A definitive guide to Bristol accommodation halls for new students arriving this September

Welcome to the University of Bristol! Whether you’re here for a world class education or to accumulate a long list of embarrassing drunken tales, you’re in for an adventure. But first, Bristol Uni accommodation for 2024 is highly sought after – so let’s talk about where you’ll be calling home for the next year – because trust me, it matters.

Soon enough, you’ll learn the critical difference between a triangle and The Triangle. Hint: One’s a simple geometrical shape; the other’s where you’ll inevitably end up with your head in a club toilet, surrounded by the sweet, sweet sounds of cheesy music blasting in the background.

Here’s a rundown of each Bristol Uni accommodation for 2024.

Wills Hall

Wills is like Hogwarts, minus the magic but with all the grandeur. The architecture is breathtaking, the lawn pristine (and strictly off-limits), with all the dark academia gram-worthy scenes. It’s the kind of place where you might start believing you’re part of the aristocracy, especially if you start wearing rolled-up chinos and a signet ring. Just don’t take yourself too seriously, or you might find yourself the subject of a cheeky meme for the rest of your academic career.

Wills residents will be the butt of every joke for its grandeur but it’s all banter at the end of the day.

Churchill Hall

Churchill is Wills’ quieter, more reserved twin—think less flashy and a bit more retro.

This is where you’ll find those who embody the “old money” vibe—emphasis on the “old” for its old-school Bristol experience. With its ‘70s-style décor, Churchill is the ideal spot if you’ve ever wished you were born in a different era. Chinos, Bristol rowing jumpers, and boating shoes are the unofficial uniform here

Hiatt Baker Hall

Hiatt Baker is like that one friend who’s always at the party, even if no one quite remembers inviting them. It’s the hall everyone ends up in, whether by choice or by sheer luck of the draw. Always buzzing with life, Hiatt Baker is home to a diverse crowd of students, all ready to make the most of their first year. If it were a spice, it’d probably be flour—basic, everywhere, but an essential ingredient for a good time.

Expect to be surrounded by students clad in North Face jackets, Samba sneakers, and an air of intellectual pretension. The conversation will likely revolve around gap year experiences and which London suburb is truly the best.

“No way, you’re from London too? Me too! Wait, what do you mean Surrey isn’t in London?”

University Hall

UH is the little brother of Hiatt. You clicked your heels, hoping to land in Hiatt, but surprise! You ended up here instead, but don’t fret, UH is all about the charm of the unexpected. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows each other’s name, and you’ll quickly find yourself part of a tight-knit community.

Sure, the rooms might lean more “cosy” than “spacious,” but that just means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get creative with your space-saving skills. Plus, you can always count on finding someone up for a late-night chat or night out to the Triangle. Think of UH as the dorm equivalent of a quirky indie film—unexpectedly delightful, and with a loyal following of people who wouldn’t trade it for anything.

New Bridewell

Welcome to the concrete jungle, where your dreams are made of—if your dreams include seagulls snatching your 3am chips. Perfect for proximity to all the best clubs, then city centre accommodation is your dream come true.

New Bridewell, the epitome of modern student living—or so the brochures say. This towering block of glass and steel offers the full urban experience, complete with the soothing sounds of traffic and the occasional seagull battle over your late-night snack. The rooms are stylishly minimalistic, which might leave you wondering if you’re living in a high-end furniture showroom or just a very expensive box.

But hey, who cares about warmth and sunlight when you’ve got floor-to-ceiling windows and a Pret A Manger practically next door?

Riverside

This hall is partly built on what was once a car park, so if you’re one of the lucky few, you can enjoy the unique experience of living on top of seagull nests and memories of hatchbacks past. The rest of Riverside, tucked behind fences is marketed as a “tranquil retreat.”

