Starting your social life at uni
University life is about much more than just studying. Discovering the local culture and exploring your new hometown – and the country around it too – is a big part of what makes studying abroad so memorable.
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of events and activities for all our students. Take a look below for a sample of the activities happening this year.
You can also get involved with cultural events throughout the year, from Christmas Vacation socials to Chinese New Year celebrations, and even our Global Week – a week long programme of events, lectures and sports sessions to celebrate diversity here in Portsmouth. Keep up to date on these events on our official Global Community Facebook group.
Social events
Information Fair - Wednesday 6 November 2024
Do you want to know more about the University Services as well as things you can get involved in around the city? Come to our information fair to learn more. We will be joined by University services as well as banks and businesses in Portsmouth.
Speed Friending - Thursday 14 November 2024
New to town? No problem. Unsure about where to meet potential friends? Join our Speed Friending event - it's a great way to meet more people at university.
Just like speed dating, you'll have a few minutes to chat one-on-one with another student, before moving on to talk to someone else. We'll provide some questions to ask those you are paired with, to help break the ice and get conversations flowing!
Solstice Walk - Friday 20 December 2024
Today is the shortest day of the year - and the longest night! Join other students and International Student Ambassadors for a walk along the seafront, talk about winter traditions and stop for warming drinks.
Winter Vacation Socials - Friday 27 and Monday 30 December 2024
Are you staying in Portsmouth during Christmas vacation? If so, join our International Student Ambassadors for snacks and games, movie marathons and general chat.
Speed Friending - Thursday 20 February 2025
New to town? No problem. Unsure about where to meet potential friends? Join our Speed Friending event - it's a great way to meet more people at university.
Just like speed dating, you'll have a few minutes to chat one-on-one with another student, before moving on to talk to someone else. We'll provide some questions to ask those you are paired with, to help break the ice and get conversations flowing!
Summer Solstice Walk - Friday 20 June 2025
Join us on a morning walk to mark the longest day of the year, when the light is the longest and the night is shortest. Enjoy a refreshing walk to take in all the elements of summer.
Coach Trip Bath Christmas Market - Saturday 7 December 2024
Departure from Portsmouth 8.00am - Departure from Bath 4.00pm. £22.00 - Ticket includes coach travel only.
Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times, and is a World Heritage Site. It is home to the only natural hot springs you can bathe in in Britain and the famous Roman Baths. The Georgian architecture of Bath is like something straight out of a Jane Austen novel and the streets are filled with independent and quirky boutique shops and cosy tea rooms for traditional English afternoon tea.
Coach Trip Oxford - Saturday 1 March 2025
Departure from Portsmouth 8.00am - Departure from Oxford 5.00pm. £22.00 - Ticket includes coach travel only.
Join us on a day trip to Oxford, a wonderful place to explore with amazing architecture and hidden treasures. It's home to famous literary figures, unique traditions and its dreaming spires skyline. Wander down cobblestone alleyways, visit world famous museums and maybe take a punt down the river. There's a huge variety within the City from atmospheric pubs to Medieval libraries. For Harry Potter fans there are few better days out!
Coach Trip Stonehenge and Salisbury - Saturday 3 May 2025
Departure from Portsmouth 8.00am - Departure from Salisbury 5.00pm. £25.00 - Ticket price includes coach travel to Stonehenge and Salisbury, and entry into Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world; a famous prehistoric monument standing in the beautiful English countryside. It is 5,000 years old and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery to this day. After visiting Stonehenge, the
coach will take you on to the mediaeval cathedral city of Salisbury; typically English and full of mediaeval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture, as well as shops, cafes and attractions.
International Students' Book Club
Meet once a month for friendly and relaxed discussions on books, poems and short stories. The Book Club is a great place to meet new people, practice your English skills and enjoy talks and visits about other places associated with books and reading in Portsmouth.
Once a year, Book Club takes part in World Book Night celebrations and takes books to communities outside the university, getting to know new people and new places.
For more information, contact rhiannon.thomson@port.ac.uk
Global Café
2.00pm - 3.00pm every Wednesday during term time, Park Building Café. All students welcome.
Global Café hosts weekly themed discussions every Wednesday during term time. If you'd like to meet other students in a friendly, informal environment then Global Café is for you! You'll meet students from other countries and share knowledge and experience of other cultures and languages, or just a chat. All students are welcome. Join us on Moodle for updates, venues, theme announcements and online conversation.
March 2025
Global Week celebrates the global culture we have at the University of Portsmouth!
In March 2024 we hosted a week-long programme of events celebrating the international diversity we have at the University of Portsmouth. More information is available on the Global Week webpage.
More events available to all students can be found on the main Student Events webpage.