Student accommodation in Portsmouth at a glance
For quintessential Portsmouth university accommodation, check out Europa House. This modern student accommodation in Portsmouth has seaside views and offers a range of studio rooms depending on your needs. It’s right on the harbour, giving you panoramic views to wake up to and study in front of. It has great shared facilities, including an on-site gym, cinema room, and lots of comfortable communal spaces to chill with friends. Location-wise, you can’t get much better with the University of Portsmouth being only a 19-minute walk away. Plus, it’s right in the city centre next to loads of cafes, bars, and restaurants, not to mention Portsmouth Harbour train station being a short walk away. There are many options for living away at university; check out our guide to the different types of student accommodation to find out more about private student accommodation in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth at a glance
- Portsmouth is home to higher educational establishments such as the University of Portsmouth, the University of Portsmouth Business School, and the City of Portsmouth College. As a result, there are many great student halls in Portsmouth to suit everyone’s needs.
- Portsmouth is home to Her Majesty’s Naval Base, one of only three in the UK. Two-thirds of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet is positioned here, which sees Portsmouth playing host to some of the nation’s most iconic ships and vessels. Open to the public is the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which is part of the Portsmouth naval base. Here you’ll find HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, two more modern ships from the Royal Navy’s history.
- For more maritime history, head to the Mary Rose Museum. Here you’ll see one of Britain’s most famous nautical relics, the Mary Rose, a surviving ship from King Henry VIII’s fleet in the sixteenth century.
- If you’re a fan of heights, head to the Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower, which overlooks the Solent. This impressive structure stands at 600 feet tall and gives one of the best aerial views of the city.
- Take a break from your student flats in Portsmouth and head to the beach. The area has five beautiful beaches: Southsea, Southsea West, Eastney, Old Portsmouth Beach, and West Hayling.
- If you’re keen on a more active day on the water, try one of the many water sports offered in the area, such as yachting, wakeboarding, or rowing.
- Check out a live gig and one of Portsmouth’s many acclaimed music venues, including Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth Pyramids, and the Wedgewood Rooms.
Student travel in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is an easy city to get around, with its main forms of transport being bus and train. As a seaside city, there are also ferries that cater to surrounding coastal ports and nearby isles. For general information about travel in the area, check out the Portsmouth City Council website.
By Bus
A bus is a great option for student travel, as it allows you to get from your Portsmouth University accommodation to campus or somewhere around town. The two main operators in the area are Stagecoach and First Bus and provide a reliable and convenient service. There’s also a dedicated University Bus that solely operates to shuttle students and staff from campus around town, and the best part, the University Bus is free!
By Train
Portsmouth has great rail stations connecting with London, Southampton, and the southeast and southwest coastal routes. It has three main railway stations, Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth & Southsea, and Fratton, which can take you around the city or the rest of the country. The closest station to the University of Portsmouth campus is Portsmouth & Southsea, so if your student accommodation in Portsmouth is out of the city centre, the train is an easy way to get to lectures.
By Ferry
Being by the water is one of Portsmouth’s best selling points, so it makes sense to use your time there wisely and explore the surrounding areas by ferry. You can take a day trip or long weekend to the Isle of Wight, or even go abroad, catching a ferry to France or the Channel Islands.
Featured neighbourhoods around student accommodation in Portsmouth
Southsea
Most private student accommodation in Portsmouth can be found in the city centre, with Southsea being one of the favourites. This vibrant area is in the south of the city, close to the seaside, with most accommodation coming with beautiful sea views. It’s also close to lots of cafes, restaurants, and bars, meaning you don’t have to go far for some much-needed student socialising. We love the idea of grabbing a coffee at Southsea Beach Cafe or Southsea Coffee Co. and then heading to Southsea Common for a relaxed afternoon in the sun. What about you?
Fratton
Fratton is smack-bang in the middle of the city centre, which makes it a popular place for student halls in Portsmouth. It’s got a dedicated train station which makes it convenient to get out of town and is a short walk to the University of Portsmouth campus. It also has great student bars, including the Trafalgar Arms, the Froddington Arms, and the Electric Arms. And if you don’t fancy a pint, you’ve got Kingston Park and Cemetery right on your doorstep, which is a beautiful place to take a break from studying and unwind. Keeping a healthy mindset during university is important, so please read our guide to student well-being for guidance on how to do so.
Gunwharf Quays
If shopping, cafes, and restaurants are your thing, then Gunwharf Quays could be a great place for you to find luxury student accommodation in Portsmouth. This newly developed area has lots going on and is right by the water. It’s also right by Portsmouth Harbour train station and Gunwharf Quays shopping centre, with shops and restaurants, including Nandos, nearby, and a Vue cinema. The best part is it’s right near the University of Portsmouth, meaning you can just roll out of bed and head straight to lectures.
Student halls in Portsmouth FAQs
Where is student accommodation in Portsmouth?
Student accommodation in Portsmouth is mostly found within the city centre of Portsmouth because it’s an affordable city for students and near the main campus of the University of Portsmouth. This provides a vibrant atmosphere which makes Portsmouth a popular city for students.
Is Portsmouth cheap for students?
Portsmouth is considered one of the most affordable cities for students to study, with student flats in Portsmouth around £150 per week. According to the Natwest Student Living Index, it’s consistently ranked in the top 10 most adorable cities to study in. Check out our guide for how students pay for accommodation for more information.
Is Portsmouth a good city for students?
Portsmouth is a great city for students due to its affordable and well-regarded universities. In addition, it has a buzzing student community with lots of accommodation options in the city centre, making it easy to study, play and relax with everything on your doorstep.
When should I book my student accommodation in Portsmouth?
To make sure you get your first choice of accommodation, we suggest you book around 6 months ahead of the next academic year. While rooms are available year-round, booking early means you have the most choice in terms of facilities, location and cost.
How much money will I spend on bills?
The amount you’ll spend on bills will vary depending on the property. However, many Portsmouth student accommodation options include bills in the rental price. If you’re ever unsure about what’s included, you can request more information from any of our providers.
How much do I have to pay for my accommodation deposit?
The cost of your deposit will vary based on the property and provider, whereas some providers may not charge a deposit at all. It’s always best to check with the landlord if you’re unsure, which is easy to do on each of our accommodation listings.
How can I get my deposit back at the end of my tenancy?
Your landlord is legally required to protect your deposit in a tenancy deposit scheme. However, to make sure you get your full deposit back from your Portsmouth student accommodation, you must properly look after your property. For more information and advice, check out our guide to getting your student accommodation deposit back.
What is the best way to find student accommodation in Portsmouth?
Mystudenthalls.com has a range of Portsmouth student accommodation options available, including private and shared flats, studios and ensuites designed to meet any budget or need, often with bills included. Please request more details if you need more information about any of our listings.