Plymouth City Guide
Plymouth is known by many as ‘Britain’s Ocean City’, and it definitely deserves the title! Sitting on the West edge of Devon, next to Cornwall, the coastal city offers some great student amenities along with incredible views of the Plymouth Sound and Dartmoor.
It’s a safe and affordable city with plenty of accommodation to choose from. It also has all the great features of a bigger city without the busyness! In the heart of the area, you'll find Drake's Circus shopping centre, entertainment spots, nightlife venues and more!
Universities
The main universities include the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marjon University. The University of Plymouth offers a diverse range of courses including degrees in marine and ocean sciences, healthcare, and environmental science. Recently awarded TEF Gold across all categories, the university is also in the top 5 for life below water and top 3 for zero hunger sustainable development goals whilst being the second carbon-neutral UK university.
Plymouth Marjon University is popular for its sport and exercise science degrees as well as education and teaching courses, being ranked no. 3 in England for student satisfaction.
Student Areas and Accommodation
Most students live around the city centre as it’s the closest to most universities and facilities. Some students will also choose to live in surrounding areas, like Mutley Plain, which are great for affordability and varied accommodation options.
In the first year, most students opt for student halls. Whether in university-managed or private halls, it’s a great way to meet new people, especially when moving to a new city knowing little to no people in the area! After the first year, sharing houses or smaller apartments/studios are a good choice for those who are keen to move in with friendship groups or wanting some more independence away from halls.
Getting around
Public transport is good throughout the city and generally cheap and reliable. Buses run across the city, in addition to coach/train links across the country and e-bike rental schemes. Plymouth can be accessed from London and nationwide via quick and comfortable train lines, such as Cross-Country and Great Western rail, from Plymouth train station (just minutes from the University of Plymouth) as well as National Express coaches from the city coach station.
Generally, nothing is ever too far in the city for students, and many will opt to walk shorter distances to get to shops, restaurants, and campus buildings. However, it’s never an issue to get to the beaches of Cornwall and Dorset, or for walks on Dartmoor via bus, train, or cars (which can be parked in season-ticketed car parks or where there is free street parking). Bristol and Exeter airports are the closest for flights, with London airports reachable by rail for longer distances/more travel options.
Food and drink
Top student spots and fan favourites include Zephyr Burger next to the University of Plymouth, The Earlybird for great brunch options, The Stable for cider and pizza, and Armado Lounge in the Barbican harbour for tapas and cocktails. There’s certainly plenty of options to choose from across the city with a range of cuisines and price points, from fast food chains to indie-eats and fine dining. The Cornish Bakery and Jacka Bakery (the oldest in Britain!) on the Barbican high street offer up some great baked goods and study spots too.
Always check with restaurants and cafés for student discounts as they will often honour them so don’t forget your student ID!
Nightlife
If you’re keen for a classic student night out, university SU’s, Walkabout, The Roundabout, Wetherspoons, The Depo, and Switch are all popular venues for a drink or two. For a change of pace, Twist Board Game café, the Plymouth Pavilions music venue, Boom Battle Bar, and Caffeine Club might offer an alternative evening from the clubs and pubs!
Study spots
Popular study spots include university libraries or cafés on the Barbican and throughout the city centre and high street. Depending on whether you like some peace and quiet or a bit more hustle and bustle, there are always a variety of options to choose from to get some work done outside of your timetabled lectures.
Local amenities
Sainsbury’s, Lidl, and Aldi are popular larger supermarket stores for students and are the nearest to the city centre, with smaller Tesco Express or Co-Op stores across the city for a quick stock up.
Many universities will offer their own gym memberships, whilst there are also a variety of options across the city including Pure Gym, The Gym, and Nuffield Leisure. For those who enjoy some sports, most universities will have some sports clubs and events with some hosting larger tournaments, such as those between Plymouth and Marjon each year.
Doctor’s surgeries are found across the city and some, like Peverell Park University Medical Centre, offer surgeries specifically for students whilst at university, so be sure to sign up with a new GP when moving. Derriford hospital is the closest major facility with A&E.
Insider tips
Make the most of Plymouth’s superb location and go for a swim in the UK’s first National Marine Park, go for a hike on Dartmoor, check out some local beaches, or travel a little further to explore some of the main attractions across the South West- you wouldn’t want to miss what Devon has to offer whilst at university!
