Student Accommodation near Falmouth University (FU)

Falmouth University is a specialist creative arts university located in Falmouth and Penryn, Cornwall, in the southwest of England. It has a rich history dating back to 1902 when it was established as the Falmouth School of Art. Today, it is renowned for its industry-focused and innovative approach to arts, design, media, performance, and technology education.

The university has two main campuses:

• Penryn Campus (Tremough): A shared campus with the University of Exeter, offering a blend of historic buildings and modern facilities set within beautiful parkland. It houses a significant portion of Falmouth University's departments.
• Falmouth Campus: Situated in the vibrant town of Falmouth, close to the harbour and beaches, this campus is home to other key departments and offers a more town-centric student experience.

Falmouth University is highly regarded for its strong links with creative industries, providing students with valuable networking opportunities, internships, and real-world project experience. It fosters a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment, encouraging students to develop their unique creative voices and prepare for successful careers.

Student life at Falmouth University is deeply intertwined with the creative spirit of the institution and the unique coastal environment of Cornwall.

Creative Community: The university fosters a strong sense of community amongst its students, who are passionate about various creative disciplines. Collaboration and peer learning are integral to the student experience.

Clubs and Societies: A diverse range of student-led clubs and societies cater to various interests, from specific art forms (e.g., photography, filmmaking, illustration) to sports, gaming, and social activities. These provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and develop new skills.

The Students' Union (SU): The Falmouth and Exeter Students' Union (FXU) represents students from both Falmouth University and the University of Exeter (Penryn Campus). FXU provides support, organises events, and campaigns on behalf of students.

Events and Activities: The university and FXU host a wide array of events throughout the year, including exhibitions, performances, film screenings, workshops, social gatherings, and the popular Falmouth University Summer Show, showcasing student work.

The Arts Scene: Being located in a region with a thriving arts and culture scene, students have access to numerous galleries, studios, festivals, and creative events both on and off-campus.

Outdoor Activities: Cornwall's stunning coastline and countryside offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing, sailing, hiking, and exploring picturesque towns and villages. Many student groups organise outdoor excursions.

Support Services: Falmouth University provides a range of support services, including academic skills support, careers advice, counselling and wellbeing services, disability services, and international student support.

Campus Facilities: Students have access to industry-standard facilities relevant to their courses, including studios, workshops, editing suites, performance spaces, and digital labs.

Getting around Falmouth and Penryn, as well as exploring the wider Cornwall area, involves several options:

Bus: First Kernow operates the main bus services connecting Falmouth, Penryn, and the surrounding areas. Frequent services run between the Falmouth and Penryn campuses. Students can often purchase discounted bus passes. Real-time bus information and journey planning are available through the First Kernow website or mobile apps.

Train: Penryn Railway Station is located on the main line, providing connections to Truro (the county town) and beyond, including direct services to London Paddington. Falmouth Docks Railway Station and Falmouth Town Railway Station offer local connections on the Maritime Line to Truro. Students can often benefit from railcards for discounted travel.

Walking and Cycling: Falmouth and Penryn are relatively compact towns, and walking and cycling are popular ways to get around, especially between the campuses and local amenities. The university encourages sustainable travel and provides bike storage facilities. However, be aware that Cornwall has some hilly terrain.

Car: While having a car can be useful for exploring the wider region, parking in Falmouth and Penryn can be challenging and expensive, especially during peak tourist season. Students living in on-campus accommodation at Penryn may have parking options, but this should be checked with the university.

Campus Shuttle Bus: The university often operates a shuttle bus service connecting the Falmouth and Penryn campuses, especially during term time, which can be a convenient option for students travelling between the two locations. Check the university's website for the current schedule.

Cornwall is a beautiful county with a wealth of attractions easily accessible from Falmouth and Penryn:

Falmouth Town: Explore the vibrant town of Falmouth itself, with its historic harbour, independent shops, art galleries, pubs, and beautiful beaches like Gyllyngvase Beach and Swanpool Beach. Pendennis Castle, a Tudor artillery fortress, offers stunning coastal views.

Penryn Town: Discover the ancient maritime town of Penryn with its historic architecture, including the Glasney College remains and the Penryn Museum.

St Ives: A renowned artistic hub with numerous galleries, including the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. It also boasts beautiful beaches.

Land's End: The westernmost point of mainland England, offering dramatic coastal scenery and clifftop walks.

The Eden Project: A world-famous horticultural attraction housed in biomes, showcasing diverse plant life from around the globe.

St Michael's Mount: An iconic tidal island with a medieval castle and sub-tropical gardens, accessible by a causeway at low tide or by boat.

The Lizard Peninsula: The southernmost point of mainland Britain, known for its unique geology, rugged coastline, and picturesque fishing villages like Cadgwith Cove.

South West Coast Path: Explore sections of this stunning national trail that runs along the Cornish coastline, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking.

Numerous Beaches and Coves: Cornwall is famous for its beautiful beaches, perfect for surfing, swimming, and relaxing. Explore spots like Perranporth, Porthcurno, and the beaches around the Roseland Peninsula.

Truro: Cornwall's only city, offering a cathedral, museum, and a range of shops and restaurants.

Choosing the best area for student housing near Falmouth University depends on whether you prioritize proximity to a specific campus (Falmouth or Penryn), budget, and lifestyle preferences.

Falmouth Town: This is a popular choice for students, particularly those studying at the Falmouth Campus. It offers a vibrant atmosphere, with easy access to shops, restaurants, nightlife, and the beaches. However, it can be more expensive and potentially noisier than other areas. 

Penryn Town: Ideal for students primarily based at the Penryn Campus (Tremough). Penryn offers a more relaxed and often more affordable living environment compared to Falmouth. It has its own amenities and good transport links to Falmouth and Truro. Areas around the High Street and towards the Tremough campus are popular.

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