Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and an extraordinary place to be a student. Found among the rolling hills of Somerset, this Georgian gem is Britain’s only complete city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With around 25,000 students across its two universities, Bath offers the rare combination of world-class education in a setting of breathtaking architectural beauty, where honey-coloured stone buildings, Roman history, and English elegance create an unforgettable backdrop to student life.

The University of Bath is a prestigious institution consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, renowned for its excellence in engineering, sciences, and one of the country’s most successful sports programmes. Bath Spa University is a creative, supportive institution with particular strengths in arts, education, and the humanities. Together, they welcome students from over 130 countries, creating a diverse, ambitious community in a city that has attracted visitors seeking inspiration for over 2,000 years.

Student accommodation in Bath is on the higher end compared to many UK cities, reflecting its desirability and limited housing stock in this protected historic city. Weekly rents typically range from £125 to £180 for shared houses in popular student areas. However, Bath is wonderfully compact, and most students can walk to lectures, shops, and social life. The city’s hills provide daily exercise whether you want it or not, and the stunning views from elevated areas are ample reward for the climb.

What truly makes Bath special is its remarkable combination of stunning architecture including the Royal Crescent and The Circus, the ancient Roman Baths and natural hot springs, a thriving independent food and shopping scene, easy access to Bristol’s urban buzz just 15 minutes away by train, the beautiful Cotswolds and Somerset countryside on your doorstep, and a safe, welcoming community where students become part of a living work of art.

The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students

Bath’s student areas spread across this compact hillside city, with most students choosing to live in Oldfield Park, the City Centre, Widcombe, Westmoreland, Combe Down, or near the University of Bath campus at Claverton Down. The city’s hilly terrain means location choice often involves trade-offs between proximity to campus and city centre access.

Oldfield Park

Oldfield Park is Bath’s main student village and the beating heart of student life in the city. This Victorian neighbourhood south of the city centre has evolved into a vibrant student community, with Moorland Road serving as its high street, packed with cafes, takeaways, pubs, and convenience stores catering specifically to students.

The area features attractive Victorian terraced houses converted into student accommodation, giving it character and a genuine community feel. Oldfield Park has its own train station providing quick access to Bristol and beyond. The city centre is about 15 minutes’ walk downhill, while the University of Bath campus is accessible by a steep uphill walk or regular bus. Oldfield Park suits students who want to be surrounded by student life and don’t mind the hills. Average weekly rent ranges from £125 to £165.

City Centre

Living in Bath’s city centre means being surrounded by Georgian grandeur every single day. Purpose-built student accommodation and some flats offer the chance to live within this UNESCO World Heritage Site, steps from the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the city’s finest shops and restaurants.

City centre living puts you close to Bath Spa University’s Newton Park-bound buses and within walking distance of their city centre facilities. The University of Bath is accessible by regular U1 bus services. You’ll have immediate access to SouthGate shopping centre, independent boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. This suits students who want to be immersed in Bath’s unique atmosphere and can afford premium prices. Average weekly rent for PBSA ranges from £160 to £240.

Widcombe

Widcombe is a charming neighbourhood just south of the city centre, climbing up the hillside from the River Avon. This picturesque area offers a village-like atmosphere with independent shops, cafes, and pubs along Widcombe Parade, while remaining within easy walking distance of the city centre.

The area features a mix of Georgian and Victorian properties, some converted into student accommodation. Prior Park Landscape Garden, a National Trust property with fantastic views, is nearby. Widcombe is well positioned between the city centre (10 minutes’ walk) and routes up to the University of Bath. The area suits students who appreciate a quieter, more refined neighbourhood with genuine character. Average weekly rent ranges from £130 to £175.

Westmoreland

Westmoreland lies between Oldfield Park and the city centre, offering a convenient location for students at both universities. This residential area features Victorian terraces and is within easy reach of the train station, city centre shops, and Oldfield Park’s student amenities.

The neighbourhood offers good value compared to central Bath while remaining walkable to most places students need to go. The Green Park area nearby hosts a farmers’ market and has riverside walks along the Avon. Westmoreland suits students seeking a balance between location and affordability. Average weekly rent ranges from £120 to £160.

Combe Down

Combe Down is a hilltop village south of Bath, close to the University of Bath campus. This suburban area offers more affordable accommodation and a quieter environment while being convenient for university students who want to minimise their commute to campus.

The neighbourhood has local shops, pubs, and a community feel distinct from the busier student areas. The city centre is about 25 to 30 minutes by bus or a steep walk. Combe Down suits University of Bath students who prioritise campus proximity and don’t mind being further from city centre nightlife. Average weekly rent ranges from £110 to £145.

Claverton Down

Claverton Down is home to the University of Bath’s hilltop campus, with extensive on-campus accommodation and some private housing nearby. The campus sits 120 metres above the city with panoramic views across Bath and the surrounding countryside.