But don’t let the marketing fool you. It’s more like living in the new Bristol Zoo, with students on one side of the bars and the city’s wild nightlife on the other. Sure, the rooms are spacious enough, but the real fun is figuring out if that fence is there to protect you from Bristol or Bristol from you. Either way, you’ll have plenty of time to ponder life’s mysteries while watching the swans glide by – or maybe plot your escape over the fence for a late-night adventure.

Manor Hall

Manor Hall is like that charming, slightly eccentric aunt who always has a quirky story to tell and a bottle of ancient gin ready. With its pastel-coloured exterior and friendly vibe, Manor Hall might look sweet and unassuming from the outside, but it’s got a personality all its own.

Living here means embracing a bit of “character” in your surroundings. The community is as warm as the décor, with a cheerful bunch of residents who know how to make the best of their cosy abode.

Manor Hall is where you’ll find lifelong friends, spontaneous gatherings, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes even the rainiest Bristol days feel a little bit brighter. It’s like living in a whimsical dollhouse, where the quirks only add to the charm.

Goldney Hall

Goldney Hall is like a gated community for students who haven’t quite let go of their posh upbringing, definitely the most civilised hall of the bunch. This hall offers a quieter, more refined take on student life, complete with private garden parties and discussions on wine pairings that are the envy of every other hall of residence. It’s a bit like living in a retirement home for freshers with an appreciation for the finer things.

Unite House

Welcome to Unite House, owned by Unite, which seems to have a knack for making most of Bristol’s halls look like they’ve been designed by a committee of beige enthusiasts, Unite House is no exception. It’s like living in a massive, softly lit IKEA showroom—functional, but forgettable. This hall might not have the grandeur of some others, but it more than makes up for it with a cosy, friendly atmosphere. Think of it as the student equivalent of a comfy, well-lived-in sweater—it might not be flashy, but it’s warm and inviting.

A fun place to play Swedish prison or UK student accommodation.

Badock Hall

Badock Hall—lovingly referred to as “K-dock” for no particular reason at all… is where motivation goes to die and your social life goes to thrive. This hall is basically the smoking area of student accommodation, where you can always find someone with a spare filter and an excuse for why they missed their 9 am lecture (hint: It’s usually the U1 bus or the aftermath of a night at Lakota).

Despite its reputation, Badock is secretly rather charming, filled with a bunch of lovable rogues who somehow manage to make lateness look cool.

Orchard Heights

Orchard Heights is all about that modern, industrial-core aesthetic. The courtyard is great for meeting new people, whether you’re bonding over a cigarette break or just sharing the mutual feeling of “Is this what solitary confinement feels like?” The rooms are sleek, and the location is prime, so it’s not all bad. Plus, the O2 Academy’s live music provides a constant soundtrack to your student life and the opportunity to meet Beabadobe while waiting for your 1am Uber.

And yes, in 2021, a resident famously pickled a rat here. If that doesn’t scream “unique living experience,” what does? It’s definitely the most famous Bristol Uni accommodation in 2024, that’s one thing.

Clifton Hill House

Clifton Hill House: Where you’ll be reminded every day that Clifton is, indeed, on a hill—a stupidly big one. Every trip home from the club feels like a climb up Everest, minus the gram-worthy views and with a lot more panting. But hey, the payoff is worth it for the Bristol Bum and the old-school charm. Plus, the rooms are big enough to swing at least two cats, which is always a bonus.

Hawthorns

This wouldn’t be a rundown of Bristol Uni accommodation 2024 without a cheeky Hawthorns mention. Living at Hawthorns means you’ll never quite escape campus life, even from your own bedroom. It’s like starring in your own uni-themed version of The Truman Show—except there’s no exit, and you’re the star. But hey, you’re right in the heart of everything, so convenience is key!

Anywhere else

… who?

So there you have it, freshers! No matter where you up, university is what you make of it. No matter what your Bristol Uni accommodation 2024 is, whether you’re in a Wills palace or UH, it’s the memories, friends and occasional questionable decisions that truly define your time at Bristol. Now go forth and conquer, or at least try not to commit flatcest.

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