If you’re one of Bristol’s students-to-be this autumn, we’re here to help make your move as smooth as possible. We’ve partnered with Dunelm to bring you a guide to the best places to socialise, study and make the most of your new city. Plus, we’ll show you where to pick up everything you need to turn your student accommodation into a space that feels truly your own, for just £60 and even get 10% off* so you can hit the ground running from day one.
From surprisingly affordable, stylish bedroom decor and bathroom must-haves, to kitchen staples and study essentials, Dunelm has your move-in check-list totally covered. What’s more, the Click and Collect service is a great way to make moving even more stress-free. Simply shop online ahead of time, then pick up your bits from your nearest Bristol store when you arrive. Alternatively, you can order online and enjoy 10% off your order and free delivery when you spend £60 or over*. But if you do fancy some IRL shopping, both the Brislington and Cribbs Causeway stores have a Pausa cafe where you can get lunch, a coffee, or a sweet treat to keep you going.
Coffee shops and study spots
Rubicon too:
Rubicon too is a popular neighbourhood cafe with outdoor seating that spills onto the pedestrianised Cotham Hill. Stop by for a lazy Mediterranean-inspired weekend brunch with friends, or pop in for a coffee and to catch up on your reading in the autumn sun.
Central Library
Central Library on College Green is free to enter, and a beautiful place to lock in for a day of studying. You don’t need a membership to go, but if you did want to sign up (for free!), you can also use their wi-fi, borrow books, and access the computers. Plus, you’ve got Park Street right on your doorstep for some post-study fun once you’ve finished up.
Boston Tea Party
Boston Tea Party is an South West independent cafe group with four Bristol locations, all of which serve excellent coffee, and make for lovely places to study whilst eating something delicious. All offer free wi-fi, and spacious seating with plenty of plugs, and tables of all sizes, so you can study alone or with a group. You can find all of your study essentials at Dunelm from notebooks to laptop cases (both available online & in-store).
Pubs, clubs, and bars
White Bear Social
White Bear Social on St Michael’s Hill is a go-to spot for students in Bristol, not least because it’s a stone’s throw away from the university campus. Expect quirky decor, a sunny ‘bear’ garden, as well as live DJs on the weekends, Friday comedy, Sunday pub quizzes and more.
The Mother’s Ruin
The Mother’s Ruin is one of Bristol’s best-loved dive bars, located just by the city’s lively harbourside. It’s got outdoor seating, as well as a basement that serves as an underground music venue, open every weekend with free entry before 10pm. Happy hour is 4pm-8pm everyday, offering unmissable deals.
The Love Inn
The Love Inn is a grassroots electronic music venue in the heart of Stokes Croft formed by the team behind festivals such as Love Saves The Day, Love International, and Silver Hayes at Glastonbury. They serve locally brewed beers, top tier cocktails, and their events programme never fails to disappoint. But even if it’s a night where there’s no official event happening, we’d recommend stopping by for great drinks and a guaranteed good time.
Budget-friendly bites
St Nicholas Market
St Nicholas Market is a vibrant indoor arcade that dates back to 1743, filled with a plethora of independent traders, including incredible street food from around the world. Think fluffy bao buns, mouthwatering bánh mì, silky fresh pasta, loaded bowls of paella, and so much more.
Pizzarova
Pizzarova has restaurants across the city, and it’s just as well, because it’s one of Bristol’s most popular pizzas. These handmade sourdough pies are also affordable, with a margarita coming in at just £11.50 – and trust us when we say, this is going to be your new obsession!
Three Brothers Burgers
Three Brothers Burgers is a floating burger restaurant, located on a boat in the Bristol Harbour. Their steak burgers are made from the finest chuck and brisket, along with dry-aged prime cuts like rib cap and rump steak. Despite the top quality meat, you can enjoy a burger and fries for just £7.50 with their great lunch deal, available on Monday-Friday, 12pm-5pm. Or visit on the weekend for a substantial pre-night out dinner before hitting King Street.
Picnic spots and outdoor spaces
The Downs
The Downs is the green space in Bristol where students and locals gather for bbqs, picnics, games, and just about any outdoor activity you can think of. It’s well over 400 acres, so there’s plenty of space, and if you set up on the side by the sea wall, you can enjoy the dramatic backdrop of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Pack your Dunelm throw and water bottle ( both available online & in-store) for a comfy set up and chilled drinks throughout the day.
Portishead Open Air Pool
Portishead Open Air Pool is roughly a half an hour drive from Bristol, or under an hour on a bike, and a great place to enjoy an al fresco dip, all year round. An adult swim is just £7, or you can pay £4 just to enter and relax poolside if you prefer. Whether you’re swimming or spectating, Dunelm’s 100% cotton towels are perfect for drying off after, or lying on for a poolside read.
Brandon Hill
Brandon Hill is one of the city’s best view points, meaning it’s also a lovely place to watch the sunset and spend an evening outdoors. In this gorgeous parkland you’ll also find the famous 105-foot cabot tower that is free to climb, for an even more breathtaking view of Bristol.
Where to get your essentials
Before you start exploring all Bristol has to offer, making your new accommodation feel as homely as possible should be first on the agenda. But you’ll be glad to know you can find everything you need at Dunelm – from bedroom and bathroom bits to kitchen equipment. For your room, a supersoft mattress topper and bedding is a must for ensuring you get the best sleep possible, while a table lamp is a simple way to transform the ambience with lovely warm lighting.
Cooking with housemates is a great way to bond (not to mention a great source of home comfort!), so you’ll want to make sure you’re well prepared to make your favourite food and drinks. From sieves and peelers to pod coffee machines, rice cookers and mini air fryers, you’ll find everything you need to make cooking at uni as fun and as seamless as possible. And for the bathroom you can find overdoor hooks to hang your towels, collapsible laundry baskets, shower corner caddies all of which are available online, in app and in-store!
Get uni life sorted ahead of schedule with Dunelm.
*With a code from Student Beans or UNiDAYS. Ends 12th Oct. Minimum spend £60. Full T&Cs here: https://www.dunelm.com/info/help/terms-and-conditions
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