Moving into a new city can be a daunting prospect for several reasons, but knowing how to get around shouldn’t be one of them. If you’re a student that’s new to Bristol, brushing up on your transport links before term starts will make getting to and from university a doddle.
Read on to discover the best and most popular Bristol transport methods for students, taking into consideration the benefits and drawbacks in terms of cost, convenience and accessibility.
Walking Around Bristol
If you’re an avid walker, want to get fit or just save some money on transport – walking around Bristol is one of the best ways to get around, it can also be particularly useful in finding your bearings if you’re new to the city.
Bear in mind that many areas of Bristol are hilly, so it may not be the most practical method of getting into university - especially if living off-campus in private accommodation.
Aside from walking to university, walking is the best way to take in all the wonderful sights the city has to offer, take a look at some of the best walking routes around Bristol.
Cycling Around Bristol
Cycling is a much faster method of transport in comparison to walking and the best way to skip past Bristol’s notoriously bad rush hour traffic. Additionally, cycling will save you money on fares and help keep you in shape.
There are a few considerations you should make before bringing your bike to university including ensuring you have all the correct high-vis and protective gear including a helmet as some cycle lanes in built up areas run alongside busy roads, ensuring you have a safe space to store your bicycle and purchasing a sturdy lock to secure it whilst at university.
Bus Routes In Bristol
With routes running frequently to and from both major universities in the city, buses are one of the most common transportation methods for students in Bristol and work out much cheaper in comparison to train and taxi fares.
As well as being a convenient way to travel, buying multiple tickets for the same route will save you money and those in full time education can get a 30% discount on their tickets; you can find out how to apply for the discount here.
However, unlike taking a train, walking and cycling and even with dedicated bus lanes, you’re more at risk of getting stuck in traffic when using a bus to get around.
Train Routes In Bristol
Bristol has a well connected and reliable train service with lines running all across the city, you’ll also find that Bristol is well connected to the rest of the UK, with frequent trains running to other major cities should you need to travel home.
However, unlike bus stops which stop just outside the major universities, the closest train stations will require some extra walking distance, fares at peak time can also make trains a very expensive methods of travel without a railcard.
Private Taxis and Ubers in Bristol
If you’re exploring the city at night or need a quick ride somewhere, Bristol has several private taxi services and you will also find Uber is available across the city. Taking taxis or Ubers to and from the university is not advisable as traffic is an issue and fares will be far greater than any other transport method.
Driving Your Own Car Around Bristol
There are several considerations that need to be made before taking your car to university with you. Perhaps the most pressing is the fact that you will need to arrange parking, something that is rarely available in halls.
There are also a number of parking restrictions in place around Bristol which makes it hard to find spaces without buying a parking permit which are only available in specific areas.
Additionally, taking your car to university means you’ll have to continue paying for insurance and road tax, and can leave you acting as a personal taxi service for your housemates.
If you do decide to bring your car with you, you’ll find getting around Bristol can be frustrating during rush hour, but you’ll save money in comparison with using taxis.
Travelling Around Bristol By Boat
Yes, boat! Whilst this certainly isn’t a practical way to travel to university, Bristol’s ports, harbours and open water makes boat travel an amazing way to take in all the sights of the city. There are 3 main companies in Bristol that offer slightly different experiences:
Stress-Free Student Accommodation Bristol
Whatever transport method you choose to use whilst studying in Bristol, Digs has your accommodation covered. With a wide range of properties available to rent, we can help you find the property that best suits your needs, with plenty of properties located in close proximity to the universities.
For more information, give one of our friendly team a call today on 0117 930 8750 or fill out a contact form and we’ll get back to you.
