Portsmouth Student Living: Dive into our Ultimate Area Guide!
Navigating Pompey for the first time? New to the City? No worries! We’ve got the ultimate cheat sheet to help you find the best (and worst) areas to live, party and explore. Remember, in the world of student life, it’s all about location, location, location! 🏠
1. Central Southsea:
Not surprisingly Southsea is top of the list and the go-to hotspot for most uni-goers. Imagine an equally short walk to the beach and a quick stroll to the University, 10-15 minutes in either direction. This is probably the most popular area to live in for students, with everything on your doorstep you really cannot go wrong. There’s a good selection of shared student housing, depending on your budget. Houses in the PO5 postcode and certain roads in some of PO4 area are the best places to live. Students tend to either head into the main city centre and Gunwharf Quays for the nightlife, alternatively Palmerston Road and Albert Road have plenty going on with tons of student bars and clubs.
Wallet Damage:💰💰💰
Good Place To Live: 💎💎💎💎💎
Uni Travel Times: 🚀🚀🚀🚀
Fun Factor: 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
2. Gunwharf Quays:
Living in Gunwharf Quays is like the West End of Portsmouth. Dining out, designer outlets (perfect for those retail therapy sessions), and a variety of nightlife with bars like Alchemist, Liquorist and Eden. Not many student houses, mostly expensive flats and apartments. Unless your parents are Hedge Fund Managers and they’re paying; make sure you’ve got the P’s to afford it!
Wallet Damage:💰💰💰💰💰
Good Place To Live: 💎💎💎💎💎
Uni Travel Times: 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀
Fun Factor: 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
3. Fratton:
A bit far from the party zone, but hey, your piggy bank will thank you! This area is situated north of the railway line, putting a bit of distance between you and campus or the nightlife of Southsea. It’s not a great area; however this does not stop students from renting here as rents are generally a lot cheaper. But it’s best to lower your expectations on what’s here, as there’s not much. You are bus ride away from Gunwharf shopping centre and the Uni or approximately a 20-40 min walk to Uni depending where you are. Fratton train station is close by though which can easily transport you around the City for an affordable price.
Wallet Damage:💰💰
Good Place To Live: 💎💎
Uni Travel Times: 🚂 🚌
Fun Factor: 🎉
4. Old Portsmouth:
Step back in time with the historic charm of this area. Not student central, but sometimes, a serene escape from study stress is just what the doctor ordered! Take a trip through time into the history of Portsmouth. There’s few if not any student houses here due to the location and the remarkable buildings that surround it, however it is very close to the centre of town and the main Uni campus which is ideal for any student. Just be sure to sell a kidney to be able to afford to live around here. Alternatively there’s plenty of nice pubs in Old Portsmouth if you fancy a few drinks with friends in nice surroundings. Lots of places to visit, good spot to take the parents when they come down to visit you.
Wallet Damage:💰💰💰
Good Place To Live: 💎💎💎💎💎
Uni Travel Times: 🚀🚀🚀
Fun Factor: 🎉🎉🎉
5. North End:
Low on students, more for families. It’s a nice area with plenty of leafy streets lined with Victorian houses, but just not popular with students as it’s too far to get into Southsea and the Uni. Definitely not much night life other than local pubs.
Wallet Damage:💰💰
Good Place To Live: 💎💎💎
Uni Travel Times: 🐌 🐌 🐌
Fun Factor: 🎉
6. Eastney
Scenic strolls, serene parks, plus a beautiful Esplanade. It’s for those who enjoy the quieter side of life. Or, if you enjoy a 45 minute plus walk to Uni, then great. This area isn’t popular for students but definitely wins the prize for most scenic. There are a few student houses dotted about but as it’s situated on the south east side of the island, it’s a trek into town. It is surrounded by many parks and the Esplanade provides some lovely walks along the seafront, definitely worth a visit.
Wallet Damage:💰💰
Good Place To Live: 💎💎💎
Uni Travel Times: 🐌 🐌 🐌 🐌
Fun Factor: 🎉🎉
7. Buckland:
Umm… yeah… let’s just say it’s unique. Not really an area for students. You won’t find a Waitrose round here.
Wallet Damage:💰wait where’s my wallet gone?
Good Place To Live: 🏠 ummm…. next question….
Uni Travel Times: 🚕 Taxi! Get me out of here!
Fun Factor: 👎🏻 about as much fun as getting stabbed.
There you go. That wraps it up, your one-stop area guide to making the most of your time at University in Portsmouth. Wherever decide to live be sure to soak in the city and enjoy every moment of your Uni adventure. If you’re looking for the best shared student housing in the city then be sure to check out our top notch Pompey properties to available to let.