Experience in University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom by Hannah

Generally, what is University of Portsmouth like?

I love being a student at the University of Portsmouth, I find that there is a real sense of being and both students and faculty are very kind. I can honestly say that the University of Portsmouth really cares for its students; there are so many places to go and people to see for every kind of help imaginable. I also feel very confident that when I graduate I will have all this help still available. The university has a very modern outlook on things, and there is a huge concentration on work experience and employability, which in this day and age, I find to be very reassuring. Bottom line, you will always have help on hand and you are as well looked after as a former student as you are as a current student. 

What are the facilities like?

Facilities are very good; the library was recently just renovated, and are open 24/7 during peak and exam times. There is also security there and always help on hand.
For language students there is the LRC (learning resource centre) which is a private area to work in. This has computers, books, tapes, group-sized tables, and a 'language corner' where more often than not you will find a happy and patient language tutor ready to help with any language problems, ie stuck on homework or just want to practise more.

What are the tutors like?

Fantastic, I can't emphasise this enough. As a third year student there, I have never come across a tutor that does not reply to emails very quickly (including out of hours)- the response rate is excellent. Although there are specific times you can make an appointment with tutors to see them in their offices, the doors are literally always open. They are all amazing.

Are the lessons easy in University of Portsmouth?

I wouldn't say the lessons are easy in terms of content, (have you ever tried learning the subjunctive?), but I would say that the general style of teaching amongst the tutors makes learning difficult things fairly easy. Lessons are of a good balance of individual and group work, and they are very communicative.

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

Yes, all the time! There is always something going on, and they're so much fun! My favourite was a cultural evening and students brought in food from their home country/background and performed traditional dances from their countries, etc. It was one of my favourite evenings of last year- and a great way to meet Erasmus/international students!

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

As explained before, I would say the majority of the teaching is excellent. Lessons are communicative, there are many opportunities to work individually and in a group. They're very enjoyable.