Student Housing in Portsmouth

Located on the South Coast of England, Portsmouth is often known as “Pompey.” It’s also the UK’s only island city. The city is widely known among the students for the University of Portsmouth. This University is spread across the city centre, making the city student-friendly and walkable. Every year, over 31,000 students are enrolled and from that 5,700 are international students who attend the University of Portsmouth. This makes finding student accommodation Portsmouth competitive, although Portsmouth is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students, the soaring demand makes it moderately competitive to deliver. 

With UniAcco, you can explore more than 50+ verified listings, compare prices and properties. Whether you are looking for student flats Portsmouth, student housing Portsmouth, or simply en-suites and studios, the options are flexible enough to suit every student’s needs. Plus, 24/7 student support makes it even easier to find the right student accommodation Portsmouth.

 

Explore Student Room Types in Portsmouth

Where you live shapes your entire university experience. That’s why finding the right student accommodation portsmouth is a must. In Portsmouth, students usually choose between en-suites and studios, but the city has more than that.

En-suites

These are the most sought-after student homes Portsmouth for students. In en-suites, students get a private bed and bathroom with shared living space and a kitchen. It’s the most affordable option for first-year and second-year students. The rent usually ranges from £170 to £ 200/week.

Non-ensuites

These student rooms Portsmouth are usually cheaper than en-suites but offer less privacy. Students get a private bed with a shared bathroom, kitchen and living space. Still, a great choice for those who love a social environment. 

Studios

These student housing Portsmouth offer the maximum privacy and comfort. Usually, rented by last year's and PhD students. Students get a private living space, a kitchen, and a bathroom in a single unit. Studios are usually more expensive than en-suites and non-ensuites. 

One-bedroom apartments

Perfect for those who want extra space, comfort, and privacy. These are usually rented by students who are studying a tough course. Students get a private bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. It’s like having your own student flat in Portsmouth. 

Two-bedroom apartments

Ideal for those who want to live with their friends. Students get two separate bedrooms with shared living space, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Unlike en-suites and non-ensuites, these two-bed apartments are more private. 

Three-bedroom apartments

Similar to two- and one-bedroom apartments, these three-bedroom apartments have three separate bedrooms, with a shared kitchen and living space. These one, two and three-bedroom apartments are usually booked in a group with friends.

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Portsmouth 

The UK is one of the most expensive countries in the world. The quality of life is high, and the education system is excellent. This is what makes students choose UK universities for their higher education. Unlike London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, Portsmouth is very affordable. The rent for student accommodation Portsmouth usually ranges between £131 and £235. But the rent isn’t the only part of budgeting, which is why it’s important to find student accommodation that fits your budget and doesn’t take 60%-70% of your pocket. Below are some of the most affordable student accommodations in Portsmouth. They not only fit your budget but also come with fully furnished rooms, top amenities and all-inclusive bills.

1. 276 Fawcett Road
2. Rosalind Franklin Halls
3. Margaret Rule Hall
4. Greetham Street
5. Chaucer House
6. Catherine House, Portsmouth
7. Europa House, Portsmouth
8. St James Street
9. Stanhope House, Portsmouth 
10. Crown Place - Portsmouth

 

Best Student Housing in Portsmouth

What makes the student accommodation Portsmouth the best? The city is affordable, and it has a student population. But finding the best student housing in Portsmouth involves more than that. The fully-furnished rooms, proximity to not only the campus but also to daily necessities, all-inclusive bills, and modern amenities with good security systems, make the student accommodation Portsmouth the best. Below are the top 10 student accommodations in Portsmouth; they are not randomly picked. These accommodations were the most booked on UniAcco and were rated highly by students; they are students’ lived experiences. 

1. Crown Place - Portsmouth
2. Earlsdon Street
3. Greetham Street
4. Stanhope House, Portsmouth
5. Middle Street, Portsmouth
6. Chaucer House
7. Europa House, Portsmouth
8. Stanley Studios - Portsmouth
9. 276 Fawcett Road
10. Catherine House, Portsmouth

 

Best Areas to Live in Portsmouth for Students

Officially, Portsmouth has 14 wards. But people usually divide the city into around 15-20 main areas. And out of all these areas, it’s important to know which student accommodation Portsmouth works the best for you. Below are the best areas to live in Portsmouth for students.

• Southsea: The biggest university in Portsmouth, the University of Portsmouth, is just within walking distance in this area. As the name suggests, this area has the classic “student city by the sea” vibe. The rent ranges here between £170-£250/week, and as you go near the sea, the rent also starts getting higher. On weekends, students sit near the seafront or at Southsea Common to enjoy the area's lively, artsy, coastal vibe. 

• City Centre / University Quarter: This area is known for its busy, student-oriented atmosphere. Unlike Southsea, this has a less coastal charm and more practical energy. It’s one of the most convenient areas in Portsmouth for students. Major universities, including the University of Portsmouth and libraries, are located within walking distance. The rent here ranges from £170 to £220/week. And the best part is, most of the big and affordable student accommodations are located in this area.

