Welcome to the UK
Stepping into a new course in a new country is an opportunity to embrace new passions, make new friends and make the most of your time as an international student.
We are really excited to welcome you to Portsmouth and as well as university-wide activities for you to experience, you can take part in our International Orientation programme in person, online and on-demand.
International Orientation Programme June 2025
Our June 2025 Orientation Programme will be taking place between 12 - 13 June 2025.
International orientation events fall into in three main themes. Use them to help you plan your events diary and spot the events most important to you.
Academic
Events introducing you to University services and the practicalities of settling into life in the UK
Social
Opportunities to meet other International students and make new friends
Sport
Visit our sports centre and try out a new sport.
In Person Events
Thursday 12 June
10.00am - Welcome Plenary
11.00am - Campus Tour
12.30pm - City Centre Tour
3.00pm - Afternoon Tea Social
4.00pm - Seafront Walking Tour
Friday 13 June
10.00am - Introduction to British Culture Workshop
11.00am - Campus Tour
12.30pm - City Centre Tour
2.00pm - Academic Skills (ASK) Workshop
The University of Portsmouth Students' Union have created this handy, interactive guide to your first year at university.
Orientation On Demand Online
We understand you may miss a session or want to remind yourself of some of the details.
Do not worry – we have created 'Orientation On Demand', where you can catch up on webinars, presentations and workshops, to help you get to know Portsmouth. These will be uploaded to this page after the in-person events have taken place.
International Orientation Welcome Presentation
An Introduction to British Culture & Culture Workshop
In-Sessional English at the University of Portsmouth
Explore our support for students with English as an additional language.
In-session English - ISE - at the University of Portsmouth
What is In-Sessional English?
Designed to support students for whom English is an additional language, we offer a range of modules to help you develop your academic English language skills.
Available throughout the year in 5 week periods.
Free of charge for all students.
On-campus and online modules available.
Make friends from around the University.
Develop your skills in:
- Academic writing
- Critical reading
- Dissertation and final report writing
- English for communication
- Academic style
- Grammar and vocabulary
Experience expert teaching by the School of Languages and Applied Linguistics.
For more information and to register search MyPort for ‘ISE’ or email ise@port.ac.uk.
Welcome to the Library
The University Library is a busy and lively building which reflects the Multicultural nature of the university and Portsmouth as a whole. Please remember your student card to scan in and out when you visit the library. The library is an essential source of information for staff and students. We hold an extensive range of books and other printed materials, and our online holdings of electronic resources, including ebooks, e-journals and specialist databases are more expansive still! You can use your mobile phone or our touchscreen information kiosks to find books and look up all manner of other useful information about what is happening on campus. By searching the discovery service, you can quickly find useful, high-quality academic Journal articles on any subject. The subject pages on the library website offer almost everything you need for your studies in one place. The library is open 24/7 during term time, our electronic resources are available around the clock, and all our borrowing and return services are self-service so you can study where and when suits you best. You can borrow laptops from the lockers on the ground floor to use in the library and book group study rooms up to 2 weeks in advance, where you can work in groups and practice presentations. You can also bring in your own laptop or mobile devices, plug into our power sockets and connect to the fast and secure University wireless network. You can even connect your laptop or tablet to a large curved desktop Monitor and work from your mobile device while enjoying all the comforts of using a desktop computer. You can borrow and return books and other materials using the self-service kiosks. The library catalogue shows you where to find books within the library. If you need any help, please ask a friendly member of Staff. You can also request books be picked off the shelves by Library staff and moved to the collection Point using our click-and-collect service for added convenience. If you need help with anything from finding a book to research for your thesis, pop into the library skills drop-in office off the atrium, or click the chat button on the library website 24/7, and chat with a librarian. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Help and advice for new international students
Our International Student Ambassadors have curated some Top Tips to help you settle in and make the most of your time here at Portsmouth.
Managing Your Wellbeing When Studying in the UK
This free course, developed in partnership with Study UK and Newcastle University, is designed to support international students as you transition to life and study in the UK.
It covers a range of topics including: dealing with cultural shock; understanding the UK higher education system; building healthy habits; creating social connections; achieving study-life balance; tackling self-critical thinking; accessing help, including mental health support, and more.
Get to know Portsmouth
Explore the immersive activities provided by local museums, galleries and the City Council to get a feel for Portsmouth – even before you arrive. Now you live in Portsmouth, it's time to live like a Pompey local.
