Student Accommodation in Falmouth

Falmouth is a coastal town in Cornwall with a strong student presence, largely thanks to Falmouth University and the University of Exeter's Cornwall campus. Life here is quite different from studying in a large city. You have the harbour, beaches, independent cafés, shops and plenty of open space, while the town itself remains relatively easy to get around.

Where you choose to live can have a big impact on your everyday routine. Students based at the Penryn Campus may find it easier to live in or around Penryn, while those studying at Falmouth University's Woodlane Campus may prefer to be closer to Falmouth town centre.

House of Student provides a selection of student accommodation in Falmouth, including private rooms and studios. The right choice will depend on your budget, how much privacy you want, and how close you’d like to be to your university.

In this guide, we'll look at the main student areas in Falmouth, the types of accommodation available, typical living expenses, transport options and the universities serving the area.

About Falmouth

Falmouth is on the south coast of Cornwall and has a long connection with the sea. Its harbour and maritime history are an important part of the town, but Falmouth is also known for its creative community and student population.

For students, one of the main things to consider is where their course is based.

Falmouth University has two main sites. The Penryn Campus is shared with the University of Exeter's Cornwall campus, while the Woodlane Campus is in Falmouth itself and is particularly associated with art and design subjects.

Because the campuses are in different locations, your choice of accommodation can affect how much time you spend travelling each day.

Falmouth town centre has plenty to keep students occupied, from independent shops and cafés to restaurants, galleries and everyday services. The coastline is another obvious attraction, with beaches and walking routes nearby when you want a break from university work.

For students who are in favour of a smaller university town with access to the outdoors, Falmouth has plenty going for it.

There isn't one area that will suit everyone. Your university campus, budget and preferred lifestyle should all play a part in the decision.

Here are four areas worth considering when searching for student housing options in Falmouth:

Penryn

• Penryn is a sensible option for students whose courses are based at the Penryn Campus. Both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter's Cornwall campus have facilities there, so living nearby can cut down the time spent travelling to lectures.

• There is a sizeable student community in the area, along with local shops, takeaways and a Co-op for everyday groceries.

• Penryn is also connected to Falmouth by bus and rail. That means you can live close to campus and still enjoy the shops, restaurants and social life in Falmouth.

• If most of your university life is at Penryn Campus, it could make sense to look at student rooms in Penryn, Falmouth and the surrounding area.

Woodlane

• Woodlane is particularly convenient if you study at Falmouth University's Woodlane Campus.

• The area sits close to Falmouth town centre, so getting to cafés, shops, galleries and other everyday amenities doesn't require a long journey. The seafront is also nearby.

• Compared with the busiest parts of the town centre, Woodlane has a more residential feel. For students studying at the Woodlane Campus, living nearby can also mean a much simpler commute.

Smithick

• Smithick is worth considering if you would prefer to live somewhere quieter than the town centre.

• It is primarily residential, while still being within reach of Falmouth's shops and other facilities. Local transport provides another option for getting around, including journeys to the university campuses.

• The area may suit students who want a little more peace and quiet without moving too far away from the centre.

• If you're searching for affordable student accommodation in Falmouth, don't limit your search to properties immediately beside the university. Looking at nearby residential areas can give you more choice when it comes to price and property size.

Falmouth Town Centre

• For students who like having everything close by, Falmouth town centre is hard to beat.

• Shops, cafés, restaurants and independent businesses are all within easy reach, and you'll also be close to the harbour and much of Falmouth's social scene.

• For groceries and smaller shopping trips, there are options such as Tesco Express on Market Street. The Moor Market area also has a selection of local businesses.

• The town centre is connected to Penryn by public transport, so living in Falmouth doesn't necessarily mean having a difficult commute if your course is based at the Penryn Campus.

Before choosing a property, though, work out how often you'll need to make that journey. Saving money on rent isn't much of a saving if you then spend a significant amount on travel.

The type of accommodation you choose will largely come down to how much privacy you want and whether you're happy sharing communal areas.

House of Student offers private accommodation options in Falmouth, including rooms and studios.

Private Room

• A private room gives you your own bedroom while allowing you to share a property with other students.

• Depending on the property, you may share the kitchen, living room and bathroom. Some rooms may also have a private en-suite.

• This arrangement works well if you want somewhere that's your own but don't mind having other people around. Sharing can also make accommodation more affordable than renting a self-contained property.

• Before committing to a room, check the listing carefully. Find out which facilities are shared, whether the room has an en-suite and, importantly, whether bills are included.

Studio Flat

• A studio gives you more independence because the main living facilities are contained within your property.

• The sleeping and living areas are generally combined, with a private kitchen or kitchenette and bathroom.

• Studios can be a good fit for students who prefer having their own space, particularly if you want somewhere quiet to study or simply don't want to share your kitchen and bathroom.

• The downside is usually the price. A studio will generally cost more than a room in shared accommodation, so look at the complete weekly or monthly cost before making a decision.

If you're comparing student apartments in Falmouth, check whether the advertised price includes utilities, internet and any other charges associated with the property.

How much you spend in Falmouth will depend on your accommodation, eating habits, transport needs and how often you go out.

The estimate provided for living costs outside rent is around £120–£155 per week. This is a guide rather than a fixed amount, as individual spending can vary considerably.

Accommodation Costs

For most students, rent will take up the largest part of their regular budget.

The student accommodation costs in Falmouth can vary depending on:

• The type of room

• Location

• Whether the property is shared

• Available facilities

• Whether bills are included

A private room in shared accommodation will generally cost less than a studio, although prices vary from property to property.

