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 September 2024
Our September 2024 Orientation Programme will be taking place between 16 - 22 September 2024.
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
Monday 16 September
11.00am - Campus Tour
11.00am - Ravelin Sports Centre Tour
12.30pm - City Centre Tour
2.00pm - Afternoon Tea Social
4.00pm - Ravelin Sports Centre Tour
6.00pm - Movie Night
Tuesday 17 September
11.00am - Ravelin Sports Centre Tour
11.00am - Campus Tour
12.30pm - City Centre Tour
2.00pm - Academic Skills (ASK) Workshop
2.00pm - Afternoon Tea Social
4.00pm - Ravelin Sports Centre Tour
6.00pm - Speed Friending
Wednesday 18 September
11.00am - Campus Tour
11.00am - Ravelin Sports Centre Tour
12.30pm - City Centre Tour
4.00pm - Ravelin Sports Centre Tour
6.00pm - Quiz Night - with UPSU
Thursday 19 September
10.00am - Undergraduate Welcome Plenary
11.00am - Campus Tour
11.00am - Ravelin Sports Centre Tour
12.30pm - Introduction to British Culture Workshop
Friday 20 September
11.00am - Campus Tour
11.00am - Ravelin Sports Centre Tour
12.30pm - City Centre Tour
2.00pm - Jobs and Working in the UK
4.00pm - Ravelin Sports Centre Tour
6.00pm - Karaoke
Saturday 21 September
10.00am - Dodgeball Taster
10.00am - Badminton Taster
10.30am - Climbing Taster
11.00am - Table-Tennis Taster
11.00am - Basketball Taster
12.00pm - Seafront Walking Tour
12.00pm - Futsal Taster
12.00pm - Ultimate Frisbee Taster
1.00pm - Volleyball Taster
1.00pm - Rowing Taster
The University of Portsmouth Students' Union have created this handy, interactive guide to your first year at university.
International Welcome 2024
Tuesday 17 September - UPSU Common Room 10.00am to 3.00pm
International students are invited to connect and participate in creative activities while learning about the support services offered by UPSU. The event will include tote bag and coaster painting, a world map pinning activity, and a henna stall, with several student societies already confirming their involvement. Participants will also receive an information pack containing essential resources to assist them in settling in and becoming integrated into our community.
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.
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.
International Orientation Welcome Presentation
An Introduction to British Culture & Culture Workshop
Welcome to the library | University of Portsmouth
A brief welcome video introducing the University Library and its services.
Welcome to the University Library and its services.
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.
