Known for its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and fascinating history, over 110,000 people call Bath their home. It also boasts the presence of two different universities, University of Bath and Bath Spa University, meaning that you won’t be alone if you choose to study there.
And as a student in Bath, you won’t be short of things to do when you’re not studying. In this article, we are going to share everything a student should know about Bath, including the student accommodation, daytime activities and nightlife, answering all of the questions you may have about whether Bath is a good place to live. So, let’s jump straight in!
Student accommodation in Bath
As a student renting in Bath, there are a few things you need to know. If you’re a first year student and you want to live in halls, you have a few different options. Both universities offer accommodation on campus and in the city centre, so once you’ve decided which location you want to live, you then have multiple buildings to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences.
As a student at the University of Bath, you can expect to pay anywhere from £78 per week for a shared room to £250 a week for a studio room. At Bath Spa, the prices are similar, from £77 per week for a shared room to £222 for a studio.
If you choose not to live in university-provided accommodation, or you’re in your second or third year, you might be looking at privately renting a shared house with other students. The average cost of privately rented student accommodation is around £900 a month. Our top tip here is to be quick. With two universities and over 15,000 households privately renting, you have to battle against other students and the general public for a decent, yet affordable house.
Daytime activities
The beauty of being a student in a tourist city, like Bath, is the number of different things available to do. For example, a trip to the Roman Baths is a must, even if you’re not a history buff – and because it’s free when you show your university card, you’d be silly to miss it! The city is also home to the Jane Austen Centre, where for just £12.25 you can learn more about her life in Bath and the novels she wrote whilst living there.
If history isn’t really your thing, Bath is home to a bustling high street full of shops, pubs and restaurants. From quaint boutiques selling handmade crafts at The Corridor to high street favourites showcasing the latest fashion trends at Southgate, Bath offers everything a shopaholic can desire.
Rugby fans will be pleased that the Recreation Ground, the home of Bath Rugby, is located in the centre of the city – and we’re even doing well at the moment (currently sat in third place in the Gallagher Premiership!) And if football is more your thing, Bath City Football Club regularly take on their local rivals at Twerton Park Stadium.
Bath has an incredibly diverse selection of restaurants catering for all tastes and budgets, it is home to some fantastic independent restaurants which offer a truly unique dining experience. The Hive is a great spot for a Sunday roast, Taylors Bagels for the best coffee and bagel (in our eyes) or Good Day Cafe for some insane baked goods.
Bath Nightlife
Probably the reason you’re reading this article in the first place is to find out about the nightlife in Bath. Are we right? Or are we right?
Well, luckily for you, there’s plenty of nightlife to keep you busy in Bath. If you want to treat yourself to a cocktail, you could visit Sub 13 – voted the best cocktail bar in Bath, which boasts both a cellar bar and a heated rooftop terrace. If this seems a bit out of the budget, you could – of course – visit the Slug and Lettuce, a favourite among cocktail lovers.
If a pub and a pint is more your vibe, Bath is the place for you. In fact, according to SmartScrapers, Bath has 81 pubs! Whether a visit to your local Spoons is right up your street, or you’d rather splash out a bit, there are multiple places to fit your budget.
And for live entertainment, Komedia is your go to. Hosting musicians and comedians most days, there is always something for everyone on at Komedia!
Transport in Bath
With so much to keep you entertained in Bath, you need to be able to easily get across the city. Fortunately, most of the city is walkable, so a lot of the time you won’t need to use the local transport. However, if you live further out, or you study at Bath Spa University’s Newton Park Campus, getting a bus pass might be a good idea. A week’s bus pass will cost £18.80, and for a month it’ll set you back £67.10.
Another great thing about Bath is its location. You can visit the nearby bustling city of Bristol for less than £19 (return) on the train, and you can get the train to London in around an hour and a half too . If you use the train a lot, you could buy a 16-25 Railcard for £30 a year, which saves you 1/3 on rail travel.
So, is Bath a good place to live?
In our opinion, Bath is a great place to live! It has a lively highstreet, buzzing nightlife and a never-ending list of things to do, and is the perfect balance of historical curiosity with modern vibrancy, creating an environment that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Beyond the energy of its social scene, Bath offers picturesque surroundings, green spaces, and historical landmarks. The city’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity creates a unique vibe that perfectly matches ‘the best of both worlds’.
How Aspire to Move can help
If you’ve decided that Bath is the place you want to study and live, Aspire to Move are here to help!
We have a dedicated student service that operates outside of the standard 9-5, Monday-Friday schedule. We launch properties in November, meaning you have plenty of time to secure your future home.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and discover how we can help you.
