Is Bournemouth Good for International Students? Honest Pros, Cons & Student Reviews
Deciding where do you want to study in the UK is one of the biggest life decisions. Students can easily sort out important things such as accommodation and visa. But this is not the end; when choosing a city, you should also consider factors such as the quality of the university, lifestyle, and affordability. Upon considering these pointers, Bournemouth is becoming one of the most popular choices among students.
Located on England’s south coast, the city is becoming a strong alternative for those who prefer calm environments and don’t want to miss out on career opportunities. In this guide, we will check out real data, honest pros and cons, and student experiences to help you decide if Bournemouth is the right fit for your study plans. Let’s get into it!
Bournemouth by the Numbers
Before you even start talking about things like the city’s lifestyle or vibe, let’s talk about the facts. Bournemouth has a strong student community, primarily centered on Bournemouth University (BU). Following are some of the key stats about it:
- Student Population & Growth: Over the past few years, Bournemouth University (BU) has enrolled around 16,860 students. This makes Bournemouth one of the most student-populated areas on the UK’s south coast.
- International Diversity: BU has over 2,750 international students from 135+ countries, making it very global. AUB also has students and staff from 60+ countries, creating a diverse and multicultural environment in classrooms and campus life.
- Global Ranking: Bournemouth University is currently ranked 41st in the UK. It is also among the top 500 universities globally and ranks 295th in Europe, showing its growing reputation.
- Specialized Excellence: Bournemouth is known for specific fields. BU is ranked 5th in the world for Hospitality and Tourism Management and 19th in the UK for Art and Design. Its National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) is globally respected, and its graduates have worked on Oscar-winning films like Gravity.
- Employability: BU also puts strong emphasis on careers, with an 88.7% graduate employment rate. Around 88% of students get a job or continue studying within 15 months after graduation. The university works with top companies like BBC, IBM, and Deloitte.
Student Review:
“Bournemouth is home to large student populations from all over the world. Even in my class, you can easily spot students from countries like Greece, Jordan, Morocco, India and the UK. Plus, the support and guidance you will receive here from students as well as teachers, makes it easy for students to settle.”- International student at BU.
Why Do Students Love Bournemouth?
Offering a strong mix of quality education and a relaxed lifestyle, Bournemouth is a great choice for international students. Students living here get the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Below are the pros of living in this city:
- Relaxed Coastal Lifestyle: Unlike other cities, Bournemouth has got seven miles of sandy beaches that help students relax after long sessions. It is also one of the sunniest places to be in the UK, with temperatures staying above 0°C even in winter. Close to places like Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and New Forest National Park, students can easily enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling or simply taking a break.
- Low cost of Living: Another biggest advantage of being here is affordability. Bournemouth is approximately 25% cheaper than London. The average monthly cost of living for a single person here is between £1,500-£1,900, including student accommodation Bournemouth rent, food and transportation. You can also find all-inclusive rental options through platforms like University Living, helping you save money.
- Excellent Travel Connections: As a well-connected city, Bournemouth makes it easy for students to travel around. The airport is just 15 minutes away from the town centre. It also has direct trains to London Waterloo which takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, making it perfect for weekend trips.
What Are the Various Challenges You Should Consider Before Applying?
Bournemouth offers a great student lifestyle, but it’s important to understand some challenges before moving. Knowing these points in advance helps you plan better and focus on your studies and social life:
- Regional Safety Differences: Even though Bournemouth University is officially recognized for its safety measures, some areas in the town need extra caution. Places like the town centre and Boscombe have slightly higher cases of minor crimes like bicycle theft and shoplifting compared to quieter areas in Dorset. Students are often advised to avoid areas like the Lower Gardens and dark alleyways alone after midnight.
- Seasonal “Tourist Creep”: Bournemouth is a popular holiday destination, so the number of people increases a lot during summer and bank holidays. Buses like the m1/m2 and trains can become very crowded, especially for students staying during summer for internships or exams. Some restaurants and beach pop-up bars may increase prices during peak tourist season, which can affect student budgets.
- Limited Career Options in Some Fields: Strong in fields like tourism and digital industries, but those who are in fields like heavy engineering or certain industrial sectors may find fewer local opportunities. Many students travel to nearby cities like Southampton or London for internships and networking events.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
In the end, Bournemouth offers a strong mix of good education and high quality of life, which is not easy to find in many UK cities. While you do need to plan ahead for things like student accommodation UK and staying safe, the benefits make it worth it. You get to build a global network of friends and gain valuable experience through the university’s strong industry connections. From relaxing at the pier after a long study day to attending career fairs with top companies, Bournemouth gives international students a supportive and beautiful environment to settle in and grow during their time in the UK.
