10 Best Places to Live in Bristol: UK City Guide for Students

Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Live.

Bristol is one of the best cities in the United Kingdom for international students. Several students come here to live and pursue their higher studies. While choosing a place to live in this beautiful city, you must recall some factors. This will help you to pick the best places to live in Bristol for students. Thus, here are some of the factors to consider

1. Location –Location is the major factor to look at and in Bristol, you will find diverse neighbourhoods, each have its own uniqueness and atmosphere. Thus, choose the location which suits you best.    
2. Budget–Budgeting is a crucial step when it comes to choosing where to live in Bristol. It assists students to ensure their financial stability and priorities the essential expenses. Also, keeping the rent amount in mind, as it may differ according to the area.
3. Proximity –proximity or nearness is considered to measure the distance between several things mainly for universities. Places are chosen based on proximity to the university, public transportation options, a parking area, amenities such as markets, pharmacies, restaurants, shops and more.   
4. Safety and Security –Safety is a paramount factor for the students to live abroad. Don't choose an area that has high crime rates, thefts and a non-interactive society. In Bristol, you will find many places like Clifton, Westbury-on-Trym, and Redland, which are often cited as the safest areas to live.  
5. Weather -Checking the weather and climate conditions of the specific area is vital. In Bristol, the weather is soothing which is liked by many people. Also, research the possible risks of natural disasters occurring in this city, for example, earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes.
6. Agreements -This factor helps students understand all the terms and responsibilities mentioned in the rental or lease contract. It helps to clear misunderstandings in security deposit, negotiation, renewal and closure between the landlord and tenant to avoid any future mishappenings. Also, provide legal protection and rights to live in any student accommodation Bristol in UK. 
7. Amenities and Facilities-  Amenities like healthcare facilities, grocery stores, markets, recreational space, and more. You may find more options of amenities and facilities in wider areas than others, so choose the one that is important to you.

Ensure to use these factors to find a place to live here. If you want more guidance, you can connect with our experts for this. There are many places to live in this UK city for students, and we have shortlisted the 10 best places to live in Bristol for you. Check them out in the next section.  

Also read - Cheap Areas To Live In Leicester

10 Best Places to Live in Bristol 2025

Bristol is an attractive historic port city that consists of commercial enterprises, colleges, public buildings, hospitals, famous streets and more. Finding a good place to live here may be puzzling because students have so many housing options that provide all-purpose facilities.  These are the 10 best places to live in Bristol for aspirants.

Your search for where to live in Bristol ends here, Let’s check out these places in brief in through following sections

1. Redland

Redland is one of the famous places to live in Bristol. It is a leafy residential area with a mix of people living in a culturally diverse way. This place is near the Whiteladies Road and the University of Bristol, where you can explore some best cafes and shops. If you are a person who loves quiet and calm places, then this place is for you because it is a quieter option. Additionally, living in this place might be on the expensive side.

Rent charges -  £875 to £1,800+ per month

2. Clifton

The next best areas to live in Bristol are Clifton, renowned for its iconic Georgian architecture and the Suspension Bridge. This place is picturesque and one of the popular places for students to visit. Clifton is near the University of Bristol, and here you will discover many cafes, restaurants, boutiques, a vibrant market and leafy streets that become a spot for taking photos. However, keep in mind that rent in Clifton is higher than in any other area, do research before choosing.    

Rent charges- £1,360 – £5000 per month

3. Gloucester Road

The Gloucester Road is counted among the best areas to live in Bristol for many reasons. This place is packed with sovereign shops, the best cafes and restaurants, places to visit, and affordable flats making it a social and vibrant hub for students. The University of Bristol and UWE are close to this place and you can take a bus to get there.  

 Rent charges - £525 to £9,100 per month,

4. Stokes Croft

Stokes Croft is one of the best places to live in Bristol, it is renowned for its street art, bohemian vibe and attracts many students and creatives. Moreover, it is a short trip from the city centre offering a dynamic environment to the visitors. However, you may experience more noise here..

Rent Charges - £975 per month

5. Bristol City Centre

Bristol city centre is a main hub of the city, an ideal place for students who are looking for an expeditious lifestyle, and easy access to all the facilities. Living here can be an expensive affair as rent can be higher than in other areas. The city nightlife calls out many students to spend their free time here by enjoying cafes and bars by having drinks and good food. Thus, these aspects have given rise to the best places to live in Bristol for students and visitors.

Rent Charges - £1,809 per month

6. Bishopston

Bishopston is generally a good place to live in Bristol. You will experience a balance of convenience, vibrant atmosphere, affordability and safe transportation links making a better choice for the students to live and pursue their higher studies here. Moreover, the proximity to the university is within walking distance, and you can either walk or take a bus to go to the college.  

Rent Charges - £1,100 to £3,900 per month

7. Montpelier

Montpelier, Stokes Croft and St Paul’s communally form a brilliant and culturally dynamic place which is preferred by many students who come to Bristol to study and are looking for affordable and budget-friendly accommodation. This is one of the best areas to live in Bristol because of reasonable housing options, travelling choices, facilities like a fully furnished home, hygiene, maintenance and more. Safety perceptions among students have notably improved in recent years, owing to active community engagement and increased residential presence.

