Get Ready
Bristol City
Your quick introduction to the city of Bristol and the Southwest
Welcome to Bristol!
From all of us at Bristol SU, we’re so excited to welcome you to your new home!
Whether you’re new to university life, Bristol, or both - we’re here to help you settle in and make the most of everything this brilliant city has to offer.
Bristol is one of the UK’s most vibrant student cities. From street art and live music to green spaces, food spots and independent shops, there’s something here for everyone. And with so much to explore, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s where we come in.
Throughout Welcome Week, we work with partners across the city to give you a taste of what life in Bristol is all about. We hope you'll love it here as much as we do.
FAQs
How do I find accommodation?
At Bristol SU we have our own lettings agency! Here you can browse lots of properties in the city and make enquiries on what’s available.
The University also has its own accommodation that you can rent and guidance if you are looking for private accommodation.
If you are struggling to find accommodation or need some support, at Bristol SU we have our Housing Advice Service on hand. Our friendly team are here to help you with any tenancy disputes, finding accommodation or what to do in an emergency.
Contact the Housing Advice Service here: bristolsu-housingadvice@bristol.ac.uk.
Is there a bus service that stops at the Uni?
Yes! The Bristol Uni Bus, the U1, is a dedicated bus service that links the University of Bristol Stoke Bishop residential campus with the University of Bristol Clifton Campus and the City Centre.
Find out more about using busses as a student here! 🚌
What is the triangle?
The triangle is 3 connecting roads at the top of Park Street (you guessed it, in a triangle) and is where you can find your groceries, and some of the most popular student clubs at night. With shops, bars, kebab vans and cafes, it's a central hub for all UoB students!
Come and see what its all about at our Triangle Takeover event where we are giving you exclusive access to 3 iconic venues! ⚡
Where can I go to play sport?
Most of Bristol University sport is hosted up at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, which is up in Stoke Bishop, in North Bristol. There is a free bus for students on Wednesday Afternoons with stops outside the Indoor Sports Centre on Tyndall Avenue if you are coming from campus.
You can find a list of sport clubs using the group finder tool on our website and filter by sports! 🤽♂️🏏
What and where is King Street?
King Street is a 17th-century street in the historic city centre of Bristol near the harbourside. It hosts a street full of pubs and bars with tables that fill the street for an alfresco social experience. It's also very close to some of the City Centre accommodation. Check it out! 🍺🍻
How do I get around the city?
Bristol has an extensive public transport network with both buses and inner-city trains to help you get around. It's worth checking the timetables online and giving yourself a little extra time for buses as they can run late.
The closest station to the main Clifton Campus is Clifton Down. Use the trainline app to find the latest timetable.
There are also electric scooters and bikes from a company called Dott but you'll need a driver's licence to be able to use these. We recommend using a helmet and checking there are available spaces on campus for you to park at. It can get pretty busy outside Senate House! During Welcome you can get 35% off - head over to dottpartners and input your University email address, to receive a unique code.
How about cycling? Bristol is famous for its hills, but if you can brave them then cycling is a convenient and sustainable way of getting around. No more waiting for busses, finding scooter spots or walking! Check out Facebook marketplace or gumtree for second options. Local bike shops such as the Bike Workshop and Bristol Bike Project also have some great bikes for sale.
Walking is also a great option. Bristol is a very walkable city and can be the best way navigating the hills.
There's also the ferry! That's right - Bristol is centred around water after all. During Welcome Week students will get 50% discount on ferry services serving Temple Meads and the city centre. Tickets for the ferry service are purchased onboard. During Welcome Week, students who have not yet received their student card can simply show an email confirming their place at the University to receive the discount. Following Welcome Week, you can get 20% discount, simply show a valid student ID when purchasing a ticket onboard.
For more information, please read our Night Saftey and Transport article. Here you can find out how to get back from nights out safely with your mates ⭐
Who is my MP?
It depends where you live in the city, but you can find your MP here. When you arrive in Bristol you can choose to vote here, or back home. Make sure you register and choose where you will cast your say.
