The Student Room Group

University of Bristol accommodation?

Does anyone have any experience with North Village or East Village accomodation? I'm considering University Hall, New Bridewell and Riverside. Are the conditions okay? What are the rooms like?

Also, how was the housing for you in 2nd and final year?

What are student support services like? Particularly mental health.

UoB has no UniBuddy page so I'd really like some answers. Thank you :smile:

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1
Hey, currently a first year staying in North Village! (sorry this is gonna be long, but I wish I had this advice before uni so hope it helps!)

I love North cause its a small community within the uni and when you make other friends apart from flatmates (course/societies), its so easy to see them for a chat/to go to uni together/for help or even just going out. I personally don't find it cliquey but ig thats down to individual experiences, it's quite lively and loud as well which I like. Obvs you have to get the bus into uni everyday (not for the weak in the mornings!!) but you get used to it and the bus gives me time to just relax.
UH is a bit dated and old (I've got quite a few friends there) but its cheaper than all other accoms so the price reflects that. I think its nice, cosy, everyone seems friendly and I would've been fine there but depends on preference. The only thing is the flats are quite small in terms of size (max 6) so as long as you don't mind that (kitchens are also small).

I've heard mixed things about NB, its ensuite which if you really want is a bonus (rooms are quite small as a result tho), but people there don't tend to go out as much so you may have to branch out a bit more if thats what you're looking for. I don't think not being in North is the end of the world but its definitely added to uni for me.
Riverside seems relatively lively and is close to loads of things in the city (same for NB really) and think the rooms are generally ok.
Reply 2
Original post by Anonymous #1
Hey, currently a first year staying in North Village! (sorry this is gonna be long, but I wish I had this advice before uni so hope it helps!)
I love North cause its a small community within the uni and when you make other friends apart from flatmates (course/societies), its so easy to see them for a chat/to go to uni together/for help or even just going out. I personally don't find it cliquey but ig thats down to individual experiences, it's quite lively and loud as well which I like. Obvs you have to get the bus into uni everyday (not for the weak in the mornings!!) but you get used to it and the bus gives me time to just relax.
UH is a bit dated and old (I've got quite a few friends there) but its cheaper than all other accoms so the price reflects that. I think its nice, cosy, everyone seems friendly and I would've been fine there but depends on preference. The only thing is the flats are quite small in terms of size (max 6) so as long as you don't mind that (kitchens are also small).
I've heard mixed things about NB, its ensuite which if you really want is a bonus (rooms are quite small as a result tho), but people there don't tend to go out as much so you may have to branch out a bit more if thats what you're looking for. I don't think not being in North is the end of the world but its definitely added to uni for me.
Riverside seems relatively lively and is close to loads of things in the city (same for NB really) and think the rooms are generally ok.
Which one are you staying in in North Village out of interest? Im considering Badock Hall but the self catered part of it, have you heard decent things about it as dunno if would be weird to be in self catered there when 3/4 is catered. And was also thinking of unite house or goldney hall in west village, any experience with these? Any help much appreciated cheers
Reply 3
Original post by Sam51126
Which one are you staying in in North Village out of interest? Im considering Badock Hall but the self catered part of it, have you heard decent things about it as dunno if would be weird to be in self catered there when 3/4 is catered. And was also thinking of unite house or goldney hall in west village, any experience with these? Any help much appreciated cheers


I’m the exact same, i want to put baddock self catered but am worried it won’t be as good as there’s so few people. What are you going to do?
Reply 4
Original post by Anonymous #2
I’m the exact same, i want to put baddock self catered but am worried it won’t be as good as there’s so few people. What are you going to do?


I’m not totally sure yet, will probs put it as one of mine still. Also like the look of goldney hall, unite house and riverside. which others you looking at?
Original post by Sam51126
I’m not totally sure yet, will probs put it as one of mine still. Also like the look of goldney hall, unite house and riverside. which others you looking at?


