Bournemouth may be best known for its iconic beaches and summer holiday energy, but for students living and studying in this coastal town, there’s a lot more to explore.

The town blends nature, culture, sports, and student-friendly hangouts, giving undergrads and postgrads alike a range of options to fill their daytime hours.

Whether you want to relax in the sun, get active with your society, or discover a new space to read or study, Bournemouth’s got you covered. This guide highlights ten of the best things to do for students in Bournemouth, starting with one of the most exciting venues in town.

1. Sixes Bournemouth

Located within the TeamSport venue, Sixes Bournemouth is an energetic space that combines indoor cricket with a relaxed, social atmosphere. The venue is equipped with batting nets, neon lighting, and communal lounge areas, creating the perfect setup for friendly competition and group hangouts.

What makes Sixes especially attractive to students is its affordability. They regularly offer student discounts, including reduced rates on batting sessions and bundles that include food and drinks. It’s a favorite for sports societies and casual get-togethers during the week. Whether you’re filming your best batting moments or just spending an afternoon laughing with friends, Sixes delivers on fun, affordability, and photo-ready interiors.

2. Bournemouth Pier and Beachfront Promenade

Stretching out into the sea, Bournemouth’s Victorian pier is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. Attached to it is a wide promenade and beach that students flock to for morning runs, chill study breaks, or post-lecture catchups.

The beachfront is only a short walk from most university halls and is fully accessible by foot, bike, or bus. Sunrise and golden hour are ideal times for capturing great photos, especially with the pastel colors reflecting off the water. From March through September, pop-up food stalls and activity zones give the beachfront a festival vibe. It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding places to enjoy some time outdoors without spending anything.

3. Lower, Central and Upper Pleasure Gardens

Running through the town from the beachfront to the residential neighborhoods beyond, the Lower, Central and Upper Pleasure Gardens form a peaceful green artery right through Bournemouth. Each section has its own character.

Lower Gardens is closest to the pier and features floral displays, open lawns, and a bandstand. Central Gardens offers more shade, water features, and benches for reading or chatting. Upper Gardens is quieter, with winding paths, mature trees, and more of a forest-like feel.

For students, the gardens are ideal for free daytime activities: outdoor studying, low-key social events, or just taking a breather between lectures. Cafés and shops line the routes, and it’s easy to find a patch of grass or a quiet bench that feels like your own.

4. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

Perched on East Cliff with a view of the sea, this ornate 19th-century villa is home to a fascinating mix of art and artifacts. Inside, you’ll find dramatic staircases, stained glass, detailed woodwork, and exhibitions that range from Victorian portraits to Japanese ceramics.

Students often visit for quiet afternoons away from campus, and the vibe is calm and creative. There’s a café with an ocean-view terrace, and the indoor lighting makes it perfect for photography without flash. With discounted student entry and occasional free days, it’s one of the best value cultural experiences in Bournemouth.

If you’re working on a creative project, or you just want to change your usual study scenery, Russell-Cotes gives you both inspiration and space to think.

5. Bournemouth Natural Science Society and Gardens

Tucked just a short walk from the main university zones, the Bournemouth Natural Science Society is a hidden gem. This community-run space includes a collection of fossils, taxidermy, and curiosities alongside a peaceful garden filled with native plants and insect habitats.

For students interested in biology, nature photography, or just a break from screens, this is a top pick. The gardens are small but incredibly calming, and the indoor rooms often host talks and exhibitions. Entrance is usually free or donation-based, and it’s rarely crowded, making it great for low-key afternoons with friends or solo visits for mental recharge.

The location is just off the main bus routes and easily accessible on foot or by bike from most student neighborhoods.

6. Oceanarium Coastal and Marine Discovery Zone

When the weather turns gray and you want something both fun and educational, the Oceanarium is a great alternative to the usual study haunts. Situated right next to the pier, this compact aquarium offers a series of well-lit tanks showcasing marine life from the coast of Dorset and beyond.

Students benefit from discounted ticket prices, and the setting is ideal for informal group visits or daytime date ideas. Stingrays, turtles, and otters provide excellent content for reels or low-key snapshots. The walk-through tunnel adds an immersive touch, giving your camera some dramatic underwater moments without needing to dive in yourself.

After a visit, you’re just steps away from beachfront cafés and shops, so you can pair your trip with a light lunch or coastal walk.

7. Boscombe Chine Gardens and Pier

For a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the main pier, Boscombe Chine offers a charming combination of landscaped gardens and a smaller pier with fewer crowds. The gardens themselves include winding paths, playground areas, and Victorian-style benches framed by roses and wildflowers.

It’s ideal for sunny afternoon photo walks or quiet reading under tree cover. The pier offers gentle sea views and fewer distractions, which is perfect if you’re after a more peaceful spot for mindfulness content or just a calm break.

Students can reach Boscombe by bus or even by rental bike along the promenade. It’s a great alternative when the central beach is too busy.

8. Bournemouth and Poole College Campus Spaces

Even if you’re not a student of the college itself, the Bournemouth and Poole College campuses have some surprisingly photogenic and useful public areas. The Lansdowne campus includes courtyard spaces, shaded tables, and indoor booths that are ideal for collaborative work or study breaks.

Whether you’re part of a student society, planning a group project, or just looking for a change of scenery, these spaces offer modern backdrops with reliable Wi-Fi. Some cafés in and around the college cater to students and offer affordable food and coffee, creating a casual, academic-friendly atmosphere.

The location is close to many student housing areas and on major bus routes, making it a convenient daytime option.

9. Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve Core

To round out the list, Hengistbury Head offers a completely different side of Bournemouth. Located to the east of the main town, this protected headland includes sand dunes, heathland, dramatic coastal cliffs, and views over Christchurch Harbour.

For students looking to connect with nature, it’s unbeatable. Walk or bike along the trails, pack a lunch, and explore the wildlife and scenic views. The hilltop views are excellent for reels and panoramic shots, and the seasonal colors shift from green to gold and red as the year goes on.

Buses run regularly from the center of Bournemouth to nearby stops, and there’s free access to the trails year-round. It’s also a great spot for fitness content, nature journaling, or simply finding space to reflect outside of busy campus life.

Conclusion: Things to Do for Students in Bournemouth

Bournemouth isn’t just a summer beach town. For students living in this vibrant coastal community, it offers a rich mix of activities to fill your days with energy, focus, and discovery. From the cricket nets of Sixes to the coastal trails of Hengistbury Head, there’s something for every mood and pace.

Art lovers can find inspiration at Russell-Cotes, while science fans can explore marine life or natural gardens. Green spaces like the Lower Gardens or Boscombe Chine give students a chance to unwind, revise outdoors, or just breathe fresh air between lectures. And whether you’re new to town or in your final year, there’s always something new to try—often just a short bus ride or walk from your front door.

With affordable student entry offers, easy transport links, and year-round variety, Bournemouth proves itself as more than just a tourist destination. It’s a student city full of Instagram-worthy moments, study-friendly spaces, and plenty of ways to balance work and play.