Heading to the University of the West of England (UWE) for your studies and need somewhere to stay? With several locations in and around Bristol, there are plenty of options for accommodation!

Whether you're looking for trendy apartments close to Bristol's vibrant city centre or shared housing in student areas like Filton and Fishponds, Student.com offers a wide range of student accommodation in Bristol.

Start browsing our dedicated UWE accommodation at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about life at the university, including the best places to live and our top tips for booking accommodation... 

Where is the University of the West of England located?

The University of the West of England’s main campus is based in Frenchay, about 4 miles (or a 15-minute bus ride) northeast of Bristol’s city centre. It's a large, self-contained campus that's home to the Students’ Union, main sports facilities and various faculties.

UWE’s City Campus caters to the university’s creative programmes and is spread across several sites in Bristol, sharing its premises with major regional art centres like the Arnolfini, Spike Island and Watershed.

Lastly, there’s the Glenside Campus situated in Fishponds, about two miles south of the main campus, which is home to the university's allied health, nursing and midwifery courses.

Is the University of the West of England a good university?

The University of the West of England has an excellent reputation as one of the UK’s top modern universities. It’s known for its strong practical focus, which gives graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

UWE has close ties with major companies like Airbus, Rolls-Royce and the BBC who help shape course content, provide work placement opportunities and often employ students after they graduate.

It’s no surprise, then, that UWE has some of the best graduate employment rates in the region, while its students are also able to command high starting salaries compared to their peers at other universities.

Courses at the University of the West of England

The University of the West of England offers over 300 different courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and degree apprenticeship levels. These include a mix of full-time, part-time and online programmes – so there are lots of flexible study options available.

The university is made up of three main colleges – the College of Arts, Technology and Environment; the College of Health, Science and Society; and the College of Business and Law – which collectively comprise ten smaller schools.

Courses cover virtually all areas of study imaginable, with UWE’s highest-ranked subjects including health science, architecture, art and design, social work and engineering. 

Student life at the University of the West of England

With over 38,000 students across its three campuses, the University of the West of England is home to one of the biggest student communities in the UK. The Students’ Union on the Frenchay campus is the main hub of student life and runs over 160 clubs and societies.

There are some fantastic sports facilities on offer to students, including two fully-equipped gyms, floodlit football pitches, squash courts and indoor climbing. The university is also highly regarded for its wellbeing support and initiatives.

Getting out and exploring Bristol – one of the UK’s most vibrant cities – is a major part of student life. Favourite activities include enjoying street food at the Harbourside, shopping in independent stores on Gloucester Road and revelling in the city’s legendary nightlife.

How much does it cost to study at the University of the West of England?

Undergraduate tuition fees at the University of the West of England for both UK and international students are priced at £9,535 per year, though there may be slight variations depending on the course.

In terms of living costs, Bristol is generally regarded as one of the more expensive cities in the UK. Most UWE students will budget £1,100–£1,500 per month to cover accommodation, groceries, transport and other expenses.

That puts the annual cost at around £23,000–£28,000. That said, most students will be eligible for some form of financial support – either through loans, scholarships or bursaries – to help cover these costs.

Best areas to live near the University of the West of England

There are lots of areas in Bristol where you’ll find fellow students from the University of the West of England – the best one for you will depend on the campus where you're based.

For students at the Frenchay and Glenside campuses, the surrounding areas of Fishponds, Filton and Stokes Park are all convenient options that offer accommodation and direct bus routes to the university.

If you’re based at the City Campus or just want to be closer to the centre of Bristol, then Clifton and Redland are worth considering – these are the city’s main student hubs and are especially popular with University of Bristol students.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start looking for accommodation as a University of the West of England student?

If you’re looking for private accommodation, it’s best to start your search in January and February. The most desirable properties in popular student areas like Fishponds are typically reserved around this time for occupation the following academic year, so the earlier you start looking the better!

How much does student accommodation near the University of the West of England cost?

Student accommodation in areas like Fishponds, Filton and Stokes Park is generally very affordably priced at around £125–£175 per week. Apartments closer to the city centre and in areas like Clifton and Redland are typically more expensive and start from around £200 per week. 

Where are the best areas to live near the University of the West of England?

For students based at UWE's Frenchay and Glenside campuses, popular areas for accommodation include Fishponds, Filton and Stokes Park. Clifton and Redland are two major student hubs closer to the centre of Bristol, while the city centre itself has lots of modern, purpose-built student apartments. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad at the University of the West of England?

If you’re an international student from outside the UK or Ireland, you’ll need to apply for a student visa before you start your course at the University of the West of England. The UK government website has full details on how to apply here. 

What if I didn’t find the answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!