Starting your social life at uni
Upcoming social events for international students
University life is about much more than just studying. Discovering the local culture and exploring your new hometown – and the country around it too – is a big part of what makes studying abroad so memorable.
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of events and activities for all our students. Take a look below for a sample of the activities happening this year.
From September 2022, we will be bringing back our full programme of coach trips to popular locations around the UK as well as our smaller free social events on campus here in Portsmouth.
You can also get involved with cultural events throughout the year, from Christmas Vacation socials to Chinese New Year celebrations, and even our Global Week – a week long programme of events, lectures and sports sessions to celebrate diversity here in Portsmouth. Keep up to date on these events on our official Global Community Facebook group.
Social events
Family Event - Wednesday 18 October 2023
Students and their families are welcome to join us on campus for a morning of fun, interactive, educationally themed activities. They can learn all about sustainability and nature. Join in with our swap rail, bring along good quality items to swap for something else. Celebrate nature by planting seeds. Take part in crafts. All materials provided. There will be a bake sale, fun activities and refreshments available.
Tour of Portsmouth Football Club, Fratton Park - Monday 23 October 2023
Join us on a very special behind the scenes tour of Portsmouth football club at the world famous Fratton Park.
Coach Trip to Brighton - Saturday 14 October 2023
Brighton is the UK’s most popular seaside town and is described as the UK’s most colourful city! Brighton is bursting with attractions, including the Royal Pavilion; an extravagant Indian style palace, and Brighton Pier; an iconic, neon lit pier filled with amusements, fairground rides and sea views. Brighton is also filled with vintage and independent shops and quirky cafes. Ticket price includes coach travel only. Departure from Portsmouth 8.30am, departure from Brighton 4.30pm.
Coach Trip to Oxford - Saturday 2 December 2023
Join us on a day trip to Oxford, a wonderful place to explore with amazing architecture and hidden treasures. It's home to famous literary figures, unique traditions and its dreaming spires skyline. Wander down cobblestone alleyways, visit world famous museums and maybe take a punt down the river. There's a huge variety within the City from atmospheric pubs to Medieval libraries. For Harry Potter fans there are few better days out! Departure from Portsmouth 8.00am, departure from Oxford 5.00pm.
Coach Trip to Bath - Saturday 24 February 2024
Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times, and is a World Heritage Site. It is home to the only natural hot springs you can bathe in in Britain and the famous Roman Baths. The Georgian architecture of Bath is like something straight out of a Jane Austen novel and the streets are filled with independent and quirky boutique shops and cosy tea rooms for traditional English afternoon tea. Ticket price includes coach travel only. Departure from Portsmouth 8.00am, departure from Bath 4.00pm.
Coach Trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury - Saturday 27 April 2024
Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world; a famous prehistoric monument standing in the beautiful English countryside. It is 5000 years old and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery to this day. After visiting Stonehenge, the coach will take you on to the mediaeval cathedral city of Salisbury; typically English and full of medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture, as well as shops, cafes and attractions. Ticket price includes coach travel only. Departure from Portsmouth 8.00am, departure from Salisbury 5.00pm.
Coach Trip to Southwick D-Day Vintage Revival - Sunday 9 June 2024
Go back in time to the 1940’s as a whole Hampshire village transforms to commemorate the D-Day landings. Southwick Village was the operational centre for the D-Day landings on the 6th June 1944. Entertainment includes free history walking tours, free dance swing lessons, live music, motorcade of vintage vehicles, traditional fairground, vintage shopping in market street, themed pubs, spitfire plane flypast, ancient ruins and much more. A must for history and vintage enthusiasts! Ticket price includes coach travel only. Departure from Portsmouth 11.30am, departure from Southwick 5.00pm.
Chinese New Year, January 2023 - Year of the Rabbit
Honour the Year of the Rabbit with the Chinese Society’s annual show to celebrate their Lunar New Year through traditional dance, songs and other performances. Free.
International Students' Book Club
Meet once a month for friendly and relaxed discussions on books, poems and short stories. The Book Club is a great place to meet new people, practice your English skills and enjoy talks and visits about other places associated with books and reading in Portsmouth.
Once a year, Book Club takes part in World Book Night celebrations and takes books to communities outside the university, getting to know new people and new places.
For more information, contact rhiannon.thomson@port.ac.uk
Global Café
2.00pm - 3.00pm every Wednesday during term time, Park Building Café. All students welcome.
Global Café hosts weekly themed discussions every Wednesday during term time. If you'd like to meet other students in a friendly, informal environment then Global Café is for you! You'll meet students from other countries and share knowledge and experience of other cultures and languages, or just a chat. All students are welcome. Join us on Moodle for updates, venues, theme announcements and online conversation.
Global Week
Global Week celebrates the global culture we have at the University of Portsmouth.
In March 2024 we will be hosting a week-long programme of events celebrating the international diversity we have at the university. More information will be announced on this page over the next few months.
March 2024
Global Week celebrates the global culture we have at the University of Portsmouth!
In March 2024 we will be hosting a week-long programme of events celebrating the international diversity we have at the University of Portsmouth. More information will be announced on the Global Week webpage.
HOST UK is a scheme where you can spend a day or weekend with a British family anywhere in the UK. You will get to learn more about British culture and share your culture with them. This is a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself in British culture and to make new friends along the way. Contact us for details on how to apply.
- Weekend visit: £30
- Day visit: £15
- The cost of travel is extra.
Look out for details of the HOSTUK Christmas visits on our Facebook page and in the WeAreGlobal newsletter to experience a real British Christmas, with all the trimmings.