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A complete guide for students
Universities in Bournemouth
Keen to study in Bournemouth? Then check out this handy on the town’s four universities, covering everything from course offerings to campus life.
Things to do in Bournemouth: a student’s guide
Heading to the South Coast for your studies? You’re in for a treat. From coastal hikes to vintage shopping, art galleries to period mansions, there’s a wealth of things to do in Bournemouth. And that doesn’t even include the beaches!
Whether you’re already studying here or still considering your options, this guide will walk you through Bournemouth’s must-see student attractions, so that you can experience this charming seaside town in full.
Arts & culture
For a relatively small place, Bournemouth boasts some amazing galleries, theatres and live music venues where you can get your dose of culture – be that fine art, dance or internationally renowned musicians.
Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Perched on top of East Cliff, not far from the town centre and offering gorgeous views of the sea, Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a hidden gem that’s not as widely known outside of Bournemouth as it should be.
This beautifully preserved Victorian villa houses the private art collection of its former occupants, Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes, who amassed a great number of paintings, ceramics and sculptures on their travels around the world.
Bournemouth International Centre
With its 10,000-seater capacity, Bournemouth International Centre is handily one of the biggest entertainment venues in the UK. Its packed events schedule includes everything from music and comedy to dance and sports screenings.
As the name suggests, this is the place to go if you’re looking for international music stars and other big-name performers. It’s also used as a conference space, so keep an eye out for careers fairs, gaming expos and anything else that may be of interest.
Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
If you prefer your theatre to your pop music, the Pavilion Theatre is the place for you. Opened in 1929, this Art Deco building is brimming with historic charm, which is part of the appeal of catching a show here.
A quick skim of the website will show you the venue covers a lot of bases – plays, pantomimes, musicals, opera, dance and comedy. With shows taking place almost daily, you may want to sign up to the mailing list to keep track of the latest events.
Food & drink
When it comes to food and drink, there are few better places in the UK to enjoy classic British fare like afternoon tea and fish and chips. But beyond that, Bournemouth has some amazing international restaurants you need to check out.
Fish and chips
Have you really been to the English seaside if you haven’t tried fish and chips? Like other coastal towns in the UK, there’s plenty of options along the seafront for sampling the classic combination of crispy battered fish and chunky chips doused in vinegar.
Just a stone’s throw from the pier, Harry Ramsden’s has been a staple for decades and with seating for over 400 people is said to be one of the largest fish and chip shops in the world. Away from the seafront, Chez Fred is another favourite you simply must try.
Afternoon tea
Another distinctly British tradition, afternoon tea is a fun foodie ritual you can recreate with your friends involving a pot of tea, an assortment of sandwiches, scones, and cake and good company.
Lots of places in Bournemouth offer afternoon tea experiences, with some of the most popular being The Green House and The Connaught Hotel. These can be expensive, though, so you can always do your own afternoon tea – minus all the trimmings – in your local cafe.
Restaurants
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, Bournemouth serves up some great options from around the globe. Ojo Rojo is one of the best Mexican restaurants on the South Coast and has all the classics including tacos, nachos and margaritas.
For plant-based dishes, you can’t do much better than Twelve Eatery, which is ranked among the best vegan restaurants in the world. Into your Thai food? Take your pick between Tiien Thai and Koh Thai, and for delicious Neapolitan pizza head to Frano Manca.
History
Consider yourself a history buff? Bournemouth has lots of interesting sites offering a glimpse into its past, particularly the Victorian era when the town began to grow rapidly from a small seaside village to the bustling community it is today.
Bournemouth Pier
On sunny days, Bournemouth Pier is the heartbeat of the town – and it has been since it opened way back in 1880. Strolling along the boardwalk and trying your luck in the amusement arcade, you can easily imagine what it was like back then.
Nowadays, there are a few added attractions you can enjoy, including indoor rock-climbing and a zip-line that runs from the top of the pier down to the beach. Basically, there’s no better place to be on a summer’s day.
Highcliffe Castle
Just up the road from Bournemouth in Highcliffe, you’ll find a stunning Georgian mansion known as one of the finest surviving examples of Picturesque architecture, a style popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Completed in 1835, Highcliffe Castle has been home to various notable persons over the years (including Harry Gordon Selfridge, founder of the famous London department store!) and is now open to the public for tours, with student discounts available.
Upton House
Another grand old Georgian mansion, this time heading the other direction from Bournemouth in Poole, Upton House makes for a great day out, particularly when the weather is nice and you can stroll the grounds.
In fact, Upton House backs onto the biggest park in Poole, so there’s lots to do in the surrounding area. The interior of the mansion isn’t always open, though, so you’ll need to plan your visit for one of the open days that take place roughly once a month.
Keen on Bournemouth but not sure what to study? Check out our article on the most useful degrees in the UK!
Nightlife
From old-school pubs and beachfront bars to bouncing nightclubs that stay open until the early hours, there’s no shortage of venues for a night out in Bournemouth – many of these cater to a student crowd, too.
Pubs
The town centre is packed with pubs where you can easily hop from place to place. The Goat & Tricycle is a classic English pub with amazing food and Sixty Million Postcards is great for live music, while Brass Haus offers some of the best prices in town.
