Student Accommodation near University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom and is a top preference for students in the South East of England. Every year, thousands of students come to the city to become part of this highly regarded institution, and one of the major concerns for students is finding the right student accommodation in Portsmouth, which can sometimes be a challenge.

This is where University Living comes to the rescue of students. With over 10 years of experience in the international student accommodation industry, we have helped over 12 million students find their home away from home. ULInfinity also lets students book flight tickets, airport pickup, manage FOREX needs, and purchase international SIMs. There are several high-quality student accommodation near the University of Portsmouth, and the rent for these typically ranges between £90 and £180 per week.

Properties in Portsmouth come in various types, namely: University Student Halls, Student Housing (PBSAs), and Private Apartments. These property types are standard across all student accommodation in UK. University of Portsmouth student halls are accommodations provided directly by the university, but they are quite limited in number and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For off-campus accommodation, students can choose from a range of room types, including: En-Suite / Non En-Suite, Studio apartments, and shared apartments.

Founded in 1869 as the Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and Art, the University of Portsmouth gained university status in 1992. It is a public research university located in Portsmouth, England, and is consistently recognized for its teaching excellence, research impact, and strong graduate employability. The institution holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and is ranked among the top 50 universities in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2025). It is also ranked 1st in the UK for boosting graduate salaries (The Economist).

The University of Portsmouth has a student population of approximately 28,000–31,000, with a strong international mix representing over 150 nationalities. Its key strengths include Criminology (ranked 5th in the UK), Nursing (6th), Computer Science, Cyber Security, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Biology, Psychology, Law, Business and Management, and Architecture.

Portsmouth has a strong career reputation, with 92% of graduates entering skilled employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA 2023). It is also ranked 1st for graduate start-ups among UK modern universities. Research reputation: The university is world-renowned for its research in marine science, cosmology, forensic science, and cybersecurity, with 78% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). The university is home to the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, which has made groundbreaking discoveries in dark energy and gravitational waves.

There are plenty of options for student accommodation near the University of Portsmouth, like Greetham Street, Catherine House, and Middle Street. There are a variety of housing options in Portsmouth, but not every property is the best suited for University of Portsmouth students. Keeping in mind the rental costs in the city, it is important to find the best options that offer the most value for money in Portsmouth. The average price range for student apartments near the University of Portsmouth typically ranges between £90 and £180 per week. Some of the most sought-after student properties near the University of Portsmouth have been mentioned below:

1. Middle Street Portsmouth

• Address: 22 Middle St, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 4BG, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 5 minutes from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students enjoy grab & go breakfast, a lounge area, a laundry room, and a pool table!

• Best for: Students who are looking for a peaceful student accommodation with great transport connectivity and proximity to the university! This property also has some of the best studio apartments Portsmouth.

• Nearby attractions: Southsea Castle, Clarence Pier, Southsea Common, and The D-Day Story Museum

2. Earlsdon Street Portsmouth

• Address: 61 Earlsdon St, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 4DH, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 4 minutes from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a games room, a smart TV, a wardrobe, and a foosball table.

• Best for: Students who are willing to spend a good amount for their student property but want great amenities with proximity to the university.

• Nearby attractions: Southsea Castle, Southsea Model Village, Pyramids Centre, and Kings Theatre

3. Stanhope House Portsmouth

• Address: Stanhope House 91-93 Commercial Rd, Portsmouth PO1 1BQ, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 4 minutes from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students get to use a meeting room, a games room, a dining room, and a flat screen TV.

• Best for: Students who are looking for a modern student accommodation with good amenities and want to stat close to the university

• Nearby attractions: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays, and Victoria Park

4. Chaucer House Portsmouth

• Address: 32 Isambard Brunel Rd, Portsmouth PO1 2GP, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 5 minutes from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a breakfast bar, printing machine, a vending machine, and a games area.

• Best for: Students looking for cheap student accommodation Portsmouth and want good amenities.

• Nearby attractions: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and Mary Rose Museum, Spinnaker Tower, and Gunwharf Quays

5. Greetham Street Portsmouth

• Address: Greetham Street, Portsmouth PO5 4FB, United Kingdom

• Distance from University: Around 4 minutes from The University of Edinburgh

• Property highlights: Students enjoy a breakfast bar, a laundry room, an outdoor space, and a vending machine.

• Best for: Students who wish to stay in an affordable student property with basic amenities and proximity to the university.

