found 16 places to stay
Bournemouth is a seaside town on the south coast of England in Dorset. It is located about 94 miles (151 km) southwest of London. The town is known for its seven miles of sandy beaches, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and lively coastal atmosphere. This makes it a lively place for students to study and live. They choose Bournemouth for its relaxed lifestyle, quality education and beautiful seaside location. According to HESA 2024/25 data, Bournemouth has 18,970 students, including 15,825 domestic and 3,145 international students. These students study at major universities in the city, such as Bournemouth University and the Health Sciences University.
Bournemouth offers a good mix of modern student accommodation and shared housing across the town. The average student rent is £190 per week. Due to the town's popularity and growing student population, it becomes tough to find accommodation, especially for the September intake. Students who book at least 3-4 months in advance usually have more choice and can secure better rental prices. At UniAcco, students can compare verified student accommodation in Bournemouth, explore different room types and prices, and receive 24/7 support to find the right student home.
|
Overview |
Details |
|
Average Weekly Rent |
£190/week |
|
Student Population |
18,970 students |
|
Top Universities |
Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth |
|
Popular Student Areas |
Winton, Lansdowne, Charminster, Westbourne, Southbourne |
|
Best Room Types |
Ensuite, Studio, Two Bed Apartment |
|
Best Time to Book |
January–May for the September intake |
Students choose accommodation in Bournemouth for its coastal lifestyle, student-friendly housing, modern amenities and safe living environment. Many student accommodations are located close to the beach and offer easy access to Bournemouth University and the Health Sciences University through walking routes and public transport. Students can choose from ensuite rooms, private studios, shared apartments and one- or two-bedroom apartments to suit different budgets and preferences. Most purpose-built student accommodations come fully furnished with utility bills included and offer modern amenities such as high-speed WiFi, study spaces, gyms, communal lounges, laundry facilities, bike storage and social spaces. Secure entry systems, CCTV, on-site management teams and 24/7 maintenance support help create a safe and welcoming environment for students.
|
Room Type |
What It Includes |
Average Rent |
|
Ensuite Room |
Private bedroom with shared kitchen and living area |
£179/week |
|
Studio Room |
Private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette in one self-contained space |
£208/week |
|
Two Bed Apartment |
Two private bedrooms with shared kitchen, bathroom, and living area |
£170/week |
For students who are looking for a place that’s both affordable and actually good, it can feel tough. Because Bournemouth is significantly cheaper than London and other major hubs, but it is pricier than the UK national average because it is located on the desirable south coast. But finding becomes much easier when you book with the right platform. That’s where UniAcco comes in. It helps you find places that don’t just look good on paper but have helped students stay within budget without cutting on comfort. Below are some affordable options for international student accommodation in Bournemouth
Students searching for accommodation in Bournemouth are looking for a place that actually works for their real daily schedules. A good location, proximity to daily necessities, and easy access to the university and transport make the accommodation the best. That’s where UniAcco makes things simpler. It focuses on student-friendly options that tick all of the students' boxes. So instead of randomly picking a place, you’re choosing from accommodations that students have actually lived in and rated.
Winton is the most popular area for Bournemouth University students. The main reason is its location. Talbot Campus is just a 19-minute walk away, and regular buses connect students to the Lansdowne Campus. The area is full of shared student houses, which keeps rent lower than in Bournemouth town centre. Students also have everything they need nearby, including Lidl, Aldi, cafés, takeaways, pubs, gyms, and local shops. It has a busy student atmosphere throughout the year, making it easy to meet people and take part in university life.
Lansdowne is a top choice for students studying at Bournemouth University's Lansdowne Campus, which is just an 8-minute walk away. It has many purpose-built student accommodation buildings, so it is especially popular with first-year and international students. The area is close to Bournemouth town centre, Bournemouth railway station, shopping centres, restaurants, and Bournemouth Beach. Students travelling to Talbot Campus use the university bus, which runs regularly. Since most accommodation here is purpose-built, rents are usually higher than in Winton.
Charminster is a good option for students who want a quieter place to live. It has more residential streets and shared houses than the town centre, so rent is usually more affordable. Students can reach both university campuses by bus in around 20 minutes. One of the biggest reasons students choose Charminster is the food. The area has many affordable restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and takeaways serving food from different countries.
Westbourne is one of the more expensive areas in Bournemouth because it has modern apartments, larger homes, boutique shops, and a popular shopping village. Many postgraduate students and young professionals live here, so the area is quieter than Winton. Students who choose Westbourne usually want better-quality housing and a calmer environment. Bournemouth University campuses are not within walking distance, so most students travel by bus, bike, or car.
