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Join events year-round

From crafts, day trips, wellbeing workshops, and more.

As a current student at Portsmouth, you can take part in a range of events at the university throughout the year. They’re a good way to meet people, try something new, and get more out of your time here.

Explore events


 

Featured events

Student House B Roll Shoot

Living Well in Halls: Webinars

Feeling excited, nervous, or somewhere in between? Join our interactive pre-arrival webinar to get the inside scoop on life in halls, meet the Res Life team, and pick up tips for settling in, making friends, and thriving from day one.

Register here

International Orientation Week. Quiz Night 2025

International Orientation Week Events

Our International Orientation Week events are designed to help new students settle in and make the most of their start at the University of Portsmouth.

More info

Four students of different ethnicities are sitting around a table talking and smiling.

Common Ground

Learn practical restorative skills to communicate confidently, manage conflict early, and create a positive living environment. Join regular training sessions, practise real-life scenarios, meet students from across halls, and enjoy some freebies.

Book here

Thursday Afternoons at Chaplaincy

Some of the sessions may offer the chance to try something arty or crafty, possibly linked to a special occcasion or an idea from the previous week. Some weeks we play with lego and chat. Some weeks we play group games - We have lots of games to choose from. Just turn up and see if you want to join in. If the craft doesn't interest you, you can still play a game!

Book here

Drinks at cafe in Park Building

Beyond Borders Cafe

Come to meet students from all over the world, share your story, and enjoy free snacks! A place to connect with students from different cultures and discover yourself in others.

Book here

Student reading on the beach

International Book Club

Join us monthly for discussions about books, poems, and short stories. The Book Club is a great way to meet people, practice your English, and explore literary connections in Portsmouth.

Get in touch

September

 

 

Dates:

Saturday 12 September

10.00am-3.00pm, Gun House Green

Welcome Festival

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Rosalind Franklin

Join us for a night of fun icebreaker games, meet other students joining university, make friends, and feel right at home in Portsmouth.

Speed Friending

Sunday 13 September

10.00am-3.00pm, Gun House Green 

Welcome Festival

4.00pm-8.00pm, Langstone Student Village

Join us for a variety of activities and icebreaker games in our Langstone student campus. We will be hosting an assortment of games and activities like clay modelling, icebreaker games, short film screenings, a snooker tournament and many more.

The Big Welcome Event

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Bateson Hall

Join us for a night of fun icebreaker games, meet other students joining university, make friends, and feel right at home in Portsmouth.

Speed Friending

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Catherine House

Join us for a night of fun icebreaker games, meet other students joining university, make friends, and feel right at home in Portsmouth.

Speed Friending

Monday 14 September

8.30am - 10.30am, Catherine House

Find us at the reception for a free cereal bar to get your day going strong, and get a chance to meet our RAs!

 

8.30am - 10.30am, Rees

Find us at the reception for a free cereal bar to get your day going strong, and get a chance to meet our RAs!

 

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Greetham Street

Join us for a night of fun icebreaker games and get to know other students joining university, make friends, and feel more at home in Portsmouth.

Speed Friending

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Rees Hall

Get settled into University and meet your peers! This event is particularly for neurodivergent and disabled students with updated games.

Speed Friending

Tuesday 15 September

1.00pm - 4.00pm, Chaplaincy

From Tuesday to Thursday during Freshers Week 2026, come and paint your own mug (to take away with you), make friends, have fun and relax.

Freshers Mug Painting

4.00pm - 8.00pm, Neptune Building Common Room

For a space to relax outside of the freshers, come join our event! This event is particularly tailored for Neurodivergent students with fun activities!

Neuro(UNI)versity Event

 

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Catherine House

Find us at the reception where you can decorate Cupcakes for you to take home. This is a drop in so there is no need to signup!

Wednesday 16 September

1.00pm - 4.00pm, Chaplaincy

From Tuesday to Thursday during Freshers Week 2026, come and paint your own mug (to take away with you), make friends, have fun and relax.

Freshers Mug Painting

3.30pm - 7.30pm, starting at Gun House Green

Join us for a new tour of your home, Portsmouth!

City and Campus Tours

 

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Rosalind Franklin

Come with us to decorate your room with personalised decor!

Craft Wednesdays: Room Decor

 

Thursday 17 September

1.00pm - 4.00pm, Chaplaincy Centre

From Tuesday to Thursday during Freshers Week 2026, come and paint your own mug (to take away with you), make friends, have fun and relax.

