Accommodation options include university accommodation, PBSA, houses, apartments, and studios. These student accommodations in Poole are tailored to accommodate students with different needs, including options for shared and en-suite rooms as well as single studios.
It is advised that students start their accommodation search 6 to 8 months before they start their academic year in Poole. It has been noticed that the early bird catches the worm; therefore, booking earlier will give you better deals and lower costs due to early bookings.
The cost of student accommodation varies depending on factors such as accommodation location, type, and amenities available. Average rental costs of Poole student accommodation are between £450 and £800 per month. Shared accommodations are cheaper than this and start at only £114-133 per week, making it one of the cheapest student destinations in southern England.
There are various things that can influence rent prices, such as location, proximity to the university, room layout, and facilities, like gyms, libraries, and communal space. Distance, combined bills, and transportation availability are some of the considerations for student accommodation in Poole, since they help to keep the total cost low.
The majority of student accommodation in Poole offers fully furnished rooms, internet access, electricity, gas, and other utilities as part of the rental price. Some places provide access to communal areas, a gym, a library, or even 24-hour security to ease budgeting.
Yes, many foreign students use Poole student accommodation because of its safety and relatively affordable cost of living, along with its close location to universities such as Bournemouth and Poole College.
Yes, in the majority of instances, a guarantor is mandatory, usually someone based in the United Kingdom. However, some accommodation providers in Poole may accept an international guarantor. In addition, paying the rent in advance and leave a refundable deposit, which will be refunded upon completion of the lease period, without causing any damage.
Apart from being relatively expensive, the other distinguishing characteristic of private halls accommodation is that they feature all amenities, enhanced security features, pre-paid bills, and planned activities. On the other hand, shared accommodations are relatively cheap and are suitable for students in their second and third years.
Definitely. Private studios and individual units, otherwise called apartments, are suitable for those who seek independence. They come with private kitchenettes and bathrooms, and as such, they are the best for postgraduates or those desirous of staying alone instead of sharing flats.
Poole is one of the ideal places for commuters because of its good transport links, walkability, and cycle paths. There are many students who stay in Poole but study at nearby universities like Bournemouth Arts University since there is low rent available.
Poole is one of the most beautiful seaside student towns in the UK. Due to its attractive seaside lifestyle, affordable cost of living, and easy access to the larger universities based in Hampshire and Dorset, Poole remains a popular choice for students. Based on the south coast of England, most of the students who choose to study in the Poole and Bournemouth area get accepted to either Bournemouth University or the Arts University Bournemouth. The increasing number of students studying in Poole has sparked an ever-rising demand for affordable student living in Poole close to transport links, beaches, and the university commuter routes. You can choose from a wide selection of private studios, en-suite rooms, shared student house Poole, and modern student flats.
Because most university halls are reserved very early before the academic year, a large number of students opt for off-campus student accommodation in Poole for greater flexibility, living space, and lifestyle-oriented services. Average rents on student accommodation in Poole are between £130 and £290 per week, according to location, type of room, and the facilities that are included. Amber allows students to find verified student accommodations with short-term rentals, cashless transactions, and booking assistance. From fairly priced student flat-shares to luxury riverside studios, amber has all types of accommodations listed.
Poole is situated in Dorset on the southern coast of England. It is known worldwide for its natural harbour, extensive beaches, and serene coastal atmosphere. Over time, its history as an important port for trading and commerce has led it to develop into a nearby, contemporary living and learning environment, attracting many students and young residents. Poole is also included within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole urban area, which is one of the fastest-growing student areas in the south of England. Poole has a population of around 150,000, and it is a more relaxed place for students to study than some of the larger UK cities, but it still offers fantastic nightlife, entertainment, and career prospects. Some of the nearby places of interest are Sandbanks Beach, Poole Harbour and all the attractions to be seen on the Jurassic Coast.
