What Students Should Expect When Renting in Bournemouth
From our experience, one of the first questions students ask is when should I start looking for a student property in Bournemouth. The simple answer is earlier than you think. Many groups begin viewings in late autumn for the following academic year, and by spring the most popular houses in Winton and Charminster are often taken.
Another common concern is guarantors. Parents often ask us do all landlords require a guarantor. In most cases, yes, particularly for student lets, as it provides the landlord with reassurance. However, there are occasional exceptions depending on the property and tenancy.
On costs, students frequently ask are deposits always five weeks. By law, most tenancy deposits in the UK are capped at five weeks’ rent, and that is standard in Bournemouth too. Tenancy agreements are usually for twelve months, although there can be some variation.
At Roberts, we make sure all students and parents understand exactly what they are signing before any tenancy is agreed. Over three decades, we have seen that transparency upfront avoids confusion later.
Lifestyle in Bournemouth for Students
Bournemouth is more than a place to study; it is a coastal city with its own energy.
What is Bournemouth nightlife like for students?
The short answer is varied. Lansdowne and the town centre are the busiest areas with venues like Cameo, Bar So, The Old Fire Station, and newer arrivals such as Barbara’s, The Ivy, and The Botanist.
Midweek, you will find student nights across these clubs offering affordable entry. Charminster is known for pubs and bars like The Dancing Jug and Havana, while Boscombe has the O2 Academy, a major live music venue.
Bournemouth has a nightlife scene that caters to every taste. From our experience, students choose areas not just for housing but also for how close they are to the places they want to spend their evenings.
Area | Popular Venues | Style of Night Out | Notes for Students |
Town Centre / Lansdowne | Cameo, Bar So, The Old Fire Station, The Botanist, The Ivy, Aruba, Barbara’s | Big clubs, cocktail bars, live music, late-night student events | The busiest nightlife hub. Most midweek student nights are here. Walking distance from Lansdowne campus and the beach. |
Charminster | Dancing Jug, Havana, local pubs | Lively but smaller scale, popular with students who prefer pubs and cheaper drinks | Often has good food options alongside bars. Less hectic than the Town Centre but still very sociable. |
Winton | Local pubs, student-focused bars | Relaxed, community atmosphere, pre-drinks spot before heading into town | Close to Talbot Campus, many students start the evening here before taking a bus into Lansdowne. |
Boscombe | O2 Academy, smaller pubs and bars | Live gigs, alternative music scene | Known for its live events, particularly at the O2. More low-key outside of event nights. |
Westbourne | Independent cocktail bars, wine bars | More laid-back, slightly older crowd | Not a main student hub but popular for a quieter night out or a change of scene. |
Beach Life and Fitness
Another question we hear is what is Bournemouth beach like for students. The seven miles of golden sand are a major draw. In summer, students gather for barbecues, volleyball matches, and evening walks along the pier. Weekly fireworks displays add to the atmosphere, and many students tell us the beach is where they make their best memories.
Volleyball
Walks and running clubs
Fireworks (annually)
Red Arrows / Airshow (annually)
Plenty of commercial gyms, leisure centres and sports opportunities in the area. Town centre features a new JD Sports Gym whilst other names such as PureGym, Anytime Fitness and BH Live all exist in the area.
Transport and Getting Around Advice for Students in Bournemouth
From our experience, transport is one of the first things students consider when choosing where to live. Bournemouth is compact and well connected, with reliable bus routes, expanding cycle paths, and easy access to wider travel links.
Student Travel Guide – Key Routes
Area | Talbot Campus (BU & AUB) | Lansdowne Campus (BU) | Arts University (AUB) | Bournemouth Library | Beach / Seafront |
Winton | Walk 20–25 mins, or cycle on dedicated lanes | UniBus U1 from Winton Banks (around 15 mins) | Same as Talbot – walk or cycle | Bus into Town Centre (10–15 mins) | Bus or cycle, 15–20 mins |
Charminster | Walk 25–30 mins, or short bus ride | UniBus U1 (20 mins) | Walk/cycle 25–30 mins | Bus into Town Centre (10–15 mins) | Bus or cycle, 15–20 mins |
Lansdowne / Town Centre | UniBus U1 direct (20–25 mins) | Walk to campus buildings in minutes | UniBus U1 to Talbot / AUB | Bournemouth Library on the doorstep | Walk to beach in 10 mins |
Boscombe | Bus (25–30 mins) or cycle (20 mins) | Bus (10–15 mins) | Bus to Talbot (30 mins) | Bus to Town Centre (10 mins) | Walk 10–15 mins |
Talbot Village | Walk or cycle in minutes (next to campus) | Bus to Lansdowne (20–25 mins) | Walk straight into AUB | Bus into Town Centre (20–25 mins) | Bus or cycle, 25–30 mins |
There are dedicated cycle lanes connecting the area to the university, and the network is expanding each year.
If you live in Winton or Charminster, walking is realistic. From Boscombe or Lansdowne to Talbot Campus, walking is less practical, so buses or bikes are common.
Bournemouth’s compact layout means students rarely need a car. With regular buses, well-used cycle routes, and walkable neighbourhoods, getting around is straightforward.
Wider Travel Connections
Bournemouth Railway Station: Located in Lansdowne, with direct services to Southampton, Winchester, and London Waterloo.
Bournemouth Airport (Hurn): Around 15 minutes by car or taxi, with domestic flights to cities like Edinburgh and international flights to popular holiday destinations across Europe. Many students use this for quick trips home or affordable getaways.
Choosing the Right Area as a Student in Bournemouth
One of the most common questions we hear is where students should base themselves in Bournemouth. The answer really depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
Close to Campus?
Winton is the clear winner if you want to be near Talbot Campus. You will have a short walk or cycle, plenty of supermarkets, and a lively high street.
Nightlife on Your Doorstep
Lansdowne and the Town Centre are best if you want to be within walking distance of clubs, bars, and late-night student events.
A Middle Ground
Charminster offers a middle ground, with pubs, restaurants, and easy bus routes to both university campuses.
By the Sea
Boscombe and Southbourne are further from campus but appeal to students who want the beach on their doorstep and don’t mind commuting by bus or bike. That being said, no major student hub is typically more than a 25 bus ride.
A Quieter Base
Westbourne is popular for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere with cafés and boutique shops, still within easy reach of central Bournemouth.
From our 30 years of experience, there isn’t one single “best” area. It comes down to whether you value proximity to classes, the social scene, or the beach most.
If you are unsure, the best step is to speak with one of our student lettings advisors at Roberts. We can talk you through the options and help you find the area and property that suits your lifestyle.
You may also find our blog Should I Move to Bournemouth? helpful for a broader look at life in the town.
Conclusion
Over three decades, we have helped thousands of students and parents navigate the Bournemouth rental market. From lively Winton to beachfront Boscombe, we understand the questions students ask because we hear them every year.
If you are starting your search, our advice is simple, begin early and speak to a local agent who knows the market inside out. At Roberts, we take pride in offering clear guidance, transparent processes, and properties that suit a wide range of students.
You can explore our Student Lettings in Bournemouth page or read our related blog on [Best Areas to Live as a Student in Bournemouth]. For tailored advice, please get in touch and we will be happy to help.