If you’re into live sports, O’Neill’s and Sharkey’s Sports Bar are ideal for catching a game. There are also plenty of options in Poole and Talbot Village, around the main university campus, such as the Foundry Arms, Brewhouse & Kitchen and Dylan's Kitchen and Bar.
Bars
Prefer a cocktail to a pint? The independent 99 Perk is known as one of the best cocktail bars in town and great for a sophisticated evening out. For tropical vibes and amazing views, head to the terraced balcony at Aruba and enjoy sunset views over a piña colada.
Activity bars are a great option if you’re looking to organise a group get-together. Boom Battle Bar has a huge variety of games, including crazy golf, axe throwing and shuffleboard, while Sixes is a must for cricket fans.
Nightclubs
Bournemouth’s club scene punches well above its weight with a host of options that stay open late into the night. Many venues host special student events on weeknights when you can get cheap drinks, so keep an eye out for these.
The Old Fire Station – Bournemouth unofficial student nightclub – is the only place to start and best on Fridays for its infamous Lollipop event. Cameo’s Fishies Wednesdays are similarly the stuff of student legend, while Alt and Bar So are also worth checking out.
Outdoors
If you love fresh air and stunning scenery, Bournemouth is a dream – especially in summer when the beaches are packed. But the town isn’t just about the seaside; there are also some lovely green spaces and hiking trails nearby.
Beaches
Stretching from Sandbanks to Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth boasts seven miles of pristine, sandy beaches that are considered some of the best in the UK. This is thanks to their protected status and unique microclimate that helps warm the waters.
The areas immediately surrounding Bournemouth Pier are predictably busy in summer, so it’s worth travelling the extra distance to nearby beaches like Alum Chine and Southbourne Beaches. Here, you can sunbathe, play watersports or have a BBQ away from the crowds.
Parks & gardens
Away from the gold-sand beaches, there are some stunning green spaces to explore. Running from the town centre down to the seafront, the Upper, Central and Lower Gardens date all the way back to the 1840s and still possess every bit of their Victorian splendour.
Over in Poole, the historic Compton Acres is home to five themed gardens that you can easily spend a whole afternoon appreciating. In terms of parks, Meyrick Park, Queen’s Park and Poole Park are the big three parks for getting together with friends on sunny days.
Coastline
Lying on a beach towel isn’t the only way to enjoy Bournemouth’s magnificent coastline. Just down the road in Studland lies one end of the Jurassic Coast – England's only natural World Heritage Site – which includes iconic sights like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
There are some amazing hikes along this stretch of coastline where you'll be walking along dramatic white cliffs that look like something from a postcard. Budding palaeontologists can also hunt for fossils which break away from the cliffs and wash up on the beach.
Shopping
Sprawling shopping centres, bustling makers’ markets and historic arcades – Bournemouth has a range of retail options befitting a big city. There’s also lots of charity shops and independent stores, which is great news for students!
Shopping centres
For all the big brands, Castlepoint Shopping Park is the place to go. It’s a little out of town but has everything you need in one place, including JD, H&M, New Look and River Island. If you don’t have a car, you can easily reach the shopping centre by bus.
Sovereign Shopping Centre in Boscombe is another popular spot, offering a mix of high-street shops and discount stores. You also have lots of well-known brands in and around The Square in the town centre.
Independent shops
If you prefer to shop independent, Bournemouth has lots of boutique stores where you can pick up some great items. Many of these are found in Bournemouth Arcade and Westbourne Arcade, two Victorian arcades worth a visit if only to admire the historic architecture.
Boscombe is another hotspot for independent stores and vintage shops in particular. Clobber has a mix of styles dating back to the 1920s, while Bad-Ass Retro doubles up as a social space complete with its own bar and stage for live music.
Markets
There are many markets that spring up around the town throughout the year, either as regular fixtures or one-off events. Bournemouth Vintage Kilo Sale – a real student favourite – runs a few times per year and offers a kilogram of vintage clothing for just £20.
South Coast Makers Market is open year-round and hosts a range of local vendors selling handmade gifts, jewellery and crafts. Come wintertime, Bournemouth Christmas Market, with its festively themed stalls and ice rink, is not to be missed.
Bournemouth: a student town
With such a range of things to do, Bournemouth really is a great (and heavily underrated) place to spend your student years. The nightlife is buzzing, the beaches are unbeatable and the city itself is easy to get around, plus there are some great universities here.
Want to learn more the town’s universities? Check out our handy guide on universities in Bournemouth! Or, if you’ve already made up your mind on where to study, start exploring our range of student accommodation in Bournemouth.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Bournemouth a nice place for students to live?
Bournemouth is very much a student town, being a popular choice for UK and – increasingly – international students. It has all the amenities you’d expect from a big city including shops, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife, but retains the friendly feel of a small town while also being easy to get around.
What are some of the best things to do in Bournemouth?
On a summer’s day, there’s nothing better than an afternoon at the beach where you can enjoy pristine coastline and old-school amusements on the pier. Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is another highlight, along with the town's two historic shopping arcades. After dark, hit the many bars and pubs that line the main road running through the town centre.
Where are the best places to eat in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth is home to some amazing restaurants where you can enjoy food from all over the world. Some of our favourites are Ojo Rojo for its Mexican street food, Twelve Eatery for its plant-based dishes and Koh Thai for its take on Thai cuisine. And of course, you can’t leave town without trying fish and chips from Chez Fred!