Societies and student union

If you want to meet new people, get involved with one of more than 140 clubs and societies, or check out what's happening on campus each week — the Students' Union is the place to go.

Run for students, by students as an independent charity, the mission of the University of Portsmouth Students' Union (UPSU) is to make a positive impact on every Portsmouth student. The Union is buzzing with young and inspiring people who are improving their skills, taking on new experiences and motivating others to get involved. 

Supporting you throughout your student life, the Union gives you access to activities and services that broaden your horizons, increase your employability and helps you make lifelong friends.

Community spaces at the Students' Union

The Union Shop

The Union Shop in the reception of the Union Building in Cambridge Road is at the heart of the student community. It's home to all our University of Portsmouth merchandise and a hub for students to make general inquiries.

See our branded clothing and accessories range, which includes t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, varsity jackets, mugs and water bottles. Collect your free TOTUM (the UK's No 1 student discount card) to start getting discounts online and in stores around the country, and pick up discounted tickets for local events. There's also a what's on noticeboard for our clubs and societies.

The 3rd Space

Our Student Union building features The 3rd Space, an open plan area for you to chill with your friends, study in a casual environment and check out what's happening around the university. You can grab a Starbucks coffee from the from the Pitstop Café downstairs or just connect to the WIFI and chill out by the couches. 

The 3rd Space is home to community and society events such as Global Week, Feel Good Fest, Nerdvana and Fight Night. There's also a flexible stage and live performance setup, where we've hosted the likes of British rapper, writer and activist Akala, a live broadcast of BBC Radio 4's Any Questions and a Radio 1 professional meet and greet for students to learn about the radio industry.  

Meeting and activity rooms

There are 5 bookable rooms available in the Union building that are used for conferences, meetings, training, workshops and rehearsals.

Rooms are generally booked on behalf of societies, sports clubs, volunteering and student media groups. Individual students can book out the rooms for academic purposes by requesting in person.

Find out more about the rooms and how to book them on the Union website.

Gun House Green

Just outside the Union building is Gun House Green, an outdoor space that's bright and sunny in the summer.

Hang out with your classmates by the benches and enjoy the weather, take a nap in the shade, or set up a little picnic on the grass. It's also a good space for events during the warmer months, such as society socials, wellbeing and outreach events, and July Open Days.

Events and fairs at the Union

The UoP Students' Union runs big-ticket events throughout the year, including:

Welcome Month and Freshers' Fayre

Welcome Month is your gateway into student life and the highlight is the Freshers' Fayre.

With a live DJ setup on Gun House Green, stalls for clubs, societies and volunteering groups (the Union hosts more than 120), plus discounts and giveaways, Freshers' Fayre is where it all starts. It's a great opportunity to start making your contacts and friends for life, as well as getting involved in our vibrant student community. 

The Union also offers free BBQs when you arrive, guided city walking tours, Give Me Sport taster sessions run by Sport and Rec, and various nights out during September.

Winter Welcome Week

Whether you're a new starter in January or looking for some more fun after your festive break, our Winter Welcome Week is a great way to get back in the uni groove.

Highlights during the week include:

• Union Arcade – take part in a fun day playing mini-golf, arcade games, table football and other indoor amusements
• Travel Fair – if you're interested in going on an exchange or just thinking about travelling, this is your chance to talk to industry experts, such as STA and Bunac, and students who have travelled as part of their degree
• Winter Freshers’ Fayre – get up to speed with the sports clubs and student societies, or help run a stall on the day
• Winter Showcase – watch our student groups showcase their hard work with performances covering song, dance and spoken word
• Housing Fair – meet halls providers, estate agents and landlords to discover more about the first steps in your student accommodation search

Charity events

Our societies are active in helping the local community and good causes nationwide. We run events throughout the year to spread awareness and raise funds for charities.

We've got a particular focus on helping mental health charities provide support to people when they need it most. For instance, our Music Society has raised funds with Tonic Music for Mental Health and the Gaming Society has run events with the proceeds going to Special Effect.

Purple Wednesdays

The Union teams up with Eskimo 11 and bars including Mr Miyagi's, The Astoria and Popworld Portsmouth to host Purple Wednesdays – a dedicated student night every week.

You can get together with your friends, society or housemates for a top night out. A portion of the money you spend also goes back into the Union, so it can keep putting on bigger and better events throughout the year.

Find out more about life in Portsmouth

Take a closer look at more of the exciting things on offer in our amazing city.