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Information for new students

Find everything you need for the best possible start to your life at BU.

If you’re joining us in September, we can’t wait to welcome you to the BU community. On these pages you will find everything you need for the best possible start to your life at BU, including how to get here, what to bring, preparing for your course, things to do when you arrive, and more.

If you’re looking specifically for details about Covid-19 for this academic year, please refer to our Covid-19 FAQ page.

Getting started

Your Virtual Learning Environment

Brightspace, our Virtual Learning Environment will be essential throughout your time at BU with information about your course, events and activities as well as access to your BU email.

Getting around campus

Find your way around with our Talbot and Lansdowne Campus maps, as well as our getting around campus webpage which includes information about building names and room numbers.

We advise not to bring your car to university and instead to make use of the excellent cycle, bus and rail networks in the area. You can find out more about your travel options on our services on campus webpage.

Finance, fees and funding

Make sure you’ve thought about living expenses, budgeting and setting up a UK bank account if you’re arriving from overseas. You may also want to find out more about fees and funding for arriving students in the form of student loans, bursaries, scholarships or sponsorship.

IT systems & support

BU students have access to a wide range of IT facilities, tools, services and support. This page should give you all the information you need to get started and to make the most of them. 

Student life

Talbot Campus is where you'll find facilities such as The Sir Michael Cobham Library, the Student Centre (where our Students' Union offices are based), the £22 million Fusion Building and the brand new Poole Gateway Building

Important documents to read

Here’s where you’ll find all the BU policies and procedures that you need to be aware of, including the Student Agreement.
A collage of students from BU either on placement, or in their roles after graduating

Get ahead

Our degrees are designed to make you globally employable, and a lot of what you can do alongside your course is all about giving you a competitive advantage.

A large group of students and staff in the Student Centre

Your Students’ Union

Find out about the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU) – the home of clubs and societies and a source of support throughout your studies.