Falmouth University Accommodation

Falmouth University began in 1902 as the Falmouth School of Art before gaining university status in 2012. Today it remains one of the UK's leading specialist creative universities, attracting students interested in art, design, media, fashion, photography, film and digital industries.

The university has just over 5,000 students and operates across two main campuses.

Penryn Campus is the university's largest teaching site and is shared with the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus. Most undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes are based here, giving students access to shared teaching spaces, sports facilities, libraries and student services.

Falmouth Campus, often referred to as the Woodlane Campus, continues the university's long-standing connection with art and design. Several creative programmes continue to use specialist studios and workshop spaces here, placing students within walking distance of Falmouth's galleries, cafés and waterfront.

Sharing Penryn Campus means many students also search for Exeter University Falmouth accommodation or Exeter University Falmouth Campus accommodation, since both universities use many of the same facilities and student housing options.

Falmouth has built a strong reputation in several creative subjects, including:

• Film and Television

• Photography

• Fashion and Textiles

• Illustration

• Graphic Design

• Fine Art

• Games Development

Unlike universities based in large cities, Falmouth's coastal setting becomes part of student life. Beaches, coastal walks, independent galleries and creative businesses all sit alongside the university, giving students opportunities to develop both academically and creatively throughout the year.

Demand for Falmouth University accommodation increases quickly before each academic year, particularly for properties close to Penryn Campus and Falmouth town centre.

Student life at Falmouth feels quite different from studying in a large city.

The university is smaller, the community is close-knit and the coastline becomes part of everyday life. It's common for students to head to the beach after lectures, spend evenings in independent cafés or attend exhibitions, live performances and creative events across Falmouth and Penryn.

Because Falmouth University shares the Penryn Campus with the University of Exeter, students also become part of a larger community through the joint Students' Union, giving them access to a wider range of clubs, societies and activities.

The Students' Union

The Falmouth and Exeter Students' Union represents students from both universities.

With more than 100 societies and clubs, students can join groups covering photography, filmmaking, gaming, fashion, illustration, music, sustainability, entrepreneurship, surfing, sailing and many other interests. Volunteering opportunities, student campaigns and social events also run throughout the academic year.

Sharing facilities with Exeter students is another reason why many people compare Exeter University Falmouth accommodation alongside Falmouth University accommodation before choosing where to live.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Cornwall's coastline shapes student life as much as the university itself.

Surfing, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and sea swimming are all popular activities, while Penryn Campus provides sports facilities, fitness spaces and pitches for university teams.

Students who prefer quieter activities often spend weekends exploring coastal walks, beaches and nearby countryside.

Cycling has also become increasingly popular thanks to the relatively short distance between Falmouth and Penryn. The university supports sustainable travel with bike storage, changing facilities and Beryl e-bike stations across both campuses.

Cafés, Restaurants and Nightlife

Falmouth has built a reputation as one of Cornwall's creative towns.

The high street is filled with independent coffee shops, bakeries, bookshops and restaurants, while the harbour area offers pubs, live music venues and galleries that stay busy throughout the year.

Popular student areas include:

• Falmouth Harbour for cafés and waterfront restaurants.

• High Street for independent shops and coffee houses.

• Events Square for festivals and community events.

• Beerwolf Books for books, drinks and live events.

• The Stannary on Penryn Campus for Students' Union nights and performances.

Despite being much smaller than most university cities, there's usually something happening, particularly during the summer festival season.

Shopping

Students complete most of their everyday shopping in either Falmouth or Penryn.

Both towns have supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies and independent retailers, making it easy to pick up daily essentials without travelling far.

For larger shopping trips, many students travel to Truro, which offers a wider selection of national retailers.

Arts and Culture

Creative courses extend well beyond the classroom.

Students regularly visit local galleries, photography exhibitions, theatres and creative studios throughout Falmouth. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is also located on the waterfront, while festivals such as Falmouth Week and the International Sea Shanty Festival bring thousands of visitors to the town every year.

Living here means students are surrounded by creative businesses, artists and designers throughout their studies.

Student Support and Healthcare

Falmouth University provides academic support, wellbeing services, careers advice and disability support across both campuses.

Students are encouraged to register with a local NHS GP after arriving in Cornwall. Most support services are available through Penryn Campus, where many university-wide facilities are based.

For anyone comparing Falmouth University student accommodation, nearby supermarkets, transport links and healthcare facilities are often just as important as the room itself.

Where you choose to live largely depends on which campus you'll be attending.

Students studying mainly at Woodlane often prefer living in Falmouth itself, while those based at Penryn Campus usually look for accommodation closer to Penryn or somewhere with reliable transport between the two towns.

Fortunately, the distance between Falmouth and Penryn is relatively short, giving students several practical options.