Living on or near campus means immediate access to the university’s excellent facilities, including the Team Bath sports complex, library, and Students’ Union. The U1 bus runs frequently to the city centre, taking about 15 minutes. This suits students who want to be at the heart of University of Bath life and appreciate the spectacular setting. Average weekly rent for university accommodation ranges from £140 to £200.

Twerton

Twerton is a residential area west of the city centre, offering some of Bath’s most affordable student accommodation. While less picturesque than central Bath, the area has good local amenities and provides genuine value for budget-conscious students.

The neighbourhood is home to Bath City FC’s ground and has local shops, pubs, and takeaways. Regular buses connect to the city centre in about 15 minutes, and the Bristol to Bath cycle path passes nearby. Twerton suits students who prioritise affordability and don’t need to be in the heart of the action. Average weekly rent ranges from £100 to £135.

Getting to Bath as an International Student

Bath is located in Somerset, southwest England, approximately 100 miles west of London and 12 miles southeast of Bristol. The city doesn’t have its own airport but benefits from excellent rail connections and proximity to Bristol Airport.

Bristol Airport

Bristol Airport is the closest airport to Bath, located approximately 20 miles away. It offers direct flights to numerous European destinations, including major hubs like Amsterdam, Dublin, and cities across Spain, Portugal, and Italy. The A4 Air Decker bus runs directly from Bristol Airport to Bath city centre, taking approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour and costing around £10 to £15 single. A taxi costs approximately £40 to £55.

London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow offers the widest range of international connections from the UK, with direct flights to destinations across every continent. National Express coaches run directly from Heathrow to Bath, taking approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes and costing £20 to £40. Alternatively, take the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line to London Paddington, then a direct GWR train to Bath Spa (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes).

London Gatwick Airport

London Gatwick is the UK’s second-busiest airport with extensive international connections. National Express coaches run directly to Bath, taking approximately 3 hours and costing £20 to £40. Train connections via Reading are also possible, taking around 3 hours with one change.

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport is approximately 90 miles from Bath and offers good international connections, particularly to European and Middle Eastern destinations. Direct trains run from Birmingham New Street to Bath Spa, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and costing £25 to £60.

Getting Around Bath

Walking: Bath is compact and walkable, though famously hilly. The city centre itself is relatively flat and can be crossed in about 15 minutes. Walking provides the best way to appreciate Bath’s stunning architecture. Be prepared for steep climbs to areas like the University of Bath campus and Combe Down. Comfortable shoes are essential.

Buses: First Bus operates most services in Bath. The U1 service is essential for University of Bath students, running every 10 minutes between the city centre and campus. Single fares are around £2.50, with day tickets at £5.50. Weekly passes cost approximately £21. First also operates services to Bristol and the surrounding areas.

Cycling: Bath’s hills make cycling challenging but not impossible. The Bristol to Bath Railway Path provides a flat, traffic-free route between the two cities. Electric bikes are increasingly popular for tackling the terrain. Both universities have bicycle storage.

Trains: Bath Spa station has excellent connections to Bristol Temple Meads (15 minutes), London Paddington (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes), Cardiff (1 hour), and Exeter (1 hour 15 minutes). A 16-25 Railcard costs £35 per year and saves one-third on most fares. Many student bank accounts include a free Railcard. Oldfield Park station provides local connections.

Universities in Bath

University of Bath

The University of Bath is a prestigious institution consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and top 150 globally. Founded in 1966, it has approximately 19,000 students and a reputation for academic excellence combined with outstanding graduate employment. The university is known for its strong industry partnerships and placement programmes.

Bath is also renowned for its Engineering, Architecture, Business, Chemistry, and Sports Science courses. Team Bath is one of the UK’s leading university sports programmes, with Olympic-standard facilities that have trained numerous medallists. The hilltop campus at Claverton Down offers great views and comprehensive facilities, including the Library and Learning Centre. International students from over 130 countries benefit from dedicated support services.

Bath Spa University

Bath Spa University is a creative, supportive university with approximately 8,000 students. The university has a strong focus on creativity, culture, and enterprise, attracting students who want a more personalised educational experience. Bath Spa is known for excellent student satisfaction and a supportive community atmosphere.

Bath Spa is particularly strong in Creative Arts, Education, English, Business, and Psychology. The main Newton Park campus is set in beautiful grounds, including a medieval manor house and landscaped parkland designed by Capability Brown. The Locksbrook campus houses art and design facilities in a converted Victorian factory. International students from over 80 countries benefit from comprehensive support services including visa advice, orientation programmes, and English language courses.

Cost of Living in Bath for International Students

Bath is one of the more expensive UK cities for students, reflecting its popularity, UNESCO status, and limited housing stock. However, its connectivity means transport costs are minimal, and Bristol’s more affordable amenities are just 15 minutes away by train.

