Cost Of Living In Bristol For Students [Updated Prices 2024]

Moving to a new country and planning your budget in compliance with the existing rates can take a significant amount of time. And this, without a doubt, necessitates extensive research to ensure that your planning is on track. As we all know, the UK attracts several overseas students on a yearly basis for their higher education. Bristol is one of the highest-rated student cities in the UK, home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities as well as some of the most popular attractions in the United Kingdom. Understanding the cost of living in Bristol as an international student is an essential step when planning to migrate to the city.

Bristol is a city that offers students a high-quality life at a relatively low cost. The average cost of living in Bristol for international students ranges between £1,166 and £1,490 per month. There are several factors such as your student accommodation, food, transportation, clothing and more. Before we dive into each of these expenses, let’s take a look at Bristol as a student city. For Indian students, living in Bristol costs about ₹1,22,811 per month, including tuition fees. This includes housing at ₹52,663, food for ₹30,544 and transportation around ₹10,532 monthly, with the overall cost varying based on personal lifestyle choices.

About Bristol As A City

Bristol is known for its independent spirit, which extends to its storefronts. There are marketplaces with unique products that you won’t find elsewhere, along with captivating antique shops and boutiques. Bristol has a large and diverse student population and was titled the happiest city in the United Kingdom in 2019, so newbies will feel right at home in the city.

Bristol is among England’s most highly popular study destinations, with over 50,000 international students arriving each year. Bristol is home to a variety of prestigious universities, including the University of Bristol, University of Law, City of Bristol College, Bower Ashton UWE (City Campus), BIMM Bristol, and the University of West of England.

Estimated Cost Of Living In Bristol

Bristol, England’s largest city in the southwest, is a lively, cosmopolitan metropolis with a lot to offer students. Outside of London, it is one of the largest media hubs in the UK, and the city’s large number of creative firms means that there is a vibrant community of painters, designers, photographers, authors, gamers, and others. If you’re planning to relocate to the city, we have rough estimates of the cost of living in Bristol –

Below is a breakdown of the cost of living in the Bristol for Indian Students

Student Accommodation In Bristol

Bristol has a wide range of neighbourhoods, from the ‘coolest’ to the ‘hippest.’ Bristol is clearly one of the most sought-after destinations to live in the UK. The majority of student housing in Bristol is inclusive of all rates and provides pleasant, stylish, yet affordable en-suites, studios, and shared apartments. You can book your student accommodation in Bristol through UniAcco if you’re seeking budget-friendly houses located near the top universities. Here’s a list of a few of the popular student housing alternatives you should consider –

1. Zed Alley

Location: Colston Avenue, Bristol, BS1 4TT, near BIMM Bristol.  

Pricing: From £442 per week.

Zed Alley offers student accommodation with proximity to BIMM Bristol, just a 12-minute walk away or a 6-minute train ride. Noteworthy features include dual occupancy, January intake availability, free breakfast, free bikes, and accommodating policies like No Visa No Pay and No University No Pay. The best payment plan option adds to its appeal, complemented by amenities like utility bill coverage, a dining room, microwave, fridge, wooden flooring, electric stove, and more.

2. Dean Street Works

Location: 13-19 Dean Street, Bristol, BS2 8SF, near TEG English Bristol.  

Pricing: From £213 per week.

Dean Street Works is strategically located just a 4-minute walk or train ride from TEG English Bristol, with a 2-minute car drive. This Bristol student housing provides contemporary en-suite rooms available in shared apartments and studios. Each living space is equipped with a variety of amenities designed to create a homely atmosphere for students. The accommodation has been thoughtfully curated with expertise to ensure a comfortable and cost-effective stay for residents.

3. Hotwells House

Location: 192 Hotwell Road, Bristol, BS8 4UR, near Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.  

Pricing: From £212 per week.

Hotwells House provides diverse room options, including standard and en suite rooms in shared cluster flats and studio flats. The well-designed flats feature modern communal areas, TVs, fully equipped kitchens, and private kitchens in Galaxy Studios. With an in-house management team offering weekly support and advice, along with CCTV surveillance and an online maintenance portal ensuring security and comfort, Hotwells House stands out as a comprehensive student housing option in Bristol.

Transportation

Bristol is strategically connected to every major public transportation system, making it easily accessible and within walking distance of any university and the city’s top attractions. Bristol students have a number of transportation alternatives, including the world-famous Bristol railway station, buses, and pleasant taxis. So you can reduce your cost of living in Bristol by carefully choosing your means of transportation.

For transportation, Indian students can expect to spend ₹7,794 on a monthly bus or transport pass, ₹165 for a one-way local transport ticket, 170 ₹ per kilometre for a taxi, and 176 ₹ per litre for gasoline.

In Bristol, Students can easily access over 150 buses operating 24/7 citywide, with daily tickets at £2.50. Students can opt for a discounted monthly pass at £50. This affordable and accessible public transportation system plays a significant role in the overall cost of transport for students in Bristol. The following is the detailed birfurcation of the modes and average fare in Bristol.

