The Students’ Union is an independent charity that exists to advance your education at the University of Portsmouth through a range of exciting services and activities. Our mission is to have a positive impact with every Portsmouth student: Students are heard, students are empowered, students thrive.

The Students’ Union Elections.

What's On

At UPSU's Advice Service, we offer confidential, impartial and non-judgemental support on a range of academic and university issues that may affect your experience. Our team of trained advisers are on hand all year round to offer help where it's needed. The independent service works closely with the University of Portsmouth to resolve issues and ensure students are treated fairly.

UPSU are here to represent every student at the University of Portsmouth. We have many ways you can express your student voice, including: our Course Rep system, Have Your Say, Student Council, StART, Hot Topic, Annual Survey, Focus Groups, and more! Click on the tabs to learn more about each platform regarding Representation! You can also see a summary of our research by clicking on the UPSU Research & Data page.

Student Groups are a great development opportunity and a great place to find new friends, build a community and have a sense of belonging whilst at University!

Shop

Welcome to UPSU

Accessibility

UPSU Survival Guide

The Students' Union

University of Portsmouth Students' Union

If you don't know… get to know.

One of the most useful places at uni. The SU is a student-led organisation that represents you, supports you and helps make uni life better.

You automatically become a member when you enrol, so make the most of it.

Here's what the union offers:

🎉

Join Student Groups

Even if it feels awkward at first.

Groups, societies, and sports clubs — there's genuinely something for everyone.

Good for:

Making friends without the pressure
Doing things that aren't just coursework
Finding people who also have oddly specific interests

Find out more →

🎟️

Events

Go to at least a few, even if you think they'll be awkward. Everyone else is also pretending not to feel awkward.

There are events for everyone from an outdoor cinema, to UKG Bingo, to The Glow Up Lab and so many more. Keep an eye out on the socials @PortsSu for the monthly what's on, so you never miss out.

The Winter and Summer Ball are the events of the year, so don't miss out. Luckily for you, for a limited time only, you can get a ticket bundle for just £35.

See upcoming events →

🗣️

The Advice Service

Your emergency contact (but for uni life).

Free, confidential and zero judgement.

Things they can help with:

Academic problems
Getting an EC (extenuating circumstances)
Directing you to the right services, like who to speak to if you have housing issues
Basically anything that has you opening notes app at 2am

Find out more →

✊

Representation

Your chance to say:

"This is great."

Or…

"Please fix this immediately."

Your feedback actually helps shape the uni experience.

Find out more →

🛋️

Safe Space

Not every hour has to be productive.

At the SU, you’ll find The Huddle, The Space and The Common Room - perfect to:

Sit
Study
Recharge
Accidentally spend 45 minutes chatting

📱

Social Media Pages

Follow the Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date with the latest news, be the first to hear about events and to see what fun opportunities the union has to offer.

Click here to follow the:

Instagram → Tik Tok →

🥫

Student Pantry

Need to stretch your money a bit further? The student pantry has got you!

Located on the 4th Floor of the Neptune Building, the pantry is a welcoming, no-judgement space where you can pick up essential food and household items for just £5. Simply scan your student ID and choose up to 10 items.

Find out more about the Student Pantry →

How do I actually make friends?

First thing: there is no correct way.

You do not have to become best friends with your flat on Day 1.

Try a few different things and see what works for you.

👥

Join a Student Group

🎉

Go to SU events

🎓

Talk to people on your course

💬

Try online communities

📱

Freshers Facebook groups

💭

Group chats

Friendships at uni happen randomly:

Someone you sit next to once → now you've lived together for 2 years.

Campus favourites ⭐

The places worth knowing about.

☕

Coffee

01 The Terrace Cafe
02 Library Cafe
03 Portland Cafe

📚

Study spots

01 The Library
02 Portland Building
03 Richmond Building

🍴

Food spots

01 Terrace Cafe
02 The Hub (Dennis Sciama Building)
03 Park Coffee Shop

🌿

Places to reset

01 Ravelin Sports Centre
02 Students' Union Common Room
03 Ravelin Park

🕊

Prayer & reflection

01 The Chaplaincy Centre
02 The Library

Look after yourself

Students taking time to look after themselves

Uni is easier when you're looking after you.

Build a routine

You do not need a 5am wellness routine.

Just pick a few things that stay consistent:

Similar sleep times
Weekly coffee
Gym class
Sunday walk
Meal prep… if you're organised like that

Make time for yourself

Uni can become:

Lecture → assignment → lecture → assignment → panic.

Make space for things that make you feel normal:

Reading
Baths
Journalling
Gaming
Calling home
Doing absolutely nothing sometimes

Move your body

Doesn't have to mean becoming a gym person.

Walk. Swim. Dance. Stretch.

Just don't become one with your desk chair (or bed).

Use wellbeing support

You do not have to figure everything out alone.

If things feel difficult, use the Wellbeing or Advice Service. That's literally what they're there for.

The Wellbeing Service → The Advice Service →

You do NOT have to do everything

FOMO is real.

But so is:

Burnout
Exhaustion
Spending £40 in one week on spontaneous plans

Missing one event does not mean missing uni.

Sometimes staying in is the better decision.

Night-time safety

Going out? Keep these things in mind.

Plan your journey

Stick to well-lit main roads.

Before you head out, make sure you know the names of the roads you're using and where you're going.

Keep your phone ready

Make sure your phone is charged before you go out. To be extra prepared, bring a portable charger with you.

Have a backup way to pay.

Bring your physical card or some cash in case your phone dies.

Stay together

Look out for your friends.

Stay with your friends and never leave a venue or walk home alone.

At the venue

If you're worried or don't feel safe, speak to a member of staff or a bouncer.

Trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.

Look after your drink

Never leave your drink unattended.

Always keep your drink covered where possible. If you're worried, you can ask for a drinks cover at most bars.

Know the signs of spiking

Know the signs of being spiked and trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.

If you think you've been spiked, seek help straight away.

NEED SOMEWHERE SAFE?

Guildhall Walk Safe Space

If you're in Guildhall Walk, there is a Safe Space at the Civic Offices where you can find support or medical help.

Open Friday and Saturday, 10pm–3am.

ADDRESS

Civic Offices
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
PO1 2AL

Tips for International Students 🌍

✅ Your international student to-do list

A few things to tick off when you arrive:

Make sure you are a registered student
Open a UK bank account
Register with a local GP
Understand your working rights

💜 You're not alone

Moving to a new country can be scary, but you are not alone. There are many international students at Portsmouth. Try joining a student group or coming to a UPSU event to meet new people and make friends.

Final survival tip

🤝

Nobody fully knows what they're doing.

People are just emailing, googling and hoping for the best.

You've got this.

Page created: Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:08:38 GMT
Page updated: Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:02:22 GMT

Contact Us

Call: 023 9284 3628
Email: hello@upsu.net
Map & Directions
Opening Hours

Useful Links

Social Accounts

The University of Portsmouth Students’ Union has a vision of creating a positive impact with every Portsmouth student during their time at University.