I’m going for all Stoke Bishop North Village ones as i’ve been told they are most social but i want self catered / to avoid the very posh lot so going for hiatt baker, university hall and badock- not sure what order tho!
Reply 6
Original post by Sam51126
Which one are you staying in in North Village out of interest? Im considering Badock Hall but the self catered part of it, have you heard decent things about it as dunno if would be weird to be in self catered there when 3/4 is catered. And was also thinking of unite house or goldney hall in west village, any experience with these? Any help much appreciated cheers
haha i'm actually in badock self catered and would 100% recommend it. the rooms are a decent size, bed is a small double, desk is really long, good flat size (10) and the kitchen pres are so good. my only complaint is there's no sofas or anything so at pres you're all sat around the kitchen table but that's so minor (also none of the buildings have lifts so good luck if you get the top floor flat!!). not weird at all being self catered when the rest is mainly catered, the catered rooms aren't great.

also as it goes badock was like my last choice (i don't think many, if any of my flat put it as their first but take that how you will, i can't guarantee anything. i've heard good things about unite tbf most people there don't seem to have any complaints and someone else i know said the only good thing about goldney is the exterior but i can't say as i've never been inside, could still be worth putting down.
Reply 7
Original post by Anonymous #1
haha i'm actually in badock self catered and would 100% recommend it. the rooms are a decent size, bed is a small double, desk is really long, good flat size (10) and the kitchen pres are so good. my only complaint is there's no sofas or anything so at pres you're all sat around the kitchen table but that's so minor (also none of the buildings have lifts so good luck if you get the top floor flat!!). not weird at all being self catered when the rest is mainly catered, the catered rooms aren't great.
also as it goes badock was like my last choice (i don't think many, if any of my flat put it as their first but take that how you will, i can't guarantee anything. i've heard good things about unite tbf most people there don't seem to have any complaints and someone else i know said the only good thing about goldney is the exterior but i can't say as i've never been inside, could still be worth putting down.


No way haha, that does sound really good. Cause ye i liked the look of Badock as it looked really nice from the pictures but not as expensive as others like Hiatt Baker. Ahhh so all the beds in the self catered section single double? Cause that would be nice was just a bit unclear on the website. And the rooms and kitchen all good? Would you say it's fairly modern inside with the kitchens and rooms? and so most of the flats around 10 people in the self catered? was just also a bit unclear on the website, but that would be a nice size as get to know a decent few people then.
And have you found Badock Qf North village in general to have a lot of posher private school people? Or this not really been an issue much?

Oh really, so could have a decent chance of getting it if was my first or one of my top, obvs can't be sure but good to know.
Really appreciate you answering my questions, cheers
Reply 8
Original post by Anonymous #1
haha i'm actually in badock self catered and would 100% recommend it. the rooms are a decent size, bed is a small double, desk is really long, good flat size (10) and the kitchen pres are so good. my only complaint is there's no sofas or anything so at pres you're all sat around the kitchen table but that's so minor (also none of the buildings have lifts so good luck if you get the top floor flat!!). not weird at all being self catered when the rest is mainly catered, the catered rooms aren't great.
also as it goes badock was like my last choice (i don't think many, if any of my flat put it as their first but take that how you will, i can't guarantee anything. i've heard good things about unite tbf most people there don't seem to have any complaints and someone else i know said the only good thing about goldney is the exterior but i can't say as i've never been inside, could still be worth putting down.


what’s the boy girl ratio like in badock self catered ?
Reply 9
From my experience the mental health services have been mixed. Lots in place, but you better be very self efficient as most of it is just directing you on how to help yourself.
Original post by Sam51126
No way haha, that does sound really good. Cause ye i liked the look of Badock as it looked really nice from the pictures but not as expensive as others like Hiatt Baker. Ahhh so all the beds in the self catered section single double? Cause that would be nice was just a bit unclear on the website. And the rooms and kitchen all good? Would you say it's fairly modern inside with the kitchens and rooms? and so most of the flats around 10 people in the self catered? was just also a bit unclear on the website, but that would be a nice size as get to know a decent few people then.
And have you found Badock Qf North village in general to have a lot of posher private school people? Or this not really been an issue much?
Oh really, so could have a decent chance of getting it if was my first or one of my top, obvs can't be sure but good to know.
Really appreciate you answering my questions, cheers

yeah all the self-catered beds are small double (can comfortably fit two people), kitchen is modern with three fridges, two ovens, two microwaves, two stoves and rooms are good (esp compared to some of the other accoms). i'm pretty sure all self-catered flats are 10 people but keep in mind i know a flat in a different block (still badock self catered) that isn't full for some reason but think that's rare. there are quite a few private school types in north village but they're all nice and easy to get on with (only a handful actually live up to the stereotype and you can normally spot them from miles away) so don't let that put you off someone, i personally don't think its a big deal cause for me uni is about meeting loads of different people. yeah can't advise you on where to put it on your list as it's a bit of a gamble tbh! i was really disappointed when i first found out (i only put it to fill the choice) but actually i've got really lucky. also just keep in mind there is some variation between the self-catered blocks (8,9 and 10) in terms of the layout but this isn't something to put you off, just how the flat corridors and bathrooms are laid out are slightly different. what course will u be on??

