International students smiling and laughing outside Portsmouth Guildhall

Start your journey

What to do when you arrive in the UK

As an international student, you're part of a community of over 5,700 international students from over 150 countries – and we want you to feel at home with us.

If you need advice or support to get your student visa, or if you're looking for ways to meet students from the UK and the whole world, you'll find it here.

Explore our section on starting at Portsmouth if you're a new student, and find extra information on working in the UK, social activities you can take part in and what to do if you're moving to the UK with your family and children.

Contact the International Student Advice team

For advice and support on visa and immigration issues, contact the International Student Advisers at international.student.adviser@port.ac.uk.

You can also contact the team by phone on +44 (0) 23 9284 5430, or in person at University House, Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, PO1 2UP, UK.

Our opening hours for drop-ins are Monday to Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm.

Guides to help you get settled in Portsmouth

International students walking across The Common in Southsea

Starting at Portsmouth

Start your Portsmouth journey and settle into UK life.

student ambassador

Working during your studies

Learn all about your right to work in the UK as an international student while studying, and working time restrictions on your visa.

Smiling students walking down street in sun

Visa advice

Find out about the different visa types available to support your study, including requirements from the UK government.

Students enjoying the University of Portsmouth Festival of Cultures

Social activities

Discover the upcoming social events for international students

Parent with child in Portsmouth

Information for Families

Advice for students moving the UK with children.

Bicycle at the Dockyard

Transport in the UK

Cycling, driving and public transport in the UK.