So you've decided to come and study in the UK? Brilliant! Here's why you should choose Bournemouth as your destination:
The beach
Bournemouth is blessed with 7 miles (11 km) of golden stretch of sandy beaches, including four Blue Flag ones. Nestled beneath stunning white cliffs, it's the perfect place to spend sunny days with your toes in the sand. And Bournemouth does have more sunny days and warmer sea temperatures than most of the UK thanks to the micro-climate created by the geographical layout of the bay.
The lifestyle
Bournemouth has one of the largest student communities in the UK, and its lifestyle accommodates for people of all interests. You can spend your days lounging in the green spaces of Bournemouth Gardens, walking along the cliffs to Heingistbury Head or putting on one of many mini-golf courses around town.
If you like art and history, Russell-Cotes Museum and Art Gallery is a must! Built in 1901 by Sir Merton Russell-Cotes as an extraordinary birthday present for his wife Annie, it's an exotic seaside villa on a cliff-top, overlooking the sea, filled with beautiful objects from their travels across the world.
In the evening, Bournemouth comes alive. With a variety of bars, clubs and restaurants, you'll never be bored! If you're into more chilled-out evenings, how about a BBQ on the beach?
Sports and activities
If you like being active, then this is the area for you! Along the beach, you can try your skills at surfing, sailing, kayaking all the way through to bouldering and slack lining. With more than 25 different beach and water sports to choose from, you’re bound to find something you like! Or try Bournemouth Pier zip-wire and Bournemouth Wheel for a unique view of the town.
The nature
Bournemouth is surrounded by some of the most stunning countryside in the UK. For example, the New Forest, once William the Conqueror's royal hunting grounds, now acres of open space where animals are allowed to roam free. From Poole, our closest neighbour, you can visit Brownsea island, which is the home of the very rare red squirrel. If you want to get in touch with your inner archaeologist, the 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast is England's only natural World Heritage site, and it was recognised by UNESCO for its rocks, fossils and land forms.
Location
Do you prefer exploring to staying in one place? Bournemouth is perfectly placed to allow you to see many of the iconic places in the south of England - how about a day trip to historic Salisbury? Its magnificent cathedral is the home of one of the most important documents in the history of the UK, the Magna Carta. A short drive away, you can also see the world-famous Stonehenge, a place which has been inspiring people for over 5,000 years. You can learn about the impact of the Roman Empire on these lands in Bath, and their incredible Roman Baths, which gave the city its name. Or maybe you like castles? Take a steam train from Swanage to the village of Corfe and visit the magical Corfe Castle.
For a more contemporary feel, don't miss out on Bristol with its thriving urban culture, or Southampton and Portsmouth for the shopping, and of course, London, one of the most famous cities in the world. From history and art, to shopping and nightlife, you can't miss a visit to our capital city.