Don't compare properties on rent alone. A room that looks cheaper initially may end up costing more once you add electricity, heating, water or internet.

Food and Groceries

• Falmouth and Penryn both have places where students can pick up their regular groceries.

• Tesco Express on Market Street is useful for smaller shops, while Penryn has a Co-op. There are also independent shops and businesses around Falmouth.

• Cooking for yourself is usually the easiest way to keep food spending manageable. Planning your meals before going shopping can also help prevent unnecessary purchases.

Transport

• Your transport budget will depend largely on where you live and which campus you attend.

• If your accommodation is close to university, you may be able to walk most days. Students living further away may need to use buses or trains, particularly when travelling between Falmouth and Penryn.

• If you regularly use the train, a Railcard can reduce the cost of eligible journeys.

Utilities

• Bills aren't necessarily included with every property.

• Some student flats in Falmouth include utilities and internet within the rent, while others charge these separately. Always check the tenancy agreement and property listing so you know what you'll actually be paying each week or month.

Personal Spending

• You'll also need to allow some money for toiletries, laundry, study materials, eating out and entertainment.

• One advantage of living in Falmouth is that you don't always have to spend money to enjoy your free time. Beaches, coastal walks and other outdoor spaces provide plenty of ways to get away from your desk without adding much to your weekly budget.

Getting around Falmouth and Penryn is relatively straightforward. Students can use local buses or trains or simply walk for shorter journeys.

Buses

• First Kernow operates bus services around Falmouth and Penryn.

• For students, buses can be useful when travelling between residential areas, the town centre and the university campuses.

• If you expect to use buses frequently, check the available student fares and travel passes. Depending on how often you travel, a pass may be more cost-effective than paying for individual journeys.

Maritime Line

• The Maritime Line connects Falmouth and Penryn with Truro.

• For students, it provides another way to travel between Falmouth and Penryn. Falmouth Town station is convenient for the town centre, while Penryn station serves the Penryn area.

• Regular rail users can also look into Railcard discounts to reduce the cost of eligible journeys.

Falmouth-to-Penryn Travel

• There may also be university transport available for students travelling between Falmouth and the Penryn Campus.

• This can be particularly useful if you choose to live in Falmouth but attend classes at Penryn.

• Transport arrangements can change, so check the current university information for routes and timetables before making your plans around a particular service.

Walking and Cycling

• Walking is a good option for many journeys within Falmouth, especially if you live close to the town centre or Woodlane Campus.

• Cycling can also be an option for shorter trips, although the terrain between Falmouth and Penryn is something to consider before relying on a bike for your daily commute.

Ultimately, the location of your accommodation can make a noticeable difference to both your travel time and your transport spending.

Falmouth University and the University of Exeter's Cornwall campus closely link to Falmouth's student population.

Falmouth University

Falmouth University is particularly well known for courses in creative industries, arts, design, media and other practical disciplines.

It operates across two main sites.

• Penryn Campus is the larger site and is shared with the University of Exeter's Cornwall campus. It provides a range of academic, student and support facilities.

• Woodlane Campus is located in Falmouth and has a long history of teaching art and design subjects. Its location also puts students close to the town centre and the seafront.

The campus you'll attend should be one of the first things you check when looking for student housing in Falmouth. Living close to where you have most of your classes can make everyday university life considerably easier.

Finding somewhere to live isn't simply about choosing the lowest rent. The location, room type, facilities, bills and tenancy conditions can all affect whether a property is right for you.

House of Student brings student accommodation options in Falmouth together, allowing students to compare properties according to their own requirements.

Different Accommodation Options

Depending on availability, students can search for options such as private rooms and studio accommodation.

This gives you the opportunity to compare shared accommodation with more independent living before deciding what suits you.

Location Information

Location matters in Falmouth because students can be based at different university campuses.

When looking at a property, think about the distance to your campus as well as nearby shops, transport links and the places you'll regularly visit.

Property Details

Listings provide information about the accommodation, including room details and available facilities.

Take the time to read the full listing before booking. You should also check the tenancy terms carefully so you understand what is included and what you're agreeing to.

Search Filters

You can narrow down your search using factors such as location, accommodation type, price and available facilities.

This can save time by helping you concentrate on properties that fit your requirements instead of working through every listing.

Student Support

If you have questions about a property or need help understanding the booking process, House of Student can assist during your accommodation search.

Even once you've found somewhere you like, make sure you understand the contract, payment schedule, bills and other tenancy requirements before confirming your booking.

Conclusion

Falmouth gives students a combination of university life, coastal surroundings and the feel of a smaller town. With Falmouth University and the University of Exeter's Cornwall campus operating across the Penryn and Falmouth areas, your choice of accommodation can have a real effect on your daily routine.

Penryn is a practical option for students based at the Penryn Campus, while Woodlane is particularly convenient for those studying at Falmouth University's Woodlane Campus. Falmouth Town Centre provides shops, restaurants and social activities on your doorstep, while Smithick offers a more peaceful residential environment.

The type of accommodation you choose will ultimately depend on your budget and your lifestyle. If you want your own space but want to keep costs down by sharing facilities, then a private room is a good option. If you want more independence, a studio is a good choice.

Don't just compare advertised rents before you sign a tenancy. Check what's included in the price, your estimated transport expenses, how far the campus is and the terms of the contract.

House of Student, student accommodation at Falmouth can choose between private rooms and studios, giving them a range of options in terms of where they live during university.