Why choose Bristol?

The University of Bristol is one of the top ten universities in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024), but that’s not the only reason why Bristol is an excellent choice. Here are a few more:

1. Our student community

We attract some of the best and brightest students from all over the world and from all walks of life.

All our students automatically become part of the Students’ Union at Bristol, which represents students at the University and nationally, and offers professional advice and support as well as a multitude of student societies and clubs for students to get involved in, meet new people and have fun.

2. Excellent location

Bristol is a vibrant friendly city with something for all tastes – lively music and arts scenes, exciting places to eat and drink, a fantastic range of shops and over 450 parks and open spaces earning its reputation as a green city. In March 2014, The Sunday Times named Bristol the best UK city to live in, and Bristol has been awarded European Green Capital 2015.

With excellent road and rail links and an international airport just outside the city, Bristol is easy to reach from other areas of the UK and beyond.

3. Financial support

The University offers a range of financial support to undergraduate students through bursaries, scholarships and awards, providing for EU and international students as well as those from the UK.

4. Support, health and wellbeing

Bristol is one of only two universities in the UK to offer a full NHS GP practice on site through our Student Health Service.

Our Student Services also offer:

• Disability Services, supporting students throughout their university experience from pre-application to graduation.
• Student Counselling, offering students free confidential advice, individual counselling, workshops and support groups.
• Our Multifaith Chaplaincy supporting all members of the University whatever their background and beliefs.

All undergraduate students will have a personal tutor throughout their time at Bristol, whom they can go to about anything at all that’s worrying them, whether it’s an academic or a personal matter.

5. Accommodation guarantee

We offer accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, and guarantee to provide an offer of accommodation to all new full-time undergraduates who apply for accommodation by the deadline. To find out more, visit our Accommodation Office website.

6. A safe student environment

Bristol is one of the first universities to have been awarded the police certification of a ‘secured environment’. On arrival, all students receive a briefing about staying safe, and we have our own full-time police officer on campus. We do not tolerate any form of bulling, harassment or victimisation, and are committed to providing a fair and safe environment in which students can study and socialise.

Bristol city centre has been awarded the Purple Flag for the last four years, signifying that the city centre is a safe place to enjoy a night out.

7. Excellent career prospects

A Bristol degree is a valuable asset, recognised by many employers as a mark of excellence. We aim to give all our students not just an outstanding education, but also the skills to become effective leaders in whatever career path they choose.

The University’s Careers Service provides advice and information to help our students realise their aspirations, and arrange some of the biggest careers fairs of any UK university. They can help students to find work experience placements and internships, including the University of Bristol Internship Scheme which offers valuable work experience opportunities both within the University and in external organisations.

8. Worldwide alumni network

When our students graduate, they will automatically become a member of our alumni network – an ever-growing community of thousands of students from over 170 countries. Our graduates collectively offer a goldmine of talent and experience that brings our students invaluable career and social benefits throughout their lives.

9. Research-led learning

Students at Bristol are taught by internationally renowned academics who are experts in their fields, and are actively involved in research and making new discoveries. As well as benefitting from the latest ideas and intellectual challenges in their teaching, our undergraduate students can also get involved in their lecturers’ research, and undertake a research project of their own within their studies.

10. Lifelong learning

Getting a degree shouldn’t be the end of someone’s learning – we want to inspire our students to be passionate about their subject beyond university. We will give them the skills to be able to learn independently so that they can carry on learning beyond their undergraduate degree, whether as part of further study, career development or just being curious about the world around them.