oh yeah also don't get your hopes up lol, just in case you don't get it so you aren't too disappointed (easier said than done i know)
Original post by Anonymous
what’s the boy girl ratio like in badock self catered ?
this really depends, its just luck as there's no set ratio so can't say. i'm half and half but this isn't the same for all the flats. the flat above is 6 girls 4 guys, and there's an all girls flat but i've heard stories from other accoms of like 7 girls and 1 guy and visa versa. literally just luck i'm afraid.
Original post by Anonymous
this really depends, its just luck as there's no set ratio so can't say. i'm half and half but this isn't the same for all the flats. the flat above is 6 girls 4 guys, and there's an all girls flat but i've heard stories from other accoms of like 7 girls and 1 guy and visa versa. literally just luck i'm afraid.
saying that i do think they try and make it as even as possible but as a uni, bristol has more girls than guys so there are some rare cases where it isn't even
Reply 13
Original post by Anonymous #1
yeah all the self-catered beds are small double (can comfortably fit two people), kitchen is modern with three fridges, two ovens, two microwaves, two stoves and rooms are good (esp compared to some of the other accoms). i'm pretty sure all self-catered flats are 10 people but keep in mind i know a flat in a different block (still badock self catered) that isn't full for some reason but think that's rare. there are quite a few private school types in north village but they're all nice and easy to get on with (only a handful actually live up to the stereotype and you can normally spot them from miles away) so don't let that put you off someone, i personally don't think its a big deal cause for me uni is about meeting loads of different people. yeah can't advise you on where to put it on your list as it's a bit of a gamble tbh! i was really disappointed when i first found out (i only put it to fill the choice) but actually i've got really lucky. also just keep in mind there is some variation between the self-catered blocks (8,9 and 10) in terms of the layout but this isn't something to put you off, just how the flat corridors and bathrooms are laid out are slightly different. what course will u be on??
oh yeah also don't get your hopes up lol, just in case you don't get it so you aren't too disappointed (easier said than done i know)


Okay that does all sound good, will definitely be one of my top ones thanks.

But yeh won’t get my hopes up too much as from what i’ve heard it’s a very random selection process haha. And ye in the end it’s more about the people your with which can’t control, but definitely sounds a nice accommodation.

I’ll be on maths, what you studying?

And are they any other accommodations you’d particularly reccomend that heard good things of? just self catered i’m looking at but besides from that open to any suggestions.
I liked the look of riverside from the pictures as well but worried its not so sociable as in east village which heard isn’t as lively, this true? Or heard anything else much about riverside? just gonna try get a decent few options i’d be happy with in the hopes i get one haha
What do people think of Churchill???
Also is it hard to get a job in first year in North Village ?
Original post by gynostemma
Does anyone have any experience with North Village or East Village accomodation? I'm considering University Hall, New Bridewell and Riverside. Are the conditions okay? What are the rooms like?
Also, how was the housing for you in 2nd and final year?
What are student support services like? Particularly mental health.
UoB has no UniBuddy page so I'd really like some answers. Thank you :smile:

Current 1st year student at Bristol, reapplied for a different course so i’ll be a fresher again but with the knowledge of a 2nd year!

North village definitely lives up to its reputation of being social, but I would personally avoid it due to the concentration of extremely posh people (personally have been there for multiple pres/flat parties and felt very unwelcomed). However if you do fit into that demographic then you’ll have an amazing time there. I would also avoid if you’re a BAME or international student unless again, you’re in the top few socioeconomic classes. Best ones to go for would defo be Hiatt -> Badock -> Wills.

