Student Accommodation in Plymouth: A City Guide for 2026/27

Plymouth is a vibrant coastal city in Devon, home to over 30,000 students across the University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University and City College Plymouth. It offers a distinctive combination of city amenities, maritime heritage and exceptional access to the natural landscapes of Devon and Cornwall. Plymouth is generally affordable by UK standards, with accommodation costs and living expenses lower than in cities like Bristol or Exeter. This guide covers where students live in Plymouth, what PBSA costs and includes, and how to get around the city.

_{Photo: Discovery Heights, Plymouth}

Universities in Plymouth

University of Plymouth is the largest university in the city, with a campus in the city centre on Drake Circus. It is known for strong provision in marine science, engineering, health and the arts, and attracts students from across the UK and internationally. Most university buildings are within easy walking distance of the city centre and Plymouth's main PBSA.

Arts University Plymouth (AUP) is a specialist creative arts institution based on Tavistock Place in the city centre, adjacent to the University of Plymouth campus. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fine art, design, film and digital media.

Plymouth Marjon University is based on a campus in Derriford, north of the city centre, around 20–30 minutes by bus. It specialises in education, sport, health and the arts, and has a smaller, more community-focused feel than the University of Plymouth.

City College Plymouth is a large further education college with several sites across the city, offering vocational courses, A-levels, apprenticeships and higher education programmes.

Where do students live in Plymouth?

Plymouth is a relatively spread-out city, though most student areas are within a manageable distance of the University of Plymouth and Arts University Plymouth in the city centre.

City Centre and Drake Circus

The city centre is the most convenient location for University of Plymouth and AUP students, with both campuses within walking distance. PBSA is concentrated here, offering a range of room types. Plymouth's city centre has a compact retail and leisure core around Drake Circus and Armada Way, with good bus connections to other parts of the city.

Mutley Plain

Mutley Plain is a popular student area immediately north of the city centre, with a high density of student house shares, independent shops, cafés and bars along the main road. It is within walking distance of the University of Plymouth campus and is one of the most established student neighbourhoods in the city.

Greenbank and Lipson

Greenbank and Lipson are residential areas east of the city centre, popular with students looking for more affordable private rents while staying within reasonable distance of the university. Bus connections to the campus and city centre are available.

Stoke and Morice Town

Stoke and Morice Town are areas to the west of the city centre, with lower rents than Mutley Plain and reasonable bus connections. They are less traditional student areas but attract students on tighter budgets.

Derriford

Derriford is in north Plymouth, close to Plymouth Marjon University and Derriford Hospital. It suits Marjon students or those in health-related programmes at the hospital. Bus connections to the city centre are available but the journey takes longer than from more central areas.

Types of student accommodation in Plymouth

Students in Plymouth choose between university-managed halls, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and privately rented houses.

University halls are typically offered to first-year students. The University of Plymouth offers accommodation to eligible first-years who apply by the relevant deadline.

PBSA in Plymouth is concentrated primarily in the city centre, within walking distance of the University of Plymouth and AUP. Bills are typically included, which helps with budgeting. Room types range from en-suite rooms in shared flats to self-contained studios.

Private house shares are popular with continuing students, particularly in Mutley Plain and Greenbank. Plymouth's private rented market is generally affordable compared to Exeter or Bristol.

Featured student residences in Plymouth

The following properties are listed in full on Hallbookers with room types, facilities and location details.

• Plymouth Cross House En-suite from £144.00 — View full listing
• Saltwater Place En-suite from £125.00 — View full listing
• Frobisher House En-suite from £115.00 — View full listing
• The Old Dairy En-suite from £150.00 — View full listing
• Discovery Heights En-suite from £168.00 — View full listing

What does student accommodation cost in Plymouth?

Plymouth is one of the more affordable student cities in the South West. PBSA rents typically range from around £120 to £220 per week, depending on room type and location — noticeably lower than Exeter or Bristol. En-suite rooms in shared flats sit at the lower end; self-contained studios sit toward the top. Most contracts run for 41–51 weeks and bills are usually included.

