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Bursting the student bubble
As a Bristol fresher, you’d be forgiven for falling into the rights of passage as a student in the city.
From Mondays at the Brass Pig or Thursdays at Thekla, or a midweek boogie at La Rocca.
But student life in Bristol is more than nights out on the Triangle.
is needed now More than ever
If you’re starting university this September, you’re moving to one of the UK’s most vibrant, independent and artistic cities.
Don’t limit yourself to standard student haunts. Here are seven ways to experience Bristol’s true spirit.
Founded by a local arts organisation, the market takes place underneath an actual motorway, bringing economic and creative vibrancy to the space with its vintage clothing, antiques, arts, crafts and food offerings.
It takes place in Easton on the last Saturday of every month.
£6 cinema tickets at Watershed
Watershed is a Bristol landmark, emblematic of the fiercely independent spirit of the city and an alternative spot to your run-of-the-mill chain cinemas.
Inclusivity is at the heart of Watershed’s mission, which is reflected in its pricing: those aged 24 and under are eligible for concession tickets, allowing them to enjoy its cinematic offerings, from foreign films to indie flicks, at just £6 per ticket.
You can find a vibrant oasis in Wake the Tiger
Wake The Tiger
Brought to you by the creators of Boomtown, Wake the Tiger is the UK’s first “amazement park”.
The immersive experience aims to disrupt the status quo and shift perspectives, addressing the world’s current crises in a way that inspires creativity and imagination.
Student tickets start at £13.
Keep an eye out for 18+ after-hours events where you can enjoy food and drink at the on-site bar.
BUMP Rollerdisco
Love a nostalgic throwback, consider yourself a roller-skating pro or simply want to switch up your weekend agenda?
Then BUMP’s Rollerdisco nights in St Jude’s are for you. Far from your usual club night, at BUMP you can glide around the rink listening to old school tunes while slurping on a blue razz slushy.
You can skate the night away at BUMP Roller Disco
The Tobacco Factory
Tobacco Factory is a converted factory on North Street in the heart of Bristol’s street art mecca, Southville.
The space features a cafe and a bar, serving locally sourced vegetarian food and drinks.
On Sundays, the space hosts a bustling market, featuring 60 or so stalls that showcase a range of local traders selling clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts and food and drink.
Bristol Run Club
What better way for a fitness-loving fresher to broaden their horizons and connect with new people? Plus, running is a great way to explore new parts of the city on foot. Bristol Run Club takes place twice a week, often on the Downs or around the harbour, ending in pints and pastries.
Wiper and True & Left Handed Giant
Beer drinking in Bristol offers so much more than £2 Amstels at the Cat and Wheel.
Bristol’s legendary brew Wiper and True is served onsite at their taproom in Old Market, where you can enjoy fresh beers in a cosy and unique setting with a ten per cent student discount.
Or head over to the Left Handed Giant Brewpub, located centrally in a stunning building with impressive views and serving a wide selection of craft beers brewed on-site and pizza.
This article first appeared in the Bristol24/7 Student Guide 2025
Main photo: Mia Vines Booth
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