Southbourne is popular with students who like to live near the beach. The area has more houses than student accommodation buildings, so many students rent shared homes with friends. It is farther from Bournemouth University, which means students usually travel by bus, bike, or car. Many second-year, third-year, and postgraduate students choose Southbourne because it is quieter than the main student areas. The beach, cliff-top paths, parks, and outdoor spaces are the biggest reasons students like living here.
|
Institution / University |
Location |
Main Focus Areas |
Top Student Accommodation Near the University |
|
Bournemouth University |
Talbot Campus & Lansdowne Campus, Bournemouth |
Business, Media, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Tourism, Engineering |
1. Skyline 2. 17a Christchurch Road 3. Lyme Regis House |
|
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) |
Wallisdown, Bournemouth |
Art, Design, Film, Animation, Fashion |
1. Okeford House |
Getting around Bournemouth is really not much of a task. It's an easy city to travel in the UK. Since it's a compact town, the shops, cafes, uni buildings, and even the beach are within walking distance. If students need to go a bit further, buses are the main option. Bournemouth’s train station is close to the city centre, and students can use it to travel to cities like London and Southampton.
|
Area |
Bournemouth University - Talbot Campus |
Bournemouth University - Lansdowne Campus |
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) |
|
Winton |
Walk – 19 minutes |
Bus – 18 minutes |
Bus – 11 minutes |
|
Lansdowne |
Bus — 16 minutes |
Walk — 8 minutes |
Bus — 14 minutes |
|
Charminster |
Bus — 31 minutes |
Bus — 19 minutes |
Bus — 29 minutes |
|
Westbourne |
Bus — 36 minutes |
Bus — 33 minutes |
Bus — 36 minutes |
|
Southbourne |
Bus — 53 minutes |
Bus — 13 minutes |
Bus — 52 minutes |
Transport options and costs:
|
Mode |
Best for |
Cost / Pass |
Key tip |
|
Walking |
Winton and Lansdowne area since Bournemouth University is within walking distance |
Free |
Lansdowne's central location makes it walkable to the town centre and station, unlike Southbourne, which sits further out. |
|
Cycling |
Talbot Campus and local routes |
The cost of subscribing to the BU by Bike scheme is £50 per academic year. A £25 deposit is also required and will be fully refunded if your bike is returned on time and in good condition. |
Sign up for BU By Bike rather than buying — it includes maintenance support, which a personally-owned bike wouldn't |
|
Bus (UNIBUS) |
Travelling between Lansdowne and Talbot campuses. With a UNIBUS Annual Pass from the university, students get Unlimited travel across UNIBUS and Morebus Zone A routes for the full year. |
UNIBUS annual pass - £308 UNIBUS return - £3.20 Student & Staff Zone A Dayrider - £3.70 10 singles multi-trip ticket - £13.50 |
Students can purchase an annual pass or 10-trip pass using the Unibus website. |
|
Train |
Weekend travel home, longer trips |
The fast train service from London to Bournemouth takes around one hour and 50 minutes. 16-25 Railcard: ? off, £35/year (16-25railcard.co.uk) |
The nearest rail station to Talbot Campus is Bournemouth station — from there, more bus services 17 and 6 run to Talbot, or walk to Dorchester House to catch a Unibus (U1 or U4) |
Students love Bournemouth beach; they come here to play activities like volleyball or just take a long walk with friends. This particular beach has been voted one of the top beaches in the UK and holds Blue Flag status for cleanliness. There are cafes and bars nearby, so it’s easy to grab food.
Who doesn’t love watching nature and its beautiful aquatic life? Students often come here to watch cute penguins, turtles, and over 150 other aquatic species. They often get tickets at a discounted student price. This place also features an underwater tunnel, interactive exhibits, and an on-site cafe.
Russell-Cotes Museum; it’s actually an old Victorian house built by a couple, the Russell-Cotes, who travelled the world and collected art and objects from around the world. Since the building is on a cliff with sea views, many students come here when they want a break from their regular routine.
Located right in the centre of Bournemouth, the Lower Gardens is a student favourite spot. They come here for long walks or to catch a quick break between classes. The open lawn also hosts some live music or seasonal festivals. It’s one of those places students can't help but come back to because it’s free and fun.
On days when students get bored of just hanging out and want to do something more active, Bournemouth has plenty of options beyond just the beach. Places like indoor go-karting tracks are popular for group outings, where students can race their friends and compete. There’s also a dry ski slope at Snowtrax to try skiing or tubing even without snow. This is a bit different and fun.
The best student accommodation in Bournemouth comes to those who book before the rush. The best-located, most affordable properties in areas like Winton and Charminster tend to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below:
|
Intake |
Recommended Booking Period |
|
September |
January–May |
|
January |
August–October |
Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.
Step 1: Compare prices and properties
First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 15 verified listings, shortlist the accommodation that suits your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.
Step 2: Fill in your details
Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.
Step 3: Talk to our expert and get the confirmation
Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.