Parking - options for new student in 2025
I knew Bournemouth in the 1990s and now my kid is thinking about Bournemouth in 2025 (has an offer).
We lived life on the edge back then, parked cars on any piece of grass or dumped them anywhere but of course, no CCTV and little action that could be taken for infringements
My guess is that she'll have a student room in town near the Lansdowne and need to commute to Talbot Campus. Please, this isn't a "use the bus" argument.
She might get a permit for Talbot but what are the realistic options if not ?
Student accommodation in town looks like it was built with near zero parking (WTF ?) aka Dorchester House.
So what did or do you do for parking ?
We lived life on the edge back then, parked cars on any piece of grass or dumped them anywhere but of course, no CCTV and little action that could be taken for infringements
My guess is that she'll have a student room in town near the Lansdowne and need to commute to Talbot Campus. Please, this isn't a "use the bus" argument.
She might get a permit for Talbot but what are the realistic options if not ?
Student accommodation in town looks like it was built with near zero parking (WTF ?) aka Dorchester House.
So what did or do you do for parking ?
It’s about £100 a month for a permit to park in central car parks (including Madeira Rd).
Are you/she expecting to use the car to commute to campus? Or for a different purpose.
It’s very uncommon for students living in halls to bring a car or attempt to commute by car - it’s incredibly expensive compared to the bus. Some universities/halls include a clause in the contract that you agree not to bring a car into the city/town
Are you/she expecting to use the car to commute to campus? Or for a different purpose.
It’s very uncommon for students living in halls to bring a car or attempt to commute by car - it’s incredibly expensive compared to the bus. Some universities/halls include a clause in the contract that you agree not to bring a car into the city/town
(edited 11 months ago)
Reply 2
5
With respect, cost is not material in this case. It is about quality and ease of life.
Of course, commuting to Talbot Campus is an issue but perhaps not insurmountable to get parking permission in or around the campus.
I am more concerned about where to park near the student accommodation. Multi storey carparks attract the worst of people and any car left unattended for 2 or 3 days will almost certainly be broken into over time.
Clauses in contracts mean next to nothing either really. It would be unusual for a student to own the car in their own name.
For those reading in the months and years to come, I am thinking it might be better to wait until there is a rented house with parking rather than whilst in student accommodation.
However, having surveyed the options, again for future readers, I offer the following potential solutions.
At Talbot Campus, do a deal with someone nearby who will let you park. Prospective cost in 2025 I estimate at £20+ a week, £100 a month.
In town, outside the obvious multi storey, offer similar money to a far better parking option. Remember loads of small hotels are broke during winter and they used to house Bournemouth University students back in the day so they are even more skint now. £50/100 a month for an unused parking spot would be welcome to many I think.
Of course, commuting to Talbot Campus is an issue but perhaps not insurmountable to get parking permission in or around the campus.
I am more concerned about where to park near the student accommodation. Multi storey carparks attract the worst of people and any car left unattended for 2 or 3 days will almost certainly be broken into over time.
Clauses in contracts mean next to nothing either really. It would be unusual for a student to own the car in their own name.
For those reading in the months and years to come, I am thinking it might be better to wait until there is a rented house with parking rather than whilst in student accommodation.
However, having surveyed the options, again for future readers, I offer the following potential solutions.
At Talbot Campus, do a deal with someone nearby who will let you park. Prospective cost in 2025 I estimate at £20+ a week, £100 a month.
In town, outside the obvious multi storey, offer similar money to a far better parking option. Remember loads of small hotels are broke during winter and they used to house Bournemouth University students back in the day so they are even more skint now. £50/100 a month for an unused parking spot would be welcome to many I think.
Madeira road multistory is next to Bournemouth central police station. It’s not a standard city centre multistory carpark.
Reply 4
Hi there,
It’s great to hear that your child is considering Bournemouth University – it’s certainly come a long way since the 1990s! Things have changed quite a bit, including how parking works around the university.
