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30th September 2025
1. Rich in Arts and Culture
Bristol is the perfect city to launch your creative career, home to a diverse range of creative organisations and connections to the theatre, film, and TV industries.
Bristol proudly holds UNESCO City of Film status, making it one of the most filmed cities in the UK and boasts iconic venues like the Bristol Old Vic and the Hippodrome. The city’s vibrant screen industry is supported by major institutions such as the BBC, Bottle Yard Studios, and Aardman Animations.
Each year, Bristol hosts 14 international film festivals, offering a rich and diverse calendar of events that draws audiences from across the UK and beyond.
2. Easy Access
Located at the gateway to the South West of England, Bristol combines the energy of city life with easy access to some of the UK’s most stunning countryside.
Just a short bus ride from the centre, you can escape to green spaces like Ashton Court, Leigh Woods, and The Downs, perfect for unwinding in nature. The city is also well connected, with Bath only 15 minutes away by train and London reachable in just 90 minutes. With Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall all within easy reach, Bristol offers the ideal balance of connectivity, character, and natural beauty.
3. Vibrant City Life
Bristol is a hub of activity and the ideal city to call home while you study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
The city pulses with creativity, live music, vibrant events and clubs, street art, independent cinemas, and year-round festivals, making it a true cultural playground. From bustling food markets and an eclectic mix of restaurants to riverside pubs and pop-up galleries, there’s always something new to explore.
Pop to a cosy cafe on Gloucester road (The longest road of independent businesses in the UK), relax by the harbour at a riverside bar, take a shopping trip up Park Street or a night out at one of many exciting venues in the city.
4. Community
Unlike larger cities, Bristol’s more manageable size fosters a strong sense of community and greater opportunities for collaboration. Students appreciate how walkable the city is, making it easy to get around, meet up with friends, and commute to and from Bristol Old Vic with ease.
