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Welcome to Portsmouth
Meet new people, join clubs and societies, settle into your accommodation and get to know your campus and city. These welcome events are open to all students, whether you're a new or returning student.
Important dates
- International Orientation Week: Monday 7 September to Sunday 13 September 2026. More information about activities will be available from August 2026
- Welcome Festival: Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September.
- Freshers' Fayre: Tuesday 15 September and Wednesday 16 September. More details to come.
- Give Me Sport: Thursday 17 September to Sunday 20 September
Induction and teaching timetables
Timetables will be published on 17 August on your Student View (available after you've completed your registration form). Please be aware that your teaching timetables are subject to change until 7 September, so please check for changes regularly.
See all key dates for the academic year. You'll need to complete your registration or re-registration if you're a continuing student to access all welcome events.
Welcome events
Welcome to Portsmouth! We’d like to invite you to our exciting welcome events.
International Orientation Week
7–13 September 2026. More information about activities will be available from August 2026.
Enjoy talks, workshops, sports tasters, and social events like welcome breakfasts, speed friending, quizzes, and karaoke.
UK students can also join campus and city tours, speed friending, and sports tasters.
Some events need tickets; others are first-come, first-served. Check the programme and plan ahead to make the most of the week.
Welcome Festival
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September
Once you’ve moved in, head down to our Welcome Festival at Ravelin Park. We have plenty of room for you, your parents and friends to sit and enjoy street food and games, meet other students and talk to our friendly support staff who are on hand to answer all your questions. We'll be open from 10.00am to 3.00pm on both days.
Freshers’ Fayre
15-16 September 2026. More details to be added soon.
Kick off the new year at the Students' Union with Refreshers’ Fayre, your chance to dive into campus life, discover what’s on offer, and pick up some freebies along the way. Enjoy Domino’s on us, meet student groups and societies and more! Whether you’re looking to try something new or simply grab a slice of pizza, come along and get stuck in!
Give Me Sport
Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 September
Ready to level up your uni life? Try out over 30 of our epic Team UOP Sports Clubs, from American Football to Volleyball, or our swimming pool and fitness classes.
For just £8, you can dive into four days of fun with our ‘Give Me Sport’ membership. You can try a new sport, make a splash in the pool, vibe in a fitness class or try out for a competitive team.
If the gym is more your happy place, grab a Student Earlybird starting at £14.25/month when paid annually. Better still, you’ll get 12 months of access but only pay for 9. That’s a total win for your wallet.
What's on during Welcome Month
Welcome Month events fall into in four main themes. Use them to help you plan your events diary and spot the events most important to you.
Student life
Discover the opportunities available to you outside study by exploring societies, new hobbies and Portsmouth.
Support and guidance
Attending support and guidance events will help you get set up and prepared for the new year ahead.
International students
Events exclusively for international students to help you get settled into life in the UK.
Sports Tasters
Try a sport you like or try something new while making new friends.
Follow us on Instagram for more exciting events and helpful information
How to get started at uni
Welcome to distance learning at Portsmouth
Find out how to get the most out of university as a distance learner.
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