Bristol is a big city, and there are many different areas within the city that each offer their own character and community. Knowing about each of these areas is key when narrowing down your property search, this will help you to you decide where you want to live, or perhaps more importantly, where you don't want to live. Many students prefer to live close to their University campus, but this may not always be the best choice.
You will need to balance cost, quality and convenience, especially in a large city such as Bristol. Issues to think about include the following:
Where is the accommodation located?
It may be on campus; it may be near your place of study, or it may be some distance away. If it is not on campus, check that the area offers everything you need: for instance shops, friends living nearby, places for meeting friends and socialising, good transport links, parking provision (if needed), but most importantly that it feels like a safe environment.
What are the transport links and what are the costs?
This is particularly important if your accommodation is not on campus or if you can’t reasonably walk (or cycle) to your place of study or to other places that you need or want to get to frequently. In some towns living further out, away from university, shops etc., can save money, as housing may be cheaper. If you are thinking of living further out, try and check that possible extra travel costs do not outweigh your savings on rent.
The city centre is a good place to live if you want shops, bars and clubs on your doorstep. Cabot Circus, St Nicholas Market, the Waterfront and Park Street are all here. Most of the accommodation in the centre is converted office blocks and warehouses, and here you will find many of the larger commercial purpose-built residences. Be aware that parking is very limited so you'll be reliant on other forms of transport to get to campus.
Gloucester Road is one of the most popular areas for students to live because of its vast array of shops, bars and cafes; in fact, it has the largest number of independent traders on any one road in the UK! You'll find lots of student houses and flats available to rent here and in its surrounding areas.
BISHOPSTON AND ST ANDREWS
Bishopston and St. Andrews are popular student areas due to their proximity to the city centre and walking distance to the popular Gloucester Road. The number 70 bus also services these areas making it easy to get to the Frenchay campus. There are a lot of large Victorian houses giving students in bigger groups plenty of housing options.
Another popular student area off of Gloucester Road, Horfield is further away from the city, but close to Frenchay Campus. A very residential area with lots of accommodation options for students and you’ll be able to park here too.
MONTPELIER, ST PAUL’S AND STOKES CROFT
These areas have a growing student population and are all walking distance to Gloucester Road and the city centre. They are more multi-cultural than some of the other areas mentioned above, with a reputation for being edgy and alternative. Stokes Croft is the heart of Bristol’s graffiti art and music scene.
REDLAND, KINGSDOWN AND COTHAM
These areas are on the opposite side of Gloucester Road and equally popular with students. Living here you'll also have the benefit of being within walking distance to Whiteladies Road, another busy main road with shops, bars and cafes aplenty.
A largely residential area in Bristol, popular for students studying at Glenside and Frenchay. The main Fishponds Road has a mix of pubs, shops and cafes, although not as trendy as the Gloucester Road.
Popular for students because of its proximity to the Frenchay campus, but if you are looking for the hustle and bustle of Bristol you’ll have to travel a little further towards the city centre.
STOKE PARK, FRENCHAY AND CHESWICK VILLAGE
All of these areas are close to the Frenchay Campus, but bars, shops and cafes are few and far between, as they are very residential.
These areas are increasingly popular with Bower Ashton students. North Street, a few minutes’ walk from the campus, is home to the Tobacco Factory Theatre, the Hen and Chicken comedy venue and a range of coffee shops and restaurants. Bedminster Parade is also a thriving street of independent traders.
On top of the town, as their names suggest, these Victorian terraced streets may be more economical than Bedminster or Southville but are still close to Bower Ashton, especially by bike. Some Totterdown streets are amongst the steepest in the country!
TEMPLE MEADS/ST PHILIPS MARSH
Accommodation around Bristol Temple Meads train station has a definite inner-city feel and puts you bang in the centre of things. It is close to Broadmead and is a short bus ride to Bower Ashton.
Close to the Clifton Downs, the Suspension Bridge and historic Clifton Village, these areas are great for walking and cycle rides and it’s a short run/bike ride down the hill to the centre. Close to Bower Ashton Campus as the crow flies, but can be one of the more expensive areas to live.
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MILES FROM CAMPUS
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|
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LOCATION
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FRENCHAY
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GLENSIDE
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BOWER ASHTON
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|
|
|
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CITY CENTRE
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6
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6
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3.5
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|
|
|
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GLOUCESTER ROAD
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4
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4
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4.5
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|
|
|
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BISHOPSTON & ST ANDREWS
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4
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4
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4.5
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|
|
|
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HORFIELD
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3.5
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4
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5.5
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|
|
|
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MONTPELIER, ST PAUL’S & STOKES CROFT
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6
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3.5
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3.5
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|
|
|
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REDLAND, KINGSDOWN & COTHAM
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6
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4
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3
|
|
|
|
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FISHPONDS
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1
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0.5
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6.5
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|
|
|
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FILTON
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2.5
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4.5
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7
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|
|
|
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STOKE PARK, FRENCHAY & CHESWICK VILLAGE
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0.5
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1
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8.5
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|
|
|
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BEDMINSTER/SOUTHVILLE
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8
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6
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0.5
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|
|
|
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TOTTERDOWN/WINDMILL HILL
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5
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5
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3
|
|
|
|
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TEMPLE MEADS/ST PHILIPS MARSH
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7
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4
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3
|
|
|
|
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HOTWELLS/CLIFTON
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6
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6
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2
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Bus routes to each campus can be found at https://journeyplanner.travelwest.info/directions
UWE Bristol has benefited enormously from the recent investment in largely traffic free cycle routes that criss-cross the city. If you are interested in cycling into campus, the Students’ Union does offer a bike loan scheme which will allow you to hire a bike to use for the year. Further details can be found at https://www.thestudentsunion.co.uk/commercial-services/bike-loan-scheme/ and cycle routes to each campus can be found below.
- Frenchay Campus cycle routes on Google Maps
- Glenside Campus cycle routes on Google Maps
- City Campus cycle routes on Google Maps