Falmouth Town Centre and Harbour

Falmouth town centre remains the most popular location for creative students.

Independent cafés, galleries, restaurants and the harbour are all within walking distance, while Woodlane Campus can usually be reached on foot. Students travelling to Penryn Campus can use regular buses or the Maritime Line train, with most journeys taking between 10 and 15 minutes.

Purpose-built accommodation generally ranges from £118 to £225 per week.

Students searching for student accommodation Falmouth University often choose this area because it offers the strongest mix of university life, local businesses and coastal scenery.

Pendennis and the Seafront

Pendennis sits to the south of Falmouth town beneath Pendennis Castle.

Students living here benefit from easy access to beaches while remaining within walking distance of the town centre. Bus and train connections also make travelling to Penryn Campus straightforward.

Accommodation generally starts between £118 and £160 per week.

For students who want coastal living without paying premium rents, this remains one of the strongest value areas around Falmouth accommodation University options.

Kimberley Park

Kimberley Park offers a quieter residential setting slightly north of the town centre.

Students can comfortably walk into central Falmouth while also reaching Penryn Campus using local bus services.

Accommodation in this area generally starts from £195 per week.

The location appeals to students who want somewhere slightly removed from the busiest tourist areas while keeping both campuses accessible.

Penwerris

Penwerris sits between Falmouth and Penryn overlooking the estuary.

Its location makes it particularly convenient for students attending Penryn Campus while still allowing easy access to Falmouth's restaurants, cafés and nightlife.

Accommodation typically starts from £195 per week.

Students looking for accommodation at Falmouth University often compare Penwerris with Kimberley Park because both offer good access to the university without being directly in the town centre.

Penryn

Penryn has become increasingly popular with students over the past few years.

The town sits closest to Penryn Campus, allowing many students to walk to lectures in around ten to fifteen minutes. Shops, supermarkets and cafés are also available locally, reducing the need to travel into Falmouth every day.

Private accommodation generally ranges between £160 and £220 per week.

Students whose timetable is mainly based at Penryn often prioritise this area because it keeps commuting simple throughout the academic year.

Glasney Student Village

Glasney Student Village sits directly on Penryn Campus.

Managed by FX Plus, it accommodates students from both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter. Its location makes it especially popular with first-year students who qualify for the university's accommodation guarantee.

Living on campus removes commuting almost entirely while giving students immediate access to university facilities and student events.

Which Area Should You Choose?

Students studying creative arts at Woodlane often prefer living in Falmouth town because they can walk to campus and enjoy everything the harbour has to offer.

Those attending Penryn Campus usually find Penryn, Penwerris and Kimberley Park more convenient for everyday travel.

If you'll be using shared facilities with Exeter students, it's also worth comparing Exeter University Falmouth accommodation alongside Falmouth University accommodation, as many private residences serve students from both universities.

Starting your accommodation search early is particularly important in Falmouth. The town has a strong tourism industry, and demand for student housing increases quickly before each academic year, leaving fewer options later in the summer.

Living in Falmouth is generally less expensive than studying in many larger university cities across southern England. Rent will still be your biggest expense, but everyday costs such as groceries, transport and social activities are often more manageable than students expect.

Most students spend around £110 to £140 per week, excluding accommodation.

Students comparing Falmouth University accommodation costs should remember that purpose-built student accommodation in Falmouth usually includes utility bills, making it easier to plan monthly spending.

Weekly Expense	Average Cost
Groceries	£34
Transport	£5–£15
Household bills (if not included)	£16
Social activities	£14
Mobile plan	£3–£5

When comparing Falmouth University accommodation prices, it's worth looking beyond the weekly rent. Properties with bills included can often work out better value than private rentals with separate utility costs.

Grocery Shopping

Food shopping remains one of the easiest areas where students can reduce weekly spending.

Falmouth and Penryn both have supermarkets, convenience stores and local food shops, allowing students to buy everyday essentials without travelling far. Many students also make use of local markets and seasonal produce available throughout Cornwall.

According to Save the Student's latest survey, the average student spends around £146 per month on groceries.

Cooking at home regularly usually keeps food costs much lower than relying on cafés or takeaways.

Transport

Although Falmouth is smaller than many university towns, transport still plays an important role, especially for students travelling between Woodlane and Penryn campuses.

Go Cornwall buses operate regular services throughout the day, while the Maritime Line train connects Falmouth and Penryn in only a few minutes.

Students typically spend between £5 and £15 per week, depending on how often they travel.

Those making longer journeys across Cornwall or elsewhere in the UK often benefit from purchasing a 16–25 Railcard.

Household Bills

Students renting private accommodation should budget around £69 per month for electricity, gas, water, broadband and other household services if bills are not included.