Freshers Mug Painting

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Chaucer House

Join us for a night of fun icebreaker games and get to know other students joining university, make friends, and feel more at home in Portsmouth.

Speed Friending

 

Friday 18 September

11.00pm - 3.00pm, Chaplaincy Centre

On the Friday of Freshers Week 26, drop into the Chaplaincy Lounge, bring or make new friends and choose from one of our many games to play.

Board Games

Monday 21 September

11.00am - 2.00pm, Eldon Building

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

2.00pm - 4.00pm, Chaplaincy Centre

On a quieter Monday, the week after Freshers 2026, come and paint your own mug (to take away with you), make friends, have fun and relax.

Autism Friendly Mug Painting

Tuesday 22 September

10.00am - 1.00pm, Richmond Building

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

10.30am -1.30pm, Hub, Dennis Sciama

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

Wednesday 23 September

10.30am -1.30pm, Terrace Cafe

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

12.00pm - 3.00pm, The Huddle, Neptune Building (UPSU)

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

2.00pm - 4.00pm, Meet at Ravelin Sports Centre

Book here

 

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Catherine House

Come with us to decorate some Tote bags for you to take home!

Craft Wednesdays: Tote Bag Decorating

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Rees Hall (Halls of Residence)

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Langstone Student Village (Halls of Residence)

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

Thursday 24 September

10.00 - 1.00pm, Portland Building

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

10.30am -1.30pm, Park Building Cafe

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Rees Hall

Join us for a celebration of all of our different cultures! We will be playing loads of activities, games, trivia, and best of all we will be handing out snacks from around the world!

Cultural Night

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Chaucer House (Halls of Residence)

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Greetham Street (Halls of Residence)

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

Friday 25 September

11.00am - 2.00pm, University Library

Our September Welcome & Foundations campaign introduces students to the support, information and skills needed to build a safe, respectful and inclusive university community.

Sexual Wellbeing, Safety and Support Campaign

5.30pm - 8.30pm, Eldon Building

Join us to watch the incredible movie 'Moonlight' from the film studio 'A24'

Film Friday Screening - 'Moonlight'

Saturday 26 September

9.00am - 6.00pm

Spend a day exploring the vibrant seaside city of Brighton. Discover the famous pier, wander through the historic Lanes, relax on the beach, and enjoy the city's unique mix of culture, shopping, and cafés. It's also a great opportunity to meet new people and spend the day with fellow international students.

Coach Trip to Brighton

Wednesday 30 September

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Bateson Hall

Participate in this fun game, where you can only work on a canvas for a set time before you have to pass it along to the next person.

Craft Wednesdays - Pass the Canvas

October

 

 

Dates:

Thursday 1 October

2.00pm - 4.00pm, Chaplaincy Centre

From 2-4pm every Thursday, we are hosting drop in sessions for students to either play boardgames or have a go at something artistic.

Thursday Afternoons' in the Chaplaincy Lounge - A Variety of Games & Crafts

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Langstone Student Village

Join us for a celebration of all of our different cultures! We will be playing loads of activities, games, trivia, and best of all we will be handing out snacks from around the world!

Language and Cultural Mixer

 

Friday 2 October

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Rees Hall

Join us for a night of beautiful singing, loud shrieking and lots of fun!

Karaoke Night

 

Wednesday 7 October

1.00pm - 2.30pm

Join the International Student Adviser Team for an informal session designed for current Student Route visa holders. Learn more about the visa you hold, the responsibilities attached to it, and how to protect your immigration status throughout your studies. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the requirements that affect you during your time in the UK. These workshops run three times per year.

ISA Workshop: Student Route Visa Essentials

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Chaucer House

Create some beautiful cards with pressed flowers!

Craft Wednesdays - Pressed Flowers Cards

1.00pm - 3.00pm, Library Atrium

More info

Thursday 8 October

1.00pm - 2.30pm

Join the International Student Adviser Team to explore the work conditions attached to the Student Route visa, including working hours, employment restrictions, and common compliance issues. Bring your questions and gain confidence in understanding your work permissions in the UK. These workshops run three times per year.

ISA Workshop: Student Route Work Conditions Explained 

2.00pm - 4.00pm, Chaplaincy Centre

From 2-4pm every Thursday, we are hosting drop in sessions for students to either play boardgames or have a go at something artistic.