Most of the students accessing the Poole area go to Bournemouth University (Lansdowne Campus) and Arts University Bournemouth, which can be described as institutions with a high ratio of graduate employment and specializing in courses that best suit the industry. Bournemouth University is most famous for arts, media, business, tourism, and animation courses, and Arts University Bournemouth is more internationally famous for creative arts and design study courses. Poole has several relatively safe residential areas like Canford Heath, Ashley Cross, and Parkstone, all of which are very attractive to students. The employment prospects in the town have been reinforced by the expansion of the tourism, digital media, hospitality, and marine industries. All these attractions provide students with various festivals, watersports, beach events, and live music events during the year.
Selecting the best student accommodation in Poole is a challenge for students to handle the pressure of studies, social activities, and personal comforts. Food preferences, safety, connected transport, pricing, and beach access are some of the factors students keep in mind while selecting the apartments. Amber takes this burden away by providing verified student accommodation close to university campuses along major transport routes. Students look for cheap student accommodation in Poole and find many economical options situated near university campuses and bus stops. You can find shared student housing, private rooms, as well as student flats in Poole and nearby areas like Bournemouth, compatible with all budgets.
| Property Name & Link | Room Types | Key Amenities | Distance to Bournemouth University - Lansdowne Campus | Price (Starting From) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purbeck House | En-suite rooms | All utility bills included, laundry facility, bike storage, outdoor social space, study area, common area with pool table, CCTV, and 24/7 assistance. | Located directly in the heart of the Lansdowne Campus area (less than a 5-minute walk). | £138 / week |
| Kaplan Living | Classic En-suites, Studios (up to Panorama Studio) | Utility bills included, game room/games area, distraction-free study room, social events, laundry room, secure door entry, and 24-hour on-site reception. | ~5-10 minute walk to the Lansdowne Campus. | £154 / week |
| 17a Christchurch Road | Bronze Plus, Silver, Gold, Platinum En-suites & Gold Studios | All bills included, 100Mb superfast Wi-Fi, communal lounge, games area, dedicated study space, rooftop gardens, outdoor courtyard, fitness suite, and social calendar. | ~10-minute walk (Uni bus stop right outside connects directly to other campuses like Talbot). | £165 / week |
| Belaton House | En-suites & Studio apartments | All bills included, high-speed Wi-Fi, communal lounge, study spaces, secure key fob access, and modern social areas. | ~10-12 minute walk to the Lansdowne Campus. | £170 / week |
| Corfe House | Shared rooms, En-suites, and Studios | Utility bills included, Wi-Fi, shared social spaces, on-site management/maintenance, and secure access. | Situated slightly further out in Poole (ideal for students commuting via train/bus to Lansdowne or Talbot campuses). | £175 / week |
Poole has a range of convenient and affordable student-friendly neighbourhoods to suit different tastes, budgets, and commuting requirements. Here are the best options for you to choose from:
| Area | Highlights | Commute to Nearest University | Avg Rent (p/w) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkstone | Student-friendly, social, affordable | 10–15 mins bus to AUB & BU | £140–£220/week |
| Ashley Cross | Trendy, café culture, nightlife | 15 mins train/bus to BU | £160–£260/week |
| Poole Town Centre | Connected, upbeat, waterfront lifestyle | 20 mins bus to universities | £150–£280/week |
| Canford Heath | Quiet, residential, budget-friendly | 15–20 mins bus to BU | £130–£210/week |
| Bournemouth Town Centre | Amazing nightlife, beach culture | 10–20 mins commute to universities | £180–£320/week |
For those searching for student housing in Poole, there are a number of room options according to your budget, lifestyle choice, and desired privacy level.
1. Ensuite Rooms: In en-suites, students are provided with their own bedroom and bathroom, with the kitchens and lounges being communal. These tend to be most popular among first years and international students.
2. Non-ensuite rooms have personal, private sleeping and study areas, but visitors share bathrooms and the kitchen. These are still among the lowest-priced accommodations available in Poole.
3. Studio apartments are single rooms with a small but private study, kitchen, and bathroom. They are popular with postgraduate students and students who wish to have a flat to themselves.
4. Shared apartments enable students to have private rooms but share common spaces such as the kitchen and living room with other students.
5. 1-Bed and 2-Bed Apartments: Students choosing to stay in a quieter environment tend to opt for 1-bed or 2-bed flats in the vicinity of Poole Harbour and Ashley Cross.
