Bristol is a brilliant city for students, but it is not always the cheapest. With rising rents and high demand, finding affordable student accommodation in Bristol can feel stressful, especially if you are new to the city. The good news is that with some planning and smart choices, you can still find cheap Bristol student accommodation that is comfortable, safe and close enough to campus.
This guide will walk you through how to find cheaper student housing in Bristol, which areas to look at, what types of accommodation tend to cost less, and how to make your budget go further. We will also look at how modern options like Zest Student Accommodation can work out as good value even if they are not the very lowest price on paper.
Why Bristol Student Accommodation Can Be Expensive
Before jumping into money saving tips, it helps to understand why rents are high in the first place:
- Bristol is a popular student city with two major universities
- There is growing demand for both private rentals and purpose built student accommodation
- It is a thriving city for young professionals as well as students, which keeps prices up
- Central areas and picturesque neighbourhoods such as Clifton tend to be more expensive
Knowing this, you can start to look beyond the obvious hotspots and search smarter for cheaper places to live.
Decide What “Cheap” Means for You
Cheap does not mean the same thing for everyone. Before you start searching, work out:
- Your maximum weekly or monthly rent
- How much you have from student loan, family support or part time work
- Whether your rent needs to include bills
Sometimes slightly higher rent that includes all bills can be better value than a cheaper room with separate gas, electric and internet. When you compare prices, always check:
- Is it all inclusive
- Which utilities are covered
- Whether Wi Fi is included
- If there are any extra fees such as deposits or booking fees
This will help you compare like for like and avoid surprises later.
Cheapest Types of Student Accommodation in Bristol
Some kinds of housing are almost always cheaper than others. In Bristol, you will usually find the lowest prices in:
Shared Houses
Living in a shared house with several other students is one of the most budget friendly options.
Pros:
- Often the cheapest rent per person
- You split bills and council tax is normally exempt for full time students
- You can choose to live with friends
- Feels like a home rather than a block of flats
Cons:
- Bills are usually not included
- Quality varies depending on the landlord
- Less on site security and fewer facilities
Popular areas for cheaper shared student houses in Bristol include:
- Fishponds
- Easton
- Bedminster
- Some parts of Redland and Bishopston, especially further from the main high streets
If you are in a group of four or more, a house can work out significantly cheaper per person than a studio or one bedroom flat.
Smaller Rooms and Non En Suite Rooms
If you are willing to share a bathroom, you can often save a lot of money.
- En suite rooms cost more because you have your own bathroom
- Non en suite or shared bathroom rooms are usually at the lower end of the price range
- Smaller rooms in shared houses can also be cheaper than larger doubles
If budget is tight, consider taking the smallest room or a room without an en suite in exchange for a lower rent.
University Halls with Basic Facilities
While some modern university halls can be pricey, older or more basic halls are sometimes cheaper than private studios.
- Look at non en suite rooms or older blocks
- Check whether catered halls are more expensive than self catered
- Compare university owned halls with private halls to see which offers better value
University accommodation offices often have full price breakdowns that let you compare options quickly.
Cheap Areas for Student Accommodation in Bristol
You do not have to live right in the city centre or in Clifton to enjoy Bristol. Many students cut their costs by living slightly further out in cheaper neighbourhoods.
Fishponds
Fishponds is very popular with UWE students and is one of the more affordable areas.
- Good bus links to UWE Frenchay Campus and the city centre
- Plenty of student houses and some blocks aimed at students
- Cheaper rents compared with Clifton, Cotham or the city centre
- Lots of local shops, takeaways and pubs
If you are at UWE, Fishponds is often the best value area to start your search.
Easton and Lawrence Hill
These areas are closer to the city centre but still often cheaper than the more famous student neighbourhoods.
- Diverse, lively communities with independent shops and food options
- Easy bus or bike ride into the centre and to both universities
- A mix of terraced houses and flats, some let to students
You may find that houses here offer more space for the money compared with central postcodes.
Bedminster and Southville
These areas are becoming trendier, but you can still find deals if you are quick.
- Located south of the river, with good bus links into the centre
- North Street is full of cafes, bars and shops
- Rents can be lower than Clifton and some central apartments
If you do not mind a short commute, Bedminster can give you a good balance between price and lifestyle.
Parts of Redland and Bishopston
These districts are well known student hubs but not every street is equally expensive.
- Streets further from Gloucester Road or Whiteladies Road can be cheaper
- Larger shared houses sometimes offer lower rent per person
- Still a great location for University of Bristol students
If you are in a big group, you can sometimes negotiate a better deal on a less modern house in these areas.
How To Reduce Your Student Housing Costs in Bristol
Even if you cannot move to the absolute cheapest area, there are ways to keep costs down.
1. Share With More People
The more people in the house, the lower the rent per person usually is.
- A six bedroom house will generally be cheaper per room than a three bedroom flat
- Bills are split more ways
- You can share buying household items such as kitchen equipment and cleaning products
If you are happy in a lively home, a large house share can be one of the cheapest options.
