My experience as an Estranged student Initially, I was terrified of attending university as an Estranged student. I was worried about being alone and unsupported. However, the student finance team offered and provided me with a variety of support including financial guidance, personal support and a bursary. The student wellbeing team were incredibly helpful with the courses that they run and the access to their trained therapists. Recently, there has been a society set up for students in my position which has helped me to feel more included and welcome within the university. All of the university staff that I have had the pleasure of engaging with have been supportive and accommodating throughout.

Business Information Systems Student I studied Business Information Systems and it was a fantastic course for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the support that I got from my lecturers, they were really great. Any time I could pop into their office for a chat/coffee and talk about a specific topic that I was struggling with during my coursework assignment. They would sit down with me and help me to understand which boosted my confidence. I learnt a mixture of modules which helped me decide which career path I would like to go into when I graduate. I loved the fact that whilst having the lectures I was able to put that into context by doing the practical sessions. The lecturers have really good knowledge in their field and are very interactive. Secondaly, I had a great opportunity to go out on a placement year working with an organisation in the industry which was one of the greatest things I enjoyed. I was able to network with other students and employees, work on critical projects, provide value back to the company and develop new skills and understand how the world of work actually is. The University of Portsmouth really helped me prepare to gain a placement by providing me with feedback on my CV & Cover letter. The Careers and Employability team helped me develop my interview skills. I now feel confident when attending interviews and assessment centres. Overall my University experience was great as in Portsmouth there are so many things I did as a student from walking along the Southea beach, joining different societies and going to movies with my friends at Vue Cinema. As I have enjoyed my Univeristy experience I am now going to do a Masters which I am excited about!

I study pharmacy at Portsmouth. I study pharmacy at Portsmouth. The course content throughout the 4 years is great but it requires more organisation and equal balancing of the content by the staff. The university has great teachers, very friendly and helpful, who are willing to help during lectures but also after the class. The faculty has good facilities and materials needed for studies. It's a city university but more feels like a campus based because most university buildings are few minutes away from one and another, it is easier to walk in between lectures. The library is open 24 hours so you can study at any time you like. So far its been a great experience :)

A lot of help ! I started at the University of Portsmouth in September 2020, studying Early Childhood Studies. It was a weird experience, having lectures and seminars online, not being able to meet coursemates, and being stuck in halls all day, but the wellbeing team were very helpful in supporting students through the tough situation. The lecturers are very understanding, and easy to talk to, and they can signpost you to the correct people to make sure you get the correct help. There is a lot of help available at the uni, in terms of student finance help and the Disabled Student's Allowance (DSA), careers advice, educational workshops and a lot more! They are definitely worth going to!

One year down, Three more to go! One year down, Three more to go! I've always dreamed of going to University and kind of put it off for several years. Now as a mature student jumping straight in I can safely say its been an amazing experience. We've just had the Freshers Fair and joined about 4 Societies which has been incredible for learning new names and faces.