Student life
The city of Bristol
When you choose a university, you're also choosing the place that will be your new home, so it's worth getting it right. Our students always say how much they love the city of Bristol - from its friendly people and fantastic music scene to its vibrant Harbourside, green spaces and buzzing centre. Bristol is a thousand years old but right at the cutting edge. It is dynamic yet laid-back, culturally rich but down to earth. Best of all, Bristol is the perfect size, offering all the excitement of a big city packed into an area you can easily explore.
A leading city
Bristol combines the tradition of a historic port city with the atmosphere of a fast-paced, dynamic and modern metropolis. Considered to be the capital of the South West of England, the city has a diverse, vibrant cultural life. The travel experts at Rough Guides describe Bristol on their website as 'one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan centres outside London' and praise the city's 'innovative, modern culture, fuelled by technology-based industries....and a lively arts and media community'.
Bristol has a large student population and is a former Academy of Urbanism European City of the Year.
Bristol life
Famous for its art and culture, Bristol is renowned for its events and festivals which are on offer all year round catering for an eclectic mix of interests. From the vibrancy of the St Paul's Carnival to the world famous International Balloon Fiesta as well as the historic SS Great Britain, Bristol is alive with cultural activity. The redeveloped quayside is brimming with boats and bars as well as an aquarium and the Watersehd cultural cinema and media centre.
As Bristol museums have one of the highest rates of repeat visits in the country you'll be sure to find something you love.
There may be times however when you just want to unwind and get some fresh air. Bristol's position hits the mark again as a thriving city on the edge of the countryside. A short walk from Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge lies Ashton Court, ideal for cycling and long walks. If you want to travel further afield the Cotswolds and Brecon Beacons are easy to get to given Bristol's excellent road and rail links.
With one of the UK's highest proportion of students staying on after university, the city of Bristol is the sort of city you will never want to leave
Fact file
The city centre has been designated a centre of culture and a science city by the government.
