Calling all Bristol freshers! Here’s everything you need to do in your uni city today
Get ready to fall in love with this city
You’re officially a student at Bristol – congrats! This city is both beautiful and cool all at the same time. The night life is famous, the architecture is beautiful and the people are all incredibly dressed. As a student in Bristol, Motion will probably become your favourite club and The Downs will become your favourite BBQ spot.
Before you get stuck in, you might want to think about a student bank account. The NatWest Student account* comes with an offer of £50 cash and four year tastecard membership – giving you 2-4-1 or 50% off food deals at participating UK restaurants and takeaways. To apply for a NatWest Student account – visit natwest.com/students.
*Student account eligibility criteria apply. Apply online only. Offer Terms and Conditions apply. £50 cash is a limited time offer until 5th November 2021. Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
There’s a lot going on in Bristol and only so many university years, so to make sure you don’t miss any of the city’s gems we’ve compiled a list of the best spots recommended by Bristol students themselves.
The best places to live
Clifton
Price: ££ Noise level: || Supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Waitrose
This is the greenest part of Bristol with beautiful old-fashioned houses. Clifton is a fairly quiet spot but walking distance from the livelier areas. It’s also only a 20 minute walk from Bristol University.
Stokes Croft
Price: ££ Noise level: ||| Supermarkets: Tesco Express
Stokes Croft is known to be the social hub of Bristol. It’s very edgy and feels classically “Bristol” – you’ll understand when you arrive. The houses are reasonably priced and it’s only a 20 minute walk from uni.
St Michael’s Hill
Price: ££ Noise level: | Supermarkets: Co-op
The student housing here is fairly standard and this area isn’t as student-central as others, however, this makes it a great choice for older years looking for some peace and quiet. It’s also only a five minute walk from uni so it’s super close.
Redland and Cotham
Price: ££ Noise level: |||| Supermarkets: Sainsbury’s
Redland and Cotham is a very popular student area. It’s only a 15 minute walk from uni and a 10 minute walk from Clifton Down Shopping Centre.
Food spots
Close to uni:
Eat a Pitta on Queens Road – their homemade falafel, humous and pitta is every Bristol student’s dream
Parsons Bakery on St Michael’s Hill
Ray’s Pizzeria at The Lanes Bristol – tastecard offer available
Taka Taka Magic Roll on Queens Road – another great place for delicious Greek food
Namaste Nepal Restaurant on Frogmore Street – tastecard offer available
Sandwich Sandwich on Baldwin Street
The Red Tent on Tyndall Avenue
Pinkmans Bakery on Park Street – their pizzas are a must-try
Friska on Park Street
Worth the journey:
Rubicon Too on Cotham Hill
Primo Cafe on Whiteladies Road – tastecard offer available
Clifton Village Fish Bar on Princess Victoria Street
Mrs Potts Chocolate House on Park Street – this is a fun chocolate themed cafe that you’ll become obsessed with
Nova on Baldwin Street – tastecard offer available
The Canteen in Stokes Croft – they have live music every day and a completely vegetarian menu
East Village Cafe on Boyce’s Avenue – a really popular vegan cafe in Clifton
Where to grab a drink
Racks Bar & Kitchen on St Paul’s Road – this place has a beautiful outdoor terrace that students love
The White Rabbit on Gordon Road
The Volunteer Tavern on New Street – this is a pretty pub with a great outside space for post-uni drinks
The White Lion Bar at the Avon Gorge Hotel
The Pipe and Slippers on Cheltenham Road – a classic pub with weekend DJs and nice cocktails
The Bell on Hillgrove Street
Night out spots
In:Motion
Location: Motion When: Friday Music: Techno, House, Grime, Garage, DnB
Lakota
Location: Lakota When: Wednesday, weekends Music: House, DnB, Jungle, Disco
Pressure
Location: Thekla When: Tuesday Music: Indie
Mbargo
Location: Mbargo When: All week Music: House, RnB, Hip Hop, Pop, Cheese
Aura and Impulse
Location: Lizard Lounge When: Thursday, Friday Music: Cheese
Gravity Mondays
Location: Gravity When: Monday Music: Charts
Pryzm
Location: Pryzm When: Monday Music: Charts, Pop, RnB
Transport
Taxis: Uber, V Cars
Walking: Much of the travelling you do will be walking as most places in Bristol are no further than a 20 minute walk – pre-warning, there are a lot of hills in Bristol
Bus services: The bus is up to £1.80 per journey with a student card
Note: There are also loads of electric scooters available to rent in the city
Bristol students’ top tricks and tips
“There’s quite a distance between city centre and halls so make sure you always plan your journey home”
“Taking the ferry through the city is a nice, scenic alternative to walking or public transport”
“Bristol is famous for its music scene so pick up a guide to their music venues and make the most of the city”
“Gloucester Road is the Shoreditch of Bristol – make sure you check it out!”
Your mini bucket list for the city
• Visit Clifton Downs, also knows as The Downs – this is where Bristol students go to chill, BBQ and sunbathe
• Walk around Brandon Hill Park – the views are beautiful
• Visit Cabot Tower – it’s historical and part of Bristolian history
• Look around Harbourside Street Food Market and enjoy the amazing food stalls
• Go to Bristol Zoo Gardens
• Look around Bristol Museum, Art Gallery and We the Curious museum
• Do a Banksy art-hunt and spot the many murals around the city
• Visit St Nicholas Market and check out the food, clothes and beautiful old architecture
