University of Bristol is a Russell Group university known for research-led teaching across subjects like law, engineering, medicine and social sciences, while UWE Bristol offers a wide range of practical, career-focused courses from its modern Frenchay campus.
Clifton and Redland are popular with University of Bristol students, while Stokes Croft, Bishopston and Horfield offer a more creative, budget-friendly vibe. UWE students often live arounds in Filton, Stoke Gifford and Fishponds thanks to easy bus links to campus.
Bristol’s nightlife is big on variety, with student nights on Park Street and The Triangle, live music venues across the city, and club nights in Stokes Croft and by the Harbourside. Expect everything from cheap student bars to drum & bass, techno and live gigs.
Most first years live in university halls, either near the city centre or at UWE’s Frenchay campus. After that, students usually move into shared houses in areas like Redland, Bishopston, Horfield or Fishponds, depending on budget and campus.
Bristol is very walkable and cycle-friendly, with plenty of bus routes linking student areas to both universities. Trains from Temple Meads make it easy to get to Bath, Cardiff, London and beyond for day trips or work.
Brandon Hill, Clifton Downs and Castle Park are popular student hangouts, while the Harbourside is perfect for walks and sunsets. You’re also close to the countryside, with the Mendips and countryside walks just outside the city.
Bristol can be expensive for rent, especially close to the centre. Students often save money by living a bit further out, sharing houses, cooking at home and making the most of student deals across bars, cafés and transport.
Walk across Clifton Suspension Bridge, spend an afternoon by the Harbourside, catch a gig in Stokes Croft and explore the city’s street art scene. Bonus points for a day trip to Bath or a sunset at Clifton Downs.
Two major universities in a lively, creative student city
Big student presence with a strong campus and city mix
Well connected across the South West and beyond
Are the universities in Bristol good?
Yes – Bristol has an excellent reputation as a university city, with two major universities and several specialist providers. The University of Bristol is a Russell Group institution, known for high academic standards, strong research and competitive graduate outcomes. UWE Bristol (University of the West of England) offers a wide range of practical, career-focused degrees with strong links to local and national employers. Together, they create a varied and supportive higher education hub in one of the UK’s most popular student cities.
What are the University of Bristol and UWE Bristol known for?
The University of Bristol is best known for its research strength and academically demanding degrees. It has particular strengths in areas like law, engineering, medicine, maths, sciences and the social sciences, with many departments ranked highly in national and global league tables. Its buildings are woven into central Bristol and Clifton, giving a classic “city university” feel. UWE Bristol is recognised for applied, professionally oriented courses and work-based learning, with strong offerings in health and social care, business, engineering, creative industries and environmental subjects. Its main Frenchay Campus is modern and purpose-built, with dedicated facilities for different disciplines.
Is Bristol a good city for students?
Bristol is a great city for students if you like a lively, creative and slightly alternative atmosphere. You’ve got the Harbourside, street art, festivals, independent cafés, bars and venues, plus a big student population spread between the University of Bristol and UWE. The nightlife is strong, with everything from bass-heavy club nights and live gigs to cosy pubs and rooftop bars. There are also plenty of green spaces and easy day trips into the countryside. The main downside is that Bristol can be expensive for rent and going out, so keeping on top of your budget is important.
How hard is it to get into the University of Bristol and UWE Bristol?
The University of Bristol is relatively competitive, with many courses asking for higher A-level grades, especially in subjects like law, engineering, medicine and some sciences. Typical offers often sit in the ABB to A*AA range or above depending on the course, and popular programmes can have more applicants per place. UWE Bristol tends to have a broader range of entry requirements, with some courses having more flexible grade expectations and others asking for specific subjects or higher grades. For creative or professional degrees, portfolios, auditions or relevant experience may also play a part. In both cases, admissions teams look at your personal statement, enthusiasm for the subject and overall potential as well as predicted grades, so it’s always worth checking the latest course pages for exact criteria.
Typical weekly and monthly student costs in Bristol for 2026 entry. Switch between accommodation types to see how much you might spend.
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Click on the icons on the map below to explore each of Bristol’s top student areas to live in.
Explore different housing options and providers to find the right student accommodation in Bristol for you.
iQ runs several Bristol buildings offering en suite rooms and studios close to the city centre and key university areas. Great if you want modern rooms, social spaces and bills included within easy reach of both University of Bristol and UWE buses.
View iQ in Bristol
One of the biggest student accommodation providers in Bristol, with sites across the city centre and near main University of Bristol buildings. Bills-included en suite rooms and studios, ideal if you want to live close to campus and nightlife.
