Get Ready
Bristol City
The place to find all the information about the city of Bristol and the Southwest
Welcome to Bristol!
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.
We’ve pulled together a series of guides below to help you get to know the city, stay safe, and find your community outside of uni. We’ve got you covered!
Also, during 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.
We hope you fall in love with this vibrant place to live and study, as much as we have.
FAQs
I'm an international student, how do I get 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 your nearest stop by browsing the timetable for the U1!
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!
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?
Another student favourite, 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!
When is the balloon festival?
Bristol is famous for photos of hot air balloons and views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge- they go up all year round, but the festival is at the beginning of August. This year it is taking place from the 8th to 10th August.
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!
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.
Who is my MP?
In Bristol central, your MP is Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer. 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.
What neighbourhood am I in?
You will quickly learn all the different areas of Bristol, from Hotwells to Clifton, Easton to Redcliffe there is so much to discover.
Visit Bristol has created this handy guide to help you get to know your new home.
