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.

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. 

Explore Portsmouth

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.

Come and see for yourself

Undergraduate Open Days

Thinking about joining us as an undergrad? Book your spot at one of our upcoming Open Days.

Student ambassador holding "Follow me" sign
Book now

Postgraduate Open Days

Come to our next event to talk to our course leaders, researchers, expert support teams and current students. 

FOR PG USE ONLY
Book 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.

UoP USE ONLY
Start exploring

Here's why our students love it here

  • "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.

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

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)