Bristol

Bristol

Sabrina Collier

Updated July 15, 2021 Updated July 15

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

University of Bristol; University of the West of England

More about Bristol

Number of universities ranked by QS

2

Highest-ranked institution

University of Bristol (49th in the world)

Population (inc. urban area)

724,000

Average international fees (at ranked unis)

US$27,000

Desirability rank

63rd

Employer Activity rank

136th

Affordability rank

121st

Student View rank

61st

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

This article was originally published in July 2019 . It was last updated in January 2020

Written by

The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK. 

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