• Fratton: After the first year, students usually move to Fratton for cheaper accommodation and to save extra money. It’s not directly within walking distance to the University of Portsmouth, but still close to the university by bicycle and has easy access to the train and bus. Because of its less touristy vibe, the area has large shared houses and accommodations. It’s more residential. 

• Old Portsmouth: This area in Portsmouth screams old money. Old Portsmouth is the historic waterfront part of the city. It’s calmer, beautiful and has a good historic architecture. This is what makes it more expensive than other areas, but the environment makes up for it all. It’s popular among postgraduate and PhD students who don’t want loud nightlife. 

• Eastney: This area is a lot like Southsea; it’s near the beach, has a more relaxed, quieter atmosphere, but the rent is a little cheaper than in Southsea. It is calmer, slower and residential. But the major universities are not easily accessible within walking distance, so students in this area need a bicycle to reach campus. 

 

Monthly Cost of Living in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for university students. Accommodation, groceries, and restaurants are quite affordable compared to big UK cities like London. Students here usually spend around £800- £ 1,500 a month, which includes rent, food, and miscellaneous expenses. For a better breakdown, refer to the table below. Knowing the cost of living in advance helps you budget better and smarter. 

Note: Utility bills are included in the rent when booked through UniAcco, so students won’t have to pay any extra for WiFi or electricity.

 

Getting Around Portsmouth - Student Travel Guide

Portsmouth is one of the easiest cities in the UK to travel around. Students here don’t need a car to drive around. The city is already compact, so most places are easily accessible on foot. But if ever students want to go a little further, they can use the buses. Buses are the main public transportation in Portsmouth. The city has the first bus, stagecoach and university buses as well. And trains are mostly used to travel outside the city. Below is a clear breakdown of how students travel around the city and how much they spend. 

 

 

Student Life in Portsmouth: Lifestyle & Attractions

Portsmouth is for those who love to stay near the water. Student life in this coastal city is very relaxed, social, and active, without being as overwhelming as in London. Going out on weekends and chilling near the beach isn’t really expensive, and that’s what makes this city students’ favourite. Below are the top 5 attractions students visit most after lectures and on weekends. 

• Southsea Common: This is one of the most famous and biggest hangout points for students. It’s a large open green space beside the seafront in Southsea. Students go there for late-night beach walks, weekend picnics, to watch sunsets, and for a coffee run after a stressful university lecture. This is the students' go-to spot when they don’t know where to go. Plus, it’s a perfect spot for a date as well. 

• Gunwharf Quays: Unlike the usual Portsmouth area, Gunwharf Quays has a more city-like vibe. It is a large waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex in Portsmouth. Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Vans, Superdry, Boss, all these big brands make this place bougie. It is one of the most energetic places in Portsmouth. Famous restaurants and cafes like the Alchemist Portsmouth, Slug & Lettuce, All Bar One, and Bella Italia make it the perfect spot for weekend chill time with friends or birthday celebrations. It’s a go-to place for students for date nights and celebrations. 

• Spinnaker Tower: This tower is more tourist-friendly than local; it’s the most famous landmark of Portsmouth. Spinnaker Tower is a tall observation tower built within the Gunwharf Quays. It is designed to represent the sail because Portsmouth has a strong naval and maritime history. International students love this place for its panoramic views of the city and the sea. They usually come here for gram pictures. On weekends, this tower is filled with students and tourists. 

• Wedgewood Rooms: Students love listening to music, and no one can argue that. The Wedgewood Rooms are always full of young student energy. This is a live music venue; they host concerts, DJ nights, tribute acts, open mics, and comedy shows. Basically, this is where students go for entertainment. Locally, this place is known as “The Wedge.” And famous artists such as Oasis, Muse, The Strokes, and Jeff Buckley have performed here. 

• South Parade Pier: This is one of the historic seaside piers in Southsea, Portsmouth. Basically, a long, traditional British pier built over the sea, where students go for seaside walks, arcades, food, bars, and ocean views. This place has a very classic British seaside vibe; it feels more cultured and relaxed. It’s not just a weekend hangout spot; they go there even after lectures as well. It’s a cheap hangout spot for students. 

 

Top Universities in Portsmouth

Portsmouth has one major university, which is the University of Portsmouth. While there is only one university, there are two more higher education institutions—International College Portsmouth and City of Portsmouth College. Most international students prefer the University of Portsmouth for its diverse culture and strong teaching. 

 

How to Book Student Accommodation in Portsmouth 

Finding the right student accommodation Portsmouth is not easy, but booking is even tougher. The procedure is lengthy; it involves signing complex documents, verifying properties and paying a deposit, but with UniAcco, it’s effortless. 

At UniAcco, students can compare prices and get personalised recommendations from our experts. Once you finalise the property, our team will help you with everything from filling out the forms to moving into the property.