Guides
Best Places to Live in Surrey for Students in 2025
November 25, 2025
|
5 min read
Ever wondered what makes a city the perfect place to live as a student? The answer lies in its unique mix of golden beaches, amazing student energy, and top universities. Bournemouth isn’t just a place to study, it’s a place to live fully. Picture yourself strolling to campus with the sea breeze in your hair, grabbing a latte at a cosy local café, and returning to a student apartment in Bournemouth that feels like home.
Whether you’re hunting for student accommodation in Bournemouth, the city has options to suit every lifestyle and budget. From central neighbourhoods packed with nightlife to quiet seaside corners perfect for focused study, there’s a space for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best neighbourhoods in Bournemouth, sharing stats, safety insights, rent ranges, local cafés, nightlife hotspots, and accommodation advice. No matter if you’re attending Bournemouth University or Arts University Bournemouth, finding the best area to live in Bournemouth can transform your student years into an unforgettable experience.
Why is Bournemouth ideal for Students?
Bournemouth is considered one of the best places to live in the UK, thanks to its combination of excellent universities, lively student life, and affordable living options. Students enjoy a city that balances study and social activities, making it one of the best areas for both academic and personal growth.
Student population: ~19,000, including 20% international students
University rankings: Bournemouth University in the top 50 modern UK universities; Arts University Bournemouth is top in creative arts
Student satisfaction: ~85% according to the National Student Survey
Graduate employment: ~90% employed within six months
Average student rent: £180–£220/week, cheaper than London and Brighton
Sunshine: 1,750 hours/year, ideal for outdoor activities
Transport: Frequent buses, campus shuttles, and Bournemouth Airport access
Students looking for student accommodation in UK or places to live in Bournemouth can find options that suit every budget. The safe neighbourhoods, cafés, and amazing culture that the listed areas offer make them one of the best places to live in Bournemouth UK. Attending the best universities in Bournemouth will also give you access to various types of degrees in UK, along with the most employable degrees in UK.
1. Town Centre
Population: ~15,000
Crime Rate: 20% below Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £180–£220/week (studio)
Best For: Students, young professionals
Walkability Score: 85/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Lansdowne Campus), Arts University Bournemouth
If you’re the kind of student who loves stepping out your door and instantly feeling the city buzz, Town Centre is where Bournemouth comes alive for you. The Town Centre is one of the best places to live in Bournemouth UK, offering ~35% student residents and an amazing atmosphere. Cafes such as Cafe Boscanova, The Cosy Club, The Greenhouse, and Cafe Bluebird provide excellent study or hangout spots. The best places to live in Bournemouth feature lounges, gyms, and study rooms. Walking to Bournemouth University takes 5–12 minutes, and frequent buses make commuting easy. Town Centre offers lively nightlife and shops, making it a perfect spot to get for apartments for students in Bournemouth. Town Centre is packed with some of the city’s coolest student hangouts, including Café Boscanova, The Cosy Club, and The Greenhouse, where students grab coffee, brunch, or late-night snacks.
2. Winton
Population: ~12,500
Crime Rate: 25% below Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £140–£180/week (shared)
Best For: Students, budget-conscious renters
Walkability Score: 75/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Talbot Campus)
If your perfect student life includes cheap eats, friendly cafés, and streets that feel like one big student village, Winton nails it. Winton is another of the best neighbourhoods in Bournemouth, with ~40% student residents. Cafes like The Flirt Cafe Bar, Ounce Coffee, and South Coast Coffee make it ideal for study sessions. The area has affordable student apartments in Bournemouth and shared flats. The bus commute to Talbot Campus is 10 minutes. Safety is above the city average, making it ideal for students looking for apartments for students in Bournemouth that are cost-effective yet convenient. Winton’s energy comes from its café culture, led by favourites like The Bay Tree, Conto Lounge, and Coffee #1 Winton, all perfect for study marathons or catching up with friends.
