University is a chance to figure out who you are, who you want to become and how fast you can neck 3 Desperado’s without using your hands. Aside from self-discovery though, it’s also a great opportunity to uncover a completely new city and take in some of the local culture.

Realistically, there’s no chance that you won’t be out exploring Pompey anyway, with your ragtag squad of first-week mates, the minute you touch down. It can be a confusing city to navigate on foot and with so much packed into one small landmass there are bound to be little nooks and crannies that will fly right under your radar.

Although there to help you, the university and SU guides will only get you so far and should not be taken as gospel. Most of the content is also likely to either be uni-affiliated or $pon$ored, because everyone knows that uni is one huge money factory anyway.

So ditch the pamphlets and maps, let native take you off-piste with our real guide to the best hidden gems in Portsmouth.

The Round Tower - Old Portsmouth

Built to defend Portsmouth from the French in the 1400s, still doing a great job - I haven’t met a single French person in Portsmouth to date - the Round Tower is steeped in history and oozes old-world charm.

If visiting old buildings isn’t your thing, we get it, but there’s more to be said about it than just some old building.

The real hidden gem here is the viewing platform on top of the tower, facing out into the sea towards the Palmerston Forts and the Isle of Wight, it boasts one of the most breathtaking sunset views in the country. Maybe not one for smashing some tinnies with the lads, but a rite of passage for Pompey students nonetheless.

The Atrium

So inconspicuous, you’d walk right past it without knowing it was even there. The Atrium is a cute cocktail bar down Albert Road. The drinks menu is insane - over 20 cocktails and a whole bunch of shots & bombs.

Not only does it get points for having the most diverse cocktail menu in Portsmouth, it’s also a >1 minute walk from at least 3 other great bars and pubs - The V&A, The Fat Fox and The One Eyed Dog.

Pie & Vinyl

Incredible pies, a huge selection of records and a champion of the local scene. Pie & Vinyl is a cultural icon in Pompey, they even have their own merch line!

These aren’t your average pies either; it’s the only spot in the city where you’ll be able to grab a pie with a double cheese & bacon burger hiding inside.

These guys have their finger in a lot of other pies across the city too. Pie & Vinyl have their own record label and are a big player in local community/live music events. Recently they have hosted the likes of Pale Waves and IDLES.

Portsdown Hill

People will tell you horror stories of Portsdown Hill being a notorious dogging spot, and they may be right, but it’s still the only place with a full panoramic view of Portsmouth - unobstructed and unobscured.

It’s the kind of view that inspires deep thought. If you’re struggling with exam stress, the meaning of life or waiting for the next season of Game of Thrones, then an introspective vision quest to Portsdown Hill could be exactly what you need.

Remember, we did warn you about the dogging.

Canoe Lake

A little bit out of the way of the student bubble, Canoe Lake is an awesome alternative to Southsea Common to spend a hot summer’s day. It’s a great spot to BBQ, play some tunes and sip bevs in the sun. The coloured lights lining the lake at night also make it a great place for a cute midnight stroll.

LIDL

LIDL on Goldsmith Avenue is not the supermarket we deserve, but the supermarket we need. Cheap booze, cheap food, cheap everything. Even better, it’s one of the very limited stops on the Uni bus, as if you even needed another excuse to shop there.

You won’t be able to find EVERYTHING there, but it will stretch your student finance out a few weeks longer if you shop smart.

The Coastguard Studio

An art space and multi-function venue. Expect anything, seriously; punk shows, burlesque, art installations and queer disco nights. That’s only skimming the surface.

A bastion of Pompey counter-culture, The Coastguard Studio is one of the most exciting and diverse spots in the city.