UniHomes guide to

Bournemouth

Best Cafés in Bournemouth Town Centre for Students

The Top Running Routes in Bournemouth for Students

The Best Student Nights Out in Bournemouth

Check out more posts like these on our student blog

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Uni Life in Bournemouth

As one of the UK’s largest towns, Bournemouth attracts people from all over the country - and once you embrace Bournemouth student life, it’s easy to see why. The town centre is packed with life, featuring high street shops, coastal cafés, and access to its famous beach. It’s easy to get around this area and even easier for students to feel at home!
Stepping outside of the centre, you'll find a mix of student areas, each with its own character. Areas like Winton and Charminster boast a great selection of student homes, ranging from quiet studios to large houses with 10+ bedrooms. As a student-friendly coastal town, landing your ideal spot in Bournemouth is all part of the fun.

Key reasons to study in Bournemouth

  • 1
    Coastal vibes

    One of the best and most unique things about student life in Bournemouth is its access to sandy beaches and coastal air. There are, in fact, seven miles of beaches in Bournemouth, offering a great escape from the stress of coursework and exams. You’ll also find a nice variety of water sports like paddleboarding and surfing.

  • 2
    Vibrant nightlife

    While not as big as cities like Manchester and Birmingham, student life in Bournemouth still brings it in terms of nightlife. The Old Fire Station is the official Students’ Union club, while Cameo is another popular spot with weekly events. Check out more of the best student nights out in Bournemouth for an unforgettable experience.

  • 3
    Events and culture

    Bournemouth has a lively arts and culture scene, meaning you can easily immerse yourself in what the town has to offer. Events include Bournefree (Pride), the free Bournemouth Air Festival, and Arts by the Sea. You can also explore the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.

  • 4
    Plenty of student areas

    Bournemouth is home to more than 20,000 students from both the University of Bournemouth and the Arts University Bournemouth, meaning there are plenty of areas teeming with student life. Popular spots include Lansdowne Road, Ensbury Park, and Winton, so there are plenty of places to check out.

  • 5
    Surrounding nature

    Aside from the long stretch of beach, there are other ways to embrace nature in Bournemouth. Hengistbury Head is the place to go for breathtaking views and an escape from studies. Once you get tired of walking, head to the café for a well-deserved cuppa! For something closer to the city centre, Lower Gardens is the perfect place to chill.

  • 6
    A well-connected town

    With a dedicated UNIBUS system and walkable streets, Bournemouth is very easy to get around as a student. However, if you fancy going further afield, SUBU Trips & Tours offers students the chance to explore new cities by coach. To do your travels more independently, the train station is well-connected, getting you directly to London in around two hours.

Living in Bournemouth has brought such positive energy to my university experience. From beach days to constant social opportunities, it offers a perfect balance within student life.

Ashleigh Anderson Brand Ambassador

Universities in Bournemouth

Bournemouth University

Picture of Bournemouth University

Founded in 1992, Bournemouth University is a public university known for its strong industry links and expertise in media and journalism. Ranking strongly for research quality, the institution welcomes over 19,000 to its coastal streets each year.

Arts University Bournemouth

Picture of Arts University Bournemouth

Celebrated as a specialist art and design institution, the Arts University Bournemouth was founded in 1883. The institution is home to a tight-knit community of around 3,000 creative students from over 60 countries across the globe.

Health Sciences University

Picture of Health Sciences University

Established in 1965 in Bournemouth, Health Sciences University provides specialist courses in an array of health sciences disciplines. It hosts a small student population of around 1,000 students, who are able to gain hands-on clinical experience.

Student Life in Bournemouth

Blog posts featuring Bournemouth

The Top Running Routes in Bournemouth for Students

The Best Student Nights Out in Bournemouth

Check out more posts like these on our student blog

Living in Bournemouth as a student is great - you’ve got the beach for chilled days, but there’s still plenty to do with shops, cafés and nightlife! I love how close everything is. You can go from lectures to the beach in minutes. It’s such an easy place to live!

Holly Morris Brand Ambassador

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve never grown up with the beach, Bournemouth offers a truly unique and magical student life experience. Here, you’ll have access to a stunning coastline, nature, and all the bars and cultural events you could ask for!
Bournemouth Uni student life wouldn’t be the same without its collection of pubs, bars, and nightclubs. You can certainly find something to suit your personal taste here, especially with the Students’ Union hosting a variety of events throughout term time.
With the beach at your doorstep, Bournemouth can be considered relatively expensive for students, although not as pricey as areas like London. With the right budgeting tips, you can still make the most of your Bournemouth student life!

While the city centre will help keep you in the thick of things, Winton and Charminster are renowned for being popular student areas for their range of shared houses and access to amenities. Boscombe is also becoming increasingly popular for those seeking more affordable options.

There are many study spaces to choose from on the uni campuses, but there are plenty of cafés where you can hit the books too.

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