• Nearby attractions: Portsmouth & Southsea Train Station, Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum, Victoria Park, and Landport Adventure Playground

The cost of living for students near University of Portsmouth is around £800 – £1,600 per month. Although the cost of living is a personal concept that is determined by the type of expenses you make, it is recommended that students make a proper budget and note down their expenses in order to avoid any unwanted or extra expenditures. Two of the major expenses that drastically increase the cost of living in Portsmouth for students include rent for student accommodation and tuition fees. The table below underlines some of the major expenses that a student might incur whilst they stay in Portsmouth.

Students should keep in mind that these figures are estimates and may vary depending on their actual spending habits and lifestyle choices. To get a more accurate picture of the cost of living near the University of Portsmouth, students can use University Living's exclusive Cost of living Calculator.

Another major expense for students is the tuition fees at University of Portsmouth. The tuition fees for domestic (UK) students at the University of Portsmouth are capped at £9,790 per annum, while the fees for international students vary from course to course and have been outlined briefly below:

Some of the best areas near University of Portsmouth for students include Southsea, Fratton, Gunwharf Quays, and North End. These neighbourhoods are located close to the university and have everything a student might need while living in the city. The best part about these areas is that they already have an established student community. Therefore, students can reach out to their peers immediately in case of any concerns or emergencies. These neighbourhoods have been explained briefly below:

Southsea

One of the best neighbourhoods in the city for student accommodation near University of Portsmouth is Southsea, and is located a short 15-minute walk from the university. This neighbourhood is considered as the best place for students to live in Portsmouth as this neighbourhood is located in the southern top of the Portsea Island, and offers some of the most scenic views of the city. Southsea is home to some of the best shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants in Portsmouth. One of the best places in the neighbourhood for shopping or just passing time is Palmerston Road, which is also the main shopping area in Southsea, and offers a range of independent retailers, cafes, and coffee shops. Another lively street in the neighbourhood which houses atleast 20 different pubs, cafes, and vintage shops is Albert Road. These streets are absolutely loved by students and are stuffed during the weekends. If you love beaches, Southsea Beach is a must visit as this is a beautiful pebble beach with a promenade, and is just perfect for walks, sunsets, and the annual Victorious Festival. The average rent for student properties in the neighbourhood ranges between £900 and £1200 per month.

Fratton

Often portrayed as an alternative to Southsea, another one of the top neighbourhoods for University of Portsmouth student accommodation is Fratton, and is located a short 10-minute walk from the university. This neighbourhood is located towards the east of the city centre, and is loved by students who are looking for some affordable student rooms than Southsea. The atmosphere in Fratton is quite serious and residential but is still trendy. One of the best places to visit in the neighbourhood is the Fratton Park, which is home to the Portsmouth Football Club. Students can spectate matches every day throughout the football season. If you ever wish to shop for affordable groceries and daily household essentials, Tesco Superstore is located right on Fratton Way and is just perfect for weekly grocery shops! The neighbourhood is also home to the Fratton Community Centre, a community hall that hosts several local events, markets, and activities throughout the year. The average rent for student properties in the neighbourhood ranges between £800 and £1200 per month.

Guildhall Quarter

A part of the city center, the Guildhall Quarter is one of the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation near University of Portsmouth, and is located a short 5-minute walk away from the university. It is the best suited for students who wish to be in the middle of action in the city. Guilhall Quarter offers excellent shopping options at Commercial Road and Cascades, a wide variety of restaurants and bars, and the main bus and railway stations in the city are also located here. One of the best places to visit in the neighbourhood is the Guildhall Square, and is the civic heart of Portsmouth. This area is famous for hosting the University's graduation ceremonies, the Portsmouth Guildhall music venue, and public events all throughout the year. The Cascades Shopping Centre is the main shopping district in Guildhall Quarter, and houses some top high-street brands, department stores, and a food court. A key University building housing the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, The Eldon Building is also located in the neighbourhood and features one of the most popular cafes in the city, the Boutique Espresso. The average rent for student accommodation in Guildhall Court ranges between £750 and £1000 per month.

Eastney & Milton

Located in the eastern end of Southsea, one of the best options for affordable student accommodation near University of Portsmouth is Eastney & Milton, and is located a short 10-minute bus ride from the university. This neighbourhood provides a quieter and a more residential living environment for students! The neighbourhood is home to the Langstone Harbour, which is a heaven for nature lovers and features outstanding natural beauty with a coastal path, birdwatching, and stunning views across the water. One of the top recreational spots in the neighbourhood is Milton Common, which is a large green space with sports pitches, walking paths, and access to the seafront. If you ever wish to sunbathe on a clear day, the Eastney Beach shall be your best spot, as this is one of the most popular beaches in the city and is much secluded and quieter than the Southsea beach. This is vert popular for dog walking and peaceful seaside strolls. The average rent for student properties in the neighbourhood ranges between £600 and £800 per month.