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 is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Visiting professors, Siobhan Harrington and Sarah Herbert. Both Siobhan and Sarah are senior leaders from University Hospitals Dorset (UHD)
On Tuesday 17 March 2026, HRH The Princess Royal, Chancellor of Health Sciences University (HSU), attended the inauguration of the Health Sciences University Chancellor’s Fund.
We are delighted to announce that Jordan Cummins has been appointed Chair of the Health Sciences University's Board of Governors. Jordan will join the Board following the end of Jeni Bremner's tenure as Chair in March.
A pioneering community dance programme in Dorset is enabling older adults living with chronic lower back pain to move more, fear less and reconnect socially.
On Thursday 5th 2026, March Health Sciences University was delighted to host a vibrant evening celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 for the Dorset Police Women’s Inspire Network (WIN) and the Women’s Network at University Hospitals Dorset.
For Health Sciences University, training the next generation of highly skilled and compassionate speech and language therapists has never been more pressing, as the UK Government publishes its long-awaited Schools White Paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, which outlines “a vision for education for the next decade”.