Most modern Falmouth University accommodation includes these costs within the weekly rent, helping students avoid unexpected expenses during the colder months.

Social Spending

Student life in Falmouth doesn't always require a large budget.

Beach walks, sea swims, coastal paths and local events provide plenty of free activities throughout the year. Students also spend time in the town's independent cafés, pubs and live music venues, many of which offer student discounts during quieter periods.

A weekly budget of around £14 is enough for many students to enjoy regular social activities alongside university events.

Course Materials

Students studying creative subjects should also budget for extra course costs.

Photography students may require printing services, whereas film students often have a budget for specialised equipment or production fees. Art, art and fashion courses can also involve constant buying of supplies during the academic year.

These costs differ from course to course, so it’s worth bearing in mind when thinking about your total lodging budget.

International Student Budget

Students applying for a UK Student visa must show they have enough money to support themselves while studying.

For universities outside London, the current maintenance requirement is £1,171 per month for up to nine months.

This figure represents the amount required for visa purposes rather than average student spending, but it provides a useful benchmark when planning finances before arriving in Cornwall.

Students comparing Falmouth University accommodation costs should consider rent alongside transport, study materials and everyday living expenses instead of focusing only on the advertised weekly price.

Students looking for student accommodation Falmouth University will generally choose between three main room types. The best option depends on your budget, the amount of privacy you want, and how you prefer to live during university.

En-suite Rooms

En-suite rooms remain one of the most popular choices.

You will have your own bedroom and bathroom but will share the kitchen and living space with other students.

Weekly rates are usually between £160 and £195.

A good choice for first year students wanting their own space but also wanting to experience a shared living environment..

Studios

Studios provide complete independence.

Each room includes a private bedroom, kitchenette, study space and bathroom within a self-contained apartment.

Prices generally begin from around £225 per week.

Studios are particularly popular with postgraduate students, mature students and anyone who prefers a quieter place to live.

Shared Flats

Some privately rented houses and older accommodation offer shared flats with communal kitchens and bathrooms.

These properties usually have lower weekly rents than studios and often appeal to students who already know the people they'll be living with.

Students should remember that utility bills are not always included, so the total monthly cost may be higher than the advertised rent suggests.

Which Room Type Should You Choose?

Every room type has different advantages.

En-suite rooms balance privacy with shared student living.

Studios offer complete independence and fewer distractions, although they usually come with higher rents.

Shared flats often provide the lowest accommodation costs while giving students the chance to live with friends.

When comparing Falmouth University accomodation, it's worth looking beyond the room itself. Travel time, included bills, communal facilities and the property's location can all have a bigger impact on daily life than choosing between an en-suite or a studio alone.

Students looking for Falmouth University student accommodation have a smaller selection than they would in larger university cities, but the available purpose-built properties are well located for both campuses. Most offer all-inclusive rents, furnished rooms and easy access to public transport, making them suitable for first-year and returning students alike.

Here are some of the best options available through House of Student.

Hydrogen Falmouth

Details	Information
Starting Rent	From £225/week
Distance to Campus	0.59 miles
Travel Time	13 min walk • 8 min bus • 3 min drive

Hydrogen Falmouth sits close to the harbour, placing students within easy walking distance of cafés, galleries, restaurants and the waterfront. The property is particularly convenient for students attending Woodlane Campus, while Penryn Campus can be reached quickly using the nearby bus or train services.

Students who want to experience everyday life in Falmouth without relying heavily on transport often shortlist this property.

Carrick View

Details	Information
Starting Rent	From £195/week
Distance to Campus	0.87 miles
Travel Time	18 min walk • 9 min bus • 3 min drive

Carrick View is located near Kimberley Park, giving residents straightforward access to both Falmouth town centre and Penryn Campus.

The quieter residential setting appeals to students who prefer living slightly away from the busiest tourist areas while remaining close to shops, supermarkets and transport links.

Ocean View

Details	Information
Starting Rent	From £118/week
Distance to Campus	1.04 miles
Travel Time	21 min walk • 11 min bus • 3 min drive

Ocean View offers one of the lowest starting rents among purpose-built student accommodation in Falmouth.

Located near Pendennis, the property allows students to enjoy the coastline while remaining within reasonable travelling distance of both university campuses.

Students comparing Falmouth University accommodation prices frequently consider Ocean View because it combines location with one of the lowest weekly rents available.

The Quarry

Details	Information
Starting Rent	From £195/week
Distance to Campus	1.63 miles
Travel Time	26 min walk • 17 min bus • 7 min drive

The Quarry is positioned between Falmouth and Penryn, making it suitable for students who expect to travel regularly between both towns.

