Where To Live In Portsmouth As A Student

By Student Cribs | July 3, 2023 | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Portsmouth has a dual identity of the buzzing city life with the calmness of the Solent on its doorstep. Portsea Island is a little hub for students and luckily due to the scale of it, wherever you end up living you will only be a short ride away to the main city centre. However, to make your life a thousand times easier we have compiled a short guided on the top places that attract students back year on year. 

Gunwharf Quays – A buzzing area to live in with all the restaurants, bars and cafes on your doorstep. The designer outlet will never fail to satisfy your needs and your budget. Most houses are flats due to the density of the area, meaning that they are on the more expensive side of student accommodation. Only a walk away to the main area of campus and also the vibrant Bridge Tavern which is a common favourite for students.

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Southsea – This is probably the most popular area to live in, located at the south of Portsea Island. With a Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and John Lewis on your doorstep you really cannot go wrong, not to mention the views of the Isle of Wight just steps away on the beach. All houses here are very affordable and not far from the university campus, breaching a 10 minute walk. Inundated with tea rooms, Churchills at 25, and the famous Albert Road that has a more vintage and alternative shopping area. Students tend to head into the main city centre for the evenings, but it is only a few steps away.

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Fratton – This area is situated north of the railway, putting a little bit of distance between you and the main campus. However, this does not stop students from going back there year on year. Houses here are generally terraced so they will be smaller in size, take note for bigger groups. A short bus ride away from Cascade shopping centre where you’ll find all your desires and more, combined with the local train station, Fratton, which can easily transport you around the area for an affordable price.

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Old Portsmouth – This is probably the most beautiful area in Portsmouth. The historic streets that circulate the area remove you from the bustling city centre that is Gunwharf, this be a wonderful escape from university life. Houses here may see a rise in price due to the location and the remarkable buildings that surround it, however it is very close to the centre and the main campus which is ideal for any student. Not as vibrant as other areas, but students find themselves at The Wellington, The Bridge Tavern, and The Still and West in the evenings.

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Buckland,

Located on the north east of the island, Buckland is not as popular as others but the inexpensiveness of the area attracts students that are not looking for a huge price tag. Accommodation here is mainly terraced houses with the odd semi-detached house. This area surrounds the Brittany Ferries port, so traffic can get fairly bad, however, for the more studious students it is home to the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum. Morrisons and McDonald’s are the student go to for this area, although many people travel into the centre for a more lively night.

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Copnor – Situated slightly North of centre of the Portsea Island, this area is home to fewer students but nevertheless the plethora of parks that surround the area are a major attraction to many. Moneyfields Park and the Great Salterns Recreation Ground are on your doorstep as well as the Ocean Retail Park that houses many useful shops such as TK Maxx and general homeware. Houses are less expensive due to the distance to the main centre and the University campus. Your local will be the Star & Garter, the Golden Hind and The Phoenix.

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Eastney – This area is a little less popular but definitely wins the prize for most scenic. Situated on the south east side of the island, surrounded by many parks and the Esplanade, it really is a home away from home. Houses here are more spacious with many more green areas to exploit. It has a small high street that will cater for your local needs, a Tesco Express and local Fruit and Butcher shops, but for more conventional shopping needs a journey will need to be made to the centre. The Eastney Tavern and The Tenth Hole are always looking for more student attention.

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Still house hunting in Portsmouth? Why not check out our last Student Cribs before they are all gone! Or click on the image for more information.