A thriving neighbourhood
Southbourne is a thriving neighbourhood, where you can experience independent shops and eateries, sip on the famous local beer, or wander to the clifftops and take in the idyllic vistas.
A great place to live while you study
Southbourne is the home of cool independent shops, edgy restaurants delivering artisan cuisine, and lots of places to enjoy a locally brewed beer or a signature cocktail.
Just a five minute stroll away from Parkwood Campus, Southbourne is also a great place to live while you study. Many Health Sciences University students live in the area, with easy access to public transport links and plenty of amenities on your doorstep to ensure comfortable student living.
Beyond the suburban high street, you can take a quick stroll to the clifftops where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the bay and fresh sea air. A meander through the beautiful Fisherman Walk, a Green Flag winning park, will take you to the famous zigzags. For those of you interested in fitness and health, the seven miles of beach and promenade offer the perfect running route, and if you’re brave, the zigzags are great for an additional cardio ‘challenge’.
Mixing the elegance of tradition with fresh ideas
For a more relaxed approach, a Sunday morning walk down to the beach huts may be more to your liking. Unwind by indulging in a Sunday Roast from one of the lovely local pubs. Tuck in while you enjoy freshly prepared and locally sourced delicacies.
If you’re a true foodie, Southbourne is the place for rustic deli’s and mouth-watering bakery’s, such as BH24. Wash down a tasty morsel with a trip to one of the many micro-breweries, or one of the independent coffee shops. One of our favourites is Velo Domestique, a trendy cycle cafe and a huge hit with students. Grab a coffee and do some of that all important reading, or drop by to get your bike road-ready for exploring the coast.
Keep active with Southbourne Tennis Club, who provide competitive and social tennis activities for all ages and abilities. Southbourne also offers a number of outdoor gym areas along the beach front, so you can take your workout into nature. Who doesn’t want to pump iron with the sound of waves and the sun setting in the background.
Discover more
Discover more about Dorset and some of the amazing locations right on HSU’s door step.
News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at Health Sciences University.
Health Sciences University (HSU) and the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM) are delighted to announce a significant milestone for both institutions, as the process for CICM to join the HSU community is completed.
Health Sciences University is seeking additional Lay Members to join its Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC). This is a voluntary, unpaid role, open to members of the public. You do not need any experience of research or of university committees to take part.
Health Sciences University has become one of 50 founding signatories to the UK Government’s new Women in Research Charter, launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 July 2026.
Health Sciences University (HSU) joins other universities across the South including the University of Portsmouth, Southampton Solent University, the University of Chichester, Arts University Bournemouth and the University of Winchester, to create a Shared Virtual Technology Transfer Office (SV-TTO) - a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the Wessex region.
Health Sciences University (HSU) and UK Management College (UKMC) and have announced a new academic partnership that will expand access to high-quality higher education and create new opportunities for students across the north of England.
HSU graduate Ben Samways studied BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Health Science before progressing into strength and conditioning with an MSc at Bournemouth University.
