BC
Curated and written by
Bethan Croft
Marketing, Communications and Social Media Manager
Studying at University of Gloucestershire
The complete student guide to Cheltenham
9 min read·Last updated: 10 April 2026
“It's walkable and has the perfect balance between city life and nature. There's always something going on and there's a perfect number of coffee shops to be able to rotate study sessions. Great distance from bigger cities for work opportunities."
Why study in Cheltenham
Affordable nightlife
With a Brewery Quarter, a student club in the centre of town and a plethora of bougie bars, Cheltenham is the place to be on a night out.
For bottomless brunch you have Turtle Bay, for cheap drinks you have The Moon Under Water (Wetherspoons), Happy Hour at Planet Caravan (£5 margaritas!) For good atmosphere and a place to play pool – Bentley’s or Lounge 72, try and ‘Beat the Bartender’.
Clubbing during student nights at MooMoos (Wednesdays) is popular among first years and societies during Freshers Week/Varsity. Two Pigs and The Frog and Fiddle is where you will get the best live bands, some of which are students.
Food for every mood
Whatever mood you’re in, Cheltenham has a café, quirky restaurant, or fast-food spot to suit you.
For Japanese food: Kibou (my favourite), or Yo! Sushi (make the most of your UniDays discount), Nagomi is quiet and great for a more authentic experience.
Mowgli Indian Street Food is pricey on a student budget but perfect for those ‘special occasions.’Coconut Tree, outside FCH, offers Sri Lankan dishes. For Thai food, try Giggling Squid in Montpellier or Rosa’s Thai in the town centre.
For burgers, head to Beefy Boys or Hub Box, which offers student discounts on certain days. Missing home? A roast at Toby Carvery is a short drive.
Free things to do
In Cheltenham, you’re never far from a park or gardens, whether that is Montpellier, Imperial, Pittville, or Sandford Park etc.
Cleeve Hill is notorious among students, a 20-minute walk from Pittville Student Village, this hill has been conquered by the vast majority. From the top you can see a bird’s eye view of the town centre, the racecourse and beyond to the mountains in the distance.
In the centre of town, The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum is free to enter and often has many exhibitions on throughout the year. With some students showcasing their own art and published work.
Everything close by
If you’re looking for somewhere new to go, venture into Gloucester city centre, look at the Cathedral where the hallway scenes of Harry Potter were filmed, explore the Beatrix Potter shops, enjoy the markets at the Quays, eat out at the Food Dock or go shopping.
At Bourton-on-the-water, you can get a real feel of what the Cotswolds life is all about. With a canal to walk along as well as lots of small independent shops and quaint stone cottages. Birdland is also here.
Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm is also less than an hour away (a great trip with the flatmates if one of you can drive!)
Key facts about Cheltenham
Student life in Cheltenham
Cost of living in Cheltenham
Wondering how much it costs to live in Cheltenham as a student? We’ve broken down typical monthly expenses and compared them to the national average, so you can plan your budget with confidence.
| Expense | Cheltenham average | National average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (monthly) | £615 | £891.63 | £276.6331% less |
| Utilities (monthly) | £127 | £112.25 | £14.7513% more |
| Bus pass (monthly) | £68 | £61.13 | £6.8711% more |
| Groceries | £11.57 | £15.40 | £3.8325% less |
| Gym pass (monthly) | £35.33 | £34.59 | £0.742% more |
| Takeaway coffee | £3.39 | £3.54 | £0.154% less |
Rent (monthly)
- Cheltenham average
- £615
- National average
- £891.63
- Difference
- £276.6331% less
Utilities (monthly)
- Cheltenham average
- £127
- National average
- £112.25
- Difference
- £14.7513% more
Bus pass (monthly)
- Cheltenham average
- £68
- National average
- £61.13
- Difference
- £6.8711% more
Groceries
- Cheltenham average
- £11.57
- National average
- £15.40
- Difference
- £3.8325% less
Gym pass (monthly)
- Cheltenham average
- £35.33
- National average
- £34.59
- Difference
- £0.742% more
Takeaway coffee
- Cheltenham average
- £3.39
- National average
- £3.54
- Difference
- £0.154% less
Recommendations: “Pickles for coffee and matcha, Coconut Tree for student budget friendly dinners, explore the parks, get the train to Bristol and Cardiff for a day trip. Bath Road for charity shops, Gloucester for live sport.”
Getting around Cheltenham
Cheltenham has a variety of ways for students to get around. Luckily with it being a town, unlike other university cities, most of the campuses, accommodation and main areas of interest are in close proximity.
Buses
The student bus route (N service) goes from Pittville Student Village, stops off in town and travels all the way through both campuses and also the train station. Students can also catch the bus from any campus or the town centre to get to Gloucester campuses.
StudentRider termly or annual bus passes are also available via the StageCoach app/site.
StudentRider termly or annual bus passes are also available via the StageCoach app/site.
Cycling
Students can cycle safely through town, with the campuses having bike storage facilities available. There are also multiple e-scooter locations dotted throughout Cheltenham – all you need is a driver's license, you can then download the Voi app and use at your will.
Walking
If you would prefer to save money or just prefer to walk, most things in Cheltenham are within walking distance, including campuses, accommodation, and supermarkets. If you would like to go the extra distance and make your route scenic then you can find plenty of parks to pass through on your way to any of these places.
Trains
Cheltenham Spa Train Station has links to many of the large cities as well as smaller stations. If you fancy a day trip to London, the ride is less than 2 hours, Cardiff and Bath are also closer by. Rail passes are also available which will save you a third off tickets (16-25 Railcard), costing just £35 for one year of £80 for the full three years of your study.
Taxis/car
Not all students in Cheltenham are able to take their own car (Pittville Student Village doesn’t have the capacity for every student to park there, so only those with exceptional circumstances can apply for permits.) However, those in second and third year tend to make the move to private housing where parking spots are more readily available.
Failing that, Starline Taxis is the best taxi service in Cheltenham and usually has reasonable prices. You can download the app or ring them up.
Failing that, Starline Taxis is the best taxi service in Cheltenham and usually has reasonable prices. You can download the app or ring them up.
Recommendations: “Leckhampton and Cleeve Hill, Pittville Park, Deya Brewery, Dunkerton's Cider.”
Life after uni
Being on the doorstep of the Cotswolds whilst also remaining an affluent spa town, Cheltenham has a wide range of employment opportunities ranging from agriculture to urban roles.
Here are some key facts about employment prospects in Cheltenham:
Graduate schemes
With many different courses available at University of Gloucestershire, a wide range of graduate schemes are available to alumni, as well as employment in the town and local surrounding areas for those that choose to stay after they finish their degree. Key industries
Cheltenham’s surrounding areas thrive off of agricultural roles, animal science and nature research, but the town itself also has other key industries including: cybersecurity, education, engineering, tech services, health, social care, tourism and sport.
Accommodation for every student
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BC
Curated and written by
Bethan Croft
Marketing, Communications and Social Media Manager
Studying at University of Gloucestershire
Bethan is a BA (Hons) Journalism graduate from the University of Gloucestershire. She also manages Marketing, Communications and the Student Content Creator Team at Accommodation for Students.