You're right that most of the student accommodations near Lansdowne, like Dorchester House, are designed with minimal parking spaces. This is partly due to the emphasis on public transport and active travel around Bournemouth. That said, I completely understand the concerns around parking.
But I totally understand the parking concerns – it can definitely feel a bit tricky at first. Personally, I didn’t feel the need for a car as student at Bournemouth, and I found that the bus services around town are incredibly reliable. The UniBus is especially convenient, running regularly between campus and accommodation areas, so getting around was never an issue for me.
When it comes to second year, a lot of students do choose to bring their cars once they move into shared housing or more permanent accommodation. This gives them peace of mind in knowing they have a vehicle available if they need it, especially if they live a bit further from campus. Many students find it safer to park their cars in residential areas or designated spaces near their homes.
So while parking in student accommodation can be limited, there are plenty of ways to get around, and the bus network is usually more than enough for most students. It’s all about finding what works best for you!
Hope that helps, and if you have more questions, feel free to reach out!
Best, Chloe
It’s great to hear that your child is considering Bournemouth University – it’s certainly come a long way since the 1990s! Things have changed quite a bit, including how parking works around the university.
You're right that most of the student accommodations near Lansdowne, like Dorchester House, are designed with minimal parking spaces. This is partly due to the emphasis on public transport and active travel around Bournemouth. That said, I completely understand the concerns around parking.
But I totally understand the parking concerns – it can definitely feel a bit tricky at first. Personally, I didn’t feel the need for a car as student at Bournemouth, and I found that the bus services around town are incredibly reliable. The UniBus is especially convenient, running regularly between campus and accommodation areas, so getting around was never an issue for me.
When it comes to second year, a lot of students do choose to bring their cars once they move into shared housing or more permanent accommodation. This gives them peace of mind in knowing they have a vehicle available if they need it, especially if they live a bit further from campus. Many students find it safer to park their cars in residential areas or designated spaces near their homes.
So while parking in student accommodation can be limited, there are plenty of ways to get around, and the bus network is usually more than enough for most students. It’s all about finding what works best for you!
Hope that helps, and if you have more questions, feel free to reach out!
Best, Chloe
Reply 5
Rent a parking spot from the residents living in a nearby flats that are open to workers and professionals. There may be more parking spaces or garages in that kind of flats. There is only a limited number of pre-approved student permit holders can park at Talbot Campus. When driving for class, get a valid e-permit parking in advance, especially during restricted hours (7am-4pm, Monday to Friday).
Reply 6
Original post
by torrenovaI knew Bournemouth in the 1990s and now my kid is thinking about Bournemouth in 2025 (has an offer).
We lived life on the edge back then, parked cars on any piece of grass or dumped them anywhere but of course, no CCTV and little action that could be taken for infringements
My guess is that she'll have a student room in town near the Lansdowne and need to commute to Talbot Campus. Please, this isn't a "use the bus" argument.
She might get a permit for Talbot but what are the realistic options if not ?
Student accommodation in town looks like it was built with near zero parking (WTF ?) aka Dorchester House.
So what did or do you do for parking ?
We lived life on the edge back then, parked cars on any piece of grass or dumped them anywhere but of course, no CCTV and little action that could be taken for infringements
My guess is that she'll have a student room in town near the Lansdowne and need to commute to Talbot Campus. Please, this isn't a "use the bus" argument.
She might get a permit for Talbot but what are the realistic options if not ?
Student accommodation in town looks like it was built with near zero parking (WTF ?) aka Dorchester House.
So what did or do you do for parking ?
Student accommodation at Bournemouth University, except for the Student Village, offers limited parking. Parking permits are hard to get and only granted for specific needs;
•
Living more than 10 miles from Talbot Campus during term time
•
Having a child aged 12 or under
•
Being a registered disabled Blue Badge holder
•
Having a medical condition that impedes studies
•
Having official carer responsibilities
That said, the most practical time for her to have a car is in second year, when students often move into shared houses. Most of those will have driveways or free street parking, making it much easier (and cheaper) to keep a car ☺️.
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