Life as a student in Plymouth

Plymouth is surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, providing opportunities to escape the city for peace and serenity
Burrator Reservoir, Dartmoor National Park

Burrator Reservoir, Dartmoor National Park

Life as a student in Plymouth

Food and drink with a sea view when you want to relax, or watersports when you're seeking thrills, Plymouth’s unique waterfront is perfect for all lifestyles and moods
View of Drake's Island over Plymouth Sound

Life as a student in Plymouth

The main campus is right in the centre of one of the top 25 most populated cities in the UK
Panoramic view of the city of Plymouth on a bright sunny day
 
 

Student lifestyle and nightlife

Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene. Clubs, bars, cafes, and live music, there's always something going on.
There’s lots of choice when looking for bars and pubs close to campus, whether you’re looking for somewhere to catch a game, some celebratory cocktails or casual drinks. Bar Rakuda is at the centre of the Barbican, with an abundance of covered outdoor seating, views over the harbour and live music. Rakuda is a popular spot no matter what the season! The Roundabout is a stone’s throw from campus, and a perfect spot to meet after your Friday lectures or to watch a football match with your mates. Switch and Air Plymouth are opposite campus on the renowned North Hill; together they make a popular spot with students, as both bars offer lots of drink deals, dancing opportunities, and are open until 6am!
Explore Plymouth - top 15 best student city. Students enjoying a night out in a bar
The Barbican, Plymouth. Getty Images
The Barbican isn’t just the place to sample freshly caught fish – its chic bars and cosy cafes are the city’s prime location for mates, dates, and nights to remember
Royal WIlliam Yard
Find popular restaurants, bars, and galleries a short walk away at Royal William Yard
Student life prime
Stay caffeinated at one of the many trendy independent cafes
2016 summer ball
Summer Ball sees the spirit of the festival brought to campus
Illuminate 2019
Late-night hangouts, festivals, open-air cinemas – Plymouth isn't a city that sleeps
 
 

There is a lot to do in terms of nightlife here. The Students' Union is a prime spot where there are loads of events that take place, and after dark it turns into a club, which is the best I've been to!

 
 
Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast! Plymouth Hoe overlooks several beaches with easy access to the water. Otherwise, just off Royal William Yard, you’ll find Firestone Bay. This official bathing water is a popular spot for swimmers and paddleboarders alike.
Swimmers in the sea

Plymouth is so beautiful and things like going paddle boarding, wild swimming and watching the sunrise by the sea are actually the best things ever. I love it so much!

Need to know

International students in the city centre laughing and walking.
Getting around the city
With a focus on sustainable travel our city-centre campus makes getting around on foot, by bike, or bus, simple. The majority of accommodation options are found on or in close proximity to campus, which keeps things simple and convenient.
Police in the community
Safety in the city
Our campus has a security team and we work closely with the local police to ensure that our campus and surrounding area is safe for our students.
Students and Ambassadors on campus during an Open Day, sitting in the sun outside the Students' Union entrance
Campus culture
As well as being where you'll spend time studying, our main campus is a hive of activity, providing social spaces, including the Students' Union, and easy access to the library and support services.

One of the UK's most affordable cities for students

Plymouth is one of the cheapest cities in the UK to live as a student, with living costs around 48% cheaper than London and 25% cheaper than Bristol (livingcost.org).
Student in library looking to camera
"In Plymouth, you won’t spend too much on your monthly expenses because it’s a very compact city. You don’t spend too much on transportation."
Abdalbast
 
 
 
 
Multi coloured shops line the cobbled streets of Plymouth's historic Barbican
Multi-coloured shops, cafes, bars, and galleries line the cobbled streets of Plymouth's historic Barbican

Plymouth is an intricate city filled with hidden gems such as antique shops, little cafes with reading corners and amazing food! My flatmates and I try to explore as much as possible, and it still feels like a little holiday every time.

 
 
 

Beyond the city

St Ives
Car-free day trips away from the city
From picturesque beaches to quirky towns, the south-west has loads of places to visit, all within reach from Plymouth by public transport
Lawrence Dartmoor
Explore Dartmoor
From rambling walks to bouldering, there are loads of ways to experience the great outdoors on Plymouth’s doorstep
University of Plymouth Student Life Magazine issue 6
Five best bike rides in Plymouth
From mountain bike trails to the smooth roads criss-crossing Dartmoor, five students from our cycling club share their top places to go for a ride