Accommodation (Weekly)

Twerton: £100 to £135

Combe Down: £110 to £145

Westmoreland: £120 to £160

Oldfield Park: £125 to £165

Widcombe: £130 to £175

University halls: £140 to £200

En-suite PBSA: £170 to £240

City centre studio: £200 to £300

Food, Transport and Other Costs

Budget around £120 to £180 per month for groceries. Aldi, Lidl, and Sainsbury’s offer good value, while the Guildhall Market has independent food stalls. Budget £60 to £80 per month for bus travel if you need regular transport to campus. Mobile phone SIM-only plans cost around £10 to £20 per month. Gym membership outside university facilities runs £30 to £45 per month, though Team Bath offers excellent student rates.

Realistic Monthly Budget

Budget-conscious students can live on £950 to £1,200 per month in Bath. A typical student spending on mid-range accommodation and moderate social activities should budget £1,200 to £1,550 per month. For visa purposes, you need to show £1,136 per month (outside London rate) for nine months, totalling £10,224.

International Student Community in Bath

Bath has a welcoming international student community, with students from over 130 countries studying in the city. The University of Bath Students’ Union (The SU) offers over 180 societies and sports clubs, including cultural and nationality-based groups. The campus has a strong community feel with The Plug student bar and regular events.

Bath Spa Students’ Union also houses societies and provides comprehensive support. Both universities provide dedicated international student support, including visa advice, orientation programmes, buddy schemes, and English language courses.

Bath’s food scene is excellent and diverse. The city centre has numerous independent restaurants, from traditional English cuisine to international options. Kingsmead Square and Milsom Place have outdoor dining. Green Park Station hosts a farmers’ market. Walcot Street has quirky independent businesses. Bath is famous for the Sally Lunn bun, served at the historic Sally Lunn’s Eating House. For budget options, many students take advantage of Bristol’s more conventional dining options.

Bath’s nightlife is intimate but enjoyable. The city has traditional pubs, cocktail bars, and a handful of clubs. Moles Club is a legendary small venue that has hosted many famous bands. The Bell and The Raven are popular student pubs. Komedia hosts comedy and live music. The Porter is a cellar bar popular with students. For bigger nights out, many students take the train to Bristol, which has one of the UK’s best nightlife scenes. The last trains run late, and night buses operate between the cities.

What Makes Bath Special for International Students

UNESCO World Heritage: Bath is Britain’s only complete city with UNESCO World Heritage status. Living here means walking through architectural history every day, with Georgian masterpieces around every corner. The honey-coloured Bath stone gives the entire city a unique golden glow.

The Roman Baths: The remarkably preserved Roman bathing complex is one of Britain’s finest ancient sites. The adjacent Thermae Bath Spa offers the chance to bathe in naturally hot spring water with rooftop views of the city, a quintessential Bath experience.

Team Bath Sports: The University of Bath has one of the UK’s best university sports programmes with Olympic-standard facilities. Numerous Olympic and Paralympic athletes train here, and students can access world-class gyms, pools, and coaching.

The Cotswolds: England’s most picturesque countryside is on your doorstep. Honey-stone villages, rolling hills, and country pubs are perfect for weekend exploration. Castle Combe, often called England’s prettiest village, is just 20 minutes away.

Literary Heritage: Jane Austen lived in Bath and set two novels here. The Jane Austen Centre celebrates this connection, and her spirit pervades the elegant streets. The annual Jane Austen Festival transforms the city each September.

Bath FAQs

Is Bath a good city for international students?

Absolutely. Bath combines excellent universities with one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. While it’s more expensive than some UK cities, the quality of life, safety, and extraordinary surroundings make it an exceptional value in many ways. The proximity to Bristol means you get access to two cities’ worth of opportunities.

Is Bath safe?

Bath is one of the safest cities in England, with very low crime rates. The compact, well-lit historic centre and affluent population contribute to a secure environment. Both universities provide security services and support. Students consistently report feeling very safe in Bath.

What is the weather like?

Bath has a temperate climate typical of southwest England, slightly milder than northern cities. Winters are cool but rarely severe (average 3-8°C). Summers are pleasant (15-22°C). Rain is possible year-round, and the hills can create misty conditions. Bath’s position in a river valley means it can feel sheltered. Layers and a good waterproof jacket are essential.

Is it easy to find part-time work?

Bath has good part-time job opportunities, particularly in retail, hospitality, and tourism. The city’s popularity with visitors creates steady demand for service industry workers. Both universities have careers services with job boards. Christmas markets and the summer tourist season offer additional opportunities. Bristol’s larger job market is also easily accessible. Most student visas allow up to 20 hours per week during term time.

Why is Bath so hilly?

Bath sits in the Avon valley surrounded by hills on all sides. The city centre occupies the relatively flat valley floor, but most residential areas climb the surrounding hillsides. The University of Bath campus sits 120 metres above the city centre. While the hills are challenging, they provide spectacular views and excellent exercise. Many students consider the dramatic setting worth the climb.

Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Bath?

Now that you have seen all that Bath has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of Bath student accommodation options.

If you have any questions relating to more general international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.