Humans of Portsmouth - Isobel's Story

Isobel grew up in Bedford, near Milton Keynes, before moving to Portsmouth at 18 to begin university. Her decision to choose the University of Portsmouth initially came down to practicality. Receiving an unconditional offer at a time when she felt uncertain about her A-Level results made it feel like the safest option. But everything changed once she visited for an open day: ‘the moment I got here, I knew this is where I was supposed to be,’ she recalls. ‘I felt instantly happy and calm and relaxed.’

That feeling never really left. Over the years, Portsmouth became more than just the place where Isobel studied. It became somewhere she feels deeply connected to: ‘it feels like home away from home.’ Whether it’s walking along the seafront, hearing the waves or simply knowing there is always something happening around the city, she describes Portsmouth as somewhere that helped her feel grounded. ‘In a non-cringey way, I really feel like I found myself here.’

Originally enrolling to study marketing, Isobel quickly realised the course wasn’t quite the right fit. After a few weeks, she made the decision to switch to digital marketing instead, a move that felt far more aligned with her interests. After a long journey as a digital marketing student, Isobel is now preparing to graduate with what she hopes will be a First-Class degree. She reflects positively on the decision: ‘I love what I’m studying and I’ve learned so much.’ Part of that growth came through taking a placement year with The Walt Disney Company, where she worked within social media for National Geographic. The experience gave her a completely different perspective on both work and herself. While she gained valuable industry experience and confidence, it also helped her clarify what kind of lifestyle she wanted long term. Working in London taught her something unexpected: ‘I realised I don’t want to work in London. It’s too busy, too crowded. Without the placement year, I wouldn’t have known that.’

Even so, she describes the placement year as transformative. The transition from university life into a full-time corporate role was challenging, particularly while watching friends continue student life without her. But she sees the experience as something that accelerated both her professional and personal growth. ‘You’ve proved to yourself that you can get a job without even having a degree yet,’ she says. ‘Think how powerful you’ll be once you have both.’

Outside of academics, sport has become one of the biggest constants in Isobel’s life. She is heavily involved in university societies, currently serving as captain of the ladies’ development hockey team while also taking part in the university run club and previously joining sailing society too. For Isobel, societies became far more than extracurricular activities: ‘it’s almost like an extension of my family.’

Her relationship with sport started much earlier. Growing up undiagnosed with ADHD, Isobel found school difficult. Sitting still in classrooms felt frustrating, and she often struggled with focus and restlessness. Sport became an outlet and, in many ways, a form of escape. Cross country gave her a reason to leave the classroom environment she found difficult, while hockey later became somewhere she felt calm and focused. ‘It was where I felt the most peace,’ she explains. ‘Even if I was angry, I could get it out in a healthy way by being on the pitch.’ That same sense of release eventually led her to running. What began almost jokingly, after being told by her then boyfriend that she could not complete a marathon, quickly turned into something much more meaningful. Isobel applied for the London Marathon, eventually running it in 2025. It was her first ever race and she raised more than £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support along the way.

Reflecting on the experience, she describes it as life-changing: ‘I felt unstoppable.’ Running became more than fitness. It became proof to herself that she could handle difficult things. Since then, fundraising through sport has become something she hopes to continue every year. More recently, she completed the Brighton Marathon in support of Willen Hospice, a charity that cared for her uncle during the final weeks of his life.

Balancing university, work, sport, marathon training and a social life has not always been easy. Isobel openly describes it as ‘a really hard juggle’. But over time, she developed systems that helped her manage the pressure. Her calendar became essential, helping her organise everything from lectures and library sessions to social plans and rest days. She speaks passionately about the importance of protecting time for yourself, especially during university life.

One piece of advice she feels strongly about is separating work from personal space: ‘keep your room for yourself,’ she explains. ‘That’s your safe place.’ Rather than turning her room into somewhere associated with stress and deadlines, she prefers to study in libraries, cafés or university buildings so that home can still feel relaxing.

When discussing future plans, Isobel approaches things with a mixture of ambition and openness. She knows she wants to continue working within marketing, particularly social media and communications, ideally remaining in Portsmouth. At the same time, she is comfortable not having every detail planned out. After graduation, she has secured a six-week internship with St. James’s Place, while also considering travelling around Australia in the future. ‘I’m very much a person that’s like: let’s see where life takes me.’

Alongside her career ambitions, she knows sport will continue to shape her life too. Between hockey, marathon training and trying new activities like paddleboarding, movement remains central to how she manages stress and stays balanced. ‘Meditation and yoga aren’t for me,’ she laughs, ‘Sport is my meditation.’

Looking back, Isobel sees university as the period where she truly grew into herself. Through friendships, societies, placements and challenges, she discovered not only what she enjoys, but also how resilient she can be. Her message to others reflects that same mindset: ‘Be yourself. Love yourself for who you are. You can achieve anything you put your mind to, even when life throws rubbish at you.’

Isobel’s story is one of momentum, self-discovery and learning to trust herself. What started as the “safe option” unexpectedly became the place where she found confidence, purpose and a version of herself she genuinely feels proud of.