Campus and city life

Our campus is open, including our teaching spaces, communal spaces, toilets, cafes and the library.

You're able to get involved in life on campus and most of the city – including our beaches, green spaces, attractions, shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs – are open too.

How we kept our campus safe 

Since the pandemic started, we worked hard to protect our students and staff with many safety measures on campus, including extensive Covid testing programme for staff and students - one of the first Universities in the country to do so.

Following Government guidance we've removed many of these restrictions. For example face coverings aren't required in University buildings, but are still encouraged to keep our whole community safe if you're unwell. We're ready to reintroduce any necessary safety measures in places if Government advice changes.

Life on campus

Using teaching spaces and accessing support

Your student card will give you access to teaching spaces and University buildings, like the building your lessons will be in, the Library and more.

Our MyPort Hub teams are on hand to help you with any course questions or issues, and you can access 24 hour wellbeing support from our trained counsellors. Meanwhile our finance support team is available to help you with any money worries, our careers team can help you find part time work or a placement, and our academic skills team will help you with everything you need to know about studying at Uni.

If you ever need a face-to-face chat, you can speak with your personal tutor and any of our guidance and support teams, who are also available in person, or video chat, phone or email.  

Sports facilities

Our Sports facilities are open again, with everything from gym sessions to yoga classes, badminton to 5-a-side available.

Enjoying the city

Portsmouth is full of thriving independent businesses including bakeries, craft stores, bookshops, cafes and local restaurants. 

Most cafes, restaurants and pubs are open and many are also offering a takeaway or delivery service if you don't fancy eating in. Don't forget to check out the art and craft stores to get creative in your spare time outside uni study. 

Getting around Portsmouth

Portsmouth is an island city where everything is on your doorstep – including the beach and the huge green space that is Southsea Common.

Walking and cycling

We always encourage you to walk and cycle to get around the city where possible. Portsmouth is a compact city, so this is very easy. 

If you're living in our halls of residence, you're within short walking distance of the University campus and the city centre. So you should only need public transport to get around if walking or cycling isn't an option. MyJourney Hampshire has great tips and a route-finder when walking or cycling around Portsmouth.

We encourage you not to bring your car to Portsmouth, as everything is within walking distance and it's better for the environment too. 

Find out more about getting to campus.

Before you arrive

You're ready to join us on campus and now it's time to start getting ready to arrive. Explore our advice on settling in at uni, such as how to prepare for uni, what to pack and how to make friends when you get here.