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    Study in Portsmouth

    City guide

    Surrounded by sea, studying in Portsmouth is like being on your own little island. The city’s history and culture are entwined with its docks and ports.

    Portsmouth is small enough to walk or bike almost anywhere. Different areas have different characters. Portsea is an older area with a focus on the sea and sailing, Fratton is more residential, and Southsea has many independent businesses and the seafront. Gunwharf Quays is an amazing shopping centre with restaurants and cinema, and is really close to the Historic Dockyard where HMS Warrior and Victory both sit. (Second year student, University of Portsmouth)

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    • Amelia

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing
      Hi! My name is Amelia, I’m a second year Children’s and Young People’s Nursing Student. I’m really enjoying the course and my nursing journey so far. Please feel free to message with any questions or queries you may have!

    • Büşra

      Bournemouth University
      Doctor of Philosophy - Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
      Hi! I am an occupational therapist, and a first year student at Bournemouth University. I like reading books, watching comedies and science-fiction movies. It is a pleasure for me to travel sometimes when I have the opportunity.

    • Alexia

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
      Hi, I’m Alexia! I’m a second year student in my undergraduate degree (including a placement year), working as a student ambassador for BU. I have Portuguese parents but I was born in the UK, so I am more fluent in English but I can hold a good conversation in Portuguese :]. In the future, I want to become a counselling psychologist/therapist and also pursue music in some form (although that bit isn’t planned out yet lol). I have 2 Mainecoon cats and practice a variety of sports and musical instruments, including kickboxing and piano. It’ll be tough to balance everything this year but I’m determined to stay healthy and happy throughout my degree and make the most out of the social aspect of uni!

    • Deaglan

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Business and Management (Finance)
      My background and childhood were very active: I grew up flaying sport and especially loved football. I had various job roles before university which provided me great experience before coming to university. My passion is now for finance and I love working with numbers. My future aspirations would ideally be working within finance and/or project management, using my placement experience to gain advantage in job hunting.

    • Ella

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Midwifery
      Hi! I am Ella, a 3rd year Midwifery Student. Alongside Midwifery my main passion is dance. I have danced all my life and I am part of BUDS (the dance society at uni!). I also enjoy spending time with my friends, especially at the beach! I am happy to answer any questions that you may have and will try my best to help :)

    • Alexis

      University of Portsmouth
      Psychology
      Hi, I’m Alexis and I have no idea what I want to be currently :) but am aiming to work in the field of Psychology. I’m an international student attending the University of Portsmouth and have lived in the Unite Student Greetham Hall. I enjoy reading and writing and am always open to trying new hobbies. I love listening to people and being a friendly voice to help out in times of stress or curiosity. So whether you need to ask a question or just need to talk I’m here :)

    • Emily

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Social Work
      Hi I'm Emily! I’m a third year Social Work Student, I’m passionate about social justice. Last year I was the choreographer of the ballet team so please feel free to ask any sports / societies related questions too!

    • Daniel

      University of Portsmouth
      Film and Media
      Once I graduate from university, I want to be a film writer / director as I have always dreamed of watching a film and one day seeing my name at the end of the credits. Once I leave university, I will most likely get a job in the film industry and try to work my way up to a position where I can have creative control whilst also making my own films on the side.

    • Hannah

      Bournemouth University
      MA Multimedia Journalism
      Hi I'm Hannah and I've just graduated from BA (Hons) TV Production at Bournemouth Uni. I am now a Masters student studying Multimedia Journalism with aspirations to be a music and entertainment reporter/presenter. I love music and radio and have been a presenter at Nerve for the last three years, and I was also Head of Music on the committee for two years. I've also been a Student Ambassador for about a year and a half, happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have!

    • Abigail

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Film
      Hi, I'm Abigail and I'm a third-year Film student! I'd be very happy to answer anything about filmmaking and media related questions at Bournemouth University, and what it’s like to move out for the first time and settle into a new city! :))

    • Andrew

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing and Security
      I'm Andrew, a 20 year old undergraduate student, with a keen interest in anything related to computers! I love to do programming in my spare time, as well as a bit of gaming. In the future, I would like to be a penetration tester/ethical hacker, as well as doing some digital forensics :)

    • Emma

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Geography
      I am a second year Geography student, I have a particular interest in Wildlife conservation. I love going to the beach, exploring new places and painting in my sketchbook.

    • Harvey

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) History
      Hi, Harvey here! I am a Second Year History student. I’ve come from a relatively disadvantaged background, so coming to university was a big step for me. I’d love to answer your questions on uni life, courses, or anything regarding higher education. No question is a stupid/dumb question :)

    • Anna

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing
      Hi! My name is Anna and I am a third year Children and Young People’s nursing student. I am loving my nursing journey so far! I look forward to answering any questions or queries you may have.

    • Jake

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
      Hi, my name is Jake and I am a second year studying sport and exercise science. I am a sports motivated person, that has played football for over 15 years. Studying sport and exercise science at uni has broadened my knowledge within sport, and fuelled my interest in various aspects of sport and I will hopefully be working within the professional industry in the near future.

    • Charlotte

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism
      Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am starting my second year of Multi-Media Journalism at Bournemouth University. Outside of my studies, I love to watch football and I am a big music fan too. If you have any questions please don't be afraid to ask as I am more than happy to answer them ! :)

    • Imran

      University of Portsmouth
      Film and Media
      Hey there! I'm Imran and I am currently studying Television Production with an aim of working in sports broadcast industry. I am really passionate about filming, editing, and creating content. I have experience in camera operating, vision mixing, directing, rigging and de-rigging kit, and fixing connection issues. I love playing sports, and play badminton professionally. I have played in several badminton tournaments both nationally and internationally. I am currently in London on a placement year working at Disney as a Broadcast Technology and Operations Intern.

