Student Life in Bristol: Best Areas and Accommodation

Student Life in Bristol: Best Areas and Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation in Bristol near the University of Bristol or UWE Bristol? This guide shows the best areas for students, how to choose between university halls, private student accommodation (PBSA) and shared houses, and where to live for great value, easy commutes and a lively student scene.


Best areas for student accommodation in Bristol

Top neighbourhoods for students

Bristol is a compact, creative city with distinct neighbourhoods that students love. Here are the most popular areas:

  • Clifton — Georgian streets, cafés and quick access to University of Bristol buildings.
  • Redland & Cotham — Residential, calm, ideal for second- and third-years.
  • City Centre & Harbourside — Close to transport, nightlife and shops.
  • Stokes Croft & Montpelier — Artsy, independent and well connected.
  • Fishponds — Perfect for UWE Bristol students, near Glenside Campus.
  • Frenchay — Convenient for UWE Frenchay with modern PBSAs nearby.
  • Brabazon — Bristol’s newest neighbourhood, built on the historic Filton Airfield and rapidly becoming a modern hub for students. With new parks, cafés, sports facilities and the brand-new Brabazon train station opening soon, the area offers fast connections to Bristol Temple Meads, the University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and the city centre. Brabazon is also home to The Propeller Quarter, a major new student accommodation development opening in September 2026, bringing over 750 modern rooms, social spaces and excellent transport links to north Bristol.

Private student accommodation near the University of Bristol & UWE

Why choose private halls (PBSA)?

Private student accommodation (PBSA) offers independence with useful extras. You’ll typically get:

  • Study rooms, social lounges, cinema rooms or games hubs
  • Gyms or fitness partnerships
  • Secure entry, CCTV and on-site teams
  • On-site laundry and parcel support
  • All bills included (utilities, Wi-Fi, contents insurance)

PBSA is ideal if you want a simple, predictable setup near your campus — especially for international students or first-time renters.

NEW opening in 2026: The Propeller Quarter at Brabazon

The Propeller Quarter is Bristol’s newest student accommodation at Brabazon, launching ahead of the 2026/27 academic year in a vibrant new neighbourhood in north Bristol. It offers a mix of modern studios and shared ensuite flats, designed by award-winning local architects across four mansion-style buildings. With over 750 rooms, it gives students the choice between sociable cluster flats and more private studio living, all with contemporary furnishings and space to study.

BOOK YOUR ROOM OR STUDIO HERE

Located in Brabazon, The Propeller Quarter is perfectly placed for uni life: UWE’s Frenchay Campus is a short journey away by bike or metrobus, while the brand-new Brabazon train station will connect you to Bristol Temple Meads in around 15 minutes. From there, you can reach the University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, Bristol Dental School and the city centre. Students also benefit from all-inclusive bills, high-speed internet, secure bike storage, a gym, yoga area, cinema lounge, games hub, karaoke room, study spaces and outdoor courtyards, creating a lively community in north Bristol.

Student flats & house shares in Bristol

Living with friends or flatmates

House shares are popular among students who want a more traditional living setup. Look in Redland, Cotham, Clifton or Fishponds for UWE students, and always check tenancy length, bills included and travel times.

When to book for 2026

Best time to secure accommodation

  • Oct–Dec — best selection for next academic year.
  • Jan–Feb — popular rooms begin to go.
  • Mar–Apr — ideal for choosing specific areas or room types.

Tip: For January-start tenancies, search early and filter for semester-only contracts.

Travel & campus connections

Getting around the city

  • University of Bristol — Clifton and the City Centre offer short walks or bus routes.
  • UWE Bristol — Frenchay, Glenside and City campuses are linked by frequent buses; Fishponds and Frenchay areas keep commutes short.
  • Brabazon & The Propeller Quarter — Fast connections from Brabazon (including the new train station) make it easy to reach Bristol Temple Meads, the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and the city centre.

How to choose the right place

Key things to consider before booking

  • Commute: Aim for 20–30 minutes door-to-door.
  • What’s included: Bills, Wi-Fi, insurance and gym access — check before signing.
  • Study vs. social: Need quiet? Choose halls with dedicated study rooms.
  • Support: On-site teams reduce stress — especially during exam periods.

Compare student accommodation in Bristol

Explore options near the University of Bristol and UWE, compare room types and amenities, and read real student reviews on Hallbookers.

BOOK YOUR ROOM OR STUDIO HERE

Frequently asked questions

Your top Bristol accommodation questions answered

Where do most students live in Bristol?

Clifton, Redland, Cotham, the City Centre, Harbourside, Stokes Croft, Montpelier and Fishponds (popular for UWE Bristol students).

Is private student accommodation in Bristol near campus?

Yes. Many PBSAs are within walking distance of University of Bristol buildings or have direct bus links to UWE Bristol campuses.

When should I book student accommodation in Bristol?

Start searching from October to secure the best rooms for the next academic year.

What’s usually included in PBSA?

All bills, high-speed Wi-Fi, contents insurance, secure entry systems, study spaces, on-site teams and often gym access.

Rate & review

Help other students choose well — use the Rate & review button above to share your experience of student accommodation in Bristol.

Written by
Paloma A.
I love to write about themes that I am passionate about.
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