Whether you're moving down to the city for the first time or returning for another year, our freshers guide to Bournemouth, covering the best venues, clubs, gigs and student areas to visit, will help you gain the knowledge you need to navigate the sunny seaside and find the best spots for entertainment with ease. Seriously, you'll be a local before you know it.
Below, you'll find our comprehensive guide to Bournemouth and the excellent student nightlife the city offers, consisting of student-friendly bars and places to eat, as well as places to catch live music, an FAQ section to answer some of those niggling questions you might have about your new home, and more on Freshers Week.
View Freshers Events in Bournemouth Here >>
Best areas for student nightlife in Bournemouth
Town Centre
The city centre is pretty much the go-to when looking for a Bournemouth student night. The majority of all the pubs, bars, classy cocktail joints, and restaurants, are located here alongside the city's excellent array of nightclubs to dance the night away. It's the best place for all your late-night escapades after a deadline and has something for everyone.
The area around Bournemouth pier is less built for raucous student nights, and more the laid-back nights chatting to your newfound friends with a nice sea view. Whilst the clubs may be lacking, there are a whole host of bars, restaurants, and cafes for you and your pals to frequent. Plus, if you want a cheaper night then grab some beers and just head down and watch the sunset on the beach; you came to the seaside afterall?
A bit more of an upmarket area when it comes to Bournemouth student nightlife, but that doesn't mean that Boscombe isn't full of places for a great time. With its vintage vibe and an array of cool and quirky bars and restaurants, the area is the prime place to go for a few (well you can have more, just depends on how much you can stretch that loan.) Not only this but it is home to the O2 Academy and the Shelly theatre, so all you gig-goers will be getting very familiar with this part of town.
Victoria Park
The area of the city closest to Bournemouth University, and also A.F.C.Bournemouth’s home stadium, Victoria Park is jammed full of incredible bars that all offer great prices. Most of the fun is found along Wimbourne Road, which is lined with places that will expose you to the side of Bournemouth student nightlife less travelled. But, if you want an after-lecture pint, or you fancy going to a Bournemouth game, there's nowhere better in the city to venture to.
Bournemouth Student Bars
View this post on Instagram
When looking for a Bournemouth student night, this quirky little bar should be the first place you step foot in. A big favourite with students since opening in 2006, 60Mill (its affectionate nickname amongst students) is the best place for a few reasonably priced bevs and scran. They also offer quiz nights, which are not to be missed, as well as both movie nights and board game nights which go down incredibly well with the student population, not one to miss.
Dylans
Dylan’s bar is run by students for students and is found on the Uni of Talbot campus, meaning that it's a hub of Bournemouth student nightlife. With a cheap menu, and a whole host of cool events held here, from quizzes to Kareoke nights to live student bands, it's a proper laugh. The location also makes Dylan’s the prime place for students to hang out between lectures or to go to celebrate the end of the exam season.
DMYK
View this post on Instagram
DYMK is the city’s award-winning LGBTQ+ bar and club, and a staple of the Bournemouth student nightlife. Open every day from 4 pm, up until the early hours, everyone is welcome and celebrated here. This is a favourite among all students and other local residents, especially when they host special nights such as Sunday Cabaret, plus it has a great run of special guests that visit such as Plastique Tiara from Ru Paul’s Drag Race!
Brass Haus
Inspired by german Bierhauses, this new live music and sports venue is one of the only places that you and your uni pals can go and watch football alongside some classic german beers. Plus, with its central location and range of live music and special flights, you’ll always want to come back for more.
Bournemouth Student Clubs
View this post on Instagram
The Bournemouth student's mecca of nights out, The Old Fire Station will be a place you undoubtedly spend a lot of your nights out at uni. The former fire station turned Bournemouth University student union club is not only one of the town's longest-standing venues, but with three rooms catering to different tastes, it's a place you can all go and be happy with what's being spun. Plus, as a student-catered venue, you are guaranteed very cheap booze and a crowd that you recognise half of.
View this post on Instagram
Halo is known as THE destination in the Bournemouth student nightlife scene, even winning a ‘best club’ award three times. The club is found in an old church and hosts a massive range of dedicated student nights where you can bag cheap drinks. The club is also frequented by celebrity guests and world-famous DJs, making for many memorable nights, and, being open until 3 am most nights, it's one of the best places to stumble home after, and will be a staple of your Uni experience in the city.
A roaring club in the heart of the city centre, Cameo is an essential in the Bournemouth student nightlife scene. Across its four floors the clubbing cornucopia may seem cheesy to some, but, with its bustling dancefloor, chart and dance-filled hits booming from the speaker, and incredible drink selection, it's pretty much the home of partying in the city. Plus, with cocktail masterclasses and comedy clubs held here, you don't have to stay out until the early morning to have a great time inside.
Are you less inclined by the charts and more likely to tie your hair up and make a b-line for a mosh pit, well Sound Circus Alternative Bar might just be the place for you. With heavy rock and alternative leanings, it is incredibly popular with students for its loud music and unrivalled drink prices. One of the best places to stretch your loan and sing your heart out and should be the first stop for anyone who just loves a good headbang.
Fresher’s FAQs
When does Freshers Week Take Place in Leicester?
Freshers Week 2022 in Bournemouth is set to run from Monday 12th September to Sunday 18th September.
Do I need to provide ID at events?
Yes, as a requirement of law all bars, pubs, clubs and venues will require some form of a valid ID that proves you are at least 18 years of age. Accepted forms of ID include a driver’s license or passport.
More about Bournemouth
Irrespective of whether you're a first time visitor to the city, a frequently returning guest or a lifelong inhabitant, our guides are essential reading for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Bournemouth.
nightlife
Whether you're moving down to the city for the first time or returning for another year, our freshers guide to Bournemouth, covering the best venues, clubs, gigs and student areas to visit, will help you gain the knowledge you need to navigate the sunny seaside and find the best spots for entertainm…
