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A port city on the south coast, Portsmouth benefits from the slightly more temperate weather in the south of England and is also close to some beautiful beaches. The uni has a great reputation for providing students with outstanding careers support, and students will never find themselves bored here. Read on for our list of the top 10 student things to do in Portsmouth.

1) The Liquorist

Good for: Cocktails!

What is it: A cocktail bar by the quay.

Why you should go: If you fancy something a bit more upmarket than your local pub, a cocktail bar is the perfect choice. The Liquorist is well-located and offers a range of food and drink and, if you’re there at the right time, you can take advantage of their happy hour and get two for one drinks.

2) Spinnaker Tower

Good for: Sightseeing and attending events.

What is it: A landmark observation tower which doubles as an event space.

Why you should go: You’ll get an incredible view of the surrounding area if you climb to the top of the tower, but perhaps even more exciting, there are regular events held here. The tower hosts comedy and music nights, offering you the chance to experience some great entertainment in a really unique venue.

3) Pie & Vinyl

Good for: Pies… and vinyl.

What is it: A pie shop and record store.

Why you should go: Who wouldn’t want to eat a delicious pie and liquor (if you know you know) and browse vinyl records to your heart’s content? They sell a range of meat, vegetarian and vegan pies as well as a wide range of music genres, so there’s something to suit everyone here.

4) Gunwharf Quays

Good for: Finding a new outfit.

What is it: A designer outlet.

Why you should go: As it’s a designer outlet, you’ll find plenty of bargains here. You’ll find lots of big name brands selling items for way cheaper than you’d find at a traditional shopping mall. There are also places to eat here, so you can spend a lovely afternoon grabbing some lunch and some bargains.

5) Café Coco

Good for: A coffee, some cake and a gossip.

What is it: A café in the University of Portsmouth.

Why you should go: As it’s on the university campus, you can guarantee there’ll be plenty of other students around, making it a great place to have a catchup with your friends and maybe even get a bit of studying done. Prices are student friendly, as you’d expect from a café located on the uni campus, so you don’t need to worry about your coffee costing an arm and a leg.

6) Fratton Park

Good for: Catching a football game.

What is it: The local football stadium.

Why you should go: It’s the home of Portsmouth F.C., so if you’re a fan then you should definitely make sure you go to a few games. Even if you’re not a Portsmouth supporter, you might be able to go and watch them play your home team, or you might find a newfound appreciation for the boys in blue.

7) The Astoria

Good for: Having a good old dance.

What is it: A nightclub.

Why you should go: The Astoria offers multiple rooms including a VIP balcony, and is open three nights a week, so you’ll have plenty of chances to go on a night out here. They’re known for playing a lot of house and alternative music, and it’s a popular club with the local students.

8) Mary Rose Museum

Good for: Learning some local history.

What is it: An exhibition of a shipwreck.

Why you should go: Apparently, it was Henry VIII’s favourite ship. As well as the ship, the museum also has a huge range of Tudor objects on display. Here, you can learn not only about the local maritime history, but also about the nation’s history through the Tudor period.

9) Canoe Lake

Good for: Reconnecting with nature.

What is it: A boating lake.

Why you should go: Whether you just want to soak in the beautiful scenery or if you want to get involved and hire a pedalo, Canoe Lake makes for a lovely afternoon out. It’s perfect for a picnic after you submit your essay, and you can even go crabbing if that’s up your street.

10) The Fleet

Good for: Well-priced drinks.

What is it: A popular local pub.

Why you should go: The pub has a large beer garden so you can sit out on a summer’s evening and enjoy the sun setting. They also run regular quiz nights and host live music, so there’s plenty going on here for you to check out.

Key info about Portsmouth

Fun fact – most of Portsmouth is actually on Portsea Island, off the coast of England. Don’t panic, however, there are still a lot of trains running to and from the city, and its accessible by car. It’s also the UK’s most densely populated city, and unsurprisingly has a rich maritime history to uncover.

If you study at the University of Portsmouth, you’ll be studying at a university that puts job prospects at the forefront of its teaching, with many courses offering professional accreditations. Students here also benefit from the balance between coastal and city life, and have plenty of opportunity to explore the local area through the clubs and societies offered by the Students’ Union.

Read more about the University of Portsmouth.

Thinking about studying in Portsmouth but not sure what subject is right for you? Start your search here.