Seven miles of sandy beaches, a lively multicultural town, and a quiet seaside suburb to call home. Here's what life looks like when you study with us.
Southbourne is a safe, friendly residential area where young families and professionals live. Award-winning eateries, independent cafés and boutique shops line the high street — and Fisherman's Walk, a Green Flag park, leads straight to clifftop beach views.
✓
10 minutes to the beachOne of the longest sandy beaches in England, on your doorstep.
✓
Everything walkableAll our homestay hosts are within walking distance of the school; great bus routes and a railway station nearby.
✓
Bournemouth on tapA lively university town with Victorian gardens, a Blue Flag beach, shopping and nightlife — 15 minutes by bus.
Plan your stay
Everything you need to know
Travelling to Britain
Airports, transfers and your arrival day, step by step.
See the classrooms, garden, games room — and how close the beach really is.
Life by the sea
Bournemouth & Southbourne
Beach & PierSouthbourne BeachDeckchairs on the beachSunset volleyballKitesurfingEast Cliff at night
Before you pack
What to wear in Bournemouth
Bournemouth is one of the mildest, sunniest places in the UK — but it sits on the coast, so there is almost always a sea breeze. The trick is layers you can add and remove, not one heavy coat.
Spring · Mar–May7–15°C
Changeable, and often beautiful
Bright mornings can turn to rain by lunchtime. Bring a light waterproof jacket, a jumper or hoodie, long trousers and comfortable trainers. A folding umbrella lives in most students' bags by week two.
Summer · Jun–Aug15–23°C
Warm days, cool evenings
T-shirts, shorts and sandals for the day, plus swimwear and a beach towel — the sea is a ten-minute walk away. Always pack a jumper or light jacket for the evening, and sun cream and sunglasses: the UK sun is stronger than visitors expect.
Autumn · Sep–Nov8–18°C
Mild at first, then wet
September often feels like summer. By November you'll want a warm waterproof coat, a scarf, and shoes that cope with rain. Layers matter most in this season — classrooms are heated, the walk to school is not.
Winter · Dec–Feb3–9°C
Cold and damp rather than freezing
Snow is rare here, but the wind off the sea makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Bring a properly warm waterproof coat, a hat, gloves, a scarf and warm socks. Waterproof shoes or boots make a real difference.
Bring, whatever the season
A waterproof jacket with a hood — more useful here than an umbrella on windy days
Comfortable walking shoes: most students walk to school and into Southbourne every day
An adaptor for UK three-pin plugs
One smart outfit for evenings out and end-of-course celebrations
Any regular medication, with a copy of the prescription
Don't over-pack. Southbourne Grove and Bournemouth town centre have everything you might have forgotten, usually cheaper than paying for extra baggage.
No obligation · Fast reply
Get your free personalised quote
Tell us a little about you and we'll reply within one working day with prices, dates and availability.
