Student Housing in Bristol
In Bristol, if you want to be close to lectures and live in a busy student pocket, you can. If you want quieter streets and a slightly more local vibe, you can do that too. With two big universities and a solid student population, there’s a steady supply of student accommodation in Bristol across different neighbourhoods.
Find next year’s student house in Bristol on Housr based on property size, price, or search by neighbourhood or proximity to your university with ease.
How to shortlist the right student home for you
Commute to campus
Start with your University campus, then work your way outwards into areas that make sense for your timetable.
Property type
Depending on how many people you want to live with, search for either 1 to 3 bedroom student homes, 4 to 6 bedroom properties, or 7+ bedroom houses in Bristol.
Non-negotiables
All property prices listed on our site include bills as standard through a student utilities package, so you don’t have to budget for extra monthly costs beyond rent. Then think about things that could take up a lot of your life: desk space, bike storage, green space, parking, and street atmosphere. If you are bringing a car, it’s also worth checking whether you’ll be charged in Bristol’s Clean Air Zone.
Tenancy fit
Finally, check the tenancy start date, contract length, guarantor requirements, deposit, and what the agent includes within the rent. A good approach is to shortlist first, view the property, then go through the admin with the agent at the viewing or over the phone, so you don’t waste time on places you won’t end up choosing.
What makes Bristol a strong student accommodation market?
There were around 68,000 students registered at the two Bristol universities in 2023/24. That combination supports a healthy mix of shared houses, spare rooms, and smaller flats across multiple neighbourhoods.
Getting about as a student is obviously a big factor when you’re on a budget, and The University of Bristol offers some sound travel advice here. At a glance, however:
Travel savings
Bristol’s buses are a big part of student life. First Bus offers student discounts in-app, with Bristol Zone student tickets designed for unlimited travel across services in the city. If you rely on buses most days, sorting your student ticket out is top priority for savings.
Rail connectivity
Bristol Temple Meads is the main rail hub and one of the busiest stations in the South West. London Paddington is around an hour and 30 minutes away by train, offering a relatively quick connection into the country’s capital for a day out, or onward travel to the rest of the country via London Euston or King’s Cross St. Pancras.
Student areas in Bristol to consider
Bristol doesn’t have as strong a student ecosystem when it comes to housing. Students tend to be a bit more spread out as opposed to being huddled together in hotspots! That said, there are a few areas you should be looking out for when it comes to student properties.
Clifton
Clifton is one of the best-known Bristol student areas, especially for University of Bristol students who want a simple routine around lectures, libraries, and campus life. It’s a prettier, pricier option in many cases, but you’re paying for location and walkability. Expect a mix of flats and large period properties, plus busy streets around term time.
Find student accommodation in Clifton on Housr.
Redland
Redland is a strong middle ground. You’re still close enough to feel plugged into student life, but streets can be quieter than the most central hotspots. It’s a common choice for second and third years who want a slightly quieter base without feeling cut off.
Browse student housing in Redland on Housr.
Horfield
Horfield sits on the northern stretch of Gloucester Road, so you get the benefits of one of Bristol’s most popular “liveable high street” corridors, with loads of independent shops, cafés and places to eat within easy reach. It’s a solid middle ground for students who want space and a more local feel, but still want a simple route into the centre for lectures, nights out, and part-time work.
Discover student properties in Horfield on Housr.
Choosing between student houses, rooms, and studios in Bristol
There is no “best” housing type; there is only the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.
Student houses (house shares)
Usually, the best value per person, and often the easiest way to live with friends.
Private rooms in shared homes
Good if you want shared living without organising a whole group. If you’re still deciding who to live with, or you need to fill a spare room in a house you like, you can use the Roomie feature in the Housr app to match with other students. Download Housr on iOS here and on Android here.
Studios and 1-bed flats
If you need privacy for study, shift work, or personal space, studios can make sense. There are usually fewer options to choose from, and it’s worth being honest about the lifestyle trade-off: living and cooking in one space can feel cramped if you’re used to a house share.
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