Residential Summer Careers Programme at the University of Portsmouth
A True Taste of University Life
Five days living and learning as an undergraduate, in the heart of a vibrant coastal city
Duration
5 nights • 5 days
Arrival
Sunday 2nd August 2026
Departure
Friday 7th August 2026
Ages
14 - 17
The IgnitED Residential Programme
An authentic introduction to University life. Combine our full careers day programme with a genuine university residential stay.
Your will have your own en-suite room, eat with peers in university dining halls, and spend your evenings exploring one of England's most exciting coastal cities, all alongside the care of our dedicated residential programme Mentors.
This is more than a summer programme, it's a genuine introduction to independent university life.
Where You'll Stay
Rees Hall, University of Portsmouth
A magnificent Victorian seafront building, originally the Pier Hotel, now one of Portsmouth's most characterful university halls.
Past guests of the Pier have included Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens, who spent his last night in Portsmouth here in 1866.
Today it sits at the heart of a vibrant city campus, minutes from the waterfront and Portsmouth's historic dockyard.
You’ll have your own single en-suite room for the week.
📍 City location, yet 5 minutes from seafront
🏛️ Victorian architecture, modern facilities
What's Included in Your Residential Experience
💼 Full IgnitED Career Programme
Five full days of immersive careers exploration, choosing from six industry tracks.
Led by those there doing it now.
🛏️ Your own en-suite room
A private single en-suite room in Rees Hall, with bed, desk, storage, your own shower and WC. Everything you need for a comfortable week.
🛡️ 24/7 residential supervision
Dedicated IgnitED Mentors with you for the duration, and University-staffed Halls on-site throughout. An experience designed to build friendships and a sense of independence in a structured, caring environment.
🌅 Evening social programme
Mentor-led Summer evenings making the most of Portsmouth city, Gunwharf Quays, Southsea beach.
Supervised, organised, and memorable.
🍴 All of your meals
Breakfast & dinner: Hot breakfast and dinner each day in the university refectory. Lunch: vouchers for the campus cafés.
Fuel for a full week of learning.
📸 Portsmouth exploration
Experience one of England's most exciting coastal cities. Maritime heritage, vibrant waterfronts, and a thriving city campus student community.
The IgnitED Programme
During the day, residential participants join our full Portsmouth careers programme alongside day attendees — experiencing hands-on career exploration, industry mentoring, and workplace visits.
Choose from six industry pathways:
Each Programme includes:
✓ Mentoring from professionals working in the field
✓ Hands‑on workshops and real-world practical challenges
✓ Behind‑the‑scenes visits to organisations
✓ Structured guidance to build confidence and clarity about your future
✓ Participants completing the 5‑day programme receive a certificate recognising their achievement, along with a reference letter from their Mentor to support future applications
Wellbeing and safety
Fully Supervised Throughout
Dedicated residential mentors are with Participants throughout the programme from Sunday arrival to Friday departure — alongside during evenings, overnight, and every morning. All participants are aged 14–17. Our safeguarding standards are fully aligned with best practice guidance and statutory requirements including Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education. Our approach and policies are shaped by decades of experience and are regularly reviewed. Parents receive full welcome information in advance.
✓ All staff are DBS-checked and safeguarding-trained
✓ 24/7 on-site supervision from IgnitED mentors
✓ University halls also have 24-hour reception desk
✓ Structured evening programme with clear Participant code of conduct
✓ Emergency contact procedures in place
✓ Full safeguarding policy available
Who Is This For?
The residential programme is ideal for:
• Participants from outside the region — families for whom daily travel would be impractical
• Young people ready for independence — those eager to experience authentic university life before making A-level or university choices
• Ambitious learners seeking immersion — Participants who want to fully immerse in the extended experience without daily commuting
What is Included
Daily Lunch Vouchers
Redeemable at any university
cafe or coffee shop
En-Suite Single Room, Rees Hall
5 nights, 2-7 Aug 2026
Breakfast & Dinner
Hot meals at the University
refectory for the full duration
Full IgnitED Careers Programme
Mon-Fri All sessions, all materials
24/7 Residential Supervision
Accompanied by our Mentors throughout
Evening Social Programme
Mentor-led exploring Portsmouth
Total - Fully Inclusive £1500 per person.
Places are strictly limited.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!