UK Rejoins Erasmus: Welcome News for EU Students
Written by James McCall Accommodation Director Finally some great news for our industry. The UK is…
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Who Bournemouth suits
Bournemouth suits students who want a coastal setting, beach lifestyle, and a relaxed study atmosphere. There are many English language schools, an active international student community, and plenty of outdoor activities — at costs lower than London but higher than northern cities.
The atmosphere is casual and holiday-like, less formal than Oxford or Edinburgh. The accent is southern English — often clear and approachable for many learners. If you want a beach city with English courses, mild weather, and a relaxed environment, Bournemouth delivers.
Why the English learning works
Bournemouth offers clear southern English accents — similar to what many students hear in textbooks and UK media. Staff in shops, cafés, and attractions are used to international visitors and naturally speak clearly.
With two universities and many language schools, you’ll hear young people speaking casual English and meet classmates from many countries. English remains the common language, although the city has strong international communities.
The outdoor lifestyle creates informal speaking opportunities — on the beach, coastal paths, and in parks. The holiday atmosphere means people often start conversations easily. Sports and social activities help build confidence quickly.
Course choice is strong: General English, IELTS/Cambridge, Business and Academic English, and popular summer programmes. Bournemouth attracts mostly younger students, creating lively, social classrooms. Daily life teaches practical vocabulary from the beach, nature, and nearby attractions like the Jurassic Coast.
Daily rhythm
Weekdays usually involve morning lessons, lunch near the beach or town centre, and afternoons for activities such as volleyball, excursions, or simply relaxing by the sea. Evenings are for student social life — beach bars, pubs, cinema, and school events. Nightlife is busiest in summer and quieter in winter.
The town centre is flat and walkable. You can cycle or walk the full seven-mile coastline along the promenade, and town gardens provide green spaces through the centre.
Weekends often mean nature trips — to the New Forest, the Jurassic Coast, or the Isle of Wight — plus easy day trips to London, Salisbury, or Bath.
Living areas
Most students live within walking or short bus distance of schools and the beach. The city is flat and cycling is easy. Typical areas include:
- Town centre: Close to schools and beach; modern flats; more expensive.
- Boscombe: East of centre; improving, multicultural, affordable; 10–15 minutes by bus.
- Westbourne: West of centre; cafés and independent shops; residential; around 10 minutes by bus.
- Southbourne: East; quieter beach community; 15–20 minutes by bus.
- Winton: North; affordable, student-friendly; 15 minutes by bus; no direct beach access.
- Pokesdown: East; mixed residential, affordable; 10–15 minutes by bus.
Practical realities
Budget
Bournemouth costs more than Manchester, Liverpool, or Leeds but less than London, Oxford, or Bath. Typical accommodation ranges:
- Homestays: £160–240 per week (often including meals)
- Student residences: £180–300+ per week (private bathroom)
Summer prices can rise 20–30% in July–August. Transport passes cost around £50–65 per month. Food is typically £30–50 per week. Always ask schools for a full cost breakdown.
Summer season
Bournemouth is extremely busy from June to September. Accommodation becomes more expensive and harder to find, and beaches are crowded. If you prefer calmer study and lower costs, consider September–May instead.
Transport
Buses serve the main areas well and the centre is very walkable. Cycling is popular along coastal paths. The train station connects to London (around 2 hours), Southampton (30 minutes) and more. Bournemouth Airport has some European routes.
Weather
Bournemouth is milder than northern England or Scotland, but still has typical UK weather — rain, grey skies, and cool temperatures. Summers are usually 18–22°C; winters 5–10°C. Waterproof layers are useful year-round.
Demand
Schools operate all year. Summer is extremely busy — book 2–3 months ahead. September–May brings better availability and prices.
Safety
Generally safe with standard precautions. Watch belongings in busy beach and nightlife areas, especially in summer. Avoid isolated beach spots late at night.
Visa support
Many accredited schools can sponsor Student visas. Confirm with your school and check the latest rules on the GOV.UK website.
Is Bournemouth right for you?
Bournemouth is ideal if you want a beach city with a relaxed feel, clear English accents, and lively international student life — especially in summer.
Bournemouth suits you if you:
- Want a beach and coastal setting
- Value outdoor activities and mild weather
- Like a relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere
- Prefer clear southern English accents
- Don’t mind tourist crowds in summer
- Want active social life with international students
- Need flat, easy walking and cycling
- Enjoy casual, friendly environments
Consider alternatives if you:
- Want serious academic atmosphere → Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh
- Need maximum cultural activities → London, Edinburgh
- Prefer historic city character → Bath, York, Canterbury
- Want authentic working-class British culture → Manchester, Liverpool
- Need budget-friendly costs → Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds
- Prefer quiet, non-touristy cities → Canterbury, York
- Want guaranteed good weather → No UK city offers this
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