3. Charminster
Population: ~10,000
Crime Rate: 15% below Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £150–£200/week (studio/shared)
Best For: International students, young professionals
Walkability Score: 80/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Talbot Campus), Arts University Bournemouth
Charminster is where global flavours, diverse communities, and late-night study cafés blend into the perfect student ecosystem. Charminster is among the best areas to live in Bournemouth for students who enjoy cultural diversity. About 30% of residents are students. Cafés such as Espresso Kitchen are popular for studying or socialising. The best places to live in Bournemouth provide study rooms and communal lounges. Bus commute to Talbot Campus is 12-15 minutes. Charminster offers 25+ restaurants, supermarkets, and a safe environment, making it an excellent choice for apartments for students in the UK. Charminster blends food, culture, and coffee effortlessly thanks to places like Turtle Bean, The Bay Tree, and Florentine, which double as both social and study-friendly spaces.
4. Westbourne
Population: ~7,500
Crime Rate: 30% below Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £200–£250/week (studio)
Best For: Students, creatives, young professionals
Walkability Score: 85/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Talbot Campus), Arts University Bournemouth
If Bournemouth had a stylish older sibling, it would be Westbourne, calm, polished, and effortlessly cool. Westbourne is one of the best places to live in Bournemouth UK for students seeking postgrad-friendly surroundings. Rent is higher than in Charminster but includes access to gyms and communal lounges in the best places to live in Bournemouth. Safety is 15% above the city average. Westbourne combines quiet streets with amazing amenities, making it one of the best neighbourhoods in Bournemouth for both study and lifestyle. Westbourne is full of trendy cafés and boutique spaces such as Moka Pot, The Hutch, and Maravi, giving the neighbourhood a polished, creative vibe.
5. Boscombe
Population: ~9,000
Crime Rate: 20% below Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £140–£180/week (shared)
Best For: Active students, budget-conscious renters
Walkability Score: 70/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Talbot Campus)
For students who want the sea as their daily backdrop, Boscombe delivers that beach-life energy without blowing your budget. Boscombe, a beachside area, is among the best areas to live in Bournemouth for students who enjoy seaside activities. ~35% of residents are students. Cafés like theUrban Reef Cafe are perfect for study breaks or coffee with friends. Rent is ~10% lower than Winton. The best places to live in Bournemouth provide gyms, study spaces, and social areas, ideal for students seeking student apartments in Bournemouth. Bus commute to campus is 10 minutes. Boscombe’s beachfront lifestyle shines through hangouts like Cafe Boscanova, Wild Boscombe, and Esquires Coffee, where you can study with sea views or hang out after class.
6. Southbourne
Population: ~8,500
Crime Rate: 35% below Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £170–£220/week (studio/shared)
Best For: Postgraduates, international students
Walkability Score: 75/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Talbot Campus)
If you dream of quiet mornings, ocean air, and peaceful study corners, Southbourne’s calm rhythm feels made for you. Southbourne has ~20% student population and is one of the best places to live in Bournemouth for those looking for peace and seaside views. Cafés such as Sobo Cafe, Cafe Boscanova, and Syd’s Slaps provide quiet spaces for study. Accommodation options include studios, shared flats, and student residences in Bournemouth. The commute to Talbot Campus is 20–25 minutes by bus. Safety is 35% above the city average. Students can live affordably while enjoying the coast and access to apartments for students in UK.
7. Lansdowne
Population: ~13,000
Crime Rate: 22% below the Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £180–£230/week (studio/shared)
Best For: Students, nightlife enthusiasts
Walkability Score: 80/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Lansdowne Campus)
Lansdowne is basically Bournemouth’s student HQ, loud, lively, and always awake when you are. Lansdowne surrounds Bournemouth University’s main campus, hosting ~50% student residents. Cafés include The Greenhouse, and Café Boscanova. Nightlife includes 10+ bars and clubs. Rentals are higher than in Winton due to proximity to cafés, gyms, and cultural hubs. Modern student apartments in UK and student residences in Bournemouth provide study rooms, lounges, and gyms, making it one of the best neighbourhoods in Bournemouth for students seeking a mix of academic and social life. Lansdowne stays buzzing all day with student-packed cafés like Fika Bournemouth and Norwegian Wood Cafe, both perfect for grabbing a bite between lectures.
