Top 11 Places To Live In Bath In 2026 For Students

Bath is one of those cities that feels student-friendly the moment you arrive. It’s historic, welcoming, and surprisingly easy to live in, especially when you’re balancing lectures, part-time work, and a social life. As a UNESCO World Heritage City, Bath offers far more than just good looks. You get a compact, walkable layout where most essentials are close by. That means less time commuting and more time focusing on what actually matters to you, your studies, your friends, and your life outside the classroom. 

The city is home to two major universities, which gives Bath a strong student presence without making it feel overcrowded. Whether you prefer lively neighbourhoods or quieter residential streets, there’s a place here that fits your pace and your budget. But choosing where to live can still feel overwhelming. Rent varies widely. Commute times matter. Safety and lifestyle can make or break your experience. That’s why, in this guide, we break down the places to live in Bath for students, based on rent, commute, safety, and lifestyle, so you can make a choice that actually works for you.

Top 11 Places to Live in Bath

Choosing where you live can make a big difference to your student life in Bath. Rent, commute time, safety, and the kind of lifestyle you want all play a role. Some areas are lively and social, while others are quieter and better suited for focused study. To make things easier, we’ve shortlisted the top 11 places to live in Bath that students consistently choose, based on affordability, connectivity to universities, and day-to-day convenience, so you can quickly find an area that fits your routine and budget.

1. Oldfield Park

Student Population: 1,490 students
Safety Index: 69.5 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £519/month
Nearby University: University of Bath, Bath Spa University
Public Transport Options: Oldfield Park railway station; bus routes 5, 6, and 7
Local Amenities: Tesco Express, Cafe au Lait, The Moorfields Pub

Oldfield Park suits you if you want everyday student life to feel simple and well- connected. Around 1,490 students live in the area, with average shared rent at £519 per month. You’re a 7-minute train ride from the city centre via Oldfield Park railway station, and bus routes 5, 6, and 7 run regularly to both universities. Most of what you need day to day is along Moorland Road, and Victoria Park is close by when you want to relax. One thing to keep in mind is higher noise levels on weekend nights, especially close to pubs and main roads. For students comparing the best areas to live in Bath, Oldfield Park consistently stands out among the places to live in Bath.

2. Bath City Centre

Student Population: 2,100 students
Safety Index: 72 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £850–£1,050/month
Nearby University: University of Bath, Bath Spa University
Public Transport Options: Bus routes U1, U2, U3; city buses
Local Amenities: SouthGate Shopping Centre, Kingsmead Square, Pulteney Bridge, The Crystal Palace

Bath City Centre suits you if you want everything within walking distance and don’t want to depend on transport. Around 2,100 students live in the area, mainly in shared flats and private accommodation. Rent is higher than in outer neighbourhoods, averaging £850–£1,050 per month, but you save time on commuting. Most lectures, part-time jobs, and social spots are close by. One thing to keep in mind is crowded streets and busy nights, especially on weekends. For students comparing the places to live in Bath, the city centre offers convenience at a premium.

3. Twerton

Student Population: 1,200 students
Safety Index: 74 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £480–£650/month
Nearby University: University of Bath, Bath Spa University
Public Transport Options: Bus routes 1, 5, 21
Local Amenities: River Avon Walk, The Golden Fleece Pub, Twerton Chip Shop

Twerton works well if your priority is keeping rent manageable without moving too far from campus. Around 1,200 students live here, mainly in shared terraced houses. Average rent stays between £480 and £650 per month, which is lower than in central neighbourhoods. Bus routes 1, 5, and 21 provide direct access to the city and both universities. Daily essentials are close by, but social plans usually mean travelling elsewhere. Among the places to live in Bath, Twerton is chosen for affordability over nightlife.

4. Combe Down

Student Population: 900 students
Safety Index: 60 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £650–£800/month
Nearby University: University of Bath
Public Transport Options: Bus routes 2, 22
Local Amenities: Combe Down Tunnel, The Forester & Flower, The Hadley Arms

Combe Down suits you if you prefer quiet living close to campus. Around 900 students, mostly postgraduates, live in the area. Average rent ranges between £650 and £800 per month. The University of Bath is reachable by a short bus ride or walk, making daily routines predictable. Local cafes and small shops cover essentials, while nearby green spaces shape the area’s calm feel. One thing to note is the limited late-night activity. For students comparing places to live in Bath, Combe Down suits focused study.

5. Bear Flat

Student Population: 1,050 students
Safety Index: 68 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £600–£780/month
Nearby University: University of Bath
Public Transport Options: Bus routes 1, 4, 20
Local Amenities: Alexandra Park, The Bear Inn, The Good Bear Cafe, Menu Gordon Jones

Bear Flat suits you if you want a balance between quiet streets and city access. Around 1,050 students live here, paying £600 to £780 per month on average. Bus routes 1, 4, and 20 connect the area to the campus and the centre. Daily shopping is straightforward, and Alexandra Park is a regular spot for breaks and views. The main drawback is steep walking routes. Among the places to live in Bath, Bear Flat offers balance rather than extremes.

