Universities in Bristol

CONTENTS

1. Why study in Bristol

2. About Bristol

3. University of Bristol

4. University of the West of England

5. Living in Bristol

6. Entry requirements 

7. Transport links

8. Getting around Bristol

9. Things to do in Bristol

Why study in Bristol?

Bristol is a vibrant, friendly city with over 65,000 students and a variety of attractions to suit all tastes. The city is known for it's lively music and art scenes, there are many exciting places to eat and drink and over 450 parks and open spaces, earning its reputation as a green city. 

About Bristol

The charming city of Bristol is the largest city in the South West of England. Its mix of historic architecture, modern culture and open green spaces make it one of the UK’s most alluring student destinations.

Bristol proudly boasts an ever-growing student population, which contributes to the city’s friendly, welcoming environment. You’ll be encouraged to be your own person, to always learn and not be afraid to be an independent thinker.

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is a very popular student choice that ranks well in the Complete University Guide league tables. It is particularly well-known for its world-leading research and student experience, and graduates leave the university with real-life skills and knowledge. 

Location

The university campus is compact, so you can walk between most buildings in less than ten minutes. It's also within easy walking distance of the city centre, Bristol Temple Meads train station and the bus and coach station.

There are cycle stands throughout the campus and many of the residences have secure bike sheds. Lots of initiatives are available to support and encourage cycling, including free training and a free cycle clinic to keep your bike in good order. 

Facilities 

Supporting your academic studies are eight libraries; along with the uni's four study centres they give you a choice of places to go for quiet learning or group projects. A network of sports facilities provide opportunities for sports participation at all levels. They include an indoor sports centre and swimming pool and facilities for cricket, football, hockey, lacrosse, netball, rugby, tennis and more.

See the University of Bristol profile page for an interactive map and more information. 

Bristol, University of the West of England

UWE Bristol has three campuses in Bristol and a diverse student population of over 35,000, with numerous courses to choose from. UWE has strengths in Occupational Therapy and Optometry according to our subject league tables.

Location

Spread over three campuses, all just a short bus ride from one another, each site offers something unique.

The main Frenchay campus is a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre and includes the Students' Union, 24/7 library, sports facilities, shops and numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. The City Campus caters for students of creative disciplines, while Glenside Campus is home for those studying allied health, nursing and midwifery programmes.

Facilities

Social spaces on campus include cafes, an on-site cinema, bars and shops. The Centre for Music runs a calendar of events during the year, from gigs to club nights. Among the sports facilities at Frenchay Campus you'll find a climbing wall and squash courts, plus well-equipped gyms, sports hall and more.

See Bristol, University of the West of England profile page for an interactive map and more information.

Living in Bristol

First-year students at both of Bristol’s universities typically live in student halls, located near their campuses. Both offer a range of rooms to meet different budgets and requirements, including studio or en suite. The perks of living in halls may include Wi-Fi, 24/7 support, security, bike storage, laundry services and access to gyms and study spaces.

From your second year onwards you’ll organise your own accommodation. Many students sort this in the second half of first year, and you can get advice from your university about where to live. University of Bristol students often live centrally, in Clifton or on Gloucester Road. UWE students typically choose accommodation on Gloucester Road, in Bedminster and Southville, or Bishopston and St. Andrews.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary from uni to uni and course to course – the best way to check what you need to get into your preferred course at each university is to use our course chooser and see what each course’s entry requirements are.

Transport links

Average train journey times from Bristol

Getting around Bristol

It won’t take you long to navigate your way around Bristol. Its variety of transport options, particularly its conduciveness to cycling, make travel convenient. Bristol also has excellent road and bus links and an international airport just outside the city.

Bus

Students use the MetroBus service around the city, and between their campus and accommodation. This service is low emission, which students prefer. Coach travel with National Express and Megabus offers a cheap way to travel to other parts of the UK.

Train

Bristol has two main train stations: Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads. The city is at the hub of the national rail network in the West of England for great connections to other cities – if you travel by train often, it's worth purchasing a 16–25 Railcard for discounted fares.

CrossCountry trains offer connections to the north and south, with direct trains to destinations including Birmingham, Edinburgh and Penzance. Great Western Railway run regular services to London Paddington, Bath, Exeter, Cardiff, Cheltenham and Gloucester among others.

Cycle

Bristol was the UK’s first cycling city. This cheap travel option is common for students and is a terrific way to explore the city. Check out local second-hand bike shops for cheap deals, or check to see if your uni has a cycling scheme.

Walk

Travelling to and from your campus on foot is another fantastic way to explore the city. You’ll get fresh air and the chance to mentally unwind from your study. Student accommodation is typically within walking distance to your campus.

Other transport

You’ll have access to taxi services, as well ride-hailing schemes like Uber. However, these options are more expensive.

Things to do in Bristol

You won’t get bored in Bristol. When you’re not taking notes in lectures or revising for assessments, there’s plenty of things to do, places to visit and ways to take a break from the books.

Food and drink

The range of street food in Bristol is enough to keep you satisfied. Head central, to Stokes Croft, Gloucester Road or Bedminster to find the best of Bristol’s independent cafes, bars and restaurants. Corn Street, Park Street and St Nicholas Market all also boast brilliant dining options, while around the city are plenty of pubs and clubs.

Arts and Culture

Creative arts are a big part of Bristol’s identity. Head to Bristol Old Vic for some theatre, Comedy Box for a few laughs, or either Watershed or Cube for a movie night. Spike Island is Bristol’s contemporary art and design centre, while the street art scene in Bedminster shouldn’t be missed. Bristol is also the home of Banksy, so a Banksy tour is well worth it.

Events

Bristol’s O2 Academy, Bristol Beacon, Lantern, Marble Factory and Motion is where you’ll find your fix of music gigs and DJs on weeknights and weekends. There are festivals throughout the year like the Foodies Festival, Bristol Pride and Slapstick Festival, while Bristol City F.C., Bristol Rovers F.C. and the Bristol Bears are the local sports teams to get behind.

Outdoors

Bristol balances its old architecture and urban landscapes with plenty of green spaces found both centrally and in the outer parts of the city. Castle Park, College Green and Ashton Court are all options when you need a study break, while The Downs has enough open space for walking. A stroll down Bristol’s Harbourside isn’t too bad either.