As a ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ student, you can be proud to be part of a community that celebrates diversity, sustainability and inclusivity.
Our Athena Swan Bronze award recognises our commitment to gender equality, while the Students’ Union at ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ (SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ) has Investors in Diversity accreditation. SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ also operates , promoting intersectionality across the university and beyond.
This all contributes to creating a vibrant learning environment that’s focused on helping you thrive throughout your studies with us.
Discover SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ – our award-winning Students’ Union
When you start at ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ, you automatically become a member of Students’ Union ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ University.
Run by students, for students, SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ is here to make your experience better. It helps you make friends, be heard, find things to do and offers support when you need it.
You can get involved as much or as little as you’d like. SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ offers hundreds of exciting opportunities, events, campaigns and services, designed to make your time at ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ the best it can be.
In particular, you can take your pick from over 80 clubs and societies. And if there isn’t one that represents your interests, SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ can help you to set up your own.Â
The union also has its very own nightclub, the Old Fire Station – including rooms that can be hired for club and society events – or if you prefer a more laid-back vibe, there’s Dylan’s Bar & Kitchen on Talbot Campus. The Student Shop, also on Talbot, provides a means to grab snacks, merch and study essentials on campus, with all profits going back into SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ.
To close the academic year, SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ puts on the country’s largest Summer Ball send-off for 5,000 fancy-dress-clad students.
Watch highlights from SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ’s 2023 Freshers Fair
Make a difference with SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ
As as well as the eclectic mix of clubs and societies on offer and the variety of social venues, SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ also offers leadership opportunities to all its members – a great way to enhance your CV.Â
You could be involved as a Student Rep or in lots of other elected roles. If you’re passionate about writing and production, there’s a big media team at SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ who run a radio station, TV channel and a magazine.
The volunteering arm of SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ offers loads of opportunities too. As well as giving something back and doing your bit, it’s another great way to impress potential employers.
Art, music and sport
In addition to everything on offer from SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ, there are lots of other extracurricular activities to take part in while you’re at ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ. They’re a great way to meet students with similar interests and to take a break from your studies.
Whether you’re passionate about the arts or sport (or both), we’ve got something for everyone. With a music centre, a number of choirs and orchestras, an art gallery and fantastic sports facilities, the only difficult decision you’ll have to make is what you want to do first.Â
What’s more, if you’re already a talented athlete or musician, we offer a number of scholarships every year to help you take your talent to the next level.Â
Explore ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ scholarships Keep active with Sport¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ
Zechariah Johnson, MSc Data Science and AI student & Sport Scholar
My experience at ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ has been fantastic. I highly recommend the sports programme and education to anyone wanting to pursue their passions. ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ has exceeded my expectations in every way.
ResLife¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ – building a community spirit
If you decide to live in ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ accommodation, you’ll have access to ResLife¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ – our jam-packed skills, social and wellbeing programme which makes sure that your uni experience doesn’t stop when you finish studying for the day.
Run by students as ResLife¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ reps, you can get involved in a whole range of activities, such as the Colour Run, quiz nights, crafts workshops and yoga on the beach (among many more). They’re a great way to get to know your flatmates better and meet other students.
As with SU¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ and ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ extracurricular opportunities, you can involve yourself as much or as little as you like in ResLife¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ; it’s completely up to you. If you become a ResLife¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ rep, you’ll be a point of contact for students in your accommodation and help to organise and run events (another valuable addition to your CV).
See some of the activities co-ordinated by ResLife¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ
Ethically and environmentally responsible
Ethical business practices and environmental sustainability are embedded in our courses, research and throughout the ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ community. Â
As the university has grown its estate, we have reduced our carbon footprint by 36% since 2018/19 and we are aiming for net zero emissions by 2030/31. We’re continuing to invest in energy and water conservation measures, achieving high sustainability build standards, encouraging positive behaviours of staff and students, and benefiting from a reduction in grid electricity carbon emissions.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in sustainability initiatives when you study with us – from volunteering for activities like beach cleans to enhancing sustainability within ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ. The Biodiversity Group, for example, features both staff and student members and is tasked with supporting the implementation of our Biodiversity Policy and Action Plan to improve the quality of habitats for wildlife on campus. Visit our Sustainability section to find out more.
on sustainable shops in ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ:
Not only is sustainability at the heart of ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ but there are lots of sustainable shops in ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ and the local area. These include: Just1Swap, Sunrise Organics and Almond & Co.
A stunning local area
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ, Poole and the surrounding areas are blessed with stunning scenery.
From the famous seven-mile stretch of beach and the picturesque Poole Harbour to our beautiful parks and gardens, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.Â
Plus, if you’re keen to venture further afield during your time with us, you’ll discover miles upon miles of forests to the east (including the ) and the striking  to the west. It’s the perfect base to explore more of what the south coast has to offer.
We’re also fortunate to boast a vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of independent, charismatic town centre pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants – many of which offer student discounts.
on what ¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ has to offer
¶¹ÄÌÊÓƵ has a number of open spaces to explore. From woodlands and forests, to gardens and beaches, there is so much to discover in your spare time.