Discover the best universities, events, and experiences that make Bath the perfect city for students
Bath is home to two prestigious institutions offering exceptional education and student experiences.
Consistently ranked in the UK top 10, the University of Bath is renowned for excellent teaching, strong industry placements, and outstanding graduate employment — set on a stunning campus above the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath.
The University of Bath holds TEF Gold — the highest possible teaching quality rating. It's consistently ranked in the UK top 10, with one of the country's best placement year programmes and exceptional graduate employment outcomes across all faculties.
Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the world — Georgian architecture, Roman history, and a stunning natural landscape. Bristol is just 15 minutes away. London is 90 minutes by train. The campus sits on Claverton Down with sweeping views across the city.
With 20,000+ students from over 130 countries and more than 100 student societies, Bath has a vibrant and inclusive campus life. The Students' Union is consistently rated among the best in the UK — organising events, sports, and welfare support year-round.
Bath is more expensive than Northern cities but cheaper than London. Average student rent runs £650–£900/month. The university offers bursaries and scholarships, and the placement year programme lets many students earn a full salary before their final year.
Bath Spa University is known for its creative and arts programmes, strong education degrees, and a warm, inclusive community — set across beautiful campuses in and around one of the UK's most iconic cities.
Bath Spa is TEF Silver rated and particularly celebrated for its creative arts, education, and humanities programmes. Around 89% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months — with strong links to arts organisations, schools, and creative industries.
Bath Spa's main Newton Park campus is set in stunning countryside just outside Bath city centre — a beautiful Georgian estate with lake and grounds. The city itself is extraordinary: Roman history, independent culture, and Bristol just 15 minutes away by train.
With around 8,000 students, Bath Spa has an intimate and inclusive community where it's easy to build genuine friendships from week one. The SU runs regular events, arts showcases, and societies, and the creative culture means collaboration is always in the air.
Bath Spa offers competitive tuition fees and a range of bursaries and scholarships. The Newton Park campus location means some student housing is more affordable than central Bath, and Bristol's cheaper rental market is within easy commuting distance.
Discover the best areas to live based on your budget, lifestyle and university.
The beating heart of Bath student life — packed with terraced houses, independent cafés, takeaways, and bars. Oldfield Park is the go-to neighbourhood for second and third-year students at both Bath universities.
A quieter, residential neighbourhood popular with students who want a calmer base — close to Oldfield Park's amenities but with slightly lower rents and a more relaxed, community feel away from the bustle.
Living in central Bath means Roman Baths, Pulteney Bridge, and the best restaurants on your doorstep. More expensive than student areas, but unbeatable for those who want to be in the heart of one of England's most beautiful cities.
A charming village-like neighbourhood northeast of the city centre — known for its independent butchers, deli, and pub, and beloved by postgrads and mature students who want character and community over student crowds.
Bath's most affordable student neighbourhood — west of the city centre with good bus routes in and a growing independent scene. Ideal for students on a tight budget who still want easy access to university and the city.
Picturesque villages on the edge of Bath — popular with postgrads and those who want a countryside escape without leaving the city behind. The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath is on your doorstep for cycling and walking.
Everything you need to know about student accommodation in Bath.
Secure your student accommodation using these four steps the year before moving in.
Start researching areas and viewing properties for next year. Get a feel for the market before competition heats up.
Peak house hunting season — the best properties go fast. View, decide, and secure your place early!
Last chance to secure places and sign contracts. Don't leave it any later — good options will be gone.
Finalise details, arrange deposits, and prepare to move in. Summer admin sorted before the new year starts.
The best websites and resources for finding student housing in Bath — from official university portals to local letting agents.
Our in-depth review of the top local letting agencies in Bath — rated for responsiveness, value, and student experience.
The official accommodation portal for the University of Bath — covering on-campus halls at Claverton Down, catered options, and private sector guidance for all years.
