Student Accommodation near Bournemouth University (BU)

Bournemouth University (BU) is a modern public university located in Poole and Bournemouth on the south coast of England, recognized for its strong focus on graduate employability and industry-relevant courses, particularly in media and communication. With a diverse international student body, BU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across four faculties, emphasizing practical skills and often incorporating work experience. Situated in a vibrant coastal town with easy access to beaches and the New Forest, BU provides a dynamic learning environment supported by a commitment to research and a strong international outlook, including guaranteed accommodation for many international students.

Student life at Bournemouth University (BU) is known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere in a popular coastal town. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Community and Diversity:

• BU prides itself on celebrating diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity.  
• The Students' Union at BU (SUBU) actively promotes these values and runs student-led Liberation Networks to foster intersectionality.
• There's a strong sense of community, making it easy to make friends and feel heard.

Students' Union at BU (SUBU):

• All BU students are automatically members.  
• Offers over 80 clubs and societies covering a wide range of interests; you can even start your own.
• Runs its own nightclub, the Old Fire Station, and the more relaxed Dylan's Bar & Kitchen on Talbot Campus.  
• Provides leadership opportunities to enhance your CV. 
• Has a large media team running a radio station, TV channel, and magazine ('Nerve*').  
• The volunteering arm offers many opportunities to give back and gain experience.  
• Hosts a large annual summer ball.  
• Offers independent and confidential advice on housing, money, and personal matters. 

Extracurricular Activities:

• BU offers numerous extracurricular activities in arts, music, and sport beyond SUBU. 
• Facilities include a music center, choirs, orchestras, an art gallery, and extensive sports facilities. 
• TeamBU represents the university in various sports competitions (BUCS). 
• Chapel Gate is a 65-acre off-site sports facility. 

ResLifeBU:

• For students in BU accommodation, ResLifeBU provides a program of social, wellbeing, and skills-based activities to help you settle in and connect with others. Activities include quiz nights, crafts, and even yoga on the beach.  

Location and Lifestyle in Bournemouth:

• Bournemouth is a popular student destination with a seven-mile golden beach, parks, and gardens. 
• Offers a vibrant nightlife with clubs, bars, restaurants, and live music venues.  
• The town center has a variety of shops.
• Hosts the largest free air festival in Europe each summer.
• The New Forest National Park and the Jurassic Coast are nearby for outdoor activities.   

The Lansdowne Campus is located in Bournemouth town centre.

By Bus: Bournemouth has an extensive bus network operated primarily by More Bus. Numerous routes serve the Lansdowne area, where the BU Lansdowne Campus is located.

• Key Routes: Look for routes heading towards Bournemouth Town Centre, Boscombe, Westbourne, and Poole, many of which stop near the BU Lansdowne Campus.
• Unibus: BU often partners with More Bus to provide dedicated student bus services (Unibus) that connect the Lansdowne and Talbot Campuses, as well as key student residential areas. Check the BU student portal and the More Bus website for Unibus routes and timetables.
• Travel Planner: Use the More Bus website or apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to plan your specific journeys.

By Train: Bournemouth Railway Station is the main train station, located a short walk (around 5-10 minutes) or a quick bus ride from the BU Lansdowne Campus. It has good connections to London Waterloo, Southampton, Weymouth, and other parts of the UK.

Walking and Cycling: Bournemouth town centre and the Lansdowne area are relatively compact and walkable. Cycling is also a good option for getting around.

By Car: Parking in the Lansdowne area and the town centre can be limited and expensive. Consider this carefully.

Student Travel Within Bournemouth:

Buses: More Bus offers various ticket options suitable for students:

• Day Tickets: For occasional travel.
• Weekly/Monthly Passes: Offer better value for regular travel.
• Student Passes (including Unibus): More Bus often has specific student passes for Bournemouth University students, offering discounted travel on all their routes, including the Unibus. Check the BU student portal and the More Bus website for details and eligibility.

Trains: Useful for traveling between different parts of Bournemouth (e.g., Pokesdown, Branksome) or to nearby towns like Poole and Christchurch.

Taxis and Ridesharing Services: Available but can be more expensive for regular commuting.

