Graduates are keenly sought after, which can be seen by the Graduate Marker placing The University of Bristol fourth on their list of universities targeted by leading graduate employers in 2018. The University of Bristol also ranked in the top 61 in the QS World University Rankings 2023. And that’s not all, Bristol is considered one of the most fun cities to be a student in.
Discover the #1 best student accommodation in Bristol, as voted by students themselves. Similarly, you are in the right place to explore a detailed student guide of the city of Bristol.
In need of a little retail therapy? Then Bristol Shopping Quarter is where you need to be. This shoppers haven is split into five individual shopping centres and districts (Broadmead, The Arcade, Cabot Circus, Quakers Friars and The Galleries). From high street stores and famous brand names to independent stores and boutiques – you can find it all here!
Bristol’s incredible markets showcase the city’s vibrancy and community. Some stalls have been owned by generations of Bristolians, and they sit proudly alongside stalls owned by international traders, bringing a variety of cultures and communities together.
One of the things that Bristol is well-known and respected for is its positive and active attitude towards sustainability, and that carries through to their retail options. Bristol is home to the largest street of independent stores in Europe called Gloucestershire Road, lined with local stores, restaurants, boutiques, bars and cafés.
In terms of grocery and essential shopping there are numerous supermarkets and convenience stores within a short distance of our Study Inn location. Many national major supermarkets also offer delivery which is popular amongst the student population for making those big shops bearable.
In 2019 Bristol was rated as the fourth best city for nights out in the UK by Ideal Flatmate due to its upbeat atmosphere. Whatever kind of night you’re after, whether it be freshers week celebrations and parties, cute cocktail nights, or even just laid back, traditional British pub style drinks, Bristol has it all.
Nightlife in Bristol is full of themed bars, ranging in atmospheres from shabby chic and grungy, to sophisticated and swanky. The most exciting bars in Bristol are the speakeasies, many require you to locate secret entrances, or get the bartenders permission to enter. Immerse yourself in true prohibition style and unwind with jazz music and vintage cocktails.
If clubbing is more your scene, then you’re in the right place, Bristol is recognised globally for its nightclubs and legendary parties. Regular nights are held at the O2 academy with big name DJ headliners. But you’ll also find classic student nights playing chart hits and cheesy classics. Or why not experience a one-of-a-kind club night held on a boat stationed in the harbour?
Bristol is a creative city and its performance arts scene is very prominent. The city illustrates this pride in homegrown talent by showcasing, and sometimes sponsoring shows or plays. There are frequent music concerts, comedy gigs and open-mic nights hosted in and around the city.
If it’s a high street name or chain restaurant you’re craving, Bristol has your back. There are also countless independently owned eateries – with cuisines, décor and customs from all over the world; Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Spanish and so many more options are all available in Bristol.
Treat yourself to a dining experience when you get here, discover new flavours and sample some international delicacies. One trend that Bristol has perfected is outdoor dining, travel the globe with your tastebuds and enjoy a middle eastern feast, Japanese street food and Lebanese dishes in the sun.
If it’s a quick bite to eat in between classes or a cheap brunch treat you need, there are plenty of options in Bristol. With cute cafés and quaint tearooms, to cosy, homely, local cafés that offer traditional full English breakfasts and steaming cups of tea, all for a reasonable price.
With an abundance of both fast food and restaurant cuisines available through Just Eat, UberEats and Deliveroo services, students at our Bristol location never go hungry, and can even indulge on a five-star menu in their pyjamas if they please. A popular choice many students opt for is a late-night dessert delivery to power them through long study sessions. After all, stress is just desserts spelled backwards!
All the classic entertainment options are available to you within a short distance from Bristol’s Study Inn location. From nostalgic treats like bowling, arcades and cinemas to more active team activities such as escape rooms, mini golf and even a trampoline park, there is plenty to keep your spare time occupied.
Bristol is well known for its art scene, and in particular its iconic works of art by Banksy, who grew up graffitiing the streets of Bristol. The city proudly displays some of his most famous pieces of work, so, why not take a Banksy street tour as you get to know your new area? Performing arts are also highly celebrated in Bristol with multiple theatres. Enjoy dance, theatre, comedy, live music and even magic.
If you need to get away from fast-paced student life, take a trip to see the beautiful Bristol Cathedral, or explore the magnificent grounds of Berkeley Castle and surrounding countryside. Alternatively, visit Bristol Zoo, The Wild Place Project or Bristol Aquarium.
Bristol offers so many opportunities and experiences, workshops and masterclasses with themes ranging from gardening tutorials to graffiti workshops and cocktails. Expand your mind and discover different cultures and histories all in one city.
It is no surprise that this vibrant, energetic city is fantastic at hosting events – no matter what your hobbies and interests are, Bristol will play host to an experience you will love. From food festivals, conventions, gigs and comedy shows to countless sporting events and cultural celebrations, the Bristolian calendar overflows with unmissable events.
Bristol’s events agenda will keep you busy, the triple threat of festivities: Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas are celebrated in style here. In true festive spirit the streets of Bristol are adorned with lights and decorations each year, and the Christmas Market takes over to spread holiday cheer.
One event quite unlike any other is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Held each year in August over four days, this incredible display of hot air balloons makes for a beautiful landscape. This free event allows members of the public to be mesmerised as over 100 hot air balloons take part in the sensational Night Glow parade.
The summer is full of classic events such as charity marathons, carnivals and parades as well as celebratory festivals such as Gay Pride – which is done in spectacular style in Bristol. Valley Fest also takes place each year in late summer where local and international artists take to the stage, and street food aromas fill the air. Celebrate in the sun, get creative and try your hand at one of the crafts on offer.
