If you are not successful in finding a place to live in a University halls of residence then don't panic; there are still plenty of other places you can search.
Private tenants now have new rights from the 1st of May 2026.
1. UWE Studentpad. This is an online accommodation platform and has a wide range of houses available just for UWE students.Create an account and then use the site to search for a room in a house/flat or if you are looking for extra people to join your house/flat.
2. Accommodation Agencies. The properties that accommodation agencies advertise tend to be shared houses or flats with joint tenancies but some will also advertise individual rooms. See our Accommodation Options leaflet for an A-Z of agencies in Bristol.
Three accredited local agents include:
(Ad)
Remember to check the safety of any property you rent through an agency. Don't pay the agency a fee until you have secured the property.
4. Newspapers, noticeboards and shop windows. Remember that anyone advertising using any of these methods may not have properties that are compliant with current laws e.g. gas safety. Make sure that you always remember to check out how safe somewhere is yourself.
Bristol is a big city with many distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Knowing these areas helps you narrow your search and decide where you do (and don't) want to live.
You'll need to balance cost, quality and convenience. Living further out can save on rent, but check that extra travel costs don't cancel out your savings.
Is it on or near campus, or further away? Check for shops, social spaces, good transport links and parking if needed. Most importantly, does it feel safe?
If you can't walk or cycle to campus, check travel times and costs carefully before committing to a property further out.
Shops, bars and clubs on your doorstep. Cabot Circus, St Nick's Market, the Waterfront and Park Street all nearby. Mostly converted offices and warehouses. Parking is very limited.
One of the most popular student areas with the largest number of independent traders on any road in the UK! Plenty of student houses and flats available.
Walking distance to Gloucester Road and close to the city centre. The no. 70 bus serves Frenchay Campus. Lots of large Victorian houses for bigger groups.
Off Gloucester Road, more residential and further from the city but close to Frenchay. Good accommodation options and you can park here too.
Growing student population, walking distance to Gloucester Road and the city centre. Multi-cultural, edgy and alternative. Heart of Bristol's graffiti art and music scene.
Equally popular with students. Within walking distance of Whiteladies Road, with plenty of shops, bars and cafes. On the opposite side of Gloucester Road.
Largely residential. Popular for Glenside and Frenchay students. Fishponds Road has pubs, shops and cafes. Whilst it is not as trendy as Gloucester Road, it is very convenient.
Popular for its proximity to Frenchay. For the hustle and bustle of Bristol you'll need to travel further towards the city centre.
Very close to Frenchay Campus. Highly residential. Bars, shops and cafes are few and far between.
Increasingly popular with Bower Ashton students. North Street has the Tobacco Factory Theatre, the Hen & Chicken comedy venue and independent cafes and restaurants.
Victorian terraced streets that can be more economical than Bedminster. Close to Bower Ashton by bike. Some streets are among the steepest in the country!
Inner-city feel around Bristol Temple Meads station. Close to Broadmead and a short bus ride to Bower Ashton.
Near the Clifton Downs, Suspension Bridge and historic Clifton Village. Great for walking and cycling. One of the more expensive areas to live.
Bus routes to each campus can be found on the Travel West journey planner.
UWE Bristol has largely traffic-free cycle routes across the city. The SU offers a bike loan scheme so you can hire a bike for the year.
↗ Frenchay cycle routes
↗ Glenside cycle routes
↗ City Campus cycle routes