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Student guide to Falmouth

If Falmouth is on your list of places to live for uni, then our guide to student life in the town is exactly what you need to get all your most pressing questions answered. 

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
04 Jul 2023

Falmouth is perhaps one of the most unique university towns in the UK. Perched at the very tip of Cornwall’s southern coastline, reaching way out into the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by water to the south, west, and east, this can only mean one thing. Beaches. Lots of beaches. A student paradise, with a fantastic modern university and plenty of coffee shops, independent cafés and top-quality seafood restaurants, Falmouth is also known for having a strong culture of art and music, with loads of exhibitions and festivals to explore. Want to know more? Our guide gives you an idea of what to expect in this hidden gem of a uni town. 

Student activities in Falmouth


Falmouth University has a really strong creative scene, and there are frequent opportunities to attend or participate in live music events, comedy performances, theatre shows, and art exhibitions. The town is buzzing with creativity, and you’ll find inexpensive tickets to most events. You can often apply your student discount to save a few more pennies. The Falmouth University Students’ Union is the best place to start, since they’ll be actively promoting events within the university community, so be sure to check out their programme of events to see what’s on.  

Check out our list of the top 10 student things to do in Falmouth.

Nightlife in Falmouth


Despite its size and location Falmouth has a surprisingly wide selection of bars and clubs. The high street is alive with activity all through the week, and especially at the weekend, and there are loads of student-oriented events and club nights to discover. Keep an eye out for discounted student entry and drinks deals, there are plenty around, and it can be a great way to cut loose without breaking the bank. Here are three that you should definitely check out: 

Mangos Falmouth. Mangos is a student favourite and for good reason. A vibrant and versatile bar with a large bar, week drinks deals and a busy dance floor upstairs, serving a wide range of music genres, from R&B to disco, house and techno. It’s open until late, and all your mates are going. What more can you say? 

Toast of Falmouth. Toast is an intimate bar in the heart of the town which has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with tasteful decor and stylish range of premium cocktails, wines, and spirits. It’s a great place for a night of conversation and cocktails, and they run a programme of regular events with music, DJs and even stand-up comedy. 

The Cornish Bank. One of the biggest and most established local venues, The Cornish Bank curates a premium lineup of local and international talent, running major events throughout the year. The interior is eclectic and unique, and don’t forget to check out their wall of suitcases on your way to the bar.  

Student costs in Falmouth


As a first-year student, you’ll have the option to start off in Falmouth University halls of residence. The university has inexpensive student housing in both Penryn and Falmouth, which is also highly sociable and super convenient, since all utilities bills, internet, and contents insurance is inclusive within the rent price. Facilities differ slightly between locations, but can include laundry rooms, gardens, common rooms with video games and pool tables, and many rooms come with an amazing ocean view. Prices range from £160 - £210 depending on room size, bathroom facilities and location. Catered rooms are also available, at higher prices. 

When renting locally, you can expect to pay £890 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, or approximately £1,450 for a shared three-bedroom house. This works out at less than £500 per person per month, however you should consider the cost of utilities bills, which will add £70 per month to this amount, as well as extras like internet and insurance.

Read more about the cost of living in Falmouth.

Transport in Falmouth


Falmouth is small and very easy to get around on foot or by bike. There is a local bus service, which costs £2.60 for a single journey, or £45 for a monthly pass which, to be honest, is very good value. That’s unlimited travel for just £1.50 per day. Taxis can be quite expensive, but unusually there are several boat services with routes up and down the coastline, and along the River Fal. It’s not everywhere that you can take a boat to uni! 

Student costs in Falmouth 


The average UK student spends about £130 per month on grocery shopping, so use this as a guide for food expenses and you should easily be able to stay within a reasonable student budget. As well as groceries, you’ll need a budget for going out! A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will set you back around £15, while a pint of beer will probably cost £4-£5 in most places. 

Keep some cash aside for uni expenses which might not be covered by your tuition fees such as extra reading material, softwares or printing and photocopying credits. 

Learn more about the cost of living for students in Falmouth. 

What Falmouth is famous for

Beaches. Miles of sandy beaches, within glorious walking distance of your uni accommodation. Falmouth is a coastal paradise location for surfers, swimmers, sailors and all kinds of water sportspeople. It does help if you or one of your mates has a car to get to some of the more secret locations, but in general, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Expect beach parties, camping trips, outdoor adventures and some of the UK’s most beautiful wildlife and scenery.  

Universities in Falmouth


Falmouth University is a modern institution with a strong specialism in the creative arts and marine related courses. It is one of the UK's leading contemporary art schools and provides a unique opportunity to get degree course in such a stunning coastal location. Popular courses include art, illustration, acting, theatre, music, film and television, fashion and textiles, and architecture. The school has fantastic facilities having undergone extensive investment and expansion in recent years. There are around 5,300 students at Falmouth which accounts for approximately 25% of the town’s population.


If we've convinced you to study at Falmouth University, start searching for courses now.

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