Private house shares in Mutley Plain and Greenbank typically cost between £450 and £600 per person per month, excluding bills — lower than comparable university cities in the South West. Plymouth's relative affordability is one of its practical advantages for students on tighter budgets.

Contents insurance is not always included in PBSA — worth checking before you book. Laundry facilities are usually on-site but coin or card-operated rather than free.

Getting around Plymouth

Plymouth does not have a tram or metro system. Buses are the primary way most students travel across the city. Plymouth Citybus operates the main network, with frequent services connecting the city centre, the University of Plymouth, Mutley Plain and surrounding residential areas. A multi-journey ticket or weekly pass is worth considering for regular commuters.

The city centre is compact and most university buildings for the University of Plymouth and AUP are within walking distance of each other and of the main PBSA developments. Mutley Plain is within walking distance of the campus for most students.

Cycling is possible in Plymouth, though the city is hilly in places — the waterfront and city centre areas are more manageable on a bike than the residential areas to the north and east.

Plymouth train station connects the city to London Paddington in approximately 3 hours by direct service, Exeter in under 1 hour, and Bristol in around 1 hour 45 minutes. The station is accessible from the city centre by bus or on foot.

One of Plymouth's distinctive advantages is its access to the outdoors. Dartmoor National Park is around 30 minutes by bus, and the Devon and Cornwall coasts are within easy reach by bus or train — making Plymouth a practical base for students who value access to natural landscapes.

Student life in Plymouth

University of Plymouth Students' Union (UPSU) is based on the city-centre campus and runs clubs, societies, events and independent advice services for University of Plymouth students throughout the academic year.

Plymouth is a maritime city with a distinctive character shaped by its naval history. The Barbican — Plymouth's historic quarter — is one of the most popular areas for students, with independent restaurants, bars and cafés alongside the working harbour. The Royal William Yard, a converted Royal Navy victualling yard on the waterfront, is one of Plymouth's most distinctive leisure destinations. Plymouth Hoe — the famous clifftop park overlooking Plymouth Sound — is within walking distance of the city centre and offers some of the finest views in the South West.

The National Marine Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the UK, is on the waterfront and offers student discounts. Drake Circus Shopping Centre covers most retail needs in the city centre. Plymouth's nightlife is centred on the Union Street area and the Barbican, with a range of bars and clubs within easy reach of the main student areas.

Plymouth's transport connections, while not as fast as more central UK cities, give students access to London, Bristol and Exeter by train, and to Dartmoor and the coast by bus — making it a city that rewards students who want both urban and outdoor experiences.

Frequently asked questions about student accommodation in Plymouth

Where do most students live in Plymouth?

University of Plymouth and AUP students most commonly live in the city centre, Mutley Plain or Greenbank. Mutley Plain is the most established student area for private house shares. First-year students often live in PBSA in the city centre, within walking distance of both campuses.

How much does student accommodation cost in Plymouth?

PBSA in Plymouth typically ranges from around £120 to £220 per week, with bills usually included. Private house shares cost approximately £450–£600 per person per month, excluding bills. Plymouth is one of the more affordable student cities in the South West.

How far is Plymouth Marjon University from the city centre?

Plymouth Marjon University is based in Derriford, north of the city centre — approximately 20–30 minutes by bus. Students at Marjon typically live either near the campus or in the city centre and commute by bus.

Is Plymouth good for outdoor activities?

Yes. Dartmoor National Park is around 30 minutes by bus from Plymouth city centre, and the Devon and Cornwall coasts are accessible by bus or train. The waterfront, Plymouth Hoe and the surrounding countryside make Plymouth one of the most distinctive locations for students who value outdoor activities alongside city life.

How do students get from Plymouth to London?

Plymouth train station has direct services to London Paddington in approximately 3 hours. The station is accessible from the city centre by bus or on foot. A 16–25 Railcard gives a third off most train fares.

Is Plymouth affordable for students?

Yes. Plymouth is generally more affordable than Exeter or Bristol, both in terms of PBSA and private house shares. Living costs outside of rent — food, transport, leisure — are also lower than in many comparable university cities in the South West.

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