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The University often receives messages from third parties who are looking to support our students, which can include parents, guardians, carers and siblings.
In these cases we can only provide specific, personal information about a student's circumstances with permission from that student.
In case of an emergency, the University will refer to the Student Trusted Emergency Contact procedure. In Halls, we will always encourage students to indicate who they're happy for us to contact and record this information for our use as soon as possible after registration in their accommodation.
If you are concerned that the person you're reporting a concern about is a danger to themselves or others, then do not hesitate to contact emergency services via 999.
Raising concerns about a student
We appreciate that our data protection and third party disclosure policy can be frustrating for anyone with concerns for a particular individual. If you have any immediate concerns about a student, please follow the advice on our Concerned about a student webpage.
We will make every effort to contact students who are referred to us this way, undertaking welfare checks if necessary and explain to them that you have been in touch with your concern (unless you have specified otherwise).
We will not report back to you but please be assured we take concerns very seriously.
Data protection
Our work must comply with data protection legislation which, in most cases, requires us to have a student’s consent to disclose any information about them, before being asked for it.
We will accept email permission to disclose information only if received from a is student’s University student email account. Without this, University departments can only engage with students directly.
This process is to protect the data of all students, and is critical for the safety of the University community.
Support available at the University of Portsmouth
We've listed out University Support Services below. Information about these services is regularly shared with all students and available on our website.
As an educational establishment we work with our adult learners to encourage self-advocacy and engagement, so we will signpost and advise them, but they have to take necessary action themselves. If you are at a loss with where to signpost your child please encourage them to take action themselves to contact the relevant support teams.
Our support services
Care and support for adults, including assessments, help to live independently, and reporting abuse of an adult.
Help with part‑time jobs, CVs, interviews, placements, volunteering, and graduate careers.
For spiritual support, pastoral care, someone to talk to, exploring meaning or identity, or accessing quiet spaces regardless of faith or beliefs.
If students have a disability, long‑term health condition, learning difference, or need adjustments, support plans, or accessibility advice.
Finding an NHS GP in Portsmouth.
For halls related maintenance issues, noise disturbances or general complaints, or safety on campus.
See your halls information for contact details
Campus Security 02392 843413 (emergency 3333)
Police Liaison Officer: [email protected] +44 (0) 7392 289 776
Foundation student support services.
For questions about visas, immigration, working in the UK, cultural adjustment, or any issues affecting international student experience.
Support with Wi‑Fi, logins, accounts, software access, printing, and technical issues.
For general enquiries about enrolment, timetables, assessments, forms, records, and accessing any university service when students are unsure where to go.
Community and support for students of Indigenous, African, Asian, and Latin American descent.
For course‑related guidance, academic progress discussions, feedback, signposting to support, or questions about academic development. Find yours on Student View.
For reporting incidents of socially unacceptable behaviour. Bullying, harassment, prejudice, discrimination and sexual misconduct of any kind are completely unacceptable at any time. Reporting incidents enables the University to offer support and identify common issues.
For students experiencing difficulties in University allocated halls (noise, conflict, settling in), wellbeing check‑ins, community support, events, or general guidance while living on campus.
If you need to make a complaint about the University or another student, help with academic appeals, or when informal attempts haven’t resolved your issues.
Housing advice for both halls and private rentals, contract queries, disputes with landlords, tenancy guidance, or support finding accommodation.
For students who need help with adjusting to university life, or getting involved in the wider student community (and are not living in halls).
Specialist support for anyone experiencing sexual violence.
For budgeting help, issues with income or spending, financial difficulties, emergency hardship questions, or money‑management support.
Helping students stay on track academically, understanding next steps, building confidence, or managing challenges impacting progress.
Find yours on Student View
For independent advice and support for appeals, extenuating circumstances, transferring course/ Uni, withdrawing from Uni, suspending studies, fitness to study.
When students are struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, personal issues, mental health concerns, or need emotional support and coping strategies.
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