Home to University of Bristol and UWE, birthplace of Banksy and capital of Drum and Bass, Bristol is the multicultural hub of the South-West and vibrant student city with something for everyone. This guide is a student’s toolkit for navigating the city, with suggestions for every need and hacks to stay well within your student loan.
Accommodation areas
In first year, most choose to live in student halls, which are provided by the university and come in a range of prices and locations, or in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
In second year, those in halls tend to move into shared flats in the private sector, while those in PBSA often remain there.
For University of Bristol students, the most common areas to live in are Redland and Clifton, with Gloucester Road increasingly becoming a trendy and less expensive option.
For UWE students, Filton is the most popular due to its proximity to the Frenchay and Glenside campuses, although many choose City Centre if their classes are in one of the two City campuses.
Average student rent
Rent in Bristol may be lower than in the capital, but remains high compared to the national average. For student areas, it usually ranges between £700 and £1000 pcm, but can go a lot higher when looking at PBSA in the centre or studios, both of which are popular options amongst international students.
To find bills-included properties, filtered to your needs and budget, type ‘Bristol’ into our search tool.
Student nightlife
A student classic is the Triangle area, located next to the UoB campus, with Larocca, the Brass Pig, Daisy’s, and the all-new Sixty Six. These tend to play pop and corny tunes, with £5-10 entry and deals like £3.50 pints and £4.40 doubles at Monday night’s Utopia. Also amongst the student staples are Electric Bristol and Thekla, which is a club on a boat and has its famous indie night on Thursdays.
If you’re after a more alternative scene while remaining amongst students, then Gloucester Road is the place for you. Beginning up in Horfield, it is a string of pubs with live music, such as the Gallimaufry and the Blue Lagoon, and electronic music venues like the Love Inn. It ends in Stokes Croft (iconic Bristol landmark and home to Lakota) - the paradise of drum and bass.
For international students, there are many foreign music events, especially in City Centre. Marquee and Thekla are home to regular Reggaeton nights, while Thekla also hosts its weekly K-Pop party.
Making it to your 9am after a Wednesday sports night is not for the weak. But when the FOMO overtakes and sitting at home is not an option, a cosy pub night is the solution. Next to Clifton Down Station is Steam, Home of the Brew and of £4 ciders, with a large covered terrace. For a cheeky post-library pint, the White Bear and the Highbury Vaults are located directly on the UoB campus. Finally, by harbourside, you have Kings Street, lined with infinite pubs and outdoor seating.
Landmarks
Although Bristol is known for its grunge and artsy side, it is also a picturesque and culturally captivating city. Starting at the Clifton Suspension Bridge, make your way to Clifton Village and the surrounding area for colourful houses, small boutiques and independent theatres like the Alma.
In terms of museums, down by harbourside is the Arnolfini contemporary arts centre, and right on UoB campus are the RWA galleries, with an £18 Art Pass for the whole year. For the film lovers out there, Watershed is a charming independent cinema and cultural venue, with a café/bar overlooking the water.
If you’re after some greenery, you can go to Castle Park in the city centre, or Brandon Hill for the views, as well as Ashton Court, a magical 850-acre woodland where you can occasionally see deer. The second the summer rays start shining, hoards of students rush to the Downs to sunbathe, play football, or have a BBQ.
Coffee
Another defining feature of Bristol is its abundance of indie coffee shops, all with quirky decor, specialty roasters, and endless vegan alternatives. FED, in Cotham and on Gloucester Road, has the most photogenic display of sweet and savoury, while Little Victories on Wapping Wharf offers an array of signature coffees. The Spicer and Cole franchise, found in various locations around the city, has a delicious selection of cakes and
pastries. East Village Café, in Clifton Village, offers seasonal concoctions like a lavender latte or blueberry matcha. Most of the drinks at these locations range between £4-6.
Right on Queens’ Road is Black Sheep Coffee, the more corporate and affordable option while maintaining a wide choice, with £2 drinks for students on Mondays. Bristol also has all the chain classics such as Pret, Cafe Nero, and Starbucks.
Food
Beginning with tapas, which Bristol seems to have an affinity for, you have Under the Stars, a restaurant on a boat (yep, another boat), Gambas, a delicious rooftop bar, and Bravas, arguably the most famous Spanish food in the city.
Famous amongst students are Pizzarova, for pizzas starting at £8 per person, and Eat a Pitta, with locations across the city and the crispiest falafels. Another favourite is Yakinori, at the top of Park Street, with a vast choice of Japanese dishes, from sushi to ramen to bento boxes, with a 10% student discount. For what are consistently voted some of the best burgers in the UK, head to Milk Bun in Clifton Village.
If your parents are in town and you want a fancier option, Kibou, also in Clifton Village, offers contemporary Tokyo-inspired dishes. The Italian establishment Bosco has some of the best arancini in town, and gives you the chic restaurant experience without an extortionate price range.
When it comes to eating out, the app First Table is your best friend, offering 50% off for groups of (minimum two) people that book tables at off-peak times.