Rent Charges - £875 to £1,450 per month

8. Southville

This area is located near the city centre, considered the best area to live in Bristol for students. In this place, you will explore the blend of Victorian terraces, buildings and new generation development. Here you will find a friendly community, lively cafes, restaurants, and bars. The living option here is suitable and affordable for students.

Rent Charges - £726.50 to £3,150 per month

9. Bedminster

Bedminster is another option to live in this beautiful city in the UK. It’s a budding neighbourhood where you can find housing options on the affordable side. Also, the transportation facility is associated perfectly with other places, and a resilient community offers a welcoming gesture to the students. You will find many housing options here at low prices compared to other areas.

Rent Charges - £1,140 to £3,200 per month

10. Horfield

The last top places to live in Bristol are a popular residential area for the students, it offers all the necessary facilities such as comfortable living options, a budget-friendly environment, and outstanding transport links. This place is affordable to live in Bristol, where you will get low-budget housing options, amenities, proximity to the university and more.

Rent Charges - £550 to £3,000 per month

After reading this, choosing the best Bristol areas might be difficult, because these areas are superior and offer housing options at an affordable price range. Keep in mind that the total cost of living in Bristol is £1,000 - £1,450 per month including all the living expenses such as rent, travelling and miscellaneous expenses.  

However, do you know there are some Bristol areas to avoid by students to not choose for a living purpose because of low safety and high crime rates. Let’s discover these places in detail in the next section. 

Places to Avoid to Live in Bristol

You might be wondering how Bristol can have places to avoid, although it is said that this city in the UK is the safest for students to live. But, there are certain worst areas in Bristol to be avoided when it comes to choosing a house or just for roaming. The reason behind this is high crime rates, burglaries, robberies and more, making these areas less desirable for residents. Here are the five main worst places to live in Bristol, you must avoid buying any room.

1. Central Bristol– This is a city’s vibrant hub, famous for its streets, cultural areas and more. But experience frequent theft, sporadic crimes, anti-social behaviour, fraud, etc. In these areas, you will find heavy traffic, busy nightlife, retail activity, and crowded streets, which can become a reason for crime. Ensure to protect all the stuff in this area as many people experience robbery and harassment, specifically in the peak times.
2. Hartcliffe and Withywood– This place is counted among the top positions in the worst areas in Bristol because of high violent incidents and vandalism. It is often associated with economic challenges as people here share that they experience targeted property damage, high crime rates, fraud and a lot more.
3. Lawrence Hill– This area is deprived and counted among the worst places to live in Bristol. High rates of burglaries, violent crimes, low population density, and socioeconomics have been experienced here. Neighbourhoods face continuous challenges because of inadequate public safety infrastructure and limited community resources. Thus, finding a living option here is full of risk.
4. Filwood– This is one of the Bristol areas, sees high rates of crimes such as house break-ins, burglaries, fraud, vehicle theft, and more. Public order crimes are often tied to the neighbourhood’s economic and social dynamics.
5. Lockleaz- The last worst areas in Bristol, is Lockleaz, which faces high rates of crime and vandalism. Many people have experienced, that community spaces and public parks are becoming the main areas for these issues, reducing access to preventative safety measures for the people.

Also read - Cheap Areas To Live In Bristol

Conclusion 

In summary, Bristol is a lively city in the UK where students come to pursue higher studies and grab career opportunities. We hope, that the shared 10 best places to live in Bristol can help you choose the house option to live like you desire. Here you can find different types of housing options, amenities, facilities and a lot more. If you are searching for a good living place in the UK you can contact us through GraddingHomes.com. Our experts will provide you list of student accommodation in UK by keeping all your needs in mind. So call us now! 

FAQs

1. What is the safest area to live in Bristol?

The safest areas to live in Bristol are Redland, Clifton, and Henleaze. These areas are known for their low crime rates, active local communities, and strong residential atmosphere making this place safest for the students to live and study.   

2. Is Bristol a good place to live?

Yes, Bristol is a good place to live because it has a vibrant, diverse and strong community. Also, Bristol ranks among the best places to live with a good balance of nature and urban environment.   

3. What is the most affordable neighbourhood in Bristol?

Areas like Bedminster Down, Avonmouth, Hengrove, Knowle West, Hartcliffe, and Withywood are often considered more budget-friendly options for the students who are looking for affordable housing options in the neighbourhood in Bristol.     

4. Is Bristol a good city for International students?

Yes, Bristol is a good city for international students to live and study here. Here they will find a strong student presence, a thriving cultural scene, and excellent universities. 

5. Which part of Bristol has the best nightlife?

Bristol offers a lively nightlife, but several areas are famous for their vibrant atmosphere and diverse variety of options. Clifton and Park Street are known for their late-night clubs and lively bars