Societies and Students' Union

If you want to meet new people, get involved with one of more than 140 student groups, or check out what's happening on campus each week — the Students' Union is the place to go.

Run by students, for students as an independent charity, the mission of the University of Portsmouth Students' Union (UPSU) is to make a positive impact on every Portsmouth student. The Union is buzzing with young and inspiring people who are improving their skills, taking on new experiences and motivating others to get involved. 

Supporting you throughout your student life, the Union gives you access to activities and services that broaden your horizons, increase your employability and helps you make lifelong friends.

Community spaces at the Students' Union

The Union Shop

The Union Shop in the reception of the Union Building in Cambridge Road is at the heart of the student community. It's home to all our University of Portsmouth merchandise and a hub for students to make general inquiries.

See our branded clothing and accessories range, which includes t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, varsity jackets, mugs and water bottles. There's also a what's on noticeboard for our clubs and societies.

The 3rd Space

Our Student Union building features The 3rd Space, an open plan area for you to chill with your friends, study in a casual environment and check out what's happening around the university. 

The 3rd Space is home to community and society events such as Feel Good Fest, Nerdvana and Fight Night. There's also a flexible stage and live performance setup, where we've hosted the likes of British rapper, writer and activist Akala, a live broadcast of BBC Radio 4's Any Questions and a Radio 1 professional meet and greet for students to learn about the radio industry.  

The Common Room

Fancy a chilled environment to catch up with friends or work on a team project? The Common Room is situated downstairs in the Union building and features soft furnishings, air hockey, table tennis and foosball. It’s also hosted several in-year events, such as Student Election Q&As, Vintage Vera Kilo Sales and more.

Meeting and activity rooms

There are 5 bookable rooms available in the Union building that are used for conferences, meetings, training, workshops and rehearsals.

Rooms are generally booked on behalf of societies, sports clubs, volunteering and student media groups. Individual students can book out the rooms for academic purposes by requesting in person.

Find out more about the rooms and how to book them on the Union website.

Gun House Green

Just outside the Union building is Gun House Green, an outdoor space that's bright and sunny in the summer.

Hang out with your classmates by the benches and enjoy the weather, take a nap in the shade, or set up a little picnic on the grass. It's also a good space for events during the warmer months, such as society socials, wellbeing and outreach events, and July Open Days.

Events at the Union

Union-run big-ticket events throughout the year include:

Welcome events and Freshers' Fayre

Welcome events are your gateway into student life and the highlight is the Freshers' Fayre.

With a live DJ setup on Gun House Green, stalls for clubs, groups and volunteering groups (the Union hosts more than 150), plus discounts and giveaways, Freshers' Fayre is where it all starts. It's a great opportunity to start making your contacts and friends for life, as well as getting involved in our vibrant student community. 

The Union also offers free BBQs when you arrive, guided city walking tours, Give Me Sport taster sessions run by Sport and Rec, and various nights out during September.

Charity events

Our student groups are active in helping the local community and good causes nationwide. We run events throughout the year to spread awareness and raise funds for charities.

We've got a particular focus on helping mental health charities provide support to people when they need it most. For instance, our Music Society has raised funds with Tonic Music for Mental Health and the Gaming Society has run events with the proceeds going to Special Effect.

The Union Advice Service

We hope University will be one of the best experiences of your life! But if you do need help, the independent Union Advice Service is here to help.

They offer free, confidential, impartial and non-judgemental support. This includes providing advice and guidance on a range of academic and university issues that you may face throughout your studies.

They can help you understand the University's policies and procedures, as well as support you with any University meetings. Their team of trained staff and peer advisors are on hand all year round and work closely with the University to resolve issues that may arise and ensure that all students are treated fairly.

Academic Support

Course Reps

The Course Rep system is organised and run jointly between the University and the Students’ Union and the system itself is recognised via the University’s Student Voice Policy. The University is responsible for electing Course Reps, whilst the Students’ Union provides training, support and volunteering opportunities throughout a Course Reps time in office.

Course Reps are expected to undertake the following tasks:

• To gather feedback, ideas and issues from peers to take forward to Departmental, Faculty, University and Union meetings, and to relevant members of staff.
• To utilise and engage with available communication tools.
• To attend meetings, as outlined by the University.
• To attend training, as outlined by the Union.
• To provide effective academic representation for all students on their course, and not just a few.
• To always stay impartial and ensure that Course Reps’ personal views do not impact on their ability to represent students.
• To signpost students to Union and University services as required.
• To work with Faculty Reps, the Student Focus Team and the Academic Representation Officer.
• To strive to improve the student experience and teaching quality at the University and the Union.

Further information on the Course Rep scheme can be accessed on our webpage. For any additional information or queries please email: studentfocus@upsu.net

Academic Appeals: 

For more information, check the Students' Union Academic Appeal advice webpage, or attend a drop-in with the Students' Union, on the phone via 02392843478 or in person Monday- Friday 10am-4PM.