Top Universities in Bristol: Courses, Housing & More

Welcome to Bristol, a charming city, famous for its coloured houses like Cliftonwood and St Paul's. The city is the birthplace of Banksy, a well-known street artist, and students can glimpse his flawless art here. Bristol is one of the UK’s greenest cities and is surrounded by plenty of parks and gardens. Students can plan their day out and relax in places like Castle Park and Brandon Hill. Bristol is a UNESCO City of Film, home to museums, galleries, and theatres like Bristol Old Vic. The city hosts several festivals like Love Saves The Day and St Paul’s Carnival. 

Beyond Bristol’s beauty,  the city also stands out as a hub for academic excellence. The University of Bristol and the University of the West of England are prestigious educational institutions where students get a high-quality education and strong academic support. With such excellent options available, you might find yourself wondering which university is the best fit for you. Let us have a quick look at the top universities in Bristol to help you make an informed decision. If you are planning to study here, you can find countless presentable Bristol student accommodation options near both institutions. So are you all packed and ready to fly to Bristol?

Top Universities in Bristol

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol was founded in 1876, and in recent times, it has become one of the UK’s most reputable universities. It ranked 54th in the QS World University Ranking 2025 and 9th in the UK, reflecting its strong global and national reputation. Bristol University ranking, UK demonstrates its dedication to academic achievement. Spread out over a large area, most activities of the university are carried out in the city centre, known as the University Precinct. 

What can you study here?

The University of Bristol offers around 265 undergraduate courses, typically lasting for 3 to 4 years. The popular undergraduate courses include a BSc in Accounting and Finance, a BEng in Aerospace Engineering, and a BA in Ancient History. The undergraduate courses are available on a full-time basis only.

The university also provides research post-graduation programmes. There are around 245 courses including Advanced Quantitative Methods, Biochemistry, and Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Students have the flexibility to choose postgraduate research programmes on either a part-time or full-time basis. 

Short-term academic courses

Students planning for short-term courses can opt for summer schools like Accredited Summer Programmes. Most of the programmes run for 3 weeks and offer 10 UK credits. It features engaging sessions filled with an impactful learning experience. Students can attend sessions on Medieval Studies and Environmental Humanities. 

Internship Opportunities

The University of Bristol offers a wide range of internships, including the SME Internship Scheme. It is a paid internship which is open to current students and recent alumni. Students get an opportunity to polish their skills through exposure to a professional environment.

Where can you stay?

There are several housing options available near the university. For instance, Vita Student Zed Alley is an impressive student accommodation, Bristol, located at 0.3 miles. This luxury student accommodation in Bristol is an ideal choice for those who prefer walking to campus and want premium amenities during their stay.

Why should you choose the University of Bristol?

1. World-class reputation 
2. Situated in a prime location
3. Academic excellence
4. Outstanding research guidance
5. High graduate employability

University of the West of England(UWE) Bristol

The University of the West of England is located in Bristol, England. In 1969, the university was known as the Bristol Polytechnic and received university status in 1992.  In Bristol, UWE University ranks among the top UK universities. Bristol University of the West of England ranking is influenced by several factors, including academic performance, student satisfaction, and research output. The institution has three campuses. The first is the Frenchay Campus, which is the main campus with advanced facilities for productive learning. City Campus is the second one and focuses on creative subjects like art and design. It is spread across different locations like Bower Ashton, Spike Island, Arnolfini, and Watershed. Glenside Campus is the third campus and serves as a hub for students pursuing studies in health, midwifery, and nursing. 

What can you study here?

UWE Bristol offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses across various disciplines. Key subject areas include Business and Law, Computing and Technology, as well as Art, Creative Industries, and Media. 

 Short-term academic courses

The university also offers the International Summer School Programme for students seeking fast-track courses. Students get the opportunity to enhance their English language skills.

Internship opportunities

There are plenty of internship opportunities at the University of the West of England(UWE) Bristol. Students can opt for the UWE Bristol Internship Scheme to apply academic knowledge in real scenarios. It is a paid internship of 148 hours, usually requiring 12-14 hours per week.

Where can you stay?

Students can find plenty of student housing options near the university, like King Square Studios, which is located 3.4 miles away. It is the perfect option for those looking for affordable student accommodation in Bristol. For a quick commute to the university and around the city, students can prefer public transport options or their bikes.

Why should you choose the University of the West of England(UWE) Bristol? 

1. Supports flexible and modular learning
2. Global and diverse student community
3. Enhances practical skills for the real world
4. Modern and well-equipped campuses

Final words

Whether you prefer academic excellence at the University of Bristol or career-focused learning at UWE Bristol, both universities offer great exposure. High-quality education, exciting student life and a city full of splendid art and culture make Bristol a perfect place to learn and grow. Unis in Bristol has something unique to offer, depending on what you are looking for. Choosing the right one is a big step, but in a city like Bristol, it's a step towards a bright and exciting future. Visit Best Student Halls to book your student room today and grab the best deals before they're gone. We’ll help you find the perfect student accommodation that suits your budget as well as your preferences.