Cost of living in Bristol for Students

Bristol is in South West England and named as European Green Capital. It is an independent city catering to tourists and students with fun activities and places to see while staying in Bristol. It is also a small, compact city offering academic excellence with diverse culture, lively atmosphere, rich history, employment opportunities, good transportation, etc.

Is Bristol a student city?

According to QS Best Student Cities Ranking, Bristol stands #49 globally. It is one of the most beautiful cities to live and study in the UK. With such a large and diverse student community, it has remained the ideal student destination. In 2019, it was voted the happiest city in the UK.

What is the top university in Bristol?

One of the best universities in Bristol for Education is the University of Bristol. It ranks #55 in QS World University Rankings.

Is Bristol affordable for students?

Bristol is the #3 most expensive city in the United Kingdom. The cost of living in Bristol is £800 per month excluding tuition fees. On average, the cost of housing will be £500 while food will be £78 and transportation will be around £100 monthly.

Please bear in mind the cost of living will depend upon your lifestyle, etc.

For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in Bristol, let’s summarize its cost.

Expenses	Cost (Average)
Average Tuition Fees	£10,000 – £35,000 / Year
Accommodation	£500 – £1,150 / Month
Transportatio	£100 – £150 / Month

Is Bristol expensive for international students to study?

As per QS World University Rankings (2024), Bristol ranks # 9 in the UK and #55 globally. It is home to universities offering many UG and PG degrees for various subjects. The cost of tuition fees in Bristol will depend upon the type of course and the university you choose to study. The table below only gives an average price of tuition fees in Bristol; please check in with your university for fee costs.

Undergraduate Tuition Fee	Post-Graduate Tuition Fee
£10,000 – £15,000 / Year	£10,000 – £35,000 / Year

Student Accommodation Costs

The price of rent is high in Bristol for many reasons. But, as students, you can choose from the three types of student accommodation in Bristol. They are student housing, student apartments, and university halls. We have given a brief on each of the types of accommodation. It will give you an idea of the options available and help you make informed decisions before deciding on your accommodation.

1. Student Housing

Student housing, also known as PBSA, offers many benefits to students. They are affordable, with good locations offering students amenities, safety & security. They provide opportunities to connect with other students and foster a sense of community.

Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.

Student Housing	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	£500 – £600 / Month

2. Private Apartment

With student apartments, you get a customizable student experience as per your needs and preferences. Student apartments in Bristol offer more privacy and independence. But that’s not all; it provides housing choices, location preferences, modern amenities, safety, and security.

Apartment	Price
Private	£900 – £1,150 / Month

3. University Halls

Staying in university halls is one of the best ways to transition into independence and another country. One of the biggest advantages of staying in university halls is the proximity to campus. But, with university halls, there’s limited privacy and independence, and you get only basic amenities.

University Hall	Price
Ensuite/ Studio	£600 – £1,100 / Month

Is food expensive in Bristol?

Bristol is affordable compared to London, and the cost of food in Bristol will depend upon various factors, like your eating and spending habits. If you choose to eat outside, it will depend again on the type of restaurants you decide to go out and eat at! For instance, a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost £30 /person, while a high-end restaurant will cost £50 /person. There are affordable places to eat in Bristol, like food markets, street food stalls, local cafes, etc. If you decide to cook meals at home, the cost of groceries per month will come to £200.

How much do utility bills cost in Bristol?

The cost of utility bills in Bristol will depend upon your usage, accommodation type, location, etc. The utility bills will include electricity, water, heating, cooling, etc. The bill will be included in your rent if you stay in student housing or apartments. As for university halls, you will have to check in with their billing payment policies.

What is the cheapest and best way to get around Bristol?

If you consider different travel options in Bristol, you might save a lot on your transportation costs. The best and cheapest way to get around Bristol is to use a bus or train. They are connected to all parts of the city, providing convenient rides at affordable rates. Bristol is a compact city, so it’s easy to get around walking or cycling too! As a student, you can take advantage of student discounts like Travelcard or Bristol Rider!