If you chose Bristol for your university studies, you made a perfect decision. Although it’s not comparable with the size of London, many students describe it as one of the most amazing cities for students.
Important is good mobility around the city. As most likely the majority of students won’t own their own car, it might be clever to purchase a bike. The cycle tracks are worked up well and are multiplying. Reason for this is that Bristol has been named as UK’s first Cycling City. If you don’t like riding – walking might be another great alternative, as the distances are not too far.
If you don’t like walking, either, the bus network should be best for you. It’s well connected, reasonably priced and they offer Travelpasses. The Studentlink bus service helps you getting around during the week.
In case you’re a sports fanatic, Bristol is just the right place for you. Depending on if you’re more like “settle back and enjoy” or “let’s go!” you’ll find plenty of opportunities either way.
Just leave university aside for a moment by cheering on the two football clubs, City and Rovers or the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. The Bristol rugby club is even the current holder of the British and Irish Cup (rugby is big in the South-West).
But if you feel the need to really exhaust yourself – because of university stress or something else – you have the free choice of all kinds of water sports, ball sports or even ice-skating. For climbing enthusiasts, Bristol offers the “Undercover Rock” (indoor), Avon Gorge (outdoor) and some more places.
Bristol has a variety of offers for those who indulge in the cultural life. In Cabot Circus – which is the shopping and leisure quarter of Bristol – you’ll find the Showcase Cinema de Lux which features 13 screens. If you like independent cinemas, take a look at the Cube or Watershed.
Even in theatre, musical and ballet this city has plenty to offer. Bristol Hippodrome is the main theatre with West End shows (musicals, ballet and opera). While in Colston Hall you can enjoy comedy, rock/pop and orchestral concerts. Known for its renowned acoustics, St. George’s Bristol hosts classical, folk and world music concerts. Programs of exhibitions, films and theatre are shown at the Arnolfini and the Watershed Media Centre.
Science and biologically interested students get what the heart desires right in front of their nose: the Bristol Aquarium houses a bandwidth of native and tropical marine and freshwater creatures in their naturally themed environment. Bristol Zoo Gardens, located in Clifton, showcase over 450 species in a large area.
As a history student, you might want to visit Bristol’s M Shed museum, which is located on the site of the former industrial museum. You’ll be able to explore the cities history and culture through the ages.
Bristol’s nightlife is said to be excellent, especially for students. It has a great offer of pubs, bars and clubs – no matter if you like it cosy or stylish. Make sure to once visit the old pubs reaching back into the 17th century: Llandoger Trow and The Hatchet Inn. Student nights are offered all around the city, so no excuses to not going out. The most vibrant areas can be found on Park Street, Whiteladies Road and Harbourside areas. Don’t miss The Bunker there, which is open six nights a week and close to the university area. The legendary underground club Motion lies close to the city centre.
As mentioned before, the main shopping and leisure quarter is Cabot Circus. Over 120 high street retail stores can be found there, while the city centre provides about 500 shops overall.
The Galleries Bristol, which lie just in the surrounding city centre, offer all the popular commercial stores a student can dream of. In case you decide to spend a little more money, turn to Clifton Village. There are many specialists and boutique shops.
If you like to go shopping on rainy days, visit The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. It’s situated on the northern outskirts of Bristol and has 135 shops all under one roof.
Don’t worry, second-hand lovers won’t get the short end of the stick.
Either go to Park Street, where they sell good music and plenty of second-hand clothing or visit the old St. Nicholas Market where you find stalls with ranges of food, second-hand books, music and clothes and some more unusual and exotic goods. Further, there’s an amazing amish farmer’s market every week as well as a Slow Food market on Corn Street on the first Sunday of every month, where local products are sold.
Don’t miss to explore this great student city with its friendly atmosphere, amazing cultural offers – especially in music – and its green places, which you can find everywhere.
