places to visit and discover.

Amelia Rushton, BSc (Hons) Sociology

I wanted to come to the University of Portsmouth to study Mathematics because of Portsmouth itself; Gunwharf, the Historic Dockyard and the seaside were all fond memories I had visiting Portsmouth as a child.

Amber Burton, BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics


Make Portsmouth your home

In Portsmouth, you'll never have to go far to find a new adventure. As a city based campus, you'll be safe and close to home so you can explore what Portsmouth has to offer – there is so much to do and fall in love with! Find out what you could discover and chat directly to our students.

Living in Portsmouth

MRes Creative Industries student, Cerys, shares her favourite aspects of the city.

Hi, my name's Cerys and I study at the University of Portsmouth and I'm on the course of MRes in Creative Industries.

The university campus is spread quite a bit over Portsmouth. And that's one of the things I really like about it, is that it isn't campus-based so you get to see more of a city and places that you wouldn't normally go to.

If I were to take you on a guided tour of Portsmouth, I'd take you to Southsea and Albert Road, there's loads of independent shops down there, and it's really cool and so unique. And it's a really, really good place to go and explore.

Living in Portsmouth

Hear BA (Hons) International Relations and Modern Languages student, Rachel, explain why she loves studying here.

Hi, my name is Rachel and I study at the University of Portsmouth. I'm currently an undergraduate in International Relations and Modern Languages.

My university campus is based in the city of Portsmouth. It's based right at the centre and it's very close to all the shops and everything that you might need as a student.

If I was to give you a guided tour of Portsmouth, I would definitely show you Gunwharf Quays. This is because I believe that it encapsulates the best experience that you can have in Portsmouth as you can do some shopping, see the sea, and also grab some amazing food with amazing views.

Ring fenced for Postgrad Prospectus / PG Recruitment

I wanted to live by the water, rather than in a very densely populated city, and the city is student-friendly and affordable.

Charles Oduk II, MSc Digital Business Management

Read Charles' story

Student blogs

Ready to make amazing memories as student in Portsmouth? Read on to find out where our students spend their days and the adventures they've discovered right on their doorstep.

My favourite place in Portsmouth is the pier, its great in summertime with a group of people especially when the funfair is out.

Cartier Charles, BSc (Hons) Property Development


Where is Portsmouth?

Portsmouth blends city, coast and country - the perfect melting pot for fun nights out, lazy walks in the forest and paddle boarding around the pier.

Our city is buzzing with purpose and possibility, and you’ll find plenty of things to do. Explore shopping outlets, art galleries, cinemas, nightclubs and restaurants at Gunwharf Quays – or for an unbeatable view, head up the Spinnaker Tower. Delve into history at the Historic Dockyard or discover some of our favourite independent shops and cafés in central Southsea.

Whether you want to explore the city or relax by the sea, Portsmouth is ready for you.

Small map of the UK with a zoomed in image of the south east highlighting Portsmouth and how long it takes to get to London (90 minutes)

No. 2 best places to live in the UK

Nomads Nation, 2023


Ready to explore our island city? Dive in

Take a closer look at more of the exciting things on offer in our amazing city or join us in the city to experience life as a student in Portsmouth.

Eating in the city

Hungry for adventure? From coffee and cakes to street food and roasts, here's a taster of the great food and drink you can savour in the city.
Busy meal at table from top-down
Discover our menu

Sport in Portsmouth

We're home to more than 40 sports teams – including football, sailing, mountain biking and Quidditch. Whether you're into playing or watching, you'll find your sport in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Football Club players celebrating a goal
Let's play

Shopping in Portsmouth

Treat yourself and discover designer brands, unique locally-made items, vintage finds and much more in Portsmouth's lively shopping scene.
Copyright Southsea Bathing Hut
Read more

Art, culture and nightlife

From cultural festivals and art exhibitions to comedy nights and late-night cafes, there's plenty of culture to discover in the city. 
Old Portsmouth
Get cultured

Beaches, piers and parks

Explore the UK's only island city. Paddle board on the beach, plan a picnic in the park or discover our nature reserves and castles.
Ferry in the sea
Start exploring

Portsmouth's music scene

Want to get involved in Portsmouth's thriving music scene? Here's all you need to get involved in a variety of gigs, open mic nights and festivals.
Rapper Krept, University of Portsmouth graduate, performing
1, 2, 3, 4...

Self guided tour of the City of Portsmouth

Discover new adventures and our connected community on this self-guided tour.
Students walking in the dockyard
Explore Portsmouth

Open Days

Thinking about joining us? Book your spot at one of our upcoming Open Days.
Student smiling outside
Book your place

Chat to our students

Drop our students a message and they'll tell you what it's like to live in the city they call home.

Chat now