8. Moordown
Population: ~7,000
Crime Rate: 28% below the Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £140–£180/week (shared)
Best For: Budget-conscious students, families
Walkability Score: 65/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Talbot Campus)
Moordown is that underrated neighbourhood where affordability meets community, perfect for budget-savvy students. Moordown has ~15% student population and is one of the best areas in Bournemouth to live for affordable accommodation. The commute to Talbot Campus is 20 minutes by bus. Shared flats or studios suit students looking for apartments for student in Bournemouth or student apartments in UK. Safety is above city's average. Moordown offers cosy, affordable student favourites like Binnie’s Cafe, Silver Lounge Cafe, and Bay Tree, giving it an intimate community vibe.
9. Pokesdown
Population: ~6,500
Crime Rate: 30% below Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £130–£170/week (shared)
Best For: Budget students, beach lovers
Walkability Score: 70/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Talbot Campus)
Pokesdown is Bournemouth’s laid-back coastal pocket, giving students beaches, cafés, and chill vibes all year round. Pokesdown has ~25% student residents. Cafés include Fika Coffee, ideal for beachside study sessions. Rent is lower than in most areas, suitable for student apartments in Bournemouth or student residences in Bournemouth. Bus commute to campus is 15–20 minutes. Pokesdown thrives on quirky, creative hangouts like The Brew Cafe and Le Munch, giving the area a hip, artsy feel.
10. Iford
Population: ~5,500
Crime Rate: 32% below the Bournemouth average
Average Rent: £150–£200/week (shared/studio)
Best For: Postgraduates, quiet study-focused students
Walkability Score: 60/100
Nearest Universities: Bournemouth University (Talbot Campus)
Iford is where quiet streets, leafy views, and a slower pace turn studying into a peaceful daily routine. Iford is a peaceful area with ~10% student population, making it one of the best areas in Bournemouth to live for focused study. The commute to Talbot Campus is 20–25 minutes by bus. Accommodation includes shared flats, studios, and student residences in Bournemouth, suitable for students seeking apartments for students in the UK. Iford keeps things peaceful with quiet favourites like Iford Bridge Tea Rooms, The Sloop, and The Riverside Pub, offering scenic breaks from busy campus life.
Student Accommodation Options in Bournemouth
Finding the right place to live is crucial for students, and Bournemouth makes it easy to find a spot that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re looking for student accommodation in Bournemouth, modern student apartments in Bournemouth, or managed student residences in Bournemouth, the city offers options for everyone. From quiet private studios to lively shared flats, each neighbourhood caters to different needs while keeping you close to campus, cafés, and the social hubs that make student life memorable.
Tip: Living in student apartments in Bournemouth allows flexibility and independence, while student residences in Bournemouth offer community and convenience, ideal for both international and UK students.
Cost of Living in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is not just beautiful; it’s practical. For students searching for cheap apartments in Bournemouth or affordable apartments for students in the UK, knowing your monthly budget is key. Here’s a breakdown of typical student expenses to help you plan ahead:
Many students discover that budgeting for rent and coffee at local cafés like Café Boscanova or Fika Coffee is easier than expected, making Bournemouth one of the best places to live for balancing study, social life, and savings.
Top Universities in Bournemouth
When looking for student accommodation in UK or student residences in Bournemouth, proximity to your university matters. Bournemouth offers two top-tier institutions and accommodation options that make daily life convenient.
Many students choose student apartments in Bournemouth close to campus so they can grab coffee at The Greenhouse before lectures or catch a bus to Talbot Campus in minutes. Accommodation decisions can make a huge difference in how connected you feel to the university and your peers.
Student Life in Bournemouth
Living in Bournemouth is more than attending lectures; it’s about enjoying every day. Students searching for student accommodation in Bournemouth or student apartments in UK can take advantage of cafés, beaches, festivals, and sports. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Students often spend weekends on Bournemouth Beach, grabbing a coffee at The Cosy Club, and then cycling to campus, all within a safe, student-friendly environment.
In conclusion, Bournemouth truly stands out as one of the best places to live in Bournemouth UK, offering a perfect balance. With so many options, exploring the best neighbourhoods in Bournemouth helps students, professionals, and families find their ideal spot. Whether you’re searching for the best area to live in Bournemouth, the city’s welcoming atmosphere makes it clear why it’s considered among the best areas to live.
.jpg)
.webp){kind=small}
.svg)