Student Discounts on Travel:

• More Bus Student Passes (including Unibus): Inquire directly with More Bus and through the BU student portal about student-specific ticket options and discounts. You'll likely need to show your BU student ID.
• 16-25 Railcard: If you plan to travel by train within the UK, this railcard offers a 1/3 discount on most fares.

Bournemouth town centre and the surrounding area offer a wealth of attractions:
Within Walking Distance from Lansdowne Campus:

• Bournemouth Town Centre: A vibrant hub with a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues.
• Bournemouth Beach and Pier: A beautiful stretch of sandy beach perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the traditional pier with its amusements and views.
• Lower Gardens: A picturesque Victorian garden leading from the town centre to the pier, offering beautiful floral displays and often hosting events.
• Upper Gardens and Central Gardens: Extensive green spaces ideal for walks, picnics, and enjoying nature within the town.
• Westbourne: A trendy suburb with boutique shops, cafes, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Boscombe: A lively coastal suburb with its own pier, shops, and a diverse cultural scene.
• O2 Academy Bournemouth: A popular venue for live music and club nights in the town centre.
• Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum: A stunning Victorian villa housing a fascinating collection of art and artifacts, located on the East Cliff.

A Short Journey by Bus or Train:

• Talbot Campus (BU's other main campus): Easily accessible via the Unibus or other local bus routes.
• Poole: A historic port town with a large natural harbour, the Old Town, Poole Quay, and Brownsea Island (National Trust). Easily accessible by bus or train.
• Christchurch: A charming town with a historic priory, rivers, and a picturesque harbour, reachable by bus.
• Southbourne: A quieter coastal suburb east of Bournemouth with beautiful beaches and clifftop walks.
• West Cliff: Offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and access to quieter stretches of beach.

Worth a Day Trip:

• The New Forest National Park: A vast area of ancient woodland, heathland, and charming villages.
• Studland Bay: Beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and Old Harry Rocks.
• Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove: Iconic natural limestone arch and sheltered cove along the Jurassic Coast.
• Corfe Castle: The dramatic ruins of a medieval castle.

Considering the Lansdowne Campus location in the town centre, here are some popular and convenient areas for student housing:

Lansdowne:

• Proximity to AUB: Excellent. The immediate area around the Lansdowne Campus is very convenient, often within walking distance.
• Amenities: Close to some shops, cafes, and the amenities of the Bournemouth Town Centre.
• Transport Links: Excellent bus connections due to its central location.
• Affordability: Can be moderately expensive due to its central location and proximity to the university.
• Student Atmosphere: A high concentration of students due to the university campus.

Bournemouth Town Centre:

• Proximity to AUB: Excellent. A very short walk to the Lansdowne Campus.
• Amenities: Abundant shops, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment.
• Transport Links: Outstanding bus and train connections.
• Affordability: Can vary, with some more expensive apartments but also shared housing options that can be more budget-friendly.
• Student Atmosphere: Very lively with a large student population from AUB and Bournemouth University.

Westbourne:

• Proximity to AUB: Good. A pleasant walk (around 20-25 minutes) or a short bus ride west of the Lansdowne Campus.
• Amenities: Trendy area with independent shops, cafes, and a more relaxed vibe.
• Transport Links: Well-served by buses connecting to the university and town centre.
• Affordability: Can be slightly more expensive than some other student areas but might offer a different living experience.
• Student Atmosphere: A mix of students and young professionals.

Boscombe:

• Proximity to AUB: Reasonable. A direct bus ride east of the Lansdowne Campus (around 10-15 minutes).
• Amenities: A lively coastal suburb with a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and a more alternative atmosphere.
• Transport Links: Good bus connections to the university and town centre.
• Affordability: Generally more affordable than the town centre or Westbourne.
• Student Atmosphere: A significant student population due to its affordability and proximity to the university.

Charminster:

• Proximity to AUB: Reasonable. Located north of the Lansdowne Campus, accessible by bus (around 10-15 minutes).
• Amenities: A diverse and multicultural area with a good selection of international supermarkets and restaurants.
• Transport Links: Well-served by buses connecting to the university and town centre.
• Affordability: Generally more affordable than the town centre or Westbourne.
• Student Atmosphere: A growing student population due to its affordability and convenient location.

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