Top 5 Things To Do in Plymouth
How to live your best life in Britain’s Ocean City.

Moving to a new country is one of the most exciting things a student can do! Of course, joining a brand-new culture can be a little overwhelming. Let us take you through some of the Top 5 budget-friendly activities in the city.
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Explore the Waterfront and Royal William Yard
Plymouth Hoe is one of the most iconic spots in the city. You may recognise the famous lighthouse from our University prospectus! Grab yourself a coffee, take a selfie, and go enjoy a stroll next to the ocean. The views across Plymouth Sound are stunning, especially at sunset.
Just a short walk from the city-centre campus, Royal William Yard is a historic naval site full of independent cafés, art shops, and regular markets. You’ll find beautiful architecture in this area. It’s the ideal place to chill with friends or try something new.
⭐ Money-saving tip: Feeling brave? Pack a towel and go wild sea swimming. It’s completely FREE and a wonderful way to relax after class.
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Discover a taste of home
If you’re craving a meal from your home country, or if you’d like to try something new, Plymouth has a wide range of international restaurants and cafés. You can find authentic curries, fresh sushi, spicy noodles, and Mediterranean favourites right here in the city centre.
⭐ Student challenge: Start a global food check-list! Choose a different restaurant each week with your friends and see how many countries you can ‘visit’ without leaving town.
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Go for a coastal walk
One of the best things about living by the sea is having the South West Coast Path on our doorstep. From Mount Batten to Jennycliff, or even all the way to Bovisand Beach, the views are spectacular.
⭐ Pro tip: There are regular ferries across the harbour, so remember to bring your student card for a VIP discount.
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Visit The Box: Plymouth’s free museum & art gallery
Yes, we said FREE. The Box is an award-winning museum and cultural space that’s packed full of exciting exhibits. Think giant woolly mammoths, immersive exhibitions, and a variety of events and workshops. It’s a great place to learn all about the history of your University city.
⭐ Fun fact: This is a brilliant rainy day activity, just a few minutes away from campus.
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Join a UPSU Society or try a local workshop
Want to meet people or try something new? Good news! There’s a UPSU Society for pretty much everything. From hiking and photography, to baking and gardening. You could also check out local community centres that run classes in things like pottery, yoga, or creative writing.
⭐ Why it matters: Getting involved is one of the best ways to feel at home and make real connections at University.
Live your best life
It’s all about growing and evolving. Find your tribe and immerse yourself in the local culture! Plymouth has plenty of things for you to discover. We find that some of the best memories in life come from random adventures, making new friends, and ongoing self-discovery.
So get out there! It’s your time to explore.
My favourite place to unwind in the city is Plymouth Hoe. The fact that I live in a coastal town is comforting to me. I often cook food at home and bring it to the Hoe at lunchtime. I like to be outdoors, you’ve just got to watch out for the seagulls…!
Iann, from Singapore Foundation in Health and Human Sciences at UPIC