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Halls are where the heart is
Res Life is a support service for all students living within the University of Portsmouth Hall's portfolio. We empower students to transition into university life, fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
We are committed to promoting holistic wellbeing and developing a sense of belonging, we strive to create memorable experiences and opportunities for growth, ensuring that each student's journey at our university is enriched, fulfilling, and transformative.
Think of Res Life as a link into your wider support network while you’re living in halls.
Settling into halls
The first few weeks can feel busy and overwhelming — so give yourself time. Here are some helpful ways to settle in:
- say hello to your flatmates — everyone is new too
- explore your building and shared spaces
- attend welcome events when you feel ready
- create a routine that works for you
- meet your halls team and Res Life team
- explore your local area and get familiar with local amenities
If you have questions or concerns, your halls team and Res Life are always happy to help.
Support throughout your time in halls
Res Life is here for you throughout your first few weeks in halls and beyond.
Independent living in halls
Whether you’re getting used to doing your own laundry or managing your finances for the first time, we're here to help you do it safely, confidently, and respectfully.
Your halls community
Here we cover the essentials of shared living—from managing noise and cleanliness to resolving disagreements—so you can make the most of your time in halls.
Safety and maintenance in halls
Find important security and fire safety information for living in halls, as well as what to do if something in your room or shared area needs fixing.
Help with living in halls
If you're experiencing the ups and downs of sharing a hall with other students, we can offer help and advice on:
- health and wellbeing concerns
- homesickness
- relationship problems (e.g. with flatmates)
- noisy neighbours
- feeling safe in your accommodation
Our Advisers can offer advice sessions to discuss what has been going on for you and offer advice and guidance.
Our team are knowledgeable about what support is available at University and how to access this. They can also signpost to external services where appropriate.
Events and socials
Our year-round event programme is centred around community building, social, wellbeing and skills. We aim to make sure all students feel welcome, comfortable and safe.
But most importantly, we want you to have fun while living here in Portsmouth.
You'll be able to make friends, get to know your hall neighbours better and most importantly have fun while living away from home.
Events range from film, quiz and games nights, to arts and crafts events, mindfulness events, city tours, pet therapy events and so much more.
They take place in halls common rooms, across campus and around the city. All students are welcome to join our events – no matter where these are hosted.
Meet the team
All our team members are happy to help students with any questions and queries they may have.
We have two types of team members; advisers and ambassadors, who offer different areas of support for students.
Halls contact details
Get in touch with your relevant halls team, or contact security out of hours.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 023 9284 3884
Out of hours: 023 9284 3418
Or, for catering questions
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 023 9284 3896
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 023 9284 3884
Out of hours: 023 9284 3418
Or, for catering questions
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 023 9284 3896
Third-party / parent contact
The Res Life team takes many enquiries from third parties but unfortunately, we can only respond to this contact with specific permission from our students. Third parties can include parents, guardians, carers and siblings. In case of an emergency, the University will refer to the Student Trusted Emergency Contact procedure.
Our work must comply with data protection legislation which, in most cases, requires us to have a student’s written consent to disclose any information about them, before being asked for it. We will accept email permission to disclose information only if received from a student’s University student email account. We will always encourage students to indicate who they are happy for us to contact and record this information for our use as soon as possible after registration in their accommodation.
We appreciate that this can be frustrating for anyone with concerns for a particular individual. If you have any immediate concerns about a student, please follow our advice on what to do if you are concerned about a student.
Contact Res Life
- +44(0)23 9284 4500
- Lion Gate Building, Lion Terrace, Portsmouth, PO1 3HF
- [email protected]
We are open Monday to Friday between 09.30am and 8.00pm.
Daytime appointments
You can book a daytime appointment with us by calling the team on: +44 (0)23 9284 4500 or by emailing [email protected].
We retain meeting spaces in halls of residence, so if you would prefer to meet in your halls, please let us know so we can arrange this.
Drop-Ins
We are operating appointment only for the time being while we organise a drop in space at our new Lion Gate office location.
Speak to your Res Life Ambassadors
Res Life Ambassadors are returning students who offer peer-to-peer support and advice to students. They will host social events and run awareness campaigns throughout the year to benefit student residents. Your best chance of meeting the Res Life Ambassadors is through attending our events.
24/7 support at your fingertips
Students can access 24/7 wellbeing support through Health Assured: Wisdom Wellbeing.
24/7 Student Helpline
We have a telephone helpline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Students can call both for urgent and general support. Speak to a trained advisor/counsellor today at 0800 028 3766
Wisdom App
We also have a wellbeing app that can help you manage your wellbeing, improve sleep, access podcasts and recipes, and more.
The Wisdom app is available for both iOS and Android smartphones. You can download it free on the App Store and Google Play store. You can also access Wisdom on your desktop. All you need to register is our UoP code: MHA354686.
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