About Portsmouth and the UK

Portsmouth: A Fantastic Place to Study English

Portsmouth is a vibrant coastal city in the UK, offering a unique and inspiring place to study English. It’s a friendly and historic city with plenty to explore, featuring a blend of lively urban areas, quiet neighbourhoods, and easy-to-use public transport.

Known as the UK’s only island city, Portsmouth is full of fascinating history and culture. You can visit world-famous landmarks like the Spinnaker Tower, the Historic Dockyard, and ships such as the HMS Victory and Mary Rose. Enjoy shopping at Gunwharf Quays, take a stroll along the beautiful seafront, or explore the city’s buzzing cafes, bars, and restaurants. There’s always something exciting to do here!

For more information about Portsmouth, visit:
Visit Portsmouth

Why Choose Portsmouth?

Portsmouth is a city that offers something for everyone. Its compact layout makes it easy to get around, whether you’re walking, cycling, or using public transport. The cost of living is more affordable compared to larger cities like London, yet it has everything you need for an enjoyable and comfortable stay.

Portsmouth’s unique location on the coast makes it a gateway to other parts of the UK. Take day trips to nearby attractions like the South Downs National Park, Isle of Wight, or historic towns such as Winchester and Chichester.

For more information about the UK and its many attractions, visit:
Visit Britain

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Is Portsmouth Affordable?

As a smaller city, Portsmouth offers excellent value for students compared to larger cities. Accommodation and transport costs are lower, and the city has plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy.

Explore Portsmouth Harbour and Beyond

With a rich maritime heritage, Portsmouth offers unique attractions like the D-Day Story Museum, historic harbours, and scenic coastal paths.

Vibrant Culture

Portsmouth hosts festivals, live music, and cultural events throughout the year. Whether you love history, nature, or nightlife, this city has something for everyone.

Healthcare in the UK

Seeing a Doctor

To access medical care in Portsmouth, you need to register with a GP (General Practitioner) at a doctor’s surgery near your accommodation.

  • Who can access free NHS care?
    1. Students from the EEA (European Economic Area) with an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card).
    2. Students with a visa for more than 6 months who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
      • This covers NHS services, including GP visits, hospital care, and healthcare centres.
      • You may need to pay for dental treatment, eye care, or prescriptions.

If you are not eligible for free NHS care, you may need to pay for medical services. We recommend having suitable health insurance to cover any additional costs.

How to Register with a Doctor

  • If you are staying in homestay accommodation, your host family can recommend a GP surgery nearby.
  • If you are in independent accommodation, you can find a GP surgery using the NHS website.
  • For urgent but non-emergency care, you can call 111 for free medical advice.

For emergencies, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Dental Care

Dental care in the UK is not free for most people.

  • You must pay for all dental appointments. It costs approximately £20–30 to see a dentist, and treatment costs vary depending on what you need.
  • Emergency dental treatment is available by contacting the Emergency Dental Helpline for Portsmouth.

To avoid high costs, we strongly recommend purchasing insurance that includes dental coverage.

Contact Us

We’re here to help you make the most of your time in Portsmouth. For any questions or advice about studying English in this fantastic city, get in touch with us today!