University of Plymouth

Location: Plymouth

12 Gibraltar Students each year

No direct flight from Gibraltar

The University of Plymouth is known for being affordable, practical, and welcoming. It offers a wide variety of career-focused degrees, especially strong in marine science, health, business, and engineering.

Plymouth has a reputation for good student support, a safe and friendly environment, and one of the UK’s mildest climates. It’s also known for good graduate employment rates, offering plenty of local job and placement opportunities.
Teaching is hands-on, with a focus on real-world skills and applied research.

The city’s low cost of living and coastal setting make it a great option for students who want quality education without high expenses.

Uni Website

Transport

Closest Airport with direct flights from Gibraltar

Bristol Airport (BRS)
Bristol Airport is the nearest airport with direct flights to Gibraltar for students in Plymouth, situated about 150 km to the northeast. Travel options include:
- Train: Journeys from Plymouth to Bristol Airport typically take between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 15 minutes, with ticket prices starting from £6.25.
- Bus: National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus run regular services. Journey times are around 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes, with fares starting from £12 depending on time and operator.
From Bristol Airport, easyJet operates 2 to 3 direct flights to Gibraltar a week, with flight durations around 2 hours 45 minutes.

Return ticket prices generally range from £70 to £85, depending on booking time and season.
Nearest Airport

Exeter Airport (EXT)
Exeter Airport is the nearest option for Plymouth students flying to Malaga, located about 80 km to the northeast.
Travel options include:
- Train: Plymouth to Exeter St Davids takes around 1 hour, with tickets averaging between £10 and £20. From there, it’s a 15–25 minute bus or taxi to the airport.
- Bus: National Express and Megabus run regular services to Exeter, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes and costing around £8 to £15. You can then take a local bus or taxi to the airport.
Exeter Airport serves Malaga with seasonal flights, mostly via Ryanair and TUI Airways. These flights operate multiple times per week in peak seasons.

Return tickets typically cost £60 to £120, with a flight time of around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Transport costs

Low
Getting around Plymouth is simple and affordable, with a variety of public transport and walking options well-suited to student life.
- Bus Travel: Single fares are capped at £2 under the government scheme. Plymouth Citybus and Stagecoach serve the city, and students get 15% off with a university ID.
- Bus Passes: Monthly passes cost around £50, and there are multi-day and flexible travel options for those who don’t travel daily.
- Cycling and Walking: Plymouth is walkable and has a growing network of cycle paths. Many students use bikes for short trips around the city and campus.
- Rail Travel: Plymouth is well connected by train to other major cities. Students with a 16–25 Railcard (costing £30/year) save up to a third on most train fares, with routes to Exeter, Bristol, and London frequently used.

Going Out

Nightlife

Plymouth’s nightlife is centered around areas like Union Street, North Hill, and the Barbican, offering a mix of traditional pubs and modern clubs. Key spots include:

The SU Bar: Located on campus, it hosts various student events and themed nights.
The Roundabout: A popular pub among students, known for its affordable drinks and lively atmosphere.
The Union Rooms (Wetherspoons): Offers budget-friendly food and drinks in a spacious setting.
Pryzm: A large nightclub featuring multiple rooms with different music genres.
Annabel’s Cabaret & Discotheque: Known for its diverse range of live performances and club nights.

Students generally rate Plymouth’s nightlife as average, but the variety ensures there’s something for everyone.

General Costs

The cost of living in Plymouth is relatively low compared to other UK cities. Students report spending around £100-250 per month on essentials, excluding rent. Affordable housing, student discounts, and budget-friendly venues contribute to the city’s reputation as a cost-effective place to study.

Facilities and Day-to-Day Life

Facilities

Libraries & Study Spaces: The Charles Seale-Hayne Library provides extensive study areas, computer access, and a wide range of academic resources.
Sports & Recreation: The Nancy Astor Sports Centre includes a gym, sports hall, and fitness classes. Plymouth offers over 50 sports clubs, catering to various interests.
Cafés & Restaurants: On-campus dining options include the Reservoir Café and Drake’s Kitchen, offering affordable meals and snacks.
Students’ Union & Social Spaces: The Students’ Union hosts over 100 societies, ranging from academic to hobbyist groups, fostering a vibrant student community.

Day-to-Day Life

Plymouth offers a vibrant student life, with students heading to the Hoe for beach outings, water sports, and scenic coastal walks.

Mutley Plain buzzes with cafes and social spots, while the Plymouth Barbican provides a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences.

The National Marine Aquarium is a popular destination for marine enthusiasts.

Accomodation

On-Campus Accommodation

The University of Plymouth provides 2 accommodation types:

En-Suite Rooms: Private room with en-suite bathroom, shared kitchen. £200-215 per week.
Shared Rooms: Twin rooms shared with another student—more affordable but less private. £134 per week.

All university accommodation includes Wi-Fi, heating, study desks, and laundry access.

Living on campus is popular with first-year students and offers easy access to uni life and facilities.

Off-Campus Accommodation

Off-campus housing in Plymouth includes private flats and shared houses, often at lower prices than halls.
It allows students to choose who they live with and offers more flexibility in location and lifestyle. The university provides guidance to help students find trusted landlords.

Campuses

The University of Plymouth’s main campus, Plymouth City Centre, is located in the city centre, close to shops, cafes, and the seafront. It hosts the Faculties of Arts, Humanities and Business; Science and Engineering; and Health. Notable facilities include the Roland Levinsky Building, a creative hub for arts, and the Marine Station, supporting marine and environmental science students.

There are also additional campuses in Derriford, Exeter, and Truro, used for healthcare, medical training, and research purposes.

What do Gibraltar students say about this University?

“By the sea with a close-knit campus, friendly people, helpful lecturers, and a hands-on course with plenty of time in labs and at the beach. It’s quite isolated from other unis, so pick it if the course is your main priority.”

1st Year Student, Marine biology