Portsmouth is a port city in England, UK, and is located in the ceremonial county of Hampshire. The city has gained fame for a variety of reasons in the past few years. Higher education is a major reason why it is so popular. The University of Portsmouth is a university, which was ranked among 100 modern universities in the world in April 2015. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it has been ranked 631-640 out of 1503 universities but also got 5 QS stars. There are several excellent local colleges also in Portsmouth, among which the prominent one is Highbury College. Highbury College specializes in vocational education.
Portsmouth not only hosts domestic students but also plenty of international students. The city has some excellent places for the accommodation of students. Here, you will read 10 great tips for finding student accommodation in Portsmouth, UK.
1. Search Some Months Before University Session
It is trendy that the prices of accommodations increase as the time of the university session comes closer. So, if you search for accommodation at least three months before the university session, you can get it at a low rent. Besides, until the arrival of the university session, many accommodations are filled. So, if you search for accommodation late, you may not find it as per your preference and budget.
2. Know About the Accommodation Variants
Students can rent different types of accommodation variants in Portsmouth . The popular accommodation variants include ensuite rooms, non-ensuite rooms, shared rooms, studios, and apartments. So, you should know about their details and choose according to your requirements. Here is a brief about them.
Shared Rooms: All areas are shared.
Ensuite Rooms: Bathrooms are ensuite. Kitchens are shared.
Non-Ensuite Rooms: Bathrooms and kitchens are shared.
Studios: Bathrooms and kitchens are attached in a self-contained unit. Some studios are occupied by two residents.
Apartments: Apartments have one or more bedrooms. Kitchens are shared. Bathrooms may either be shared or attached.
3. Decide Property Type
Different property types are available in Portsmouth among which you can choose according to your preference. On-campus accommodations are available for you if you are interested in living under the shed of your university. You can also choose off-campus student housing to enjoy high-end amenities. A room in a private apartment can also be chosen to get a sense of freedom. You can get a homestay for cultural immersion.
4. Set Your Budget
To be clear about accommodation selection, set your budget. It will help you filter the list of accommodations. Accommodations are available in different price ranges in Portsmouth.
5. Set Your Preferences About Amenities
In accommodation students and their complexes in Portsmouth, you can find numerous basic and high-end amenities. Some popular amenities you can find are gyms, cinemas, game rooms, Wi-Fi, study desks and chairs, laundries, kitchen appliances, and more. However, some high-end amenities may not be found in some accommodation properties. So, you should set your preferences about amenities while choosing.
6. Set Location Preference
Similarly, set the location preference for your stay. You can find accommodation near your university or college. Some of them are located even within walking distance of institutes. Besides, if you want accommodation in a diverse neighborhood then you can choose that too.
7. Check Transport Links
You should also check the transport links while choosing student housing. You should check the nearest bus stop and train station of the accommodation you are thinking to book. You should also check the road routes for personal vehicles.
Checking transport links becomes more necessary for you if your institute is not within walking distance of your accommodation. Besides, it is necessary for every student to visit landmarks in Portsmouth.
8. Check Security Features
Security is necessary for everyone including students. So, you should check the security features of accommodation properties. You may find security features like security teams, CCTV cameras, and secure door entries.
9. Contact University Resources
You can contact university resources to find accommodation in Portsmouth. You can visit the university’s website to find on-campus accommodation. Besides, you can also contact the university office or students’ union office to get help in finding accommodation.
10. Visit Student Housing Marketplaces
There are online student housing marketplaces, which you can visit to find accommodation. These are the websites or mobile apps on which you can find the lists of accommodations for students in different cities. You can visit Portsmouth’s page on a website and find the lists of student housing properties, private apartments, and homestays there.
You also find some significant options that help you find the right accommodation. There is a filter feature on such websites. It has been designed to filter accommodations according to prices, amenities, etc. Another one is the comparison option to compare multiple properties on a single page. You can also sort the accommodation properties according to prices.
