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.
HSU graduate Ben Samways studied BSc (Hons) Sport, Exercise and Health Science before progressing into strength and conditioning with an MSc at Bournemouth University.
HSU graduate Nikita completed BSc Clinical Exercise Science before progressing to an MSc in Health Education and Promotion and a PhD in Tobacco Control at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
HSU graduate Joel Kearney studied BSc Clinical Exercise Science before progressing into elite sport performance, biomechanics and strength and conditioning. Following an MSc at LJMU, UKSCA accreditation and a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship PhD, Joel has worked with organisations including Liverpool FC, British Cycling, British Gymnastics and the FA, and is now Head of Strength & Conditioning at Championship Rugby Union side Caldy RFC.
Since joining HSU in 2023, Billy Coleman has been teaching across the BSc and MSc Sport Rehabilitation programmes while also coordinating student placements. A BASRaT-accredited practitioner and HSU MSc Sport Rehabilitation & Therapy graduate, they combine teaching with hands-on industry experience at Wimborne Town FC and Bournemouth Heart Club, supporting patients across cardiac, respiratory, diabetes and cancer rehabilitation.
Health Sciences University has appointed internationally recognised clinician, researcher and educator Professor Jeremy Lewis PhD FCSP as a Professorial Research Fellow within its Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Innovation (IMHI).
HSU graduate Sam Bigley studied BSc Exercise Science (Health and Rehabilitation) before progressing into respiratory and prehospital care.