Living in Bristol

Many reasons to study English in Bristol

Bristol is the best city in the country to live in and to study in. It is a fabulous city for young people with 2 major universities and numerous colleges. With a population of nearly half a million and consistently voted among the best places to live in the UK there is a huge number of things to keep you busy. 

We have festivals throughout the year: cinema, comedy, the Balloon Fiesta, Upfest street art, Pride, the Harbour Festival, Love Saves the Day, Afrofest, football, rugby and cricket  - whatever you are interested in, Bristol has it. You can run a half-marathon or just enjoy a stoll through the city. We are blessed with access to green spaces within the city, from small local parks to the Bristol Downs overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge. We enjoy food from all around the world and a broad spectrum of musical genres from classical, through pop, blues, jazz and rock to folk and indie. Some of our students have performed with bands during their time with us and what more could a budding musician ask for? 

Bristol has a reputation for being alternative. It is open and welcoming to those of other cultures and nationalities and the large number of younger residents gives the city a truly vibrant atmosphere.

What is more it is about 30% cheaper to live here than London and you will spend a lot less time in transport and getting around.

Location is everything and from Bristol, you can easily visit all the centres of interest in the south of England and Wales: Bath, Cardiff, London, Oxford, Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Glastonbury, Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, Devon and Cornwall. There are huge numbers of stately homes, castles and parks to visit on day trips all on your doorstep. What are you waiting for?

Clifton: the jewel in Bristol’s crown

Clifton is everything a visitor to Bristol could want. Streets of Georgian Houses, antiques arcade, numerous bars, cafes and restaurants as well as boutique shops and delicatessens – it has something for everybody. 

It is home to Bristol University and the Royal West of England Academy of Art, so you can be there is also a vibrant student life. 

Clifton Village borders the Downs, a beautiful park overlooking the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge as well as numerous small parks dotted here and there. 

It is close to the city centre and to the Ashton Court Estate so there are opportunities for those who enjoy sport, the countryside or retail therapy. 

The only issue might be that once you have experienced life in Clifton, you may never want to leave.
 

Wills tower Bristol
IH Bristol nearby destinations

2 Queens Avenue school

Our adult building is the best located language school site in Bristol. We are in Clifton, the cultural and social heartland of Bristol. We are surrounded by university building and students and just minutes away from countless coffee shops, eateries, shops, pubs parks and iconic buildings such the Wills Memorial Building, Bristol Museum, the Victoria Rooms, Cabot Tower and the Royal West of England Academy. 

Bristol's world class Cabot Circus shopping centre is only about 1.5km away, if you fancy a walk, or 15 minutes by bus. There are eight bus connections (1,2,2a,3,4,8,72,72a) within a few minutes' walk.

front of 2 Queens Avenue

27 Oakfield Road School

7 Nov 2024

 Our junior building is in a quiet, leafy street, just off Whiteladies Road. It is in easy walking distance of Clifton Village and the Clifton Suspension Bridge and The Downs. There are excellent transport links for both bus and train and a small shopping centre just 8 minutes' walk from the school. For those taking Creative Classes, there are wonderful places of interest nearby to use on the photography and video-making electives.

Bristol's world class Cabot Circus shopping centre is only about 1.6km away, if you fancy a walk, or 15 minutes by bus. There are eight bus connections (1,2,2a,3,4,8,72,72a) within a few  minutes' walk. 

The school is very centrally located and is within easy walking distance of many places where you might want to spend some time, including the Downs, the harbourside and Cabot Circus shopping centre.

Local transport

Bristol has a good transport network of buses and trains so it is easy to travel around. You can save money by buying weekly or monthly tickets. The city also has a bicycle hire scheme.

Places of worship

You will find addresses and telephone numbers of local places of worship on the notice board downstairs, next to the Students’ Room.

Healthcare

It is important that you know what to do if you are unwell, need to see a doctor or need to go to hospital. Our support staff can help you with any such queries.

Police Registration

If you are from a non-EU country you might have to register with the police when you arrive – the stamp in your passport will state if you are required to do this.
Bristol skyline
Clifton suspension bridge with balloons in the background
Bristol harbourside
Bristol King Street
SS Great Britain
International House rhythm rainbow
International House rhythm rainbow
International House rhythm rainbow