Finding the right Portsmouth student accommodation is an essential step for many students each year. From understanding why Portsmouth is a popular student city to choosing the best areas, accommodation types, and budgets, the process can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time or international students. Where do most students live? How much does Portsmouth accommodation cost in 2026? When should you start looking, and how does the rental process work? This comprehensive guide to student accommodation in Portsmouth answers all these key questions, helping you make informed decisions and find a place that truly fits your lifestyle and budget.
Portsmouth Student Accommodation Types
In Portsmouth, student accommodation is primarily divided into two main categories to suit different budgets and lifestyle requirements: University Halls of Residence and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).
University Halls of Residence
University Halls of Residence are managed directly by the University of Portsmouth or operated in partnership. The University guarantees accommodation for first-year students enrolling at Portsmouth. Applying early increases your chances of securing your preferred room type. Typically offering all-inclusive rent, these are limited in number and highly competitive to book.
Advantages: Close proximity to campus, vibrant social atmosphere, tenancy aligned with the academic year.
Representative Accommodation:
- Trust Hall: Self-catered, shared bathroom, from £115 per week.
- Bateson Hall: Self-catered, shared bathroom, from £123 per week.
- Langstone Flats: Self-catered, en suite bathroom, from £136 per week.
- Harry Law Hall: Self-catered, en suite bathroom, from £157 per week.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
PBSA student accommodation in Portsis provided by private operators and specifically designed and built for students. It is the most popular choice among international students, offering the highest level of convenience and security. The majority of undergraduates and postgraduates opt for PBSA, which provides greater privacy and freedom.
Advantages: Fully equipped facilities (gym, cinema, study rooms), 24/7 security, all-inclusive rent, flexible tenancy options.
Representative Accommodation:
- Catherine House: Various room types, convenient location, all-inclusive bills
- Chaucer House: Close to the University of Portsmouth’s Guildhall campus, with modern facilities
- Rosalind Franklin Halls: Central location, social spaces
- Earlsdon Street: private bathrooms, quiet neighbourhood, easy transport links
Room Types of Portsmouth Student Housing
From affordable shared flats to private studios and modern en-suite rooms, Portsmouth offers student accommodation options for almost every budget and living preference. Whether you prefer privacy and independence or a social environment, diverse room types are available to satisfy your needs. Here are the standard room types of Portsmouth student housing:
| Room Type | Feature | Ideal For | Price Range (uhomes.com) |
|---|---|---|---|
| En-suite Room | Private bedroom with own bathroom. Shared kitchen and living area with 4-8 flatmates. | Social students who value their privacy. | £190 pw |
| Non Ensuite | Private bedroom with shared bathroom facilities, kitchen, and lounge. | Budget-conscious students comfortable with sharing. | £165 pw |
| Studio Apartment | Self-contained unit with private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. No shared facilities. | Students seeking total privacy, couples, or postgraduates. | £240 pw |
| One Bedroom | Separate bedroom and living/kitchen area. More spacious than a studio; feels like a private home. | Students or couples with a higher budget seeking a premium lifestyle. | £315 pw |
| Shared Flat | Private flat with 3+ bedrooms, featuring a communal kitchen and lounge. | Pre-formed groups of friends wanting to live together. | £160 – £200 pw |
Private Student Accommodation Portsmouth
Catherine House
Earlsdon Street
- Location: Stanhope Road
- Room Types: Studio, 1-bedroom apartments
- Price: from £220 /week
- Facilities: Elevator, Laundry Room, Wi-Fi, Lounge, Bike Storage, Study Room, Game Room
- Universities: 7 mins walk to UoP
- Location: 61 Earlsdon Street
- Room Types: Studio, En-suite
- Price: from £204 /week
- Facilities: Laundry Room, Wi-Fi, Bike Storage, Gym, Game Room, 24 Hours Security, CCTV