    • Eryn

      University of Portsmouth
      Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology MSc
      Hi! I'm Eryn, a postgraduate student doing my MSc in Cyber Security and Forensic Information Technology, following my undergraduate degree at Portsmouth in Criminology and Forensic Studies (Hons).

    • Faith

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Psychology
      Hello, my name's faith, I'm currently studying psychology at Bournemouth university which I would like to use to do a graduate entry into medicine and become a psychiatrist or I would like to do my master's and PhD and become a clinical psychologist

    • Elisabeth

      University of Portsmouth
      Sport and Exercise Psychology (BPS Accredited) MSc
      My name is Elisabeth, I am currently studying Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc with the aim of moving into Clinical Psychology MSc and PhD. I am very passionate about psychology as well as sport, I’ve been doing gymnastics since I was 9 years old but I also enjoy lots of other sport such as tennis, golf and weight lifting. I currently live at Greetham street halls. My favourite thing to do outside uni is bowling with my friends in Gunwharf Quays.

    What Portsmouth's famous for...

    The Royal Navy

    Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth is the oldest and most important of the Royal Navy’s three bases.

    Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth

    Portsmouth nightlife, according to students

    Guildhall Walk [is] most popular among students, and walking distance to halls of residence. Here students will find nightclubs such as Pryzm and Astoria, as well as bars like Dockyard, with student budget-friendly drink deals. Secondly, there is Elm Grove/Albert Road offering a range of restaurants, pubs, and bars with live music. This area is used by both students and the public, and typically closer to students living in privately rented accommodation. Finally, there is Gunwharf Quays, with plenty of restaurants and cocktail bars – however this does tend to be more pricey. (Third year student, University of Portsmouth)

    Arnie

    The Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, lived in Portsmouth in the 1960s, while training as a bodybuilder. He was even a member of a gym in Southsea.

    Arnold Schwarzenegger star

    Portsmouth nightlife, according to students

    Guildhall Walk is popular for ‘Purple Wednesdays’, the student club and society night with all bars and clubs within 100m. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is a ‘Safe Space’ in the Civic Offices, where volunteers and paramedics are if you get lost, need help, need a rest, or even need some flip-flops. (University of Portsmouth student)

    Spice Island

    Learn about this area of 'Old Portsmouth', which lay beyond the city’s laws in the 17th and 18th centuries, and had a seedy reputation for gangs and brothels.

    Portsmouth Spice Island

    Student life in Portsmouth

    Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.

    Low on cash

    Victoria Park near the Guildhall has a small animal sanctuary, and the walk along the south coast has many interesting things to see. (Second year student, University of Portsmouth)

    Treat yourself

    Gunwharf Quays is the place to go for a celebration! They have a variety of great upmarket shops, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and casinos. (Second year student, University of Portsmouth)

    Friday night out

    The Astoria links up with the bar next door, Tokyo Joe's. Pay entry once for both venues. The biggest night there is. (Third year student, University of Portsmouth)

    Sunday chilling

    The canoe lake in Southsea is beautiful! There are swan paddle boats, a playpark, and the beach, all within 20 metres of each other. (Second year student, University of Portsmouth)

    When family visit

    When my family visited, we went to Spinnaker Tower which has amazing views. Sometimes [it has] night shows. (University of Portsmouth student)

    Feeling cultural

    Visit the impressive Kings Theatre or Number 6 Cinema is a quaint independent cinema located in the heart of the historic dockyard. Visiting the Mary Rose Museum and HMS Victory are also must-dos. (Second year student, University of Portsmouth)

    Catch up with mates

    Dice is a fantastic board game cafe where you can relax with friends, learning to play new games. (Third year student, University of Portsmouth)

    Grab a bite

    Outside-In is a pop-up food court that offers a range of cuisines from all over the world, as well as hosts events, live music, and cocktails. I usually go to the Jamaican vendor, and order the jackfruit burger with peri-peri fries and a malt shake. (Second year student, University of Portsmouth)

    Portsmouth in pictures

    Spinnaker Tower

    One of the main landmarks in Portsmouth. (Emily, third year student at University of Portsmouth)

    Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower

    Southsea Castle Lighthouse

    The lighthouse near Southsea Castle. (Emily, third year student at University of Portsmouth)

    Southsea Castle Lighthouse

    Living in Portsmouth, according to students

    Fratton – this area is good as it’s close to both a train station and lots of big supermarkets. The houses are generally larger and cheaper than in Southsea. It is also a short walk from all of the uni buildings. (Second year student, University of Portsmouth)

    Portsmouth Harbour

    The Harbour is a great place to sit and think. (Emily, third year student at University of Portsmouth)

    Portsmouth Harbour

    The beach

    It's where I like to hang out most of the time. (Emily, third year student at University of Portsmouth)

    Portsmouth beach

    Living in Portsmouth, according to students

    Southsea – a moderately-priced area [that's a] 25-minute walk to university, with a free bus stopping ten minutes away, a few nice local pubs, and Southsea's Albert Road [a] short walk away, so good for a night out. (Second year student, University of Portsmouth)

    Living in Portsmouth

    Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.

    Where you'll find students

    • Gunwharf Quays
    • Southsea
    • Fratton

    Local transport

    • Weekly ticket: £14
    • Stagecoach Portsmouth 7 Day MegaRider
    • Bus

    Student money tips

    The cheapest nights out are Pound Party Mondays at Pryzm and Popworld. (Second year student, University of Portsmouth)

    The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

    ​Discover more savings on student life in Portsmouth with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion and design brands, and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

    Study options

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