Introducing University of Portsmouth Student Union (UPSU)

Portsmouth is a lively and exciting waterfront city that is home to over 25,000 students across two campuses. The city centre is just a short walk from your student flat and puts you within easy reach of great shops, contemporary restaurants and bustling markets. With tons of things to do all year round including world-class attractions, museums steeped in history, and no shortage of tempting food and drink options, Portsmouth is a place everyone can enjoy, making it a welcoming city for new students looking to make the most of their university experience.

Our choice of student accommodation in Portsmouth comes as self-contained studio flats offering residents exclusive access to a range of incredible facilities including stylish spaces for studying, modern communal areas for hanging with your mates, and even an on-site gym! With Collegiate, you can be sure that you are staying at some of the best student accommodation in Portsmouth.

But it’s not just about the miles of coastline and picturesque scenery, or the great choice of cafes, street food, and independent stores – there’s a lot to uncover about the University of Portsmouth too. That’s why we’ve put together an overview of the Portsmouth student union.

While you’re studying, the Portsmouth student union is a one-stop-shop. Whether it’s academic or social, it’s there to help you make the most of your time at university with practical guidance and support and with the help of your fellow students.

The Role of UPSU

The UPSU acts as an independent charity that works to ‘advance your education at the University of Portsmouth through a range of exciting services and activities’. The union board members are elected by fellow students as representatives of any issues students may face. They ensure feedback is presented in external meetings with senior teams at the university – they’re essentially your voice on campus. The union also offers guidance and support services, whether it’s academic or personal.

When you enrol in the University of Portsmouth, you automatically become a full union member of UPSU. This full membership is free and includes;

  • receiving regular updates
  • the right to vote in elections
  • the right to join clubs and societies
  • subsidised membership fees
  • free independent advice
  • selected discounts

UPSU Groups and Societies

From student actors and the Afro-Caribbean society to volunteering and the volleyball society, UPSU offers over 140 clubs, societies and media groups for you to join. It’s the perfect setting to meet new and like-minded people, or learn a new skill as they cover food and drink, religions, sports, music, performance and really, anything else you can think of! Another great thing about the union is that if there isn’t a group that suits you, you have the opportunity to start one!

UPSU Jobs and Volunteering 

Thinking ahead to graduation, you might find that employers look beyond your degree to what real world experience you also bring. There’s ample opportunities to build up your CV by volunteering at the union or taking on work while you study. Check out the volunteering opportunities at UPSU to see if you could volunteer regularly or take part in fundraisers or events. Job opportunities at UPSU are also available, which could be ideal to fit around your studies. The union is also a proud Mindful Employer, which means they ensure its recruitment activities are mindful of equality and diversity matters.

Where to find the student union?

The Portsmouth student union has an easily accessible location central to the university. Just down the road from our Portsmouth University accommodation, the union is a 5-minute walk from Middle Street and Earlsdon Street, and an 11-minute walk from St. James Street.

The official address is:

University of Portsmouth Students’ Union
Cambridge Road
Portsmouth
PO1 2EF

At Collegiate, we want students to have the best time at university and that goes further than just having a great place to live! Check out our blog pages for recommendations of the best bottomless brunches, unusual places to visit, and things to do. Plus, you can find advice and support on a range of topics including things like mental health care tips and preparing for your exams. Remember, we’re here for you 100%.

At Collegiate, we want students to have the best time at university and that goes further than just having a great place to live! Check out our blog pages for recommendations of the best bottomless brunches, unusual places to visit, and things to do. Plus, you can find advice and support on a range of topics including things like mental health care tips and preparing for your exams. Remember, we’re here for you 100%.