• Bus: You can travel to and from the University campus and across Bristol. Students can get a 20% discount on all First bus tickets with a student ID card. A single ticket costs £1.50 and a day ticket costs £4.
• Train: You can travel to other parts of the city and the country. Students can get 1/3 off rail fares with a 16-25 Railcard. A single ticket to Bristol Temple Meads costs £2.40 and a return ticket costs £3.10.
• Bike: You can cycle around the city and enjoy the scenic routes. There are cycle stands and secure sheds on the University campus and the residences. Students can get discounts on bike locks, lights, and repairs from the university. You can also rent a bike from YoBike for £1 per hour or £5 per day.

What Is The Cheapest And Best Way To Get Around Bristol?

The cheapest and best way to get around Bristol is to use a bike or a bus. Biking is easy and eco-friendly, and you can find secure bike parking at many hotels and attractions. Buses are frequent and affordable, and you can buy a PlusBus ticket with your train fare to get unlimited bus travel in Bristol. You can also use the Park and Ride service to avoid traffic and parking fees in the city centre.

Food

Students and staff can eat at the university’s catered halls throughout their three terms. If you opt to live in a private apartment, you may budget your food expenses and schedule your meals accordingly. Students and staff at the university have the option to eat at the university’s catered halls during all three terms. This can be a convenient choice, especially for those living on campus. However, if you choose to live in a private apartment, it allows for more flexibility in budgeting food expenses and scheduling meals.

Indian students in Bristol typically spend approximately ₹30,544 per month on food, emphasizing the importance of careful budgeting for dining expenses.

Bristol’s average food cost is around £290 per month, including meals at restaurants and groceries at supermarkets, highlighting the need for careful planning and budgeting in managing dining expenses.

• A basic lunchtime menu in the business district can cost around £15 per person, while a combo meal at a fast food restaurant can cost around £15.
• The average cost of groceries at supermarkets is around £200 per month, which includes meat, eggs, milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables, etc.
• Bristol’s cheapest grocery items are milk, eggs, potatoes, and bread, while some of the most expensive items are cheese, chicken breast, tomatoes, and wine.
• Bristol’s food cost can be reduced by shopping at local markets, using coupons, and cooking meals at home.

Utilities

Utilities are an unavoidable aspect when estimating the cost of living in Bristol for students. Your utility bills depend on the accommodation type, and its terms and conditions. Some properties include all the utility bills in the rent so students need not make a separate payment. On the other hand, bills are charged separately for other residences. 

The average monthly cost of utilities for a single-person household is around £163, while for a two-person household, it is around £273.

• The utilities include electricity, heating, water, and garbage. The cost may vary depending on the size of the apartment, the usage, and the provider.
• The supply and usage fees are set by the Government and are current as of July 2022.
• Some of the main utility providers in Bristol are Bristol Water⁴, Western Power Distribution, and Bristol Energy.

Books & Printing

While estimating your living cost in Bristol, you will notice several expenses pertaining to sudden printouts, photocopies, books, journals, and more. They come in handy when preparing for exams or submitting paperwork. According to sources available on the internet, you should try to budget around £25 a month for course materials like books.

Miscellaneous

If you have any extra interests or live a costly lifestyle, you’ll need to budget for them since that could impact your cost of living in Bristol. You should also set aside money for –

• Mobile phone bills: According to Statista, the average selling price of smartphones in India was around 224 U.S. dollars in 2022, which is equivalent to about £167. The monthly cost of a phone plan may vary depending on the provider and the features, but a typical SIM-only deal with unlimited calls, texts, and data could cost around £20.

• Travel & Touring: According to Confused.com, the average cost of public transport in Bristol is £74 per month, which includes buses, trains, and taxis. If you want to travel to other cities or countries, you may need to spend more on flights, accommodation, and attractions. For example, a round-trip flight from Bristol to Paris could cost around £100, and a hostel bed could cost around £20 per night.

• Sports:  You should budget around £34 a month for entertainment, which includes sports, hobbies, and leisure activities. You can join some clubs or societies at your university or in the city, which may offer discounts or free access to some facilities or events. For example, the University of Bristol Sports Centre offers a range of memberships and prices for students, starting from £10.50 per month.

• Entertainment: You should budget around £34 a month for entertainment, which includes sports, hobbies, and leisure activities. You can enjoy some free or low-cost options in Bristol, such as museums, art galleries, parks, festivals, or live music. For example, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter and has a variety of exhibitions and collections.

FAQs

1. Is it expensive to live in Bristol?

Ans: Compared to other UK cities, Bristol can be expensive, but it is often less expensive than London.  Living in Bristol can be an exciting experience for students, offering a combination of top-notch universities, a diversified cultural scene, and a friendly community. 

2. What salary do you need to live in Bristol?

Ans: According to Bristol Post, Bristol’s cost of living varies depending on lifestyle, family size, and location within the city, but a general range is between £30,000 and £33,737 a year.

3. What is the Cost of food in Bristol?

Ans: Food prices can also vary depending on whether you dine out or cook your meals at home. The monthly cost of food may range between £200- £290 in Bristol.

4. Is Bristol expensive to rent?

Ans: Bristol’s rental cost is fairly priced compared to other cities in England. The monthly on-campus accommodation rent ranges between £700 to £740, and off-campus accommodation rental costs range from £400 to £416 per month.

5. What’s Bristol famous for?

Ans: Bristol is well-known for its rich maritime heritage, the magnificent suspension bridge created by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and its vibrant street art scene, which includes pieces by international artist Banksy.

Thank you for reading this blog on the Cost of living in Bristol. If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that might be of interest to you –

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