Experience in Portsmouth, United Kingdom by Csilla

What is it like to live in Portsmouth? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Please don't take my rating/stars into account, I don't know how to change them! (I'm blonde, duh! ).

Portsmouth is a lively student town and a historical city full of international students and tourists in the summer. Winters are a bit dark but not cold at all (we barely have snow here) except for windy days.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Portsmouth?

There are loads of bars and pubs that offer student discount. If you're into clubbing and like pop music, you'll definitely find places to hang out. For people who like alternative music, I recommend joining student societies and discovering Portsmouth's hidden gems together (eg. Scandals). Don't worry about not making friends on your course, you'll definitely find like-minded people if you join clubs at the university (eg. photography, first aid, UN, etc. ) or find a part-time job.

How much does it cost to live in Portsmouth?

It depends on where you live. You could probably survive on £500 a month in Fratton but you might need £600-700 if you want to live in Southsea. There are student halls that include meals (Langstone) and ones that are very close to uni as well. Make sure you attend an open day if you can!

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Portsmouth? Is there any advice you can give?

If there are no places left in student halls, you can always visit the university's website or try alternatives (eg. TSR or Facebook).

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is very international, you'll find everything from Chinese to Moroccan here! I really like the restaurants on Fawcett Road because they are not as expensive yet still very nice.

What places would you recommend visiting in Portsmouth?

Try to discover Southsea as it has the most to offer. You can hang out at the beach, chill out in cool cafés on Albert Road, visit the Model Village and the Japanese Rose Garden, feed the swans at Canoe Lake and check out the Natural History Museum (it's free and they also open the butterfly house in the summer).

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Is it good to eat out in Portsmouth? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

You can get great deals with a Groupon voucher. The best restaurants are in Gunwharf Quays but they tend to be pricey.

Is the nightlife good in Portsmouth? Where is good to go?

I heard the house parties are quite good in student halls.

Bar 38 is very popular with local people (Gunwharf Quays), students tend to prefer Liquid (near Commercial Road), The Astoria (Guildhall Walk) or Tiger Tiger (Gunwharf Quays). I personally like the smaller bars and clubs on Albert Road and Palmerston Road (Southsea area).

What advice would you give future students headed to Portsmouth?

Bring umbrellas (the wind will destroy quite a few), rubber boots and a good coat! The weather can be quite strange sometimes. Also, don't worry if you can't make friends with locals in your first month - there will be plenty of international students and international parties organised for you. If you do want to meet local families, though, you can always visit King's Church for some advice (they host monthly international gatherings, usually on a Monday).