Thursday Afternoons' in the Chaplaincy Lounge - A Variety of Games & Crafts

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Bateson Hall

Come and play games that have survived centuries!

Thursday Board Games Night - ancient games

Friday 9 October

1.00pm - 2.30pm

Join the International Student Adviser Team for an informal introduction to the Graduate Route visa. Learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, and the conditions of the route. There will be time for questions and an opportunity to better understand whether the Graduate Route is the right immigration option for you after your studies. These workshops run three times per year.

ISA Workshop: Graduate Route Visa Essentials

 

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Greetham Street

Become a detective for the night and participate in a fun murder mystery game!

Murder Mystery Night

Wednesday 14 October

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Rosalind Franklin

Join us to decorate some pebbles and make them your own!

Craft Wednesdays - Pebble Painting

Thursday 15 October

2.00pm - 4.00pm, Chaplaincy Centre

From 2-4pm every Thursday, we are hosting drop in sessions for students to either play boardgames or have a go at something artistic.

Thursday Afternoons' in the Chaplaincy Lounge - A Variety of Games & Crafts

5.00pm - 8.00pm

Sharing a space with new people is a big part of uni life—and it doesn’t always come naturally. Common Ground helps you build the skills Restorative Practice skills which include communicating clearly, handling disagreements, and creating a better living environment.

Common Ground Workshop - Live Better Together

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Catherine House

Join us for a relaxing evening playing your favourite games!

Thursday Board Games Night

Friday 16 October

5.00pm - 8.00pm

Sharing a space with new people is a big part of uni life—and it doesn’t always come naturally. Common Ground helps you build the skills Restorative Practice skills which include communicating clearly, handling disagreements, and creating a better living environment.

Common Ground Workshop - Live Better Together

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Greetham Street

Create Mocktails with us, and play some fun games!

Mocktail and Misconceptions

Wednesday 21 October

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Rosalind Franklin

Join us for a fun evening of modelling with Air Dry Clay!

Craft Wednesdays - Clay Modelling

Thursday 22 October

2.00pm - 4.00pm, Chaplaincy Centre

From 2-4pm every Thursday, we are hosting drop in sessions for students to either play boardgames or have a go at something artistic.

Thursday Afternoons' in the Chaplaincy Lounge - A Variety of Games & Crafts

 

6.30pm - 8.30pm, Rees Hall

Join us for a relaxing evening playing your favourite games!

Thursday Board Games Night

Friday 23 October

5.30pm - 8.30pm, Eldon Building

This film screening is in celebration of both Black History Month and Halloween.

Film Friday screening of 'His House'

Learn more about our Student Services

Discover our resources on study skills, financial management, health, wellbeing, and more.

Support in halls

Our Res Life team can offer help and advice if you're living in University halls. From wellbeing support to community events, we help you feel at home.

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Access support in halls

Student Wellbeing

Your health and wellbeing matters. Access resources for your mental and physical health, including support from Student Wellbeing, university counselling, and tips for self-care.

Student Wellbeing teaser image showing two students sitting on steps and laughing
Your health matters

Careers support

Get ready for your future career. Find expert guidance on CVs, job applications, interviews, and career planning from our dedicated Careers Support team.

FOR PG USE ONLY
Read more

Student Money

From budgeting better to finding finance, we don’t judge, we just help. Learn about student loans, scholarships, bursaries and grants, plus find expert money saving tips from our Student Money team.

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Money advice

Disability Advice

Here you'll find expert support for students with disabilities or additional learning needs. Get confidential advice and support on disability-related issues.

Disability Advice teaser image showing a student smiling and sitting in a wheelchair
Expert support

International Student Advice

All you need to know as an international student, including what to do during your first weeks. Find information on visas, healthcare, jobs and working, and settling into student life in the UK.

International Student Advice teaser image of a student sitting on a bench in a park
Settle into the UK

Chaplaincy

Whether you have faith or not, to talk or be still, our space is yours. The Chaplaincy is there to support all students, of any faith or none.

Chaplaincy teaser image showing a smiling student standing in front of a colourful wall
Everyone's welcome

Academic skills support

Looking to improve your academic skills and enhance your uni work? Our faculty learning support tutors can help you develop key study skills, and you can also access our online learning resources too.

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Boost your skills

Enable University alerts

Turn on notifications for critical updates like closures, safety alerts, and urgent service disruptions.