- Universities: 5 mins walk to UoP
Middle Street
- Location: 22 Middle Street
- Room Types: Studio
- Price: from £227 /week
- Facilities: Elevator, Laundry Room, Wi-Fi, Study Room, Bike Storage, Communal Kitchen, Gym, Table Football, Game Room, Cinema room, Pool Table
- Universities: 1 mins walk to UoP
Crown Place Portsmouth
- Location: Station Street
- Room Types: Studio, En-suite
- Price: from £191 /week
- Facilities:Wi-Fi, Laundry Room, Elevator, Lounge, Communal Kitchen, Bike Storage, Gym, Cinema room, Game Room
- Universities: 5 mins walk to UoP
Greetham Street
- Location: Greetham Street
- Room Types: Studio, En-suite
- Price: from £192 /week
- Facilities: Elevator, Laundry Room, Wi-Fi, Vending Machine, Study Room, Bike Storage, Table Tennis, Security Guard
- Universities: 10 mins walk to UoP Guildhall Campus
Rosalind Franklin Halls
- Location: Guildhall Walk
- Room Types: Studio, En-suite apartments
- Price: from £190 /week
- Facilities: Laundry Room, Wi-Fi, Bike Storage, CCTV, 24-hour Security, Fire system
- Universities: 10 mins walk to UoP Guildhall Campus
Cheapest Student Accommodation Portsmouth
Fountain Halls
- Location: 1 Fountain Street
- Room Types: Studio, En-suite, Non-En-suite
- Price: from £155 /week
- Facilities: Laundry Room, Bike Storage, Lounge, Pool Table, Table Tennis, Courtyard
- Universities: 11 mins walk to UoP
Chaucer House
- Location: 32 Isambard Brunel Road
- Room Types: Studio, En-suite
- Price: from £158 /week
- Facilities: Laundry Room, Wi-Fi, Elevator, Vending Machine, Communal Kitchen, Study Room, Gym, Game Room
- Universities: 10 mins walk to UoP Guildhall campus
St James Street
- Location: 2-4 Saint George’s Way
- Room Types: Studio, Non-En-suite
- Price: from £176 /week
- Facilities: Laundry Room, Wi-Fi, Elevator, Bike Storage, Gym, Game Room, 24-hour Security, CCTV
- Universities: 3 mins drive to UoP
St. George’s Way
- Location: 2-4 Saint George’s Way
- Room Types: Studio, En-suite
- Price: from £182 /week
- Facilities: Laundry Room, Bike Storage, Lounge, Pool Table, Courtyard
- Universities: 12 mins bus ride to UoP
Accommodation Costs in Portsmouth
Compared with many major UK student cities, Portsmouth offers a relatively affordable cost of living. While expenses in cities such as London, Oxford, or Edinburgh are often significantly higher, Portsmouth allows students to manage their budgets more comfortably without sacrificing access to quality education or city life. To give a clearer picture, the table below outlines the typical monthly and annual living costs for students in Portsmouth, helping you understand how it compares with other UK destinations.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (£) | Annual Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Accommodation | £560 – £900 | £6,720 – £10,800 |
| Food & Groceries | £200 – £300 | £2,400 – £3,600 |
| Transportation | £70 | £840 |
| Entertainment & Recreation | £80 – £130 | £960 – £1,560 |
| Phone & Internet | £20 – £40 | £240 – £480 |
| Sports & Leisure | £50 – £100 | £600 – £1,200 |
| Goods & Services | £200 | £2,400 |
| Estimated Total | £1,180 – £1,740 | £14,160 – £20,880 |
Best Areas for Student Accommodation
Portsmouth may be compact in size, yet it boasts a vibrant community spirit. Specific neighbourhoods have become prime choices for students due to their proximity to the University of Portsmouth, excellent value for money in terms of rent, a distinctive coastal lifestyle, and convenient walkability. Whether you’re drawn to Southsea tranquil beaches and independent shops, the bustling convenience of Gunwharf Quays, or the efficient city centre living near Guildhall, this coastal city caters to every student’s needs. Let’s explore where most students live in Portsmouth:
| Area | Famous For | Weekly Rent | Distance to Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Centre | Central location, nightlife, shopping, close to campus | £180–£220 | University of Portsmouth: 5–10 mins walk |
| Southsea | Seaside living, student houses, cafes & bars | £200–£240 | University of Portsmouth: 10–15 mins by bus |
| Fratton | Budget-friendly student housing, major transport hub | £160–£200 | Portsmouth College: 10–15 mins by bus |
| Gunwharf Quays | Waterfront apartments, outlet shopping, marina views | £180–£250 | University of Portsmouth: 20–30 mins by bus |
Why Students Love Portsmouth
Portsmouth is not only a historic city but also a modern metropolis tailored for students.