2. Be Flexible About Location
Living just ten or fifteen minutes further out can save you a lot of money over a year.
- Use bus routes, cycle lanes and walking paths to work out realistic travel times
- Consider whether you really need to be in the centre or just need easy access to it
- Look for areas on direct bus routes to your campus
A short commute can be worth it if your rent is significantly lower.
3. Look for All Inclusive Deals
At first glance, all inclusive student accommodation might look more expensive, but once you include bills it can be good value.
- You avoid large winter energy bills
- You do not pay separate Wi Fi, water or TV licence in many cases
- You do not have to organise accounts or chase housemates for payments
This is where modern blocks such as Zest Student Accommodation in Bristol can make financial sense. While they may not be the very cheapest option, the all inclusive nature and extra facilities can offer strong overall value.
4. Move In Slightly Later
If you have flexibility, contracts that start a bit later in the year can sometimes be cheaper or discounted.
- Some providers reduce prices to fill remaining rooms closer to the start of term
- You may find last minute deals on spare rooms in house shares
However, this is a riskier strategy in a busy market like Bristol, so only use it if you are confident you can find something in time.
5. Look for Student Specific Providers
Student accommodation providers often understand that budgets are tight and sometimes offer:
- Early booking discounts
- Group booking offers
- Referral bonuses for recommending friends
Zest Student Accommodation and similar providers in Bristol sometimes run promotions, so it is worth checking their websites or contacting them directly to ask about any current offers.
Choosing Value Instead of Just the Lowest Price
It is tempting to go for the absolute cheapest rent you see, but very low prices can sometimes be a warning sign.
Watch out for:
- Very poor property condition
- Unresponsive landlords
- Lack of safety checks such as gas or electrical certificates
- No clear contract or deposit protection
A slightly higher monthly rent can be cheaper in the long run if it:
- Includes all bills
- Comes with good internet, secure entry and on site support
- Has modern insulation so you do not need to blast the heating
- Is close enough to campus that you do not need to spend money on buses every day
Purpose built places like Zest Student Accommodation in Bristol are good examples of this balance. They offer:
- En suite rooms and studios designed for students
- All inclusive bills
- Fast Wi Fi
- Study spaces and social areas
- Professional management and security
This kind of setup can be ideal if you want predictable costs, no bill stress and a space that supports your studies as well as your social life.
How To Find Cheap Bristol Student Accommodation Step by Step
Here is a simple process to help you find an affordable place without getting overwhelmed.
Step 1: Set Your Maximum Budget
Decide:
- The maximum weekly or monthly rent you can pay
- Whether that figure is for rent only or rent plus an estimate of bills
- Your ideal contract length
Write this down so you do not get tempted by places that are out of reach.
Step 2: Decide on Area and Commute
List:
- Your campus location
- How long you are willing to travel each day
- Whether you plan to walk, cycle or use the bus
Then shortlist two or three areas that fit your budget and travel limits, for example Fishponds, Easton and Bedminster.
Step 3: Choose Your Type of Accommodation
Decide whether you want:
- A shared house with friends
- A room in a shared flat
- A studio on your own
- University halls
- A place in a private student block such as Zest
For the cheapest options, focus on shared houses, non en suite rooms and older halls. For better value and less hassle with bills, include some private student accommodation in your search as well.
Step 4: Search and Compare
Use:
- University accommodation websites
- Letting agents that specialise in student rentals
- Student specific providers such as Zest Student Accommodation
- Student Facebook groups and forums
Compare:
- Rent including or excluding bills
- Location and travel time
- Room size and whether it is en suite or shared bathroom
- Facilities such as Wi Fi, security, laundry and social spaces
Put your findings in a simple table or list so you can see which options are genuinely cheapest and which are best value for money.
Step 5: View and Ask Questions
Always try to view in person or via video if possible. During viewings ask about:
- Actual monthly bills if you are paying them separately
- Any extra charges or fees
- How quickly maintenance issues are fixed
- Who you contact in an emergency
For student blocks like Zest, you can usually arrange an online or in person tour to see rooms and common areas before you decide.
Step 6: Secure Your Place Early
Bristol is competitive. When you find a place that fits your budget and feels right:
- Read the contract carefully
- Check deposit protection details
- Make sure you understand cancellation policies
Booking early gives you more choice and often better prices. The cheapest and best value rooms tend to go first.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap Bristol student accommodation to rent takes effort, but it is possible if you:
- Set a clear budget
- Stay flexible about area and property type
- Consider shared houses and non en suite rooms
- Compare all inclusive student blocks with traditional rentals
- Balance low rent with safety, comfort and travel costs
If you want predictable bills, modern facilities and a strong student community, providers like Zest Student Accommodation in Bristol are worth including in your search. They might not always be the rock bottom cheapest, but they can offer excellent value when you add up rent, bills, Wi Fi, security and convenience.
Start looking early, ask plenty of questions and compare a few different options. With a bit of planning, you can secure an affordable place to live in Bristol that supports both your studies and your social life, without breaking your budget.