6. Weston

Student Population: 850 students
Safety Index: 65 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £550–£700/month
Nearby University: Bath Spa University
Public Transport Options: Bus routes 3, 4
Local Amenities: Royal Victoria Park, The Old Crown, The Brassmill, Weston Café, 

Weston suits you if you want more space and a slower pace. Around 850 students live here, with rent typically between £550 and £700 per month. It’s especially practical for Bath Spa University students using bus routes 3 and 4. Supermarkets and parks are nearby, making everyday routines easy. The main consideration is longer travel times to the University of Bath. When comparing places to live in Bath, Weston appeals to students who value space over proximity.

7. Widcombe

Student Population: 1,000 students
Safety Index: 67 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £700–£900/month
Nearby University: University of Bath
Public Transport Options: Bus routes 2, 13; Widcombe station
Local Amenities: Widcombe Parade, The Ring O’ Bells, Widcombe Deli, The Ram,

Widcombe suits you if you want village-style living close to campus. Around 1,000 students live here, with average rent between £700 and £900 per month. The University of Bath is close enough for walking or short bus rides. Local shops and cafés meet daily needs, while Widcombe railway station adds travel flexibility. Housing demand is high, so rooms fill early each year. Among the places to live in Bath, Widcombe is chosen for location over price.

8. Southdown

Student Population: 700 students
Safety Index: 76 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £500–£650/month
Nearby University: University of Bath
Public Transport Options: Bus routes 5, 6
Local Amenities: Englishcombe Valley, The Red Lion Pub, Southdown Fish Bar

Southdown suits you if affordability is your main concern. Around 700 students live here, paying £500 to £650 per month on average. Bus routes 5 and 6 connect the area to campus and the city. Housing is mostly residential, with fewer distractions nearby. Social and study spaces are limited locally, so most activity happens elsewhere. For students prioritising cost when comparing places to live in Bath, Southdown offers value without central pricing.

9. Lansdown

Student Population: 600 students
Safety Index: 58 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £700–£900/month
Nearby University: University of Bath
Public Transport Options: Bus routes 31, 31A
Local Amenities: Beckford’s Tower, The Hare & Hounds, Lansdown Golf Club Cafe

Lansdown suits you if you value quiet surroundings and distance from busy areas. Around 600 students live here, with rent ranging from £700 to £900 per month. Bus routes 31 and 31A provide access to the city and campus. The area stays calm throughout the week, with few commercial spots nearby. Steep walking routes can be tiring, especially in winter. Among the places to live in Bath, Lansdown is chosen for peace over convenience.

10. Lower Weston

Student Population: 750 students
Safety Index: 70 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £520–£680/month
Nearby University: Bath Spa University
Public Transport Options: Bus routes 3, 4
Local Amenities: River Avon Walk, The Locksbrook Inn, The Boathouse Pub, The New Inn

Lower Weston suits you if you want affordability with access to larger stores. Around 750 students live here, paying £520 to £680 per month on average. Bus routes 3 and 4 make Bath Spa University easy to reach. Retail parks nearby handle groceries and essentials. The main downside is the longer travel time to the University of Bath. When reviewing places to live in Bath, Lower Weston works best for Bath Spa students.

11. Snow Hill

Student Population: 650 students
Safety Index: 66 crimes per 1,000 residents
Average Rent: £650–£820/month
Nearby University: University of Bath
Public Transport Options: City buses, walkable routes
Local Amenities: Jane Austen Centre, The Circus, Boston Tea Party (Alfred Street), The Bell Inn

Snow Hill suits you if you want central access without full city-centre pricing. Around 650 students live here, with average rent between £650 and £820 per month. Many parts of the city are walkable from this area, reducing daily travel time. Buses fill in gaps when needed. Narrow streets and limited parking are common issues. Among the places to live in Bath, Snow Hill appeals to students who value location over space.

Student Accommodations in Bath UK

Finding the right place to stay can shape your entire student experience. Student accommodation in Bath UK ranges from university halls to private shared houses and purpose-built student apartments. If you want campus convenience, student accommodation near University of Bath is popular, especially in areas like Combe Down and Oldfield Park. Private rentals suit students who want flexibility and better value long term. Compared to other cities, student accommodation in England can feel expensive, but Bath’s compact layout offsets commute costs. Living centrally also keeps you close to major Places to visit in Bath, making everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Below is the list curated by amber that has some of the affordable student accommodations in Bath: 

1. Avon Studios 
2. Hollis Wharf
3. Charlton Court
4. The Depot
5. Student Castle Bath

At the end of the day, where you live in Bath really shapes how your student life feels. You might be focused on keeping rent low, cutting down travel time, or staying close to the city’s social scene, and that’s completely normal. Bath gives you options, and that’s its biggest advantage. If you start looking early and think about how you’ll actually spend your days, choosing becomes a lot easier. Use this guide to narrow things down, trust what fits your routine, and pick a place that makes studying, socialising, and settling into Bath feel effortless.

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