I’ve always been the kind of student who didn’t quite fit into the typical idea of student life. Does that perhaps sound familiar to you, too? If so, you are not alone.
University can feel loud and fast-paced, with this unspoken pressure to always be social, always be out there, always surrounded by people. At AUB, I’ve found that it’s entirely possible to enjoy your time in a quieter, more intentional way – one that doesn’t rely on nightclubs or large groups to feel meaningful. In this article, I hope to inspire anyone else who feels the way I do, or knows someone experiencing this, to find peace within themselves during their time in Bournemouth.
If you’re more observant or introspective, one of the most helpful things you can do is begin by finding your own rhythm within Bournemouth, exploring its hidden gems as well as the better-known ones. For me, that started with simple walks to the East Cliff and Bournemouth Beach. Walking through the Lower Gardens and grabbing an ice cream, sitting on the sand, journalling or sketching while watching the waves – it becomes something grounding, especially after a long day of lectures or studio work.
The coastline is one of the main reasons I chose Bournemouth for university, and actually using it as part of my routine made my experience feel so much richer and more personal. There’s something about that transition from greenery into open coastline that feels like a reset. And walking around alone means there’s that blissful balance of stopping to admire the small joys, whilst also admiring the bigger picture.
If you have breaks during the day, even wandering around the country areas near AUB Campus can give you a moment to pause. There are so many small pockets where you can sit, observe, and just be without needing to socialise. People-watching, in particular, has become one of my favourite quiet activities when things feel overwhelming – it keeps you connected to your surroundings without draining your energy. Sometimes using people as figures to sketch is also a creative twist, and it may inspire something!
If you’re someone who enjoys a softer, more chill environment indoors, I’ve found that having a few go-to places makes a big difference. Revival Café has been one of those spaces for me – a place to sit, reflect, and just breathe for a while. Whether it’s journalling, planning ideas, or simply resting, it offers that calm aesthetic atmosphere where you don’t feel rushed. And I must admit, as a future interior architect and designer, I really admire the space, and it can be a source of inspiration too!
On the other hand, if I’m feeling stuck, bored, or in need of a small lift, I’ll head to Trove, a student-favourite creative shop. It’s one of those places where you can find little creative pieces – things that inspire you to try something new, whether that’s a craft, a gift, or even just a new way of thinking about art. It turns an ordinary afternoon into something a bit more intentional.
Journalling and scrapbooking have become a big part of how I experience my time here, and it’s something I’d really recommend trying. I’ll often take my journal to the beach, the gardens or a café and write about my day, sketch ideas, or try to make sense of thoughts that feel overwhelming. Scrapbooking, for me, is about collecting small fragments – receipts, tickets, stickers, notes – and turning them into something meaningful. I have also found that folding origami in my dorm room is a great mindful creative activity when I don't feel like going outside, and from a simple crane you could make earrings, garlands, and more. If you’re a creative, these things can become really comforting ways to process everything that university brings.
Something I wish I had understood earlier is that you don’t need to constantly “find your people” to validate your experience. Friendships can be wonderful, but they don’t have to define your entire university life. Learning to enjoy your own company – to go out alone, to explore at your own pace, to follow what your senses are drawn to – is just as important. In many ways, it’s where the most growth happens. Nature has been one of my biggest anchors through this. Whether it’s the sound of waves, the movement of trees, or even just the feeling of fresh air after being inside all day, it brings a sense of calm that balances out the intensity of creative work. I’d really encourage you to find your own version of that – something that grounds you and brings you back to yourself.
Your university experience doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. At AUB, and in Bournemouth more widely, there is so much space to shape your life in a way that feels right for you. So when you find yourself with time alone, try asking, not what you should be doing, but what would actually make you feel at ease. Sometimes, the most meaningful parts of university life are found in those quieter, more overlooked moments.
