Moving to Bristol from Abroad? We'll Make Finding a Home the Easy Part.
Bristol is home to thousands of international students every year, and we know that finding somewhere to live from another country — often without ever having visited the city — is one of the most stressful parts of the move. This page covers everything you need to know, and how Bristol Digs makes it simpler.
Why International Students Choose Bristol Lettings (Digs)
Moving to a new country to rent a home is daunting enough without an unfamiliar system on top. Here’s how we make it easier.
No UK guarantor? No problem. We work with guarantor services and rent-in-advance options built for exactly this situation.
You can view properties from anywhere. Most listings include real photography and a full Matterport 3D tour, so you can walk through your future home before you land.
We know the areas international students actually want — close to campus, well connected, safe, near other students. And as Bristol’s only Propertymark-accredited student specialist, your tenancy is handled to a recognised standard.
Above all, we understand the situation you’re in. Time-zone-friendly communication, plain English, and real help navigating UK renting for the first time — right to rent checks and all.
Popular Areas for International Students
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick look at the neighbourhoods international students choose most often, depending on which university you’re heading to and what kind of area suits you.
Clifton – Bristol’s most popular student area, especially for UoB — leafy, safe, and within walking distance of many departments.
Redland – Quieter and more residential, just next to Clifton. Popular with postgraduates who want a calmer base close to the centre.
Cotham – Central and walkable to both universities, with a genuine mix of nationalities and year groups.
Stokes Croft – Bristol’s creative, alternative hub — galleries, live music and nightlife, close to the city centre.
Frenchay / UWE area – The natural choice for UWE students, a short walk or cycle from campus with an established international student community.
International Student FAQ’s
Moving to a new country to study comes with a lot of questions — here are the ones we get asked most often by international students renting in Bristol.
Do I need a UK guarantor to rent in Bristol?
Not necessarily. Many of our landlords accept guarantor insurance services or rent-in-advance arrangements for international students without a UK-based guarantor.
Can I view a property without visiting Bristol in person?
Yes. Most of our listings include a full 3D Matterport tour, so you can look around a property in detail from anywhere in the world.
What documents do I need for right to rent checks?
Typically your passport and visa or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), plus your CAS letter if requested. We’ll confirm exactly what’s needed for your situation before you apply.
When should I start looking for accommodation?
We’d recommend starting your search 2–3 months before term starts, especially for popular areas near UoB and UWE, as good properties get booked up quickly.
Do you help with anything after I move in?
Yes — we manage the property throughout your tenancy, including maintenance, renewals, and any questions about UK renting that come up along the way.
How it Works for International Students
01
Browse Properties
Search our full range of properties to let across Bristol, no matter where in the world you’re browsing from.
02
Book a Viewing
Call or email us to arrange a viewing, in person or remotely via a 3D Matterport tour if you can’t get to Bristol.
03
View the Property
Walk through the property yourself, or explore it in full 3D from wherever you are, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
04
Reserve Your Home
Fill in a reservation form and pay your holding deposit to secure the property, all handled online.
05
Sign Your Contract
You and your guarantor sign the tenancy agreement online, so distance and time zones are never a barrier.
06
Move-In Ready
Pay the remaining security deposit and your first month’s rent, and your home is ready for when you arrive in Bristol.