- High value for money: Portsmouth is considered one of the UK’s most budget-friendly cities for international students. Compared with London student accommodation, average rental costs in Portsmouth student accommodation are approximately 58% lower, allowing students to allocate more of their budget to living and academic expenses.
- World-class coastal living: Situated on an island, the city boasts picturesque beaches, historic quays, and a modern harbour. Students can easily enjoy sailing, seaside strolls, and a variety of water sports.
- Exceptional academic environment: The University of Portsmouth, with approximately 29,000 students, including over 5,200 international students, offers a diverse learning community. Its degree programmes maintain strong industry connections, resulting in high graduate employment rates.
- Convenient transport links: The compact city ensures most campuses and student accommodation are within walking distance or a short bus journey.
When to Start Your Search for Portsmouth Student Accommodation?
In Portsmouth, competition for quality accommodation is fierce—particularly for student flats near the Guildhall campus and sought-after shared flats in Southsea. Timing your booking correctly is key to securing your preferred area at a desirable price.
- Optimal Booking Period (November – January): Most flats near Portsmouth University’s city centre campus and Gunwharf Quays open for booking during this window. Securing your place at this stage not only allows you to snap up scarce rooms with sea views or en-suite facilities but also often grants access to Early Bird offers.
- Peak Season (February – May): This marks the peak period for securing shared houses in Southsea and Fratton. As returning students confirm renewals or departures, competitively priced multi-occupancy properties are snapped up rapidly. Choice begins to narrow, rental prices stabilise, and discounts become scarce.
- Final Opportunity (June – August): Clearing Rush As universities enter the Clearing phase, a surge of new students creates extreme housing scarcity. Central city properties are typically sold out by this stage, leaving you with higher-priced studios or remaining properties further from campus
Where to Find Right Portsmouth Student Accommodation?
Finding the right student accommodation in Portsmouth can be overwhelming, especially when comparing locations, prices, and tenancy terms. A reliable platform can make all the difference. uhomes.com is a trusted student accommodation booking platform in Portsmouth, used by thousands of students moving to Portsmouth each year.
- Verified Listings & Secure Booking: All student accommodations listed on uhomes.com are 100% verified, including properties in City Centre, Southsea, and Gunwharf Quays.
- Virtual Tours & Live Viewings: For students who are not yet in the UK, uhomes.com offers VR tours and live viewings to help you explore accommodation remotely.
- Exclusive Deals & Price Match Promise: By partnering directly with top student accommodation providers in the UK, uhomes.com offers competitive prices and exclusive deals. Students can benefit from price matching, cashback offers, group booking discounts, and zero service fees, helping stretch their accommodation budget further.
- Dedicated 1-on-1 Student Support: uhomes.com experienced consultants provide one-on-one support throughout the entire process—from choosing the right area and room type to understanding tenancy agreements and move-in arrangements.
Conclusion
Portsmouth offers a variety of student accommodation options to suit different budgets, lifestyles, and study needs. From modern, purpose-built student halls near the University of Portsmouth to more affordable shared apartments in student-friendly areas like Southsea and Fratton, there’s no single “best” option, only the one that’s best for you. By understanding the types of accommodation available, average costs for 2026, and when to start your search, you can make a more confident and informed decision. For students unfamiliar with the Portsmouth rental market, using a dedicated student accommodation platform can simplify the process. uhomes.com brings together verified student accommodation in Portsmouth, clear pricing, and flexible lease options to help you compare properties and easily find the right place to live. With the right preparation and support, finding student accommodation in Portsmouth can be a smooth and stress-free experience.
FAQs About Portsmouth Student Accommodation
Popular student areas include City Centre, Southsea, Fratton, and Gunwharf Quays, offering easy access to the University of Portsmouth and good transport links.
Yes. Average rental costs for Portsmouth student accommodation are around 58% lower than London student accommodation, making it a more affordable option.
Toggle ContentYes. International students can directly book Portsmouth student accommodation online through uhomes.com. The platform supports fully online booking from abroad, offering 100% verified listings, clear pricing, flexible tenancy terms, and online payment options. Many properties also provide virtual tours and live viewings, so you can explore rooms and facilities before committing.
The most affordable areas for student accommodation in Portsmouth are typically Fratton and parts of Southsea. These neighbourhoods tend to offer lower weekly rents compared with central city locations and premium waterfront areas like Gunwharf Quays.
