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.
Did you know
If you're looking for an affordable city, Portsmouth is an excellent choice to help with the cost of living for students.
- The housing rent in Portsmouth is 58% lower than in London. (2023, source University Living)
- Portsmouth is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for university students to live and study. (2023, source University Living)
- We run two FREE bus services for students around campus, so getting home or to lectures doesn't have to cost anything.
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.
Your Time. Your Place. | Come visit the University of Portsmouth
Based in the heart of the UK's only island city, the University of Portsmouth is committed to giving every student a life-changing experience. Outstanding teaching and wide-ranging support make for a lively community where students can develop skills and confidence for a rewarding life.
Time to pick a uni?
We remember how that was.
Every uni website was like, Lee-Anne,
unlock your potential.
Yep.
Change the world.
No pressure then.
Two chocolate ice creams!
...please?
Welcome to Portsmouth.
The UK's only island city.
Ah, halls, sweet halls.
Your home away from home.
City stuff, that way.
Beaches, big ships,
candy-floss and fun times...
that way.
Portsmouth’s a place
where you can explore futures
that you could fall in love with.
Then change the world.
Later.
Innovator.
Movie-maker.
City trader.
Life saver.
Investigator.
Whatever success looks like for you...
Stability?
Choice?
Freedom?
Portsmouth is the place to find it.
And that's not all you'll find.
Find yourself at sunrise on the seashore.
Find the ones who really get you.
Find your balance!
Find the help you need, if life just
gets on top of you.
Find the time and space to
pick a career that suits you.
How's your CV coming along?
Uhh!
Or you could just chill and relax, you know?
Be free to try new things
because this
is your time to find your fire.
Yeah!
And this is your place
to just be yourself.
And from this uni community,
on this island city, you can go...
anywhere.
It's your time.
Yes, you.
It's your place.
Virtual Experience
Get a feel for life on campus without leaving home. Discover panoramic views of the campus, watch course webinars, look at accommodation, browse facilities like labs, workshops and studios, explore our leisure facilities and more.
Undergraduate Open Days
Thinking about joining us as an undergrad? Book your spot at one of our upcoming Open Days.
Postgraduate Open Events
Come to our next event to talk to our course leaders, researchers, expert support teams and current students.
Here's why our students love it here
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"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
-
"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.
Read Charles' story"I wanted to live by the water, rather than in a very densely populated city, and the city is student-friendly and affordable."
Student blogs
Ready to make amazing memories as a student in Portsmouth? Read on to find out where our students spend their days and the adventures they've discovered right on their doorstep.
Fun things to do in Portsmouth in the evenings
Tolani gives her top tips for evening entertainment activities for students in Portsmouth
Lucille Seppi: What to do on a rainy day in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is one of the sunniest cities in the UK but it does still rain here. There is a lot to do in Portsmouth on rainy days, find out International Student Ambassador Lucille's top tips to make the most of those days.
Portsmouth is a great place to explore a vegan-friendly lifestyle
Want some recommendations for vegan food in Portsmouth? Megan offers up her top picks and advice on embracing a vegan lifestyle.
A student's guide to international food shops in Portsmouth
Our International Student Ambassadors talk about where you can get your favourite international food in Portsmouth
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Self guided tour of the City of Portsmouth
Discover new adventures and our connected community on this self-guided tour.
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.
Gold rating in national assessment of teaching excellence
Our TEF Gold rating ranks Portsmouth amongst the top universities in the UK for teaching.
