PortsmouthStudent Accommodation In
Set sail for uni life at our student accommodation in Portsmouth.
Close to the city centre, nightlife, and - of course - the coast, make yourself at home at our Portsmouth Student Housing.
We have more than 2,700 student rooms across Portsmouth, all within easy reach of the city’s universities including the University of Portsmouth, City of Portsmouth College and more.
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
With a diverse and inclusive student population, Portsmouth has a lively student culture. There’s something for everyone, from exploring the city's cultural background through museums and galleries, to relaxing on the beach and regular sports outings. South Downs National Park is also on Portsmouth’s doorstep – 1,627 square kilometres of gorgeous rolling countryside and coastline.
Unite Students accommodation in Portsmouth is strategically located near key locations like the university campuses and the city centre, providing easy access to everything the city has to offer. We have five properties to choose from in Portsmouth:
Choose your property and room type.
Book a viewing or watch a virtual tour.
Choose your length of stay.
Enter your personal details.
Enter your 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.
To book student accommodation in Portsmouth, you must be at least 16 years old and a student in education.
We offer as standard:
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No Place, No Pay – if your offer is withdrawn or you choose a different university, you can cancel your agreement at no cost.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.
Our Portsmouth student housing comes in three grades:
Basic – our best-value student accommodation, with access to all the communal facilities.
Classic – bump up your comfort and get more space and storage with our Classic room.
Premium – our more luxurious rooms, featuring better views, more space and larger beds.
Features may vary by property – browse our Portsmouth student accommodation for further details.
Find out what’s included in your room and what you need to bring.
Student accommodation in Portsmouth can be booked 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 2025/26 and to avoid any unexpected rises in costs.
If you don’t secure a university offer and have to go through clearing, there may still be some accommodation in Portsmouth available with Unite Students. 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 the city centre.
At Unite Students, your safety and security are very important to us. CCTV monitors all our properties and the only entry to them is with our key cards and entry 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 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 nearby. 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 so it’s easy to get to classes, or near the city centre so you can be in the heart of it all? You should also consider your budget and what you can feasibly afford. Facilities like gyms, study rooms and communal areas can all make student life more enjoyable.
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.
