International Students in Bristol
Bristol is home to two large universities, the University of Bristol and University of the West of England (UWE), as well as numerous language schools and internship programmes around the city.
If you are studying in the city from overseas, a big welcome from our city! Hopefully this page and the associated resources will help your stay to be as exciting and enjoyable as possible.
You can visit our main student page to find out about student nightlife in Bristol, special offers for students and more.
Our Ultimate Student Bucket List is a great guide if you're looking for activities and new things to discover - let us know how many you tick off during your time here!
We also have local guides to Bristol's many districts, suggested itineraries to familiarise yourself with the sights around the city, and an events calendar which lists hundreds of events across Bristol every month, from theatre shows to music, walking tours and even grafitti workshops.
If you're on a tight budget, it's also worth looking at our guide to 60 Free Things to do in Bristol.
Enjoy your time in Bristol, and we hope you find it as wonderful as we do.
A quick guide to studying in Bristol
What can I study in Bristol?
Bristol is home to two world-class universities, the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE). Each university has a range of courses available to international students, and you can find more information about these and entry requirements on the university websites.
Where can I study English in Bristol?
Bristol has many language schools should you want to improve your English or learn another language. See our selected list of language schools in Bristol here.
There is also the opportunity of internships and voluntary placements, find out more here.
How can I find student housing in Bristol?
Universities are sometimes able to offer accommodation on campus, otherwise a range of private accommodation is available across the city.
Do students need a visa or residence permit to study in Bristol?
This will depend on which country you are coming from and the terms of your stay in the UK. You can some useful information on the UCAS website.
Neighbourhoods
Bristol is a vibrant city with an exciting mix of different neighbourhoods and districts waiting for you to explore.
If you're a Banksy or street art fan, check out the murals in Stokes Croft and Southville, or if you love food, don't miss Wapping Wharf and Harbourside.
For shopping, we recommend a trip to the pretty Clifton Village or the independent retailers of Gloucester Road.
There's also plenty to see just outside of the city, from the UNESCO city of Bath to the stunning landscapes in Rural Somerset, and historic attractions of South Gloucestershire.
But don't just take our word for it, you can also read Local Guides written by Bristolians on the best places to eat, drink, shop and explore across the city.
Travel and arrival information
Bristol is easy to reach from different parts of the UK and international destinations, with excellent road, rail, bus and coach and air links.
The city's main central station is Bristol Temple Meads, which is just a short walk from the city centre.
Bristol Airport is also only 30 minutes from the city centre, and has regular bus services from Temple Meads and the bus station.
Find out more about travelling to Bristol
Once you arrive, you can find out more information about the city on this website or view our Visitor Guide
Other useful resources:
- Maps of Bristol
- Travelling around Bristol
- Day trips from Bristol
- Accessibility information
- Frequently Asked Questions
International food in Bristol
Bristol has a diverse population and a wide range of restaurants, cafes and shops to cater for all tastes and diets. We have a guide to eating international cuisine in Bristol, or where you can try traditional British food in Bristol.
Here is a selection of shops where you can purchase ingredients and food from different regions:
African
Malik Supermarket, 16-26 Stapleton Rd, BS5 0QX
Kalahari Moon, St Nicholas Market, St Nicholas St, BS1 1JQ
Chinese and East Asian
Dano Mart, 214 Cheltenham Road, BS6 5QU
Wai Yee Hong, Eastgate Rd, BS5 6XX
168 Oriental, 52 Park St, BS1 5JN
Little Chinatown, 5 Nelson Street, BS1 2JT
Greek
Sotiris Greek Bakery, 16 Park Row, BS1 5lj
Indian
Masala Bazaar, 382-386 Stapleton Rd, BS5 6NQ
Bristol Sweet Mart, 84 St Marks Road, BS5 6JH
Al Noor Supermarket, 200 Stapleton Rd, BS5 0PA
Italian
Divino Deli, 1 Worrall Road, BS82UF
Licata & Son, 36 Picton Street, BS65PZ
Taste of Napoli, 32 The Horsefair, BS13HZ
Polish and East European
ABC Polski Sklep International, 164 Wells Road, BS4 2AG
International Food Centre, Fishponds
Spanish
153 B, Avon, Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8BA
Turkish
Bristanbul, 137 Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8AX
Istanbul Supermarket, 410-412 Stapleton Rd, Bristol BS5 6NQ