Life as a student in Plymouth - University of Plymouth
Source: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/city-culture
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:27
Life as a student in Plymouth - University of Plymouth
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Burrator Reservoir
, Dartmoor National Park
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna Gilmour
BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology
Get to know what Plymouth has to offer
Open days
Explore the Student Unions’ sports and social opportunities
Moving away from home to study at university
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!
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
Find popular restaurants, bars, and galleries a short walk away at
Royal William Yard
Stay caffeinated at one of the many trendy independent cafes
Summer Ball sees the spirit of the festival brought to campus
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!
Josh,
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
student
(
Plymouth is one of the world's most underrated travel destinations (Time Out, 2024)
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.
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!
Christina
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
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.
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.
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.
"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
MSc Data Science and Business Analytics
Somewhere you can be you
The city of Plymouth is lucky to be enriched by its multinational student community, diverse University staff, and the millions of tourists who visit each year.
Join one of the Student Union's many
cultural, faith and belief societies
Enjoy a taste of authentic international cuisine at the
Plymouth Market
Make cross-cultural friendships at the
Languages Café
Make social connections through
Global Buddies
Visit the
pastoral and spiritual support
team on campus
I never felt out of place or that I didn’t belong. You will always find people similar to you no matter what your background.
Asala Zeenelabedeen
BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering
graduate who made the leap from Egypt to Plymouth to study
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.
Niamh
BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations
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
Explore Dartmoor
From rambling walks to bouldering, there are loads of ways to experience the great outdoors on Plymouth’s doorstep
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
Skip to content
Burrator Reservoir
, Dartmoor National Park
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna Gilmour
BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology
Get to know what Plymouth has to offer
Open days
Explore the Student Unions’ sports and social opportunities
Moving away from home to study at university
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!
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
Find popular restaurants, bars, and galleries a short walk away at
Royal William Yard
Stay caffeinated at one of the many trendy independent cafes
Summer Ball sees the spirit of the festival brought to campus
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!
Josh,
BSc (Hons) Computer Science
student
(
Plymouth is one of the world's most underrated travel destinations (Time Out, 2024)
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.
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!
Christina
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
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.
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.
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.
"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
MSc Data Science and Business Analytics
Somewhere you can be you
The city of Plymouth is lucky to be enriched by its multinational student community, diverse University staff, and the millions of tourists who visit each year.
Join one of the Student Union's many
cultural, faith and belief societies
Enjoy a taste of authentic international cuisine at the
Plymouth Market
Make cross-cultural friendships at the
Languages Café
Make social connections through
Global Buddies
Visit the
pastoral and spiritual support
team on campus
I never felt out of place or that I didn’t belong. You will always find people similar to you no matter what your background.
Asala Zeenelabedeen
BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering
graduate who made the leap from Egypt to Plymouth to study
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.
Niamh
BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations
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
Explore Dartmoor
From rambling walks to bouldering, there are loads of ways to experience the great outdoors on Plymouth’s doorstep
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