
Set sail for uni life at our student accommodation in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth may be small, but it’s the only city in the UK with a greater population density than London. As a Port city, it has welcomed people from all over the world for centuries.
Close to the city centre, nightlife, and the coast, we’ve got a room for you at our Portsmouth student housing. Choose from more than 2,700 student rooms in flats across Portsmouth, all within easy reach of the University of Portsmouth, City of Portsmouth College and more.
Why choose Unite Students accommodation in Portsmouth?
Located on the sunny southern coast of England, Portsmouth is a vibrant and historic city known for its maritime heritage and bustling community. Portsmouth may be small, but it packs a lot in – it’s the only city in the UK with a greater population density than London. As a Port city, it has welcomed people from all over the world for hundreds of years.
Book with confidence
Portsmouth has a vibrant student scene, offering something for everyone. From exploring the city's culture and history through museums and galleries to relaxing on the beach and enjoying sports activities. South Downs National Park is also nearby—1,627 square kilometres of beautiful rolling countryside and coastline.
Unite Students accommodations in Portsmouth is strategically situated near key locations like the university campuses and the city centre. We have five student housing properties to choose from in Portsmouth:
Book your place now to secure the price of your Portsmouth uni accommodation.

Pick your property.
Book a viewing or watch a virtual tour – whichever’s easiest.
Choose your length of stay.
Enter your personal and guarantor details.
Submit your payment details.
Choose the instalment plan of one, three, or seven payments.
To book student accommodation in Portsmouth, you must be at least 16 years old and a student in education.
We offer as standard:
A 7-Day Cooling-Off Period – if you change your mind, you can cancel your booking within seven days.
No Place, No Pay – if your offer is withdrawn, or you choose a different university, you can cancel your agreement at no cost.
You can pay for your Portsmouth student accommodation in the following ways:
Direct Debit
Card payment
UnionPay for international students
All bills are included with Unite Students, so there are no hidden extra costs. Pay in one, three or seven instalments to suit your finances.
We don’t take deposits but advance rent may be required. This is a small part of the full-year amount, and we put this towards your first rent instalment.
You may need a guarantor for your student accommodation in Portsmouth. This must be someone over 25 who can make payments if you’re unable to pay rent on time – for example, a parent or legal guardian.
You can book student accommodation in Portsmouth for the next academic year from the first week in November. Portsmouth is a popular student city, so the sooner you get your application in, the better. Then you can relax, knowing everything has been taken care of. Book now to lock in prices for 2026/27 and to avoid any unexpected rises in costs.
If you don’t secure a university offer and go through clearing, there may still be some student accommodation in Portsmouth with us. If not, you can join our waiting list. Rooms can become available if applicants drop out or choose a different uni. Remember, if you're a first-year student and you don't get the university of your choice, you can always cancel your accommodation for free.
As a small coastal city, student accommodation is limited in Portsmouth. Rental prices vary depending on the accommodation type and amenities offered. High-spec student halls close to the university tend to be more expensive than shared student housing out of Portsmouth city centre.
At Unite Students, your safety and security are essential to us. CCTV monitors cover our properties, and the only entry is with our key cards and fobs. We also have concierges on reception who are there to help if you need them. Our call centre is open 24/7, and you can utilise our Unite Students App for support.
There are several popular student housing areas in Portsmouth. Southsea is a short walk from the University of Portsmouth campus and is known for its lively atmosphere, with a range of bars, restaurants, and shops to enjoy. Fratton is another popular student area and is east of the city centre. North End is a great option for students looking for a quieter residential area, as it has a mix of local stores and amenities along with easy access to public transit.
Yes, you can view our student housing before booking. You can email or phone us to book a viewing. Can’t visit in person? We have 360° virtual tours of our rooms online.
Although it’s the most popular option for first years, you don’t have to stay in Portsmouth University halls. While most universities have their own halls of residence, there are plenty of other student accommodation options in Portsmouth. Private providers like Unite Students often offer more modern and spacious student halls, and you can also find your own shared house or studio flat.
Portsmouth is one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK according to the NatWest Student Living Index. Portsmouth was ranked fourth in the rankings – only Bournemouth, Cardiff and Lincoln were cheaper. With plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs tailored to students, its affordability makes Portsmouth an attractive city to live and study.
Before you choose student accommodation in Portsmouth, it’s a good idea to think about your preferences. Would you prefer to live close to campus for easy access to classes, or be near the city centre in the heart of it all? Consider your budget and what you can feasibly afford. Facilities like gyms, study rooms, and communal areas can all make student housing more comfortable during your stay in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth is a cosmopolitan town with a diverse population, which makes it a popular choice for international students. There are students from over 150 countries studying at the University of Portsmouth, each of them contributing to making the city as vibrant as it is. And, while you’ll embrace British culture during your time at university, Portsmouth still has plenty of options if you’re missing the flavours, faiths and familiarity of home.
Portsmouth is located in Hampshire on the south coast of England. While it has its own train station, the nearest airport is in Southampton, and the closest large international airport is London Gatwick. There are direct trains from Gatwick Airport to Portsmouth, which take 1h 20min. This means it’s easy for international students to go home between semesters if they want to. Plus, if you’re living with Unite Students, you’ll have your room until the end of the university year.