More Than You Might Think

Traditionally the words Students’ Union conjure up thoughts of a dirty bar and loud jeering students – we promise we’re none of these things. The Students’ Union is an independent charity that exists to advance the education of University of Portsmouth students through a range of exciting services and activities. Our mission is to have a positive impact with every Portsmouth student.

UPSU Info Pack for University Staff

Learn more about the Union, our functions and services and how we can work in partnership with you at the University to improve all aspects of University life for our students

Supporting Students Together

Supporting Our Students Through Reception

Student life isn’t all plain sailing. Our Union Reception team are located at the heart of campus in the Union Building. Acting as a single go-to resource, we’ll signpost them to the right services and support available here at the Union and University.

Supporting Our Students Through The Advice Service

Staff are encouraged to refer students to the Union's Independent Advice Service if they are concerned about well-being, academic experience or if they need an independent body to deal with any student concerns.

Supporting students with their academic concerns doesn’t need to be about attacking the University with a rallying cry but working in partnership to improve the student experience which is why alongside our Advice Service we also operate a whole team of staff and elected officers dedicated to hearing and reacting to the opinions of students.

Supporting Our Students Through Our Better Student Outcomes Consultancy

Our Better Student Outcomes Consultancy is new to the Union offer. It's about working in partnership with the University to highlight areas of success and consult on areas that need improvement for bettering student outcomes, then working together to create a deliverable to fulfil those areas.

It's bespoke to the needs of your course, school, faculty and has been a great pilot for how the Union and University can work better together. 

If you have something you would like to address through Better Student Outcomes Consultancy, please get in touch with the team via outcomes@upsu.net

Our Successes

OVER 1,000 COURSE REPS

With at least 50% of the reps having completed our extensive training programme.

OVER 1,000 STUDENTS SUPPORTED

Our independent Advice Centre has supported students with needs from complex course related issues to personal well-being concerns.

10,000+ FRIENDS FOUND

We’ve enabled over 10,000 friendships through our 100+ different student groups and most of these friendships will last a lifetime!

£61,000+ GIFT AIDED

Our social enterprise trading arm gift aided over £61,000+ in profits to support our independent charity to deliver services for students.

18% OF STUDENTS VOTED

5,482 students voted in the annual student elections to elect their 2023/24 5 Elected Officer representatives. The largest turnout in 9 years!

In The Union Building

Services For You

In the Union Building you will find a whole world of useful services: from our shop selling University branded merchandise to Amazon lockers where you can order your items to be securely delivered to; if you’re hungry the University has the boutique cafe coco; our Elected Officers, radio station and chilled Huddle space are based upstairs with 4 meeting rooms and an activities space as well as Third Space, a social study space and great venue for on campus events; downstairs you’ll find plenty of soft seating in the Common Room space, with table tennis and air hockey, the Common Room is also host to regular events and markets; and Gun House is home to our Advice Service and Union staff offices.