Take it all in
Discover the social and cultural activities you can get involved with on campus and throughout Portsmouth. Whether you're a new student, looking to improve your existing social life, or soak up some of the local culture, you'll find opportunities in Portsmouth to make the most of your free time at uni.
Here's how you can get started and get involved in the social scene at university:
Join a student society
If you're a new student, it's a great idea to check out student societies on campus. You can do this by attending the Freshers Fair at the UPSU, where you'll get to meet the society members.
There are over 150 societies so you should find a group that interests you. These include cultural societies like the Cinema Society, Book Club or the Harry Potter Society as well as national groups including the Bengali Society, the Czechoslovakian Group or the Afro-Caribbean Society.
It's a good idea to attend as many societies as you want, then suss out if they are for you, before you pay the membership fee. If you don't find a society based on your interests, you can start your own.
Find a social event in halls
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.
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! Our events are hosted by students (Residence Life Assistants) for students.
Ranging from film, quiz and games nights, to arts and crafts events, mindfulness events, city tours, pet therapy events and so much more we aim to have something for everyone. Lots of events are hosted in Halls common rooms or start at halls but anyone is welcome - you don't have to live in halls to take part!
If you've got any questions, please speak to a member of our Residence Life Team or email the team at reslife@port.ac.uk.
Spend an afternoon playing a board game or just chatting with other students at the monthly wellbeing cafe.
Wellbeing Café
The Wellbeing Café is a chance to connect with others in person and take time out to focus on your wellbeing with other likeminded students in an informal and relaxed setting. You can expect:
- A warm welcome and free hot drink and refreshments
- A wide range of activities to join in with - from crafts, to mindfulness exercises and trying out skills to help manage your wellbeing
- Short talks and informal discussions about common concerns such as managing stress and anxiety, or getting a better night’s sleep
- A range of interactive games are always on offer
- Occasional Wellbeing Walks to enjoy getting outside in fresh air, seeing the city and taking in nature
There will always be a member of staff from the Wellbeing Service there to facilitate and support.
The Wellbeing Café Monthly Meet up is held on the first Wednesday of the month, 3.00pm to 4.30pm, on the 5th Floor, University Learning Centre, PO1 2DH.
Join a Global Office event
The Global Office runs an exciting programme of trips out, social and cultural events which are open to all students.
Events will be updated throughout the year, please join the University of Portsmouth - Global Community group on Facebook for updates.
Global Office events:
Year of the Ox – February 2021
The Chinese Society hosts an annual show to celebrate their Lunar New Year through traditional dance, songs and other performances.
Global Week is returning this year! Running from the 15-21 March 2021, Global Week is one of our most popular annual events where we celebrate the diversity of the people who make up the University of Portsmouth community.
If you'd like to meet other students in a friendly, informal environment then Global Café is for you. You can meet students from other countries and share knowledge and experience of other cultures and languages, or just have a chat.
Global Café meets in-person and online on Wednesdays from 1.00pm to 2.00pm during term-time. The event is free and all students are welcome.
For further information and location of the events or to pre-book a place, contact slallearningdevelopment@port.ac.uk.
HOST UK is a scheme where you can spend a day or weekend with a British family anywhere in the UK. You will get to learn more about British culture and share your culture with them. This is a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself in British culture and to make new friends along the way.
You can choose a weekend visit costing £25 or a day visit costing £15.
Join the social activities at the Chaplaincy
Meet new people within a peaceful and impartial environment at the Chaplaincy. Social activities include:
- Festival of Light
- Film and Games nights (Xbox and board games)
- Mug painting
- Christmas Carol Service
Anybody within the University community is welcome to visit the Chaplaincy and participate in any of the social events and speak with the Chaplains, socialise with friends or to just have a space for quiet and reflection.
Social and cultural activities outside Uni
Exploring Portsmouth will expose you to many activities, events, festivals and communities. Find out more about our music scene, the arts and cultural communities in the city and sport in Portsmouth.