6. Private rooms enable you to maintain control over your own space without losing the benefits of being part of a college community and social environment. They are the most flexible and affordable options for college rooms.
Poole provides diverse accommodation types designed to match different student needs, budgets, and lifestyles. Most properties are fully furnished and include essential facilities such as internet access, desks, and storage.
1. Ensuite Rooms
Ensuite rooms offer private bedrooms with attached bathrooms while sharing kitchens and living spaces. They balance privacy and social interaction effectively.
2. Non-Ensuite Rooms
Non-ensuite rooms are more affordable and include private bedrooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
3. Studio Apartments
Studios are self-contained units with private kitchens and bathrooms, offering complete independence at a higher cost.
4. 1-Bed and 2-Bed Apartments
These apartments are ideal for students who want more space or prefer living with a partner or friend.
5. Shared Apartments
Shared apartments encourage community living and are a popular, budget-friendly choice among students.
Poole has a relatively moderate cost of living compared to other UK coastal cities. However, the beachfront and wealthy areas tend to be a bit pricier. Students need to plan their finances well to cover accommodation, transport, food, and entertainment costs. Students spend around £950-£1,500 a month on living expenses in Poole, excluding tuition fees.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | £550–£1,000/month |
| Utilities + Wi-Fi | £90–£150/month |
| Groceries | £140–£250/month |
| Transport | £45–£80/month |
| Food & Dining | £120–£220/month |
| Leisure & Shopping | £80–£180/month |
It is very easy for students to travel within Poole as there are excellent bus/rail links to Bournemouth, the campuses, and the coast. Most of the accommodation areas catering for students have good access to transport, supermarkets, beaches, and bars/clubs.
| Transit Mode | Description & Key Coverage | Cost (Estimate) | Key Student Tips / Travel Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Morebus) | Connects Poole Bus Station directly to AUB, BU Talbot Campus, and Bournemouth town centre. Highly frequent student routes (U1, U2, U3, U4). | ~£15 – £20 / week | Use the Morebus M-ticket app for discounted period passes. Contactless daily caps apply. |
| Train (South Western Railway) | Runs directly from Poole Station. Ideal for fast trips to Bournemouth center, Southampton, or London. | ~£3.50 / return (to Bournemouth) | Always use a 16-25 Railcard to save 33% on all off-peak rail fares. |
| Cycling (Beryl Bikes / Private) | Flat coastal routes with dedicated cycle lanes. Properties like Corfe House offer secure, free on-site bike storage. | Pay-as-you-go minutes (Beryl) | Beryl e-scooters and bikes are widely available across Poole and Bournemouth with student minute bundles. |
Poole offers a beautiful seaside environment for students, with beaches, cafes, pubs, watersports, and nightlife all adding to the excitement of university life. Students can enjoy the weekends by the seaside, whilst being a short journey away from Bournemouth's nightlife and entertainment venues. There are many student cafes, such as South Deep Cafe, Coffee Saloon, Dancing Moose, and The Guildhall Tavern, which are commonly used for meetings and lectures by students or to have brunch and coffee. There are also many reasonably priced restaurants such as Banana Wharf, Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant, and Level8ight Sky Bar.
Many students enjoy going out to pubs like The Lord Nelson, Brewhouse & Kitchen, The Foundry Arms, Aruba Bournemouth, and Cameo Nightclub for DJ nights, live music, quiz nights, and beach parties. Summertime is essentially dominated by beach festivals and student socials in the Bournemouth and Sandbanks area. Green spaces and waterfronts, like Poole Park, Sandbanks Beach, and Poole Quay, are popular amongst students for jogging, picnics, kayaking, and outdoor lectures. Major events like the Poole Harbour Festival, Bournemouth Air Festival, and the seafood festivals are also popular with students.
Poole has strong links to several of the major universities in Dorset and along the south coast area, bringing students from all over the UK and the rest of the world. Here are some of the top universities in Poole.
| University | Known For | Nearest Student Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Arts University Bournemouth | Animation, Fashion, Film, Fine Arts, Graphic Design | Mercury House |
| Bournemouth University | Media, Business, Tourism, Computer Animation, Health Sciences | 17a Christchurch Road |