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Host offers Bristol locations with en suite rooms and studios, putting you within walking distance or a short bus ride of both Uni of Bristol and UWE. Expect modern rooms, on-site teams and plenty of shared spaces for meeting other students.
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Premium student accommodation with stylish studios and en suite rooms, often with extras like gyms, cinema rooms and study spaces. Ideal if you want a more high-end, self-contained base close to the city centre.
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Fresh manages a range of Bristol properties with en suites and studios, bills included and student-focused social events. Good if you want modern halls-style living with a strong community feel and central locations.
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Specialist Bristol student letting agency with houses and flats in hotspots like Redland, Clifton and around Gloucester Road. Great if you’re looking for classic shared houses within walking distance of the University of Bristol.
See Digs listings
Run by the University of Bristol Students’ Union, Bristol SU Lettings offers student houses, flats and rooms across popular areas. A good option if you want an agency that understands student needs and works closely with the uni.
Browse SU Lettings homes
Independent Bristol agent focused on student and sharer properties, with lots of options in Redland, Cotham and Bishopston. Ideal for groups looking for traditional Victorian houses close to uni and Gloucester Road.
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Bristol-based student lettings specialist with a range of HMOs and flats in key student neighbourhoods. A solid pick if you want a group house with easy access to campus and the city centre.
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Discover different student hotspots in the city by using the toggles and cards in our interactive explorer.
Right in the middle of everything: bars, clubs, shops and the floating harbour. Ideal if you want to be close to nightlife, buses and part-time jobs.
Leafy streets, townhouses and the Suspension Bridge views. Popular with students who want a ‘village’ feel but still be walkable to campus and the centre.
Classic Bristol student territory with big shared houses, leafy roads and an easy walk to Uni of Bristol. Quieter than the centre but still buzzing with students.
Long stretch of independent shops, pubs and food spots. Great if you want a slightly cheaper, very “Bristol” area with loads going on.
Street art, late-night venues and an alternative feel. Close to the centre and perfect if you like things a bit rough round the edges (in a good way).
Massive warehouse-style club by the river. Big-name DJs, huge student nights and some of Bristol’s most iconic raves.
Legendary Bristol club in Stokes Croft with multiple rooms and an outdoor courtyard. Expect drum & bass, jungle and everything bass-heavy.
Iconic club on a boat in the harbour. Live gigs, indie nights and student events – very “only in Bristol” energy.
Big multi-room superclub with huge student events, guest DJs and everything from chart and house to drum & bass under one roof.
Intimate underground club just off Park Street, known for heavy drum & bass, jungle and techno nights that go hard until late.
Atmospheric venue hidden in the old railway tunnels by Temple Meads, hosting warehouse-style raves, house, techno and immersive events.
Tiki-themed club on Park Street with cocktails, student deals and commercial bangers. Perfect for birthdays and society nights.
Indoor market in the centre with loads of street food stalls. Great for cheap lunches between lectures or library sessions.
Proper pies, mash and gravy. Filling, comforting and very Bristol – ideal for cold evenings and hungover Sundays.
Huge falafel pittas and salad boxes that easily count as two meals if you’re on a budget. Found around the centre and St Nicks.
Serious “dirty” burgers with vegan options too. Late-night lifesaver when you’re stumbling home from Park Street or the centre.
Student favourite for brunch, coffee and casual study. Plenty of space, good Wi-Fi and decent veggie and vegan options.
Chain, yes, but classic for katsu, ramen and big bowls of noodles. Good pre-night-out fuel just up from the centre.
Hilltop park just off Park Street with views over the whole city. Perfect for picnics, sunset hangs and clearing your head after the library.
Huge stretch of green space above the Suspension Bridge. Great for runs, football, summer BBQs and procrastination walks.
Waterside walkways, bars and cafés wrapped around the floating harbour. Lovely day and night, especially when the weather behaves.
Big country estate just over the bridge from Clifton. Deer, woodland trails and the site of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.
Woodland on the far side of the Suspension Bridge with forest paths and viewpoints. Feels properly rural without going far.
Main University of Bristol library just by Wills. Multiple floors, silent zones and group spaces – you’ll basically live here in exam season.
Big, modern library on UWE’s main campus with long opening hours, group study rooms and plenty of plugs for laptop warriors.
Public library near the harbourside with quiet reading rooms and proper old-school library vibes. Great if campus is too hectic.
Busy but reliable study café halfway between campus and the centre. Good coffee, plugs and people-watching when your brain needs a break.
Gallery café on the harbourside with big windows, plenty of tables and a calmer vibe for reading or laptop work.
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