How to Prepare for Life After University 💡
Student life in Bournemouth: universities, things to do & accommodation
Wondering what student life is like in Bournemouth? With two fantastic universities, a lively town centre, great nightlife and laid-back beach vibes, you’re in for a treat.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about student life in Bournemouth, from the universities and accommodation to transport, cost of living and things to do. Ready to find out more? Let’s jump in...
TL;DR: Bournemouth is where lectures meet beach days. You’ll find two big universities, a buzzing student scene and seven miles of sand basically on your doorstep. Expect chilled daytime vibes, busy nights out, plenty of student deals and a town that’s easy to get around without spending much.
Bournemouth at a glance 👀
Lively town centre with shopping and nightlife
Bournemouth has everything you could need for student life. The town centre is full of shops, bars and clubs, and it’s always got a buzz thanks to its huge student population.
Plus, everything’s close together, so you’re not constantly trekking across town. It’s all walkable, which becomes a big win when you’ve got an 8am lecture and zero motivation. But there are also plenty of great transport links to get you from A to B should you need them.
Beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle
In Bournemouth, you can finish a seminar and be on the beach in minutes (talk about student life goals).
In the summer, Bournemouth’s seven-mile coastline fills with picnics, football games and revision sessions (that you pretend are productive). And during the colder months, there’s still plenty of scenic walks to be had – just don’t forget your umbrella!
Great universities and job prospects
Bournemouth has two main universities, Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth, and together they bring a proper student-town feel to the place. The two cover everything from business and media to design, film and healthcare, so the student crowd is pretty mixed, which keeps things interesting.
That means plenty of student events, societies and nights out during term time – and loads of opportunities to make new friends. The universities also have great career prospects, with plenty of opportunities for students to continue developing in their industries after they have finished their degree.
Universities in Bournemouth 🎓
Bournemouth is home to two main universities, and a couple of more specialist institutions – so there’s truly something for every interest. We cover each one below, but if you’re looking for even more detail, check out our complete Bournemouth university guide.
Bournemouth University
Bournemouth University (BU) is the main university in Bournemouth. It’s spread across two campuses, so you’ll probably get used to hopping between the more suburban Talbot Campus and the Lansdowne Campus closer to the town centre depending on what you study.
Talbot feels a bit more relaxed with green spaces and a proper campus feel, while Lansdowne brings you closer to the bustling heart of Bournemouth. And, with hundreds of courses to choose from, you’re sure to find something right for you.
Looking for somewhere to live near campus? We have a fantastic range of Bournemouth University accommodation!
Arts University Bournemouth
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is where all the creative energy lives. Known for creative subjects like film, animation, fashion, design and performance, AUB even has its own on-site art gallery and theatre in TheGallery and Palace Court Theatre.
The main campus is based right next to BU in Talbot Village and is equipped with everything from in-house studios to full-build film sets – so if you’re looking to study something creative, AUB is the place to be.
Health Sciences University
Just a stone’s throw from the beach, the specialist Health Sciences University (HSU) is a great option for those interested in health, sport, exercise and social science disciplines.
On the university campus near Boscombe, you’ll find a host of state-of-the-art facilities, including live lecture theatres and a fully functioning MRI machine.
Things to do in Bournemouth 🏖️
When you live in Bournemouth, you’ll never be stuck for things to do. Between the seven miles of stunning coastline and the town centre that never sleeps, students are blessed with the best of both worlds. We’ve outlined some of the top attractions below, but if you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our full list of things for students to do in Bournemouth.
Nightlife
The student nightlife scene in Bournemouth is serious business. Of course, club nights are popular at places like Cameo or The Vault, but you can also enjoy live music, comedy, or a cheeky pub crawl around the town.
There’s always a student night happening somewhere, usually with decent drinks deals and a DJ who knows exactly what students want to hear at 1am.
Food & drink
If you’re a foodie, you’ll feel right at home here. There are many great cheap eats in Bournemouth for you to explore, from brunch spots and internationally inspired restaurants to fast-food favourites.
There’s also plenty of street food and takeaway spots, including Helch Market and the locally renowned Street Food Corner on the beachfront, which hosts a rotating roster of delicious food vendors supplying dishes from all over the world.
Arts & culture
If you want a break from beach and nightlife, there’s actually quite a bit going on culturally in Bournemouth. You’ll find plenty of theatres, art galleries and live music performances to enjoy across the town, including the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery (which feels like stepping into a different era).
There’s also the Pavilion Theatre, which shows everything from comedy shows to concerts, while Bournemouth also hosts the Arts by the Sea festival every September, which basically turns the whole town into an open-air creative space.
Student accommodation in Bournemouth 🏠
Bournemouth is a proper university town, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding accommodation. The main decisions you'll need to make are where you want to live and what type of accommodation you want to live in.
Types of accommodation
In Bournemouth, you’ll find a wide variety of accommodation to choose from. That includes university halls of residence, purpose-built student accommodation and shared houses with friends.
If you’re looking for a spot that’s designed specifically for student life, our student residences are a popular choice with modern rooms, great facilities and a strong sense of community built in.
Best areas to live
There are a handful of popular student areas in Bournemouth. When it comes to choosing where to live, most students stick to the town centre, Lansdowne, Winton or Charminster.
Winton and Charminster have more of a residential feel and are conveniently placed near both universities, while Lansdowne and the town centre bring you closer to the action with lots of cafes, shops and restaurants nearby.
Cost of living in Bournemouth 💸
Compared to big UK cities like London, Manchester and Bristol, Bournemouth is one of those places where your money tends to go a bit further (win!). Rent in Bournemouth varies depending on where you live, but rates are generally affordable. Food, nights out and transport are also budget-friendly, especially when you take advantage of local student discounts.
One of the best things about Bournemouth is that you don’t need to spend loads just to have a good time. Beach days are free and there are plenty of cheap places to explore across the town and beyond. For a full cost breakdown, check out our guide on Bournemouth student living costs.
Transport in Bournemouth 🚌
Getting around Bournemouth is refreshingly easy, thanks to its compact size. Many students travel on foot because the town is very walkable. Buses are handy for getting between university campuses, and there are services like the UNIBUS designed specifically for students.
And, if you want to escape the town for a bit, Bournemouth’s train station connects you to places like Southampton, Winchester and London, which makes weekend trips very doable.
Bournemouth’s job market 💼
If you’re looking to pick up a part-time role whilst you study, there are plenty of job options in Bournemouth – especially in hospitality and retail. Cafes, bars, restaurants and shops often hire students, particularly in busier summer months when the town fills up. So, if you’re after a student side hustle, the beachfront and town centre are usually the best places to look.
After graduation, there are growing opportunities in digital, creative and service-based industries in Bournemouth, so quite a few students end up sticking around. Local universities also have great industry ties, meaning students often have access to internships and placements.
Bournemouth: a true student favourite ✨
Bournemouth is one of those places that quickly feels like home. Between the beautiful beaches, the bustling town centre and the buzzing university campuses, learners are spoilt for choice when it comes to student lifestyle. Whether you’re studying, socialising or just enjoying a slower coastal pace of life, it’s easy to build your own version of life here.
Heading to the South Coast and looking for somewhere to stay? We offer a wide range of luxury student accommodation in Bournemouth – choose from our Rothesay House, Bailey Point and Belaton House residences in Lansdowne and the town centre.
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