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Are you looking for student residences in Bristol? In this article you’ll find all the information you need. Discover the pros and cons, details about university and private residences, tips for finding affordable options, and answers to FAQ’s. Let’s do this!
Are you considering living in a student residence? Below, we mention some of the most notable pros and cons of this type of accommodation in this English city:
Private residences in Bristol are located in different areas of the city, but always with easy access to universities and popular student hangouts. Some of the neighbourhoods where you can find them include Tyndalls Park, Saint Pauls, Old City and Saint Augustines.
Accommodation options include fully furnished studio flats —ideal for those seeking privacy and independence, though they tend to be the most expensive—. You'll also find rooms, with the most common being en-suite single rooms with a private bathroom, although there are also rooms with shared bathrooms. These can be located within the residence itself or in shared apartments, where you’ll share the bathroom, kitchen, and living room with other flatmates.
Private residences often come with a range of facilities to enhance the student experience —such as gyms, study rooms, common areas for socialising, movie theatres, and laundry rooms—. Some also have outdoor spaces like gardens or terraces, to enjoy when the weather is nice.
Basic services typically include Wi-Fi throughout the building, all utility bills (water, electricity, heating), maintenance, and cleaning of shared areas. Some residences also offer additional services such as room cleaning, activities programmes, weekday grab-and-go breakfasts, and access to exclusive events —although these may come at an extra cost—.
An important thing to keep in mind: some residences offer flexible cancellation policies, particularly in cases related to visa issues or academic results.
In this section, we’ll take a look at the student accommodation offered by higher education institutions in this city. Uni residences are generally divided into two main types: on-campus and off-campus. The former are located within university grounds, offering quick and easy access to classes and university facilities, while the latter are usually located in nearby neighbourhoods like Stoke Bishop and Clifton — popular student areas with food transport links—.
Among the accommodation types you can find rooms and studio apartments. Rooms can be single —both en-suite and shared bathroom options are available, the most expensive option— or shared —usually between two, they’re the most budget-friendly. Meanwhile, studios combine a bedroom, kitchen, and private bathroom in a single space. Their price is the highest of all, as it offers the greatest privacy and independence.
Common facilities vary by residence, but they generally include shared kitchens —equipped with basic appliances—, individual or group study areas, lounges for socialising and relaxing, and, in some cases, sports facilities like gyms or sports courts.
Most residences include services such as Wi-Fi throughout the building, regular cleaning of shared spaces, heating for the colder months, and security features like on-site staff and CCTV.
Another important distinction is between catered and self-catered residences. Catered halls offer a dining plan with pre-prepared meals, while self-catered ones are designed for those who prefer to cook their own dishes, with well-equipped shared kitchens. Keep in mind that catered halls usually have fixed mealtimes.
This institution divides its residences into three separate complexes (known as “villages”): North Residential Village, East Residential Village and West Residential Village. Each one has a different location, so it’s important to check which one suits you best.
Another thing to keep in mind is that European exchange students and those who apply after the deadline, aren’t guaranteed a place.
If you want to find out more about accommodation near the University of Bristol, read this article.
In our Erasmus Play platform you can explore a wide variety of private, verified residences in Bristol, filtering by price and the features you prefer. This makes finding your ideal accommodation much easier. Once you find the perfect residence, you can book it completely online and securely through our platform. Once your accommodation is sorted, you can start planning all the budget-friendly getaways, including Bath.
You must be enrolled at a university in the city. Some residences may require a security deposit and the signing of a rental agreement. Financial capacity proof or advanced full payment may be also required.
Renting a room in a shared apartment is often cheaper than living in a student residence. The average price for a room in a shared apartment is around £900 per month, while university residences can cost between £110 and £170 per week, which is approximately £440–£700 per month. However, keep in mind that residences often include amenities that may justify the price difference for some students.
We recommend starting the application process as soon as you receive an admission offer from the university. They usually open housing applications in the spring for the academic year that begins in the fall. Since they have high demand and limited places, applying early increases your chances of obtaining the desired accommodation.
University residences are usually mixed. However, some offer specific options, such as single-sex apartments, for those who prefer to live in an all-male or all-female environment. These preferences can be indicated during the housing application process.
They typically include Wi-Fi throughout the building, all utility bills (water, electricity, heating), maintenance, and cleaning of shared areas. Some residences also offer additional services such as room cleaning, activities programmes, weekday grab-and-go breakfasts, and access to exclusive events —although these may come at an extra cost—.