Planning to go to uni in Plymouth? We’ve got 12 reasons why that’s a great idea.
Updated: 10 Mar 2025
If you’re applying to university in the UK, Plymouth is an excellent choice. Located in the beautiful south west of England, Plymouth has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. With stunning beaches, rolling hills and access to two National Parks just a few miles away, there's no shortage of outdoor activities and breathtaking views.
As a city, Plymouth has much to offer students, from lively nightlife and vibrant cultural events to easy access to Europe for city breaks. The unis in Plymouth are forward-thinking institutions offering teaching facilities across many subject areas from engineering and computer science all the way through to criminal justice and health sciences. With top-of-the-line teaching equipment, library resources and digital support services available on campus 24/7, you'll be sure of getting the most out of your uni experience when you study at a Plymouth uni.
The University of Plymouth offers excellent resources across a wide range of subject areas, coming in the top ten UK unis for several subject areas including optometry, ophthalmics & orthoptics and physiotherapy (Complete University Guide 2025) and a large student population. Plymouth Marjon has a small, close-knit student population, and offers students excellent student support, coming 9th in the UK for student support in the 2024 WUSCAs.
Plymouth is located in the beautiful south west of England, with stunning beaches, rolling hills and access to two National Parks. After a long week of studying and attending lectures, what better way to relax than sunbathing on the beach or taking a walk in one of the beautiful National Parks?
Plymouth has a vibrant, student-centric nightlife culture, with bars including the Roundabout and Tiger Milk. Popular student clubs include Fever & Boutique and Popworld. For those who prefer to go out for dinner rather than drinks, Positano and Cap’n Jaspers are popular choices.
Famous faces including Olympic diver Tom Daley, actor and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and journalist Angela Rippon are from Plymouth, so you’ll be walking the same streets they used to.
Plymouth offers a great quality of life, with low crime rates and plenty of green spaces to enjoy. Plymouth’s crime rate is lower than average for the UK and the city has parks including Beaumont Park and Tothill Park where you can enjoy a weekend ramble and a picnic.
The Plymouth Original Strength Gin is distilled in the city, at the UK’s oldest working gin distillery.
It’s a port city, and many famous faces have sailed to or from the city. Famous names who passed through Plymouth port include Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin, Charles Darwin and Catherine of Aragon.
There are many employment opportunities available in Plymouth for students looking for part-time or full-time work during their studies. The city has a lot of hospitality and retail positions, which are common student jobs thanks to their flexibility with hours.
The climate in Plymouth is milder than other parts of the UK, making it a more comfortable place to live and study. As it’s on the south coast, the weather is generally a bit warmer than further north in the UK and there’s a lower chance of snow disrupting your plans.
Plymouth is home to a diverse population, providing an enriching and multicultural experience for students from all backgrounds. The city overall has a reputation for being warm, welcoming and safe, making it a perfect place to live independently for the first time.
Both unis in Plymouth have great reputations for graduate employability. The University of Plymouth has 90% of graduates finding work or further study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2021), while 92% of Plymouth Marjon’s graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE 2021).
There are two unusual fruits named after the city – the Plymouth Pear and the Plymouth Strawberry, which has an unusual spiny appearance.
Going to university in Plymouth is an exciting and rewarding experience. With an engaging cultural scene, stunning beaches and rolling hills to explore, plus easy access to two National Parks, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. On top of this, Plymouth has a great quality of life with low crime rates, making it the perfect place for students looking for a welcoming home-away-from-home.
Plymouth is a great place for students to explore, have fun and make memories. Whether you’re looking for an exciting night out or a more relaxed day trip, there’s something for everyone in the city. From music, theatre and comedy performances to museums, galleries and outdoor activities, young people will find plenty of things to keep them busy. With so much to see and do, Plymouth is a great choice for your uni city.