Visit siteOfficial housing support for Bath Spa students — covering halls at Newton Park and Locksbrook Road campuses, plus private sector listings for returning students.
Visit siteReputable nationwide student accommodation site with hundreds of Bath listings — great for finding shared houses and flats in Oldfield Park, Twerton, and beyond.
Visit siteStudent property search across Bath with thousands of listings. Filter by area, price, and number of bedrooms to find the right fit in Oldfield Park, Southdown, or Larkhall.
Visit siteSearch private rentals and shared houses across Bath. Great for comparing prices across Oldfield Park, Twerton, Southdown, and Larkhall.
Visit siteFind individual rooms in shared houses across Bath — perfect for joining an existing household or finding housemates in Oldfield Park or Twerton.
Visit siteA dedicated local letting agency specialising in student properties across Bath's main student neighbourhoods — all listings independently vetted with clear tenancy guidance.
Visit siteOne of the UK's largest private student accommodation providers, with purpose-built properties in Bath offering modern en-suite rooms and studios close to both university campuses.
Visit siteGet a realistic estimate of living costs in Bath with our interactive calculator
From the best student nights out to walking routes around the town, get to know Bath with our range of guides written by local students.
Whether your child is considering studying in Bath or already enrolled, this guide covers costs, safety, accommodation, and what life is really like as a student in one of England's most beautiful and historic cities.
Both universities guarantee first-year students on-campus accommodation — University of Bath at Claverton Down, Bath Spa at Newton Park and Locksbrook Road. From second year, most students move to shared houses in Oldfield Park or Twerton, which are Bath's main student neighbourhoods.
Bath is more expensive than Northern cities but comparable to Oxford and significantly cheaper than London. Both universities offer bursaries and scholarships. University of Bath's placement year programme also means many students earn a full salary before their final year, which can substantially reduce debt.
Bath has two excellent universities: the University of Bath — ranked in the UK top 10 and TEF Gold — known for engineering, business, and exceptional placement rates. Bath Spa University is TEF Silver, celebrated for creative arts, education, and humanities, with around 89% graduate employment.
University of Bath parent guide →Both universities provide counselling, mental health advisors, financial hardship funds, disability services, and academic mentoring. The University of Bath's Students' Union is consistently rated among the UK's best for welfare provision and student engagement.
University of Bath wellbeing →Parents are warmly welcomed at both Bath university open days. Tour the campuses, meet academic staff, and get honest answers about fees, placements, courses, and student life — in one of the most beautiful campus settings in the UK.
View University of Bath open days →From the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent to the Kennet & Avon Canal, independent theatres, and the vibrant food scene — Bath is a genuinely extraordinary place to spend three years. Bristol is just 15 minutes away, adding another world-class city to students' doorstep.
Bath is consistently rated one of the UK's safest cities. It's compact, well-lit, and very walkable. Student areas like Oldfield Park have a strong community feel and are well-served by local transport. Both universities have active security and welfare teams, and the overall environment is welcoming and low-risk.
Typical monthly costs range from £1,000–£1,300 including rent, food, transport, and social life. Rent averages £600–£850/month depending on area. Both universities offer bursaries, and University of Bath students on placement years often earn a full salary — which can significantly reduce the overall cost of their degree.
Both universities provide counselling, mental health advisors, financial hardship funds, and academic support. The University of Bath Students' Union runs active welfare programmes and is highly rated for student experience. Bath Spa also has strong personal tutoring and pastoral care built into its smaller, more intimate academic culture.
Bath is 90 minutes from London Paddington by direct train — one of the UK's most scenic and reliable rail routes. Bristol is just 15 minutes away. When you visit, the city itself is extraordinary: the Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, and dozens of independent restaurants and cafés make parent weekends a genuine pleasure.
Both Bath universities welcome parents at open days — tour the campuses, meet academic and welfare staff, and get honest answers about placements, student life, fees, bursaries, and support available.
Everything you need to know about student life in Bath.