Although the walk to campus is slightly longer than some alternatives, local bus services help reduce commuting time throughout the week.

Best Accommodation at a Glance

Property	Weekly Rent	Best For
Hydrogen Falmouth	From £225	Town centre living
Carrick View	From £195	Balanced location
Ocean View	From £118	Budget-conscious students
The Quarry	From £195	Easy access to both towns

The right property depends on where you'll be studying and how you want to spend your time outside lectures. Students based mainly at Woodlane often favour accommodation in central Falmouth, while those attending Penryn Campus may prefer locations with quicker transport connections.

Keeping accommodation costs under control is important for many students, especially when balancing rent with food, travel and course expenses.

Fortunately, there are several options for students searching for affordable student accommodation Falmouth University without moving too far from campus.

Ocean View

Details	Information
Starting Rent	From £118/week
Distance to Campus	1.04 miles
Travel Time	21 min walk • 11 min bus • 3 min drive

Ocean View is one of the most affordable purpose-built student residences in Falmouth.

The property offers straightforward access to the town centre while placing students close to the coastline. For students working within a tighter budget, it remains one of the strongest value options available.

Carrick View

Details	Information
Starting Rent	From £195/week
Distance to Campus	0.87 miles
Travel Time	18 min walk • 9 min bus • 3 min drive

Carrick View combines reasonable pricing with a practical location.

Students can reach both campuses without lengthy commutes while also benefiting from nearby supermarkets and everyday amenities.

The Quarry

Details	Information
Starting Rent	From £195/week
Distance to Campus	1.63 miles
Travel Time	26 min walk • 17 min bus • 7 min drive

Students looking for quieter surroundings often choose The Quarry.

Although it sits slightly further from central Falmouth, the location works well for students who split their time between Penryn and Falmouth throughout the academic year.

Hydrogen Falmouth

Details	Information
Starting Rent	From £225/week
Distance to Campus	0.59 miles
Travel Time	13 min walk • 8 min bus • 3 min drive

Hydrogen Falmouth has the highest starting rent among these properties, but many students consider the central location worth the additional cost.

Living within walking distance of the harbour, cafés and local shops also reduces the need for regular transport, which may help offset some weekly expenses.

Choosing Affordable Accommodation

Finding affordable Falmouth University accommodation isn't only about choosing the property with the lowest rent.

It's equally important to compare:

• Utility bills included in the rent.

• Distance from your main campus.

• Public transport availability.

• Laundry and communal facilities.

• Internet and study spaces.

• Tenancy length.

Looking at the overall cost rather than the weekly rent alone often gives a clearer picture of which property offers the best value over the academic year.

Travelling between Falmouth and Penryn is straightforward.

The two towns are connected by regular buses and trains throughout the day, while many students choose to walk or cycle depending on where they live.

Walking

Students based near Woodlane Campus often walk to lectures every day.

Typical walking times include:

Area	Walking Time
Falmouth Town Centre	5–10 mins
Harbour	10 mins
Kimberley Park	10–15 mins
Pendennis	15–20 mins

Students living in Penryn can usually walk to Penryn Campus within 10 to 15 minutes.

Bus Services

Go Cornwall Bus operates the main routes connecting Falmouth, Penryn and surrounding areas.

University bus services run frequently throughout the day, making travel between Woodlane and Penryn campuses simple even for students living off campus.

Many services still refer to Penryn Campus as Tremough, so students should be aware that both names refer to the same destination.

Train Services

The Maritime Line provides one of the quickest ways to travel between Falmouth and Penryn.

Three stations serve Falmouth, with regular Great Western Railway services connecting Falmouth Town, Penmere and Falmouth Docks to Penryn and Truro.

The journey from Falmouth Town to Penryn takes around seven minutes, making the train a practical option for students living near the town centre.

Cycling

Although parts of Falmouth are quite hilly, cycling remains a practical way to travel between the two campuses.

Secure bike storage, showers, changing facilities and cycle maintenance stations are available on campus, while Beryl e-bikes provide another option for shorter journeys.

Rail Connections

Students travelling outside Cornwall normally connect through Truro.

Approximate journey times include:

Destination	Journey Time
Truro	25–30 mins
Plymouth	Around 2 hrs
Exeter	Around 2 hrs 45 mins
London Paddington	4 hrs 30 mins–5 hrs

A 16–25 Railcard can significantly reduce travel costs for students making regular journeys home.

Airport Access

Cornwall Airport Newquay is the closest airport to Falmouth, roughly an hour away by road.

Students travelling internationally often use Bristol or London airports instead, connecting to Cornwall by rail through Truro.

When comparing accommodation Falmouth University, transport is worth considering alongside rent. A property with quick bus or train connections to both campuses can often be more practical than living within walking distance of only one campus.