So, you’ve just moved to Bristol - congrats! Whether you’re coming from just down the road or from the other side of the UK, starting uni brings a mix of excitement, nerves, and that urge to get stuck in. Bristol is pretty brilliant for freshers: vibrant, creative, full of green spaces, good food, quirky bars, and things to explore.
Here are some fresh-ers-friendly tips to help you get your bearings, find your feet, and uncover some of the best things to do in Bristol.
Clifton & the Harbourside: history, cafes and river views
Why explore it?
Clifton is postcard-pretty, with Georgian terraces, leafy streets, and the iconic Suspension Bridge. Head down Park Street and you'll find the iconic harbourside, which is buzzing day and night, with cafes, bars, and walks by the water.
Things to do:
- Take a stroll up to the Clifton Suspension Bridge (sunset is unbeatable).
- Explore Clifton Village for indie shops, delis and brunch spots. A good spot to visit with the parents when they visit!
- Head to the harbourside for some busy bars, a bit of culture at the Arnolfini art gallery, or a paddle on the water.
Yuup pick: Try the St. Nicholas Market & Air Raid Shelter Tour - it winds you through the Old City, historic markets, and underground bunkers. A great way to see another side of central Bristol, particularly if you're a history lover! Book here.
Stokes Croft & Gloucester Road: street art and nightlife
Why explore it?
This is the beating heart of Bristol’s creative scene - colourful murals, buzzing nightlife, and some of the best budget eats in the city.
Things to do:
- Spot Banksy’s Mild Mild West on Stokes Croft.
- Eat your way down Gloucester Road (the UK’s longest stretch of independent shops and cafes).
- Dive into live music or open-mic nights at venues like The Canteen or Crofters Rights.
Yuup pick: Get in the creative spirit with a BYOB Handbuilding Pottery Session in Stokes Croft. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with new flat mates, and you’ll come away with your own handmade piece. Book here.
Bedminster & Southville: colourful streets and local eats
Why explore it?
This side of town is famous for its street art festival 'Upfest', Ashton Gate Stadium, and some wonderful green spaces. Perfect for a wander when you want to escape the student bubble.
Things to do:
- Check out North Street’s murals and indie shops.
- Wander through Greville Smyth Park with friends on a sunny afternoon.
- Sports fans should head to Ashton Gate Stadium to support their new home teams - Bristol City and Bristol Bears Rugby.
- Catch some comedy at The Hen & Chicken, or a bit of dance, puppetry or even Shakespeare at The Tobacco Factory Theatre.
Yuup pick: Head to Print Paradiso and make your own tote bag - the ultimate uni student staple! Book here.
Easton & Old Market: culture and community
Why explore it?
Easton is one of Bristol’s most diverse areas, full of food, music and independent businesses. Old Market, just next door, is historic and LGBTQ+ friendly with some great pubs.
Things to do:
- Eat Caribbean food on St. Mark’s Road or the icnonic samosas from Jeevan's Sweets.
- Explore the many LGBTQ+ friendly pubs and bars around Old Market - popular venues including The Old Castle Green, The Old Market Tavern and Bristol Bear Bar.
- Go dancing or catch a live band at the Trinity Centre, one of Bristol’s best grassroots venues.
Yuup pick: If you're leaving a dog behind a home, you have to try this Dog life Drawing Class! A real art class with a difference, you'll get to scratch and cuddle dogs of all different shapes and sizes... and do some drawing too. Book here.
Redland, Cotham & Bishopston: student strongholds
Why explore it?
These are the areas where a lot of students end up living after their first year in halls, and you'll probably walk discover. Packed with big old houses, parks, and plenty of pubs that you'll discover after your lectures. It's definitely worth familiarising yourself with it early.
Things to do:
- Grab a cosy pint and enjoy the pub quiz at the White Bear or Highbury Vaults.
- Wander along Cotham Hill for great charity shop finds, amazing ice cream at Panuzios, and some of the best restaurants in the city.
- St Michael's Hill isn't fun to walk up (prepare yourself for the hill!) but brave it and you'll discover some amazing drinking spots, including Psychopomp Gin Distillery.
Yuup pick: Take a break from essays with a Make Your Own Terrarium workshop - something calming and creative to brighten up your uni room. Book here.
Starting uni and exploring a new city is equal parts exciting and overwhelming - but Bristol will soon start to feel like home. So go on, explore, taste, get crafting, and say 'Yuup' to a few things that scare you just a little. That’s what fresh starts are all about!
