The best student bars and clubs in Bournemouth

When you think of UK areas with the craziest nightlife, Bournemouth probably isn’t the first that comes to mind. But, perhaps surprisingly, there are loads of Bournemouth student bars to help you have crazy nights that’ll make cracking stories. And there are even more Bournemouth student clubs that’ll help you do the same. 

In preparation for your move to the lovely coastal town for uni, here are the best student clubs and bars that you’ll be making memories and embarrassing yourself in for the next couple of years. 

 

 

The Old Firestation

Photo: The Old Firestation Bournemouth on Facebook 

Where: 36 Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth BH8 8AD

The Old Fire Station is a legendary student venue in Bournemouth, housed in a historic building that's been transformed into one of the most iconic nightlife spots for university students. With its lively atmosphere, it offers three rooms of music to suit every taste on their club nights and also hosts regular gigs from some of the biggest touring bands and DJs. 

Plus, every Friday night, The Old Fire Station hosts Lollipop, the longest-running student nights exclusive to BU and AUB students. With unbeatable student drink deals, it’s the ultimate way to kickstart your weekend as a student in the city!

 

Find tickets for events at The Old Firestation - HERE

 

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The Vault

Photo: The Vault Nightclub Bournemouth on Facebook 

Where: 39 Poole Hill, Bournemouth BH2 5PW 

The Vault is a new nightclub in Bournemouth in an old refurbished bank vault. The club always has resident DJs banging out all sorts of tunes, including drum and bass, breaks, jungle, and garage. But they also have a regular indie night, regular visits from the biggest touring names in the dance space, AND a regular student night called Messy Mondays.

These Monday night student escapades entail free tickets for the first 100 people, unbeatable drinks prices (including £2 double vodkas, £1.50 shots, and £2 VK's), and feature a rotating soundtrack so that no one is left out. It's truly the best Monday night out for students in the city.  

 

Find tickets for events at The Vault - HERE

 

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Sixty Million Postcards  

Image: 60 Million Postcards on Facebook 

Where: 19 - 21 Exeter Road, Bournemouth BH2 5AF

If the whole “glitz and glam” vibe really isn’t you, we reckon Sixty Million Postcards might be more your jam. This colourful little beer garden is known for hosting Sunday quizzes, throwing the odd themed-party, and keeping punters happy with a menu of delicious drinks and food. 

A regular haunt for many a student thanks to its hip and indie allure, this will be a place you'll spend many a night boozing in as a Bournemouth student.

  

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Sound Circus Alternative Bar

Photo: Sound Circus Alternative Bar on Facebook

Where: 140-142 Holdenhurst Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH8 8AS

Finding a good bar or club can be tricky when your Spotify is overflowing with metal, punk, rock, and indie tunes. But if that sounds like you, Sound Circus might be the best of Bournemouth’s student bars. Expect tunes from artists such as Beartooth, Paramore, Green Day, My Chem, Pvris, BMTH, Arctic Monkeys, Yonaka, and Good Charlotte. Drinks are also super cheap, so it’s perfect for skint students. 

They have themed nights too, with Thursdays being Sindrome, which is all about contemporary Alt music (and featuring £1.20 House Spirits); Fridays being the Indie Disco, which does what it says on the tin (featuring £1.50 House Spirits & Mixer); and Saturdays being Scathe, where Award-winning DJ, Pete Scathe spins alternative tracks all night! 

 

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Bar So 

Photo: Bar So on Facebook 

Where: Exeter Road, Bournemouth BH2 5AG 

Open daily, Bar So is the best of Bournemouth’s student clubs for a party. Hit the dancefloor and get lost in the music beneath the disco ball. When you get a bit hot, pop out to the outdoor terrace. You don't need a fat bank account for a good night out at Bar So either. Get down on Friday before 9 to enjoy £20 cocktail trees, two for £5 tequila, and prosecco for £3.50.

 

Find tickets for events at Bar So - here

 

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DYMK

Photo: DYMK Bar & Club on Facebook 

Where: 31 Poole Hill, Bournemouth BH2 5PW

DYMK is an award-winning LGBTQ+ bar. So naturally, there are plenty of drag artists. You can also expect DJs, an impressive range of drinks, and a heated smoking area. Have a couple vodkas to pluck up the courage to lip sync for your life on the last Friday of every month. Winners get free drinks and prizes!

  

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Camel Bar & Nightclub

Photo: Camel Bar & Nightclub on Facebook

Where: 163-167 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1JU

If you and your newfound uni pals want somewhere to party until the very early hours after the rest have closed, then Camel is the place to be. Open until six in the morning... yes you read that right, Camel is a bar and club designed to look like an Egyptian cave, and whilst you and your pals may look like mummies by close, it's always a great late-night laugh in here. 

 

Find tickets to events at Camel Bar and Nightclub - HERE

 

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Zephyr

Where: 6a Christchurch Road, Bournemouth BH1 3LT

Another spot that is open late into the night, but one that is very different in scene, Zephyr is a rock bar that is open until 5 on the weekends. With four pool tables, a range of great ales, multiple themed nights, and music on till late on the weekends, it's a great spot for anyone whose headphones blast out the heavier variety of tunes. 

 

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Aruba

Photo: Aruba on Facebook 

Where: Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA

With glitzy, beachside surroundings and a sea view, Aruba is always a proper vibe. Whilst it's a bit more upmarket than your regular student haunts, it'll satiate your desire for beachside cocktails whenever you get the taste for them, and you can find student deals all through the week. 

There's a restaurant and bar here through the day, but at night time the disco ball gets lit and the tunes are blasting as it turns into late-night boogie central. A must-visit for anyone coming to Bournemouth. 

 

Find tickets for events at Aruba - HERE

 

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Halo

Photo: Halo Bournemouth on Facebook 

Where: The Church, Exeter Road, Bournemouth BH2 5AQ

Voted Best Club three years in a row, Halo brings all sorts together to create an unforgettable night out. Past events have seen dancers, magicians, fire breathers, and snake charmers. To make the most of your night while spending as little as possible, download the app for deals such as free entry, £2.50 vodkas and energy drink, and access to exclusive events.

 

Find tickets for events at Halo - here

 

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See? What did we tell you? Bournemouth student clubs are perfect for a hectic weekend out. And Bournemouth’s student bars are waiting for you with delicious food, a chilled atmosphere, and great drink deals. It’s gonna be a messy but beautiful couple of years!

Click or tap here to kick off freshers the right way at some killer Bournemouth events.

 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

 

 

  

 

 

Header: Bar So on Facebook