Bristol is the largest city in the South West of England, and is home to almost 100,000 people and two universities. The city comprises multiple neighbourhoods and areas, each with its own distinct identity and unique attractions. This list compiles some of the best student neighbourhoods, whether you’re looking for a place to live, somewhere to explore, or a new shopping location.
1. Bristol City Centre
The city centre is the heart of Bristol. It has everything from great pubs and cocktail bars to amazing theatres to phenomenal restaurants. There are also plenty of student accommodation blocks in the city centre, with some including gym access in their rent! The city centre has great transport routes with Bristol Temple Meads and a surplus of bus routes, making it easy to reach campus for either of Bristol’s universities. Bristol’s Old City has the St Nicholas Market, the oldest market in Bristol, with incredible food stalls.
If you a fan of the theatre, there is a range of options. The Bristol Hippodrome features West End shows on tour, annual pantomimes, and opera performances. Additionally, the Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working English-speaking theatre, dating back to the Georgian era. They frequently host comedy and theatre performances. The Bristol Beacon is the city’s largest concert hall, hosting rock, pop, jazz, world, and classical concerts, so you are sure to find something to enjoy!
2. Clifton
Filled with Georgian architecture and scenic views, Clifton is one of Bristol’s most beautiful and affluent areas. The best sights in Clifton are Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Clifton Observatory, which has a 360-degree rooftop terrace. The Clifton Arcade is a Victorian shopping centre with small independent shops, including jewellers, boutiques, and antique shops. Near the Clifton Arcade is the Primrose café, a personal favourite for delicious hot breakfasts and burgers.
Clifton is another popular location for student housing, since it’s about a 20-minute walk from the University of Bristol campus. Clifton Downs is also a great place for running and picnics, and they also occasionally host festivals there!
3. Redland
Nestled between Bishopston and Clifton, Redland is a leafy and peaceful neighbourhood in Bristol. Redland has some amazing independent restaurants and cafés, such as The Metropolitan, La Tazza, and Bravas. So whether you fancy anything from a Sunday roast to Spanish tapas, Redland has a restaurant for you! There are also plenty of grocery stores, cocktail bars, and charity shops to visit, so you’ll never be bored! For the more sporty students, Redland Green Club offers opportunities to play tennis, squash, racketball, table tennis, and padel. They also have sauna and showering facilities for you to use after your exercise!
4. Stokes Croft
Referred to as Bristol’s cultural quarter, Stokes Croft is packed with arts centres and nightlife venues. Lakota, considered a landmark by Bristol City Council, is one of the most famous dance and nightclubs in Bristol. They host upcoming and local artists and performers in their underground venue. Another iconic life-music venue is The Canteen. With a canteen-style bar, terrace, free entry, and 100% vegetarian/vegan food, you are sure to have a great time. They have live bands performing six nights a week ranging from folk to afrobeat rock to club nights. Also just outside The Canteen is Banksy’s ‘The Mild Mild West’ graffiti!
5. Gloucester Road
Gloucester Road is hailed as one of Europe’s longest street of independent shops. It runs from Stokes Croft to Bishopston and Horfield areas, and is home to a wide variety of fabulous cafés, pubs, and beauty salons. You can often find cosy and affordable student accommodation above these shops. You can browse through Fox + Feather for unique clothes, find tropical plants at Wild Leaf, or enjoy European foods and wines on the Gallimaufry’s terrace.
6. Bedminster and Southville
Bedminster and Southville are neighbourhoods located in the south of the River Avon. Often nicknamed Bemmy or Bedmo, Bedminster is filled with urban art and unique markets. Upfest is Europe’s largest street-art festival, happening bi-annually in the south of Bristol. They feature over 1000 original artworks, limited edition prints, and merchandise. In Southville you can find the Ashton Gate Stadium, one of the largest event venues in the South West, which is home to the Bristol City Football and Bristol Bears!
7. Harbourside
The Harbourside is one of the most aesthetic and cultural places in Bristol. With a range of waterside accommodations, you can enjoy classic films at the iconic Watershed theatre, sail across the harbour, or visit the Academy Award winning animation studio, Aardman Animations. For history buffs, you can get travel back in time on the SS Great Britain ship or explore M Shed museum for free. Students can also aboard Thekla, a German cargo ship converted to a live music venue.
8. Cheswick Village
Just on the border of Bristol and South Gloucestershire, Cheswick Village is a new village close to UWE. It is a quiet area, with beautiful greenery and woodlands. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll through Hermitage Walk or Stoke Park Estate during your own downtime.
Bristol is a great city for students, with plenty of neighbourhoods to suit a variety of student life. Whether you are looking for a club neighbourhood, a quiet residence, or a cultural hub, you will find an area that is perfect for you!
Hi, I’m Kirstie! I’m a BA English student at the University of Bristol, with a passion for creative writing. In my free time, I enjoy baking, sewing, and playing the flute.
