The best student bars and clubs in Portsmouth

Heading off to uni? You’ll have already heard the classic “these are the best years of your life” spiel – and honestly, they’re not wrong. Especially if you’ve bagged a spot in Portsmouth. This South Coast gem is buzzing with good vibes, seaside energy, and a nightlife scene that’ll have you making memories (and mates) in no time.

But if it’s your first time in the city, you’ll want to know exactly where to go once the sun dips. That’s where we swoop in. We all know at least half of the uni experience is spent out on the town. The degree? That’s just a shiny extra. So, we’ve rounded up the top student bars and clubs in Portsmouth to help you dive straight in. Start scrolling, get planning, and prepare yourself for late nights, dodgy kebabs, and some seriously rough 9am lectures.

The Dockyard

Image: The Dockyard / Facebook.com

Where: 13-19 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2RY

A short walk away from all of the unis, Gunwharf Keys, and the famous Dockyard area (which it is aptly named after), The Dockyard is known as one of the best student haunts in the city and for good reason. With a whole host of cheap beers and a range of craft ales, alongside a diverse menu that caters for omnivores and herbivores alike, the location is unrivalled and they'll never be a time you don't recognise someone from your lectures inside.

Find tickets for events at The Dockyard - here

The Astoria

Image: The Astoria / Facebook.com

Where: 37-39 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2RY

The go-to place for a night out in the city amongst the student population, and it's easy to see why. With three dance floors to choose from and loads of great deals on drinks, The Astoria is always absolutely bouncing. Plus, with Dirty Disco on a Tuesday (a club night that’s been going in Portsmouth for over ten years), you get one of the best Portsmouth student nights where the entertainment goes beyond the dancefloor with Dirty Disco hosts, fire breathers, stilt walkers and DJs.

Find tickets for events at The Astoria - here

One-Eyed Dog

Image: The One-Eyed Dog / Facebook.com

Where:  177-185 Elm Grove, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 1LU

With its great location and affordable prices, this lively tavern is one that should be on any Portsmouth student night agenda. It's the perfect place to kick back and have a few chilled bevs with the newfound pals and with its assortment of classic pub games from darts to pool to foosball tables, there's little wrong about this place, and will be one that you frequent regularly.

Find tickets for events at One-Eyed Dog - here

Hampshire Boulevard

Image: Hampshire Boulevard / Facebook.com

Where: St Pauls Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth PO1 2QN

Being the only gay club in Portsmouth, Hampshire Boulevard has to make this list. With cheap booze, cheesy music, and late closes, it's the ideal place to dance the night away without a worry in an accepting environment. Plus with regular discos, karaoke nights and drag nights, there's so much fun happening here every night, a must-visit amongst Portsmouth student nightlife.

The Bridge Tavern

Image: The Bridge Tavern / Facebook.com

Where: 54 East Street, Old Portsmouth, PO1 2JJ

A traditional waterside pub, the Bridge Tavern is situated on Old Portsmouth's Camber Dock, with its wonderful atmosphere that is very student friendly, alongside a great menu of quality food and drinks. The only surviving pub on Old Portsmouth's East Street, it is the perfect spot for a nice pub night, or pre drinks before a night on the town.

Find tickets for events at Bridge Tavern - here

Popworld

Image: Popworld Portsmouth / Facebook.com

Where: 1 King Henry I Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2PT

Right, we all know what we're getting with Popworld, once you’ve been to one you’ve been to them all, but why should that affect the reality of the situation; it's one hell of a fun, carefree night. With super cheap drinks and even cheesier music, it’s barrels of fun that everyone can joy (unless you're ‘too cool’ in which case we didn't wanna go with you anyway.) A classic, and one you’ll undoubtedly spend loads of your loan in. One of the best Portsmouth student clubs for sure. 

Find tickets for events at Popworld - here

The Fleet

Image: The Fleet Portsmouth / Facebook.com

Where: 1 King Henry I Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2PT

Right next door to Popworld is The Fleet. So, if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key or a couple of pints before you head next door, it’s the perfect spot. The Fleet has absolutely loads of deals on, whether it’s burgers and a soft drink for £10 on Big Burger Mondays, free pool every Sunday, and Fish Up Fridays, where you can grab any fish dish and a soft drink for £9. And that’s before mentioning their karaoke night, which runs every Monday from 8pm til midnight. Great deals and variety make The Fleet one of the best student bars in Portsmouth. 

Find tickets for events at The Fleet - here

Heading to Portsmouth for uni this year? If these student bars and clubs have got you excited and hungry for more, click or tap here to find Portsmouth's nightlife and freshers events, along with cheap and free things to do in the city, to kick start your uni adventure in style. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image: The Astoria / Facebook.com