Student life at the University of Portsmouth

Why do students choose the University of Portsmouth?

The University of Portsmouth is a multidisciplinary institution with state-of-the-art facilities and five faculties that provide applied undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate research degrees. The university has excellent rankings for graduate employment and student happiness. The location of the university, education quality, rankings, services for the students and overall excellent student life in Portsmouth — compels the students to consider Portsmouth University for higher studies. Let us discuss them in detail.

Location of the University of Portsmouth and transportation facilities

The seaside location of the University of Portsmouth allows students to enjoy pebbled beaches, public parks, and sports all year, and the city has a strong maritime past as it is also the home of the Royal Navy. Many large corporations have relocated to Portsmouth, including BAE Systems, EADS Astrium, VT Shipbuilding and the UK headquarters of IBM.

The city is secure and welcoming, with great transportation options. Portsmouth's position makes it a gateway to the continent as well as other UK towns. London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are 70 minutes distant, whereas Southampton Airport is only 20 minutes apart.

Portsmouth is a significant ferry port with services to the Isle of Wight, France and Spain. The city showcases the history of Portsmouth's ancient dockyard, and allows you to shop at Gunwharf Quays and explore culture through its numerous museums. There is a thriving music scene and summer festivals such as Victorious take place on an annual basis.

This overall enhances student life in Portsmouth, as students get to rejuvenate and experience life along with their study curriculum.

Also read: Top Courses at the University of Portsmouth

Ratings received by the University of Portsmouth

• QS World University Rankings gave a 5-star rating to Portsmouth University.  
  It was ranked as a top 25 university in the UK for student satisfaction according to Times Higher Education, 2023.
• An overall rating of Gold in the TEF 2023 or Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 is provided to the university.
• This institution is on the list of top 15 universities for postgraduate satisfaction, as per the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2022.
• In the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings, it was named one of the finest institutions in the United Kingdom. In addition, it was named the world's best university under 50 years old.
• As per the WhatUni Student Choice 2023, it ranks at number 17 for foreign student experience.
• According to the National Student Survey 2023, it ranks 19th in England for academic support.
• The National Student Survey 2023 ranks it 18th in England for best learning materials.

Overall development of students: Benefits of studying at the University of Portsmouth

The Student Union has organised more than 140 student groups, including 24 sports clubs. Students can also use student radio or magazines to express themselves creatively. The Afro-Caribbean Society organises the Fusion Festival every year during Black History Month. Campus events bring students together on a regular basis, whether for networking or socialising.

The students can also benefit from:

• Work-related learning opportunities and experiences 
• Language learning at a free cost
• Opportunity to participate in student competitions such as GameJam and the Enterprise Showcase
• Various volunteering opportunities
• Exchange and study abroad opportunities

Also read: Accommodation and campus life at University of Portsmouth

Can international students work part-time whilst studying at the University of Portsmouth?

The university offers 400+ courses in total - around 200 undergraduate degrees, and 150+ postgraduate and doctorate degrees across a wide range of subjects. Many courses are taught full-time on campus, but if anyone wants to work while they study, the university also offers degree apprenticeships and work-based degrees.

Work-related learning is incorporated into all courses through integrated work placements and sandwich years, employer visits and activities in simulated work environments such as the replica law court, journalism newsroom, model pharmacy and TV studios.

Services for international students

The University of Portsmouth student life is upgraded due to the kind of services that it offers:

1. Housing services

Accommodation at the University of Portsmouth is guaranteed in the university halls of residence to all new, full-time students who make Portsmouth University their firm and first choice, and meet accommodation deadlines when commencing the courses in September or October. The students are allowed to choose from a huge range of accommodation options (over 5000):

1. Self-catered or catered
2. En-suite or shared bathrooms
3. Corridor rooms or shared flats
4. Female-only or male-only designated areas
5. Studio flats
6. Designated calmer and quieter rooms
7. Provided well-being support in hallways

There are also many privately leased shared houses, apartments and lodgings near the university and city centre. To assist students in finding acceptable housing, the university monitors vacancy and safety requirements.

2. English language courses

The University of Portsmouth provides pre-sessional English language training to students at all levels of study. During the academic year, Portsmouth also provides workshops in English for Academic Purposes to assist them in adjusting to the English university system. All EAP classes are free for the first year.
A specialised staff of International Student Advisers helps students with everything from pastoral care and visa information to university enrolment and social activities.

3. Student services

Support and advice are provided to students, which could be related to financial, academic and well-being. Apart from that, additional support and disability advice, nursery facilities, Chaplaincy and prayer facilities, Maths café, Global café, etc. are also offered to the students at the university.

4. Medical services

The University of Portsmouth student life is taken care of by the medical services that it provides. Students are asked to register at the University Dental Academy and Eye Clinic. In addition to that, there are multiple opticians and dentists throughout the city as well.

5. Library services

The library is large, pleasant and well-equipped and is available 24 hours a day. It has conference pods, bookable group study rooms with presentation devices, soft lounging spaces, a café, and about 390,000 printed volumes, 700,000 ebooks, and 55,000 journals. Throughout the year, you can reach out to a librarian online or by phone for assistance.

6. ICT services

The students at Portsmouth University have access to Wi-Fi across campus, free IT support, computer suites with specialised software and equipment, open access areas, printing and scanning facilities and group working areas, laptops of 24-hour loan, etc.

Also read: Reasons to study at the University of Portsmouth

Final words

The University of Portsmouth student life exemplifies the university's dedication to academic success and personal development through its top-notch teaching methods, engaging campus life and cutting-edge facilities. 
Get expert help from Edvoy, the most recognised international consultant, and start your admissions process.

Related articles

Reasons to choose the University of Portsmouth

Student Accommodation and Life on Campus at the University of Portsmouth

Top courses at the University of Portsmouth

FAQs

1. Are scholarships available for students at the University of Portsmouth?

Yes, the university offers various scholarships to its students.

When students are applying for their master's programme, there are many options available to help students with their funds. Students need to download the Scholarship Guide, find out the appropriate scholarships and learn how to apply for them.

Some of the popular scholarships that are offered at the university are:

• Chancellor's Global Academic Merit Scholarship
• Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship
• SQA Advanced Diploma Scholarship
• Sanctuary Scholarship
• EU Scholarship
• SEGG Scholarship (School of the Environment, Geography, and Geosciences)

2. What percentage of international students enrol for this university?

29% of the enrolled students are international students at this university.

3. What is the ratio of female to male students at Portsmouth University?

The ratio of female to male students at this university is 47: 53.