Experience in Portsmouth, United Kingdom by Irene

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

Portsmouth is known as Pompey. It's a seafront city, with student life, commerce and quite good transport. I think the best part of Portsmouth is Southsea, that is the real seafront, a nice local shops are, international food restaurants, second-hand shops, the "Commond" (a huge green where most of people chill out). It has a fun fair, several museums, a swimming-pool, a weekly market... lots!

Portsmouth city centre is mainly Commercial Road, but I don't recommend this place because you are going to find the same shops than anywhere else and after 6 pm is absolutely dead.

The Hard has its own train station and a huge recreation area with lots of outlet shops, cafés, children games, restaurants, cinema, etc. Outside you can visit the old port too.

How much does it cost to live in Portsmouth?

If you can, don't rent a flat, rent just a room in a share flat with expenses included. Otherwise, the cheapest flat that you can find is about £ 550 per month only one bedroom flat rent, add the council tax (minimum £95 per month), two water bills, electric bill or pre-pay key and gas, if your flat runs with gas.

Transport is usually for free for students with First bus company around the city.

Drinking is very expensive, but you can find some discounts for students, as well as other stores deals: food, clothes, services...

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

Most of people rent by agency. You have to pay a fee to the agency before move in. Afterwards, it is only the monthly payment. Sometimes you can pay weekly.

Usually for students there are less restrictions to rent a place or move to another one. I recommend Spareroom too.

Careful with Gumtree! Too many frauds!

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

The best fish&chips of Pompey is in Cosham, on the very north of the town. It's in Cosham High Street, just 5 min walk from the train station. It's very cheap too!

A wonderful place too is Scoop, a new ice-cream shop, with coffee, crepes, and so many options... It's a little bit expensive, but quality is amazing and with only one order you don't need to eat during the full day again!

What places would you recommend visiting in Portsmouth?

I strongly recommend visiting Southsea and have a long walk by the sea.

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

I think the best place in Portsmouth to go out is probably the Wedge Room. It has events almost every day, including comedy, live music or DJs. Once a month they have a Friday for free and there

are at least two different kinds of music, so fun is guaranteed!

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