Our city and campus
Find out what it’s like to live and study in Bath.
Bath is a beautiful city set in the rolling green hills of South West England. It’s famous for its natural hot springs and Georgian architecture. In fact, Bath’s so special it’s the only entire city in the UK that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But Bath’s not only special because of its history. It’s a great place to live, learn and work. There is a thriving business community in Bath, making it an exciting location for a range of organisations from entrepreneurs to global leaders.
Study in safety
Become part of our community
Bath is a small but busy city, with just under 90,000 residents. The student population is around 20,000, so you won’t feel alone.
Bath was named the world’s happiest city in Time Out’s 2026 survey. It’s also ranked as the second safest city in England and Wales to study in (The Complete University Guide), offering a welcoming place to live and study.
The University of Bath is a campus university. This means all our teaching, leisure and research facilities are in one place.
Our Claverton Down campus is one of the safest in the UK and was one of the first in the country to win a national police approved security award.
Accommodation in Bath
Find out about finding a home in Bath either on campus or in the city.
The University has accommodation options for postgraduate students, mature students and couples. Read more about the accommodation offered by the University.
There are also lots of private housing options in Bath. Get help and advice finding private sector accommodation in and near the city.
Hello Student offer premium student accommodation. Read more about Hello Student’s accommodation options in Bath.
Sport, culture and standard of living
Bath is a centre for tourism, with plenty to do and we’re also close to areas of outstanding natural beauty. It hosts several big events throughout the year including The Bath Festival, Comedy Festival and the famous Bath Christmas Market. The city also has a strong international cultural sector.
Bath’s a leading centre for sport too. You’ll have access to the University’s £35 million Sports Training Village.
Find out more about living in Bath as a student
Transport
Bath has great connections to other cities and the rest of the South West.
Bath’s location makes it easy to get where you want to be. Bristol Airport (serving over 100 destinations) is under 20 miles away.
Bath Spa train station is on the main line between Bristol and London Paddington. It can be reached from the North and South via Bristol Temple Meads. Approximate journey times by train:
- Bristol – 15 minutes
- London – 1 hour 20 minutes
- Birmingham – 1 hour 40 minutes
- Cardiff – 1 hour 10 minutes
- Southampton – 1 hour 20 minutes
- Exeter – 1 hour 20 minutes
There is a regular bus service, great for getting to the city centre and surrounding areas.
We’re also walking and cycle friendly and actively encourage commuting to campus by bike or on foot. If you can get up the hill to the University, you’ll find modern shower and storage facilities.
Parking
There is no parking for students on campus. Permits are only issued in certain circumstances. Find out if you are eligible for a parking permit.
Innovation and growth
Study in an evolving city.
You’ll be surrounded by exciting opportunities in Bath. The city is home to some amazing businesses, often global leaders in their field.
Study with us and you’ll find exciting opportunities all around you. The South West of England is a growing centre for innovation and one of the leading areas in the UK for technology businesses. The area has established sectors in advanced engineering, high technology, creative and digital media, and low carbon.
Explore and connect
Find out about ways to talk to us, upcoming events and what our students think about living and studying in Bath.