Why Bristol?
If you become a student at Bristol, you get the best of both worlds - an excellent education and a beautiful city as a home. Here are some of the things you will get out of a University of Bristol education:
- A historic institution with a solid reputation
- The wide variety of study programmes
- Our world-class research
- The large international community
- A beautiful place to live
- Excellent transport links
A historic institution with a solid reputation
Founded in 1872, and receiving its Royal Charter in 1909, the University has had plenty of time to build and maintain its strong reputation as a teaching and research institution. If you'd like to know more, we have a brief history of the University online.
We have an interesting array of Nobel prizewinners and fellowships and notable alumni for you to browse.
The wide variety of study programmes
Spread across six different faculties, at Bristol we have a wide ranging selection of study programmes at various levels, which attract some of the highest calibre students from around the world. Competition for places is very healthy.
Our world-class research
The University of Bristol has an international reputation for excellence in research in many different academic areas.
If you are considering a research Masters or PhD, or would just like to read about what we do, please consult our a to z listing of research areas at Bristol
The large international community
At Bristol we have students and staff from well over 120 countries who contribute strongly to the international feel of the institution. The cosmopolitan nature of the University is mirrored in the city too, with its restaurants, food shops, cultural societies and festivals all stemming from a large, permanently resident and highly participative international community.
Having said all of this, coming to Bristol to study will still provide you with a very British experience to carry with you into the future.
As part of this large international community, students, staff and their families can expect information, advice and guidance from the international advice and support team who are committed to assisting you in any non-academic issue or concern you may have.
A beautiful place to live
The University, and many of its halls of residence are located within historic central Bristol. The University's sports grounds and Stoke Bishop halls of residence are in a beautiful, green and highly desirable residential district.
The feeling is very much of a green, historic, yet vibrant maritime city. With a few hills! The University has put together a few of the highlights and points of interest to help you get a feel for the place.
As well as a popular study destination for British and international students, it is also a popular tourist destination. The countryside surrounding Bristol is beautiful and easily accessible, and the coastline is also close at hand.
Excellent transport links
The city of Bristol has very good transport links to other parts of the UK. The major hubs are Bristol international airport, Bristol Temple Meads railway station (and to a lesser extent because of its location, Bristol Parkway railway station) and Bristol bus and coach station at Marlborough Street.
Within the city there are numerous regular bus services and taxi ranks. And of course you can always walk - most of what you will need as a student (with a few exceptions including the halls of residence and sports facilities at Stoke Bishop) at Bristol is located within a radius of approximately twenty minutes' walk!