Affordable Eats in Bournemouth: Best Places for Students to Eat Out

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Living in Bournemouth is a fantastic experience for students, thanks to its vibrant coastal vibe, buzzing nightlife and a wealth of places to eat. However, being a student often means balancing a budget, and finding cheap places to eat in Bournemouth is essential for maintaining those student finances while enjoying all the culinary delights the town has to offer. Whether you’re craving a quick bite, international cuisine, or something plant-based, this guide will help you discover the best student restaurants in Bournemouth, ensuring your taste buds are satisfied without breaking the bank.

Bournemouth boasts a lively food scene, reflecting its diverse community and welcoming atmosphere. From trendy coffee spots to bustling street food markets and sit-down restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Many eateries in Bournemouth understand the student struggle and cater specifically to tight budgets, offering meal deals, discounts and affordable menu options. With so many student-friendly restaurants, Bournemouth makes dining out both enjoyable and pocket-friendly.

Best affordable eats in Bournemouth

Let’s dive into some of the top budget eats in Bournemouth that serve up fantastic food for students.

1. Cafes and coffee spots

  • When cooking feels like too much effort or you need a cosy spot to study, Bournemouth has a range of cafes perfect for students.
  • South Coast Coffee: A haven for coffee lovers, this laid-back cafe offers delicious brunch options, like avocado toast and pancakes, all at reasonable prices. Their student discount makes it even more affordable for a midday snack or study session.
  • Espresso Kitchen: Known for its quirky decor and artisan coffee, this spot serves up budget-friendly bites, including sandwiches and pastries, perfect for grabbing on the go.
  • Mad Cucumber: This vegan cafe isn’t just for plant-based eaters. Their hearty soups, fresh salads and vegan cakes are both delicious and affordable, making it a favourite for students, no matter what their dietary preference.

2. Cheap eats for lunch

Need a satisfying lunch that won’t empty your wallet? Check out these options for student-friendly midday meals.

  • The Real Greek: With their affordable lunch menu offering wraps, dips and mezze plates, this is a great spot for a filling and flavour-packed meal.
  • Ojo Rojo: For something a bit different, try their affordable lunch bowls and small plates inspired by Mexican street food.

3. Street Food and Takeaways

Bournemouth’s street food scene is thriving, with food trucks and pop-ups offering some of the best budget eats in town. Chicken & Blues ranks high on our best takeaway spots for students. Their takeaway menu features hearty portions of Southern-style chicken, with special student meal deals making it a go-to for a quick, satisfying dinner.For a whole range of takeaways to explore, like Slim Chickens and Lezzat Kebab for those post-party meals, essential for preventing a hangover, be sure to download Just Eat, Uber Eats or Deliveroo to have your fave food delivered to your door at the touch of a button.

4. International cuisine

Craving something exotic? Bournemouth is home to a variety of international eateries serving up global flavours at low costs.

  • Thai Smile: Offering authentic Thai dishes, this spot is known for its flavourful curries and noodle plates.
  • Noodlebar: Perfect for a quick and affordable Chinese meal, their generous portions of stir-fries and dumplings are a hit with students.
  • Indian Ocean: If you’re after a spicy kick, this Indian restaurant offers affordable meal deals on curries, naan and rice dishes, making it one of the best student restaurants in Bournemouth.

5. Vegetarian and vegan options

For veggie and vegan students, Bournemouth has plenty of options that cater to plant-based diets without inflating costs.

  • Zizzi: This chain offers a dedicated vegan menu with pizzas and pastas, and students can take advantage of frequent deals and discounts.
  • Twelve Eatery: An award-winning vegan restaurant, Twelve Eatery serves up beautifully presented dishes at surprisingly reasonable prices for the quality.
  • The Hungry Herbivore: From burgers to loaded fries, this local favourite spot offers budget-friendly vegan comfort food for you to enjoy.

6. Student discounts and meal deals

Looking for student-friendly restaurants in Bournemouth? Then dig out your student ID! Several restaurants go the extra mile by offering student discounts or meal deals. 

  • Nando’s: One of the best affordable eats in Bournemouth, and a favourite among students, Nando’s offers Peri-Peri chicken and sides at great value, with regular student discounts through the Nando’s Card. With delivery, dine-in and collect all available options, it’s a classic that everyone loves.
  • Wagamama: Their student discount scheme and affordable lunch menus, with vegetarian options available, make this pan-Asian chain a great option for a quick, healthy meal.
  • Pizza Express: Regular promotions and student discounts make this a go-to for affordable pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes. Just make sure you’re registered to UNiDAYS to avoid any disappointment.

Dining out as a student in Bournemouth doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or variety. From trendy cafes to international cuisine, the town is full of affordable eats that cater to every craving and dietary need. Cheap places to eat in Bournemouth for students are plentiful, offering great value and often going the extra mile with student discounts and meal deals.Exploring the best student restaurants in Bournemouth is a fun and budget-friendly way to experience the town’s diverse food scene. And with the convenience of living at Now Student Accommodation, you’re never far from these amazing eateries, so book your stay today!