Bristol is known as the birthplace of Banksy’s street art, hot air balloons, and the renowned University of Bristol (UoB) and University of West England (UWE). The vibrant and bustling city is a cultural and educational hub, but is it good for student life? In this article, we will discuss what makes Bristol a suitable home for students, and explore whether it’s the right fit for your university experience.
Bristol has the best nightlife
Vittoria
Bristol’s nightlife scene reflects the city’s artistic and diverse nature, offering something for everyone, whether you crave pub crawls, a quick catch-up, or a celebration. Every night out lets you indulge in budget-friendly bars, lively nightclubs, and energetic entertainment venues. If you fancy a casual location (away from the chaos of Wednesday Sports Nights!), I recommend the Vittoria on Whiteladies Road. The cosy vibe and a weekly special cocktail make it perfect for those looking for a relaxed environment. You can also check out these cocktail bars to completely embrace Bristol’s nightlife!
Seamus O’Donnell’s
For those looking for a more exciting atmosphere, I couldn’t recommend Seamus O’Donnell’s enough. Located in the city centre, the pub has friendly and attentive staff who provide excellent drinks and ensure customers are comfortable. Also, the Irish pub hosts ‘Thank Drag It’s Friday’ weekly, a live drag show packed with high-energy and entertaining performances.
The Brass Pig
If a nightclub is more your style, the Brass Pig is one of the more popular venues for nights out. The club has two levels, one which primarily acts as a dancefloor and a less crowded top floor with a small, quiet balcony that allows you to unwind away from the music. The Brass Pig became one of my favourite clubs, due to its two distinct floors offering the perfect balance of an energising dancefloor and a laid-back space, so I never felt overwhelmed on a night out.
Love Saves the Day
Bristol is also home to the Love Saves the Day festival, located in Ashton Court, which welcomes over 30,000 attendees a day. The festival showcases a variety of music genres, including drum and bass (A Little Sound), electronic (Addison Groove), and house (Josh Baker). Whether you want a laid-back evening or an all-out party, there is always something for students and always a reason to stay out just a little longer!
It’s got great neighbourhoods to explore and live in
Clifton is one of Bristol’s most picturesque and elegant neighbourhoods. The Clifton Downs is an open green space located near the Avon Gorge, ideal for picnics or walks with friends. Less than 20 minutes away, Clifton Suspension Bridge provides one of the most scenic and gorgeous views of Bristol. Exploring this beautiful area of Bristol as a first-year student offered a relaxing escape from the stress and turmoil I experienced moving to university. The Clifton Arcade, found within Clifton Village, is a Victorian shopping arcade with over 20 independent businesses to explore on weekends or after lectures. The blend of beautiful green spaces and charming Victorian architecture made Clifton a regular retreat during my first year in Bristol.
There’s loads to do in Bristol City Centre
Bristol Old Vic Theatre
During one of my reading weeks, instead of returning home, I stayed in Bristol and explored the city’s historic landmarks and modern atmosphere. One evening, I attended a performance at the Bristol Old Vic, one of the oldest continuously working theatres in the English-speaking world. I was immediately amazed that the theatre still had the gorgeous Georgian auditorium and original 18th-century seating in the gallery! After the captivating performance of ‘A Good House’ (by Amy Jephta and Nancy Medina), I would eagerly recommend the theatre to all students.
St Nicholas Market
Similar to the Old Vic, St Nicholas Market is a historical remnant of Georgian England, as it was established in the mid-18th century. The market is a labyrinth of street food, artisan crafts, and eccentric accessories. Every time you enter the market, you’ll discover something new, whether it’s unique gifts, a hidden gem of a food stall, or inspiration for a new project. This is a perfect trip for students because it is a budget-friendly way to try international cuisine and enjoy Bristol’s history and local culture while only being a 20-minute walk away from the university.
Harbourside
One of Bristol’s city centre gems is the magnificent Harbourside area lined with restaurants, bars, and pubs. Post-exam season, the Harbourside is popular with students enjoying a drink and soaking up some sunshine. I remember heading there with friends after we had finished our assessments, just wandering around the scenic surroundings. Even though the Harbour may not have the same excitement as lively clubs and busy markets, it does offer a lovely place to unwind and relax, which may be what you need after a stressful week of exams!
Shopping
If you want to go on a shopping trip with your friends, Cabot Circus is a shopping centre situated in the heart of Bristol’s Shopping Quarter. The centre has around 120 stores, including an H&M, LUSH, and Apple store, making it popular with shoppers of all ages. You might find yourself spending all day at Cabot Circus with eateries such as Five Guys and KFC, and leisure stores including King Pins and Treetop Golf. If you would rather shop in local businesses, Park Street will be perfect for you! Vintage boutiques, bookshops, and cafes adorn the sloped street. As an English student, The Last Bookshop has been amazing for finding required reading books while supporting small and local businesses.
It’s easy to stay active in Bristol
Bristol’s steep hills will keep you active, but if you’re looking for a different kind of workout, the city has plenty to offer. From soaking up the sun by the harbourside to cycling through scenic spaces, you can stay moving while exploring the wonders of Bristol.
Water-based activities
The beautiful harbourside is frequently used for water-based activities, including canoeing, paddleboarding, and rowing! Located at the Baltic Wharf, All-Aboard Watersports caters to those living with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds. They also offer sailing, powerboating and paddleboarding courses for children, adults, and anyone with additional needs.
Cycling
If you’d prefer to remain on land, Sustrans has plenty of options to choose from. The Strawberry Line takes you through cider apple orchards and the historic, medieval town of Axbridge, before finishing near the Cheddar Gorge. A more popular route is the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. The path follows a disused railway line passing through Bitton and Saltford, which you can use as stopping points on your journey.
Getting around is really easy
One of the best things about living and studying in Bristol is how walkable the city is, especially around the university campuses and city centre. I did initially find the city’s hills daunting, but after a few journeys uphill to campus, I quickly embraced it as it allowed me to admire the beautiful scenery. Walking to the city centre became one of my favourite trips because many of the buildings have amazing pieces of graffiti. Every time I walked to the city centre, I discovered a new artwork in the city.
The bus system can be navigated through the First Bus app making it easy to access and use. The bus route connects student areas such as university campuses, accommodation, and the city centre. For trips home or weekends away, Bristol Temple Meads is the main station to catch trains to London, Cardiff, Reading, and Bath. Temple Meads can be easily reached via bus, foot, or by taking a train from Clifton Down station meaning trips home are stress and worry-free!
Bristol is an excellent city for student life, providing a balance of nightlife, social spaces, and culture. With both UoB and UWE being known as excellent universities, choosing to study in Bristol means gaining not only an amazing education but also the opportunity to live in a vibrant, lively city. If you’ve fallen for the vibrant and exciting city, take a look at these articles discussing the University of Bristol and West England!
