Five indisputable things you should never ever do as a Bournemouth University student

Nervous about moving down to Bournemouth Uni? Here’s what you should never do to make the transition to uni life as smooth as possible

2 months ago | UPDATED 2 months ago

Honor Dench

Guides
BOURNEMOUTH

Welcome to Bournemouth University! You’ve done all the hard work to get here, and the pressure is finally off, but instead of relaxing and enjoying this extremely wet summer, you are most likely dealing with an insane amount of nerves about moving in. But don’t fret, for we’re here to settle those nerves and prepare you for the craziest and happiest years of your life. Take out your notepads and buckle up – here’s a list of five things you should never do as a Bournemouth Uni student.

Don’t go to Toast Tuesday and think you will make it to your Wednesday 9am….

If you are new to Bournemouth, then you are yet to discover the magical night of Toast Tuesday. It’s a mashup of clubbing, drunken singing and breakfast at your local PopWorld. But while you are dancing away to the 2000’s classics and munching down on a slice of Nutella toast, it’s very easy to forget about that 9am lecture in only a few hours. If you’re planning on going to Toast, then don’t tell your course friends they’ll see you in the morning…. We both know you’ll have forgotten to even set your alarms and leave them sitting alone!

Don’t forget your footy shirt!

Everyone knows the best way to make friends is through sports. But let’s be realistic, no one wants to be playing a muddy five aside on a Wednesday afternoon in the Bournemouth rain. Instead, bring your footy shirt and proudly wear it to the pub to watch the next game. Whether you’re a dedicated AFCB Bournemouth fan, an unfortunate Spurs supporter or just wearing the Bellingham shirt for a fashion statement – who cares?! Watching the football with your flatmates is a great way to socialise and bond. Head down to The George Tapps or Sharkeys and have a laugh with your newfound housemates and make the most of living near a premier league club!

Don’t panic pick your housemates

From the second you arrive at Bournemouth Uni every second and third year student will tell you to start sorting out your house for next year. To be honest, they are right. The good accommodations go very quickly and you’re often left viewing some awfully decorated home that looks as though it’s still in 1940. But take your time to evaluate whether your friends and flatmates are really as clean as they say they are, or if it’s all just a part of the first month act! If their dishes start piling up in the sink and their rubbish never makes it in the bin, ask yourself if you really want to look at that mess for a second year?

And if you are the messy housemate then we recommend you start cleaning asap or you’ll be looking at studio apartments very soon…

Don’t stop going to the beach

Heartbroken? Hungover? Or just have a raging headache? Bournemouth beach will cure it all. As the old wives tale goes, there is nothing quite like the salty breeze of the beach to keep you healthy and happy. And if the beach air isn’t what will cheer you up, then the adorably friendly goats at the top of the hill certainly will. Bournemouth beach really is the gift that keeps on giving, and just to make student life easier, it’s free!

Spend the first few nights sat on the lifeguard towers ’til the early morning nattering with your new friends, or bring a BBQ and an eight pack of Lidl burgers down when it’s sunny – make the most of the coast while you can, because if you aren’t from a beach town you will definitely miss it when you move home for summer!

Don’t skip out on A-list card

One of the greatest parts of Bournemouth is the A list discount card. The card is a little pricey at £35 BUT offers a lot of really great discount offers that will help you through the year. You can get free entry at some of the clubs, 20 per cent off a tattoo and two for one cocktails but the real holy grail of the A list card is you can get two large Dominos pizzas and a garlic bread for £17.98!

It doesn’t really get better than that, especially when you’ve just got home from the pub and completely forgot to do the weekly food shop. Although be warned, if you do buy an A list almost everyone you know will be begging to borrow it every night!