Bristol has two universities, one of which consistently ranks in the UK’s top 10. Bristol is one of the country’s most vibrant cities which makes it an ideal place to study. Use our search engine to find student accommodation in Bristol.
Bristol has two universities, one of which consistently ranks in the UK’s top 10. Bristol is one of the country’s most vibrant cities which makes it an ideal place to study. Use our search engine to find student accommodation in Bristol.
Bristol is a city with a strong creative identity that you will notice straight away. From street art across areas like Stokes Croft to the range of music events happening throughout the week. It attracts students who want variety, with plenty to do both on and off campus.
The city has a large international student community, with around 30% of students coming from outside the UK. Different cultures are visible across the city, from food to music, all of which shapes daily life.
There are also many places to explore, including museums, galleries and theatres, alongside independent venues and smaller creative spaces.
Student life often centres around a few key areas. The Triangle is close to campus and known for student nights, while Gloucester Road offers a mix of pubs and live music. Thekla, a club on a boat, is a well known spot, and Kings Street is lined with pubs near the harbourside.
There is also space to slow down with parks like Castle Park and Brandon Hill being easy to reach, and larger green spaces such as Ashton Court are popular in warmer months.
Getting around the city is simple for students, with buses, trains and cycling covering most journeys.
Rent is significantly lower in Bristol than it is in London by over £500 per month. Groceries and general cost of living in Bristol is also much cheaper.
Nightlife in Bristol is ranked very highly in the UK, with lovers of Drum N’ Bass ranking it the top place to be. With a multitude of listening parties, clubs, bars, live music venues (small and large), Bristol caters for every music taste so that you can dance your night away.
There were more than 20,000 international students studying in Bristol during the 2024/25 academic year, according to HESA.
Bristol’s universities are well‑regarded in the UK and internationally, offering strong academic quality, good career prospects, and vibrant student communities. In particular, the University of Bristol is regularly ranked to be within the top 20 universities in the UK.
According to our research, rent in Bristol averages at £1166 per month, which is 28% higher in comparison to the average UK city.
Bristol is moderately priced for students, yet whilst it’s not as expensive as London, it’sgenerally more costly than smaller UK cities or towns. Many students find it manageable with budgeting and shared housing, but costs can still add up.
Bristol can get very busy on weekend nights due to its popular nightlife, police usually patrol the area on weekends but the city is considered a safe place for a night out and like any other place students are advised to walk home in groups along well-lit roads.
Most students start in halls near campus and then move to shared houses in Clifton, Redland, Cotham, or Bishopston in later years.
Bristol is generally considered safe for students, but like any city, safety varies by area and time of day. Clifton is considered to be one of the safest areas and is also close to the University of Bristol as well as many student residencies.
Bristol Universities
Bristol is home to the University of Bristol and The University of West of England.