East village has more international students due to its convenient location. I would say it’s not as social as North Village but I lived here this year and if you find the right people it’s definitely enjoyable. Most EV accoms are ensuite and that’s a requirement for me so that’s why I chose it. Riverside would be the most social here.

In my opinion West village is slept on and actually has some really great options. They’re the closest to uni with some being right below Park Street (the main road leading up to uni from city centre) so you would be in the middle of any clubs you would want to go to (as opposed to North village taking a bus to the triangle or Motion). Try Orchard Heights if you’re looking for somewhere social.

As for housing in second year, apply as soon as you can. Don’t make plans with the first group you meet at freshers but seriously start looking by late October/November and try and sign a contract before Christmas break. I know many people without houses and are looking for single rooms in a house with people they don’t even know.

Bristol Resilife handles any mental health support matters and are honestly rubbish. You’ll have to see a GP if you’re facing anything serious. Some courses have their own designated support groups but for smaller courses they’ll just direct you to Resilife and they’re not much help.
Original post by Anonymous
Current 1st year student at Bristol, reapplied for a different course so i’ll be a fresher again but with the knowledge of a 2nd year!
North village definitely lives up to its reputation of being social, but I would personally avoid it due to the concentration of extremely posh people (personally have been there for multiple pres/flat parties and felt very unwelcomed). However if you do fit into that demographic then you’ll have an amazing time there. I would also avoid if you’re a BAME or international student unless again, you’re in the top few socioeconomic classes. Best ones to go for would defo be Hiatt -> Badock -> Wills.
East village has more international students due to its convenient location. I would say it’s not as social as North Village but I lived here this year and if you find the right people it’s definitely enjoyable. Most EV accoms are ensuite and that’s a requirement for me so that’s why I chose it. Riverside would be the most social here.
In my opinion West village is slept on and actually has some really great options. They’re the closest to uni with some being right below Park Street (the main road leading up to uni from city centre) so you would be in the middle of any clubs you would want to go to (as opposed to North village taking a bus to the triangle or Motion). Try Orchard Heights if you’re looking for somewhere social.
As for housing in second year, apply as soon as you can. Don’t make plans with the first group you meet at freshers but seriously start looking by late October/November and try and sign a contract before Christmas break. I know many people without houses and are looking for single rooms in a house with people they don’t even know.
Bristol Resilife handles any mental health support matters and are honestly rubbish. You’ll have to see a GP if you’re facing anything serious. Some courses have their own designated support groups but for smaller courses they’ll just direct you to Resilife and they’re not much help.

This last bit on support is really disappointing tbh. Bristol didnt have a great reputation in previous years, and I thought they had got better with MH support after that - and the big court cases.


Is it still bad?
Original post by Anonymous
Current 1st year student at Bristol, reapplied for a different course so i’ll be a fresher again but with the knowledge of a 2nd year!
North village definitely lives up to its reputation of being social, but I would personally avoid it due to the concentration of extremely posh people (personally have been there for multiple pres/flat parties and felt very unwelcomed). However if you do fit into that demographic then you’ll have an amazing time there. I would also avoid if you’re a BAME or international student unless again, you’re in the top few socioeconomic classes. Best ones to go for would defo be Hiatt -> Badock -> Wills.
East village has more international students due to its convenient location. I would say it’s not as social as North Village but I lived here this year and if you find the right people it’s definitely enjoyable. Most EV accoms are ensuite and that’s a requirement for me so that’s why I chose it. Riverside would be the most social here.
In my opinion West village is slept on and actually has some really great options. They’re the closest to uni with some being right below Park Street (the main road leading up to uni from city centre) so you would be in the middle of any clubs you would want to go to (as opposed to North village taking a bus to the triangle or Motion). Try Orchard Heights if you’re looking for somewhere social.
As for housing in second year, apply as soon as you can. Don’t make plans with the first group you meet at freshers but seriously start looking by late October/November and try and sign a contract before Christmas break. I know many people without houses and are looking for single rooms in a house with people they don’t even know.
Bristol Resilife handles any mental health support matters and are honestly rubbish. You’ll have to see a GP if you’re facing anything serious. Some courses have their own designated support groups but for smaller courses they’ll just direct you to Resilife and they’re not much help.

Hey! I'm looking at West village. What are your opinions on some of the accommodations? ☺️
do people go out regularly in north?

Quick Reply