Portsmouth is a bustling city with the tranquility of the Solent on its doorstep. Portsea Island is a student hub, and thanks to its small size, wherever you end up living will be only a short ride from the main city centre. We’ve compiled a short guide on the top places that keep students coming back year after year to make your life a thousand times easier.
With all of the restaurants, bars, and cafes on your doorstep, this is a lively neighbourhood to live in. The designer outlet will always meet your needs and your budget. Because of the density of the area, most houses are flats, which means they are on the more expensive side of student housing. Only a short walk to the main campus and the lively Bridge Tavern, a popular hangout for students.
Located to the south of Portsea Island, this is probably the most popular area to live in. You really can’t go wrong with Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, and John Lewis on your doorstep, not to mention the views of the Isle of Wight just steps away on the beach. The area has many options of Student Accommodation Portsmouth. All of the houses here are very affordable and only a 10-minute walk from the university campus. Tea rooms abound, as does Churchills at 25 and the famous Albert Road, which has a more vintage and alternative shopping area. Students typically spend their evenings in the city centre, which is only a few steps away.
This neighborhood is located north of the railway, putting you a little further away from the main campus. However, this does not deter students from returning year after year. Houses in this area are generally terraced, so they will be smaller in size; keep this in mind if you are travelling with a large group. A short bus ride from Cascade Shopping Centre, where you’ll find all your desires and more, as well as the local train station, Fratton, which can easily transport you around the area for a reasonable price.
This is probably Portsmouth’s most beautiful neighbourhood. The historic streets that circulate the area take you away from the bustling city centre that is Gunwharf; this is a great way to get away from university life. Houses in this area may see a price increase due to the location and the magnificent buildings that surround it, but it is very close to the centre and the main campus, making it ideal for any student. Although not as lively as other areas, students can be found in the evenings at The Wellington, The Bridge Tavern, and The Still and West.
Buckland, located in the north east of the island, is not as popular as others, but the low cost of living attracts students who are not looking for a high price tag. There are mostly terraced houses here, with the occasional semi-detached house. This area is surrounded by the Brittany Ferries port, so traffic can be quite heavy; however, for the more serious students, the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is located here. Morrisons and McDonald’s are popular among students in this area, but many people travel into the city centre for a more lively night.
