Bristol

QS Best Student Cities ranking: 97th

A new entry in this year’s Best Student Cities ranking, Bristol is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the UK, and is home to two universities ranked among the world’s top 800: the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England.

Known as the home town of the mysterious Banksy, Bristol is steadily growing a reputation as a creative hub – you won’t walk far without seeing lively murals, and there are numerous live music venues, art spaces and festivals to enjoy, such as the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta every August, the biggest hot air balloon event in Europe.

Bristol was named the best city to live in in the UK in 2017 by the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, and this year it was named the best city in the UK for under-26-year-olds according to BBC’s Newsbeat. The median age of Bristolians is 33, and people there love it for the diversity of its culture, with at least 91 main languages spoken in the city, as well as its friendliness.

Bristol also wins high praise for its excellent links to the sea and countryside, without feeling cut off from the rest of the country. Cyclists and nature walkers can enjoy the 13-mile-long Bristol And Bath Railway Path, and the Avon Gorge offers great climbing opportunities. And in terms of  nightlife, the city has an excellent selection of clubs and bars and a flourishing LGBT scene, with the Park Street and The Triangle area home to the main student favorites.

Have you studied in Bristol? Share your thoughts.

Internationally ranked universities in Bristol

More about Bristol

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.