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    Study in Bournemouth

    City guide

    Beautiful beaches, buzzing nightlife, and a bounty of parks all help to make Bournemouth a number one student destination.

    Bournemouth is big enough to feel like a city, but small enough to feel like a town. You won't get bored because there's so much to do, but you won't be overwhelmed either. It's a seaside town, but has parks, clubs, [and] most shops you'd find in a shopping centre. (Third year student, Bournemouth University)

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    • Deaglan

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Business and Management (Finance)
      My background and childhood were very active: I grew up flaying sport and especially loved football. I had various job roles before university which provided me great experience before coming to university. My passion is now for finance and I love working with numbers. My future aspirations would ideally be working within finance and/or project management, using my placement experience to gain advantage in job hunting.

    • Harvey

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) History
      Hi, Harvey here! I am a Second Year History student. I’ve come from a relatively disadvantaged background, so coming to university was a big step for me. I’d love to answer your questions on uni life, courses, or anything regarding higher education. No question is a stupid/dumb question :)

    • James

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Media Production
      I am a (by definition only) mature student studying Media Production. I spent my career in retail and hospitality. I lived in New Zealand for three years running a hotel/hot pool resort in a remote part of the South Island. I returned to England just before the pandemic took hold, reflecting on what direction I wanted my life to go in, I made the decision to follow my passions and applied to University. Bournemouth University is amazing! I have already been granted so many opportunites, and it is one of the most inclusive environments I have evert been a part of.

    • Hannah

      Bournemouth University
      MA Multimedia Journalism
      Hi I'm Hannah and I've just graduated from BA (Hons) TV Production at Bournemouth Uni. I am now a Masters student studying Multimedia Journalism with aspirations to be a music and entertainment reporter/presenter. I love music and radio and have been a presenter at Nerve for the last three years, and I was also Head of Music on the committee for two years. I've also been a Student Ambassador for about a year and a half, happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have!

    • Büşra

      Bournemouth University
      Doctor of Philosophy - Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
      Hi! I am an occupational therapist, and a first year student at Bournemouth University. I like reading books, watching comedies and science-fiction movies. It is a pleasure for me to travel sometimes when I have the opportunity.

    • Ella

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Midwifery
      Hi! I am Ella, a 3rd year Midwifery Student. Alongside Midwifery my main passion is dance. I have danced all my life and I am part of BUDS (the dance society at uni!). I also enjoy spending time with my friends, especially at the beach! I am happy to answer any questions that you may have and will try my best to help :)

    • Li

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
      Hiya! I'm super passionate about my course and society, that I helped set-up and am the President of! So do feel free to ask anything about those or other uni / general questions, I'm all ears :)

    • Josephine

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice
      HI. I'm Josephine and I'm a Second Year ODP Student with the aim of qualifying and specialising in Anaesthetics. Feel free to message me with any questions that you have about the degree or university!

    • kelsie

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation
      I'm a third year forensic investigation student from Leicestershire. My hobbies include crocheting, reading, scrapbooking and listening to music! I'm also part of the BU kpop society!

    • Jake

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
      Hi, my name is Jake and I am a second year studying sport and exercise science. I am a sports motivated person, that has played football for over 15 years. Studying sport and exercise science at uni has broadened my knowledge within sport, and fuelled my interest in various aspects of sport and I will hopefully be working within the professional industry in the near future.

    • Alexia

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
      Hi, I’m Alexia! I’m a second year student in my undergraduate degree (including a placement year), working as a student ambassador for BU. I have Portuguese parents but I was born in the UK, so I am more fluent in English but I can hold a good conversation in Portuguese :]. In the future, I want to become a counselling psychologist/therapist and also pursue music in some form (although that bit isn’t planned out yet lol). I have 2 Mainecoon cats and practice a variety of sports and musical instruments, including kickboxing and piano. It’ll be tough to balance everything this year but I’m determined to stay healthy and happy throughout my degree and make the most out of the social aspect of uni!

    • Emily

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Social Work
      Hi I'm Emily! I’m a third year Social Work Student, I’m passionate about social justice. Last year I was the choreographer of the ballet team so please feel free to ask any sports / societies related questions too!

    • Anna

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing
      Hi! My name is Anna and I am a third year Children and Young People’s nursing student. I am loving my nursing journey so far! I look forward to answering any questions or queries you may have.

    • Charlotte

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism
      Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am starting my second year of Multi-Media Journalism at Bournemouth University. Outside of my studies, I love to watch football and I am a big music fan too. If you have any questions please don't be afraid to ask as I am more than happy to answer them ! :)

    • Emma

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Geography
      I am a second year Geography student, I have a particular interest in Wildlife conservation. I love going to the beach, exploring new places and painting in my sketchbook.

    • Andrew

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing and Security
      I'm Andrew, a 20 year old undergraduate student, with a keen interest in anything related to computers! I love to do programming in my spare time, as well as a bit of gaming. In the future, I would like to be a penetration tester/ethical hacker, as well as doing some digital forensics :)

    • Abigail

      Bournemouth University
      BA (Hons) Film
      Hi, I'm Abigail and I'm a third-year Film student! I'd be very happy to answer anything about filmmaking and media related questions at Bournemouth University, and what it’s like to move out for the first time and settle into a new city! :))

    • Kirsty

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
      Hi, I'm Kirsty a third year physio student. I am looking toward working within the NHS and the placements at uni have definitely helped me think yeah this is the right course for me. I've always had a dream of doing physio but got to uni worried it was just something I was caught up on. However, after 1st year I 100% knew that this was the course I wanted to do in the future and there are so many routes to go down! Please do ask me any questions about the course or life at uni, I'll be happy to answer!

