Studying at AUB means spending your university years in one of the UK's best-known creative communities. The university may be smaller than many traditional institutions, but student life rarely feels limited. With a specialist campus, active students' union and Bournemouth's coastline only a short journey away, there's plenty happening outside lectures and studio sessions.
Students' Union and Creative Community
The Arts University Bournemouth Students' Union (AUBSU) organises social events, student campaigns, workshops and societies throughout the academic year. Because the university specialises in creative subjects, many activities naturally revolve around film, photography, illustration, fashion, animation, performance and digital media. Students regularly collaborate across courses, making it easy to meet people outside your own programme.
The campus itself encourages that interaction. Shared studios, exhibition spaces, cafés and creative workshops keep students on site throughout the day, so there's always something happening beyond scheduled classes.
Sports and Fitness
Although AUB focuses on creative education, students still have access to excellent sporting opportunities. The university works closely with neighbouring Bournemouth University, allowing students to join a wide selection of sports clubs and use modern fitness facilities.
For those who prefer exercising independently, nearby parks, walking routes and Bournemouth's seafront provide plenty of options for running, cycling or simply getting outdoors after long studio sessions.
Evenings, Cafés and Entertainment
Student evenings are usually spread across several parts of Bournemouth rather than centred around one district.
Winton remains one of the busiest student neighbourhoods, with independent cafés, pubs and affordable restaurants attracting both AUB and Bournemouth University students throughout the week. Charminster is another popular choice, particularly if you're looking for international cuisine or relaxed cafés that stay open later into the evening.
For larger nights out, most students head into Bournemouth town centre. The area around Old Christchurch Road offers bars, live music venues and late-night entertainment, while the Bournemouth International Centre hosts concerts, comedy shows and touring productions throughout the year.
Living in Arts University Bournemouth student accommodation also places you within easy reach of the beach, meaning weekend plans often involve the seafront rather than travelling into another city.
Shopping and Everyday Essentials
Most day-to-day shopping happens in Bournemouth town centre, where you'll find major supermarkets, high-street retailers and independent shops.
Students living around Winton and Charminster also benefit from smaller supermarkets, local convenience stores and international food shops, making grocery shopping straightforward without needing to travel far.
Arts, Culture and Creative Inspiration
Creative students rarely have to look far for inspiration.
On campus, TheGallery hosts exhibitions featuring both established artists and emerging practitioners, while the Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP) offers one of the UK's most distinctive specialist collections.
Away from university, Bournemouth's seven-mile coastline provides a completely different setting for photography, illustration and filmmaking projects. Throughout the year, the town also hosts cultural festivals, exhibitions, independent cinema screenings and community art events that complement life at AUB.
Students researching Arts University Bournemouth halls of residence Madeira Road or other accommodation options often choose locations that make both the campus and town centre equally accessible, helping them balance university work with everything happening beyond lectures.
Healthcare and Student Support
Students normally register with an NHS GP close to their accommodation after arriving in Bournemouth. Local pharmacies are spread across Winton, Charminster, Wallisdown and the town centre, making healthcare easy to access.
AUB also provides wellbeing, disability, counselling and academic support services throughout the year. Whether you choose university-managed Arts University Bournemouth halls of residence, private accommodation or another option nearby, support remains available whenever it's needed.