    • Amelia

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Children's and Young People's Nursing
      Hi! My name is Amelia, I’m a second year Children’s and Young People’s Nursing Student. I’m really enjoying the course and my nursing journey so far. Please feel free to message with any questions or queries you may have!

    • Faith

      Bournemouth University
      BSc (Hons) Psychology
      Hello, my name's faith, I'm currently studying psychology at Bournemouth university which I would like to use to do a graduate entry into medicine and become a psychiatrist or I would like to do my master's and PhD and become a clinical psychologist

    What Bournemouth's famous for...

    Beaches

    Bournemouth's seven miles of golden sand is ranked 'best in the country' by TripAdvisor awards. 

    Bournemouth beach

    Bournemouth nightlife, according to students

    The nightlife in Bournemouth is absolutely wild. There’s a bit of something for everyone. Most people tend to stick to Cameo, Halo, and The Old Fire Station, but Walkabout and Revolution are popular too. There’s lots of pubs and late night bars as well. (Second year student, Bournemouth University)

    Westbourne

    Westbourne Urban Village is the destination in Bournemouth for shopping and food!

    People eating pizza

    Bournemouth nightlife, according to students

    All of the main clubs and bars are in Lansdowne (where student accommodation is situated), and stretch towards the town centre, just a short walk away. Literally any day of the week you can go to a club, and it will be busy. Don’t worry if you don’t enjoy nights out though. There are lots of lovely bars or restaurants in town that do great food, mocktails/cocktails, [and] mini golf! (Third year student, Bournemouth University)

    Air festival

    Marvel at spitfires, Lancasters, and the spectaular Red Arrows at the UK's biggest air show. 

    The Red Arrows

    Student life in Bournemouth

    Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.

    Treat yourself

    Creams and Sprinkles do amazing desserts, or visit Revolution or Ojo Rojo for cocktails. (Second year student, Bournemouth University)

    Low on cash

    The beach is fun and free, all year round. The Oceanarium: Bournemouth Aquarium is fun, and not too expensive if you book online and get a student discount. (Third year student, Bournemouth University)

    Sunday chilling

    The beach. Walk along far enough, and you can get to Sandbanks – much quieter than Bournemouth, and just as pretty. (Bournemouth University student)

    Catch up with mates

    Pause Cat Café is a lovely place for cat lovers. There are a variety of bubble tea places. (Second year student, Bournemouth University)

    Feeling cultural

    There are museums like [the] Russell-Cotes Museum, as well as the BNSS [Bournemouth Natural Science Society]. Chaplin's hosts live music nights, as does The Anvil in Lansdowne. (Third year student, Bournemouth University)

    When family visit

    Noodle Bar and Bournemouth Steak House are good, if a bit more expensive. The beach and seaside attractions are fun for the family. There's also rock climbing and ziplining on the pier. (Third year student, Bournemouth University)

    Friday night out

    There are lots of cocktail bars, including Chaplin's which is one of the most beautiful, quirky bars you'll ever visit. At Christmas, you can go to the market/ice rink in the main square. (Second year student, Bournemouth University)

    Grab a bite

    Noodle Bar is one of the best places to go for students – big portions and good prices, especially with an A-List card. (Second year student, Bournemouth University)

    Bournemouth in pictures

    Bournemouth Pier

    On Bournemouth Pier, enjoying the ocean. (Sophia, third year student at Bournemouth University)

    Bournemouth Pier

    Christmas ice skating rink

    Bournemouth has a pop-up ice skating rink in the Gardens, every winter. During my first year, I went with a couple of my new friends, and taught them how to ice skate. (Esme, Bournemouth University student)

    Bournemouth Christmas ice-skating rink

    Living in Bournemouth, according to students

    Winton is next to both the Arts University and BU. It's known for being the student hub, and most second and third years end up here. It's got a long high street, with lots of charity shops which are great for clothes shopping. It's around ten minutes to uni from my house, which is near a Lidl. There are two bus services (Blue and Yellow) which are frequent enough, with bus cards available. (Third year student, Bournemouth University)

    Bournemouth Beach

    Even if the sea is too cold for a swim, you can still wrap up warm and go paddle in wellies lol. (Sophia, third year student at Bournemouth University)(Sophia, third year student at Bournemouth University)

    Bournemouth Beach

    Bournemouth sunset

    I took this photo walking around with my sister the first time she came to visit. I was worried that seeing her would make me miss home, but this view really calmed me, and cemented my view that being in Bournemouth was the right choice. (Esme, Bournemouth University student)

    Bournemouth sunset

    Living in Bournemouth, according to students

    Boscombe is cheap compared to central Bournemouth. It has fantastic bus routes that you can get anywhere on, and they come regularly. Boscombe has its own shopping centre, beautiful garden, and pier. It takes me ten minutes tops to walk to the beach, through the gardens. There are plenty of food places [whether] you want to eat out, or order in. There are also many pubs if you just fancy a drink without heading 'out out'. Boscombe had a bad name years ago, but it has improved so much. The bad name has lingered, but please don't let it put you off until you have taken a look! (Third year student, Bournemouth University)

    Living in Bournemouth

    Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.

    Where you'll find students

    • Winton
    • Westbourne
    • Boscombe

    Local transport

    • £18.50
    • 7 day Zone A ticket
    • Bus

    Student money tips

    Parking can be difficult as it's a seaside town, and expensive near the seafront. However, there are a few OK priced multi-storey parking lots. If people are visiting [and] you need all-day parking, the Glen Fern multi-storey is the cheapest. Get the UniBus year bus pass if you live in the centre of town, but [if you’re] anywhere else, get the yellow bus year pass. (Third year student, University of Bournemouth)

    The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

    Discover more savings on student life in Bournemouth with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

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