University Of Gloucestershire Accommodation

The University of Gloucestershire received university status in 2001, although its history stretches back to 1847 with the establishment of the Cheltenham Training College. Today, it has developed into a modern public university with around 11,300 students while maintaining the smaller community atmosphere that many applicants value. Smaller class sizes, approachable academic staff and strong student support continue to be some of its defining characteristics.

Unlike many universities that operate from a single city, the University of Gloucestershire is spread across two neighbouring locations—Cheltenham and Gloucester. This gives students access to two distinct environments during their studies.

Cheltenham is known for its Regency architecture, independent cafés, annual festivals and green public spaces. Gloucester offers a different experience, combining a historic cathedral city with ongoing regeneration around the docks and city centre. Although the two locations are only around eight miles apart, they each have their own pace, atmosphere and housing market.

Teaching takes place across four principal campuses:

Campus	Location	Primary Subjects
Park Campus	Cheltenham	Business, Computing, Media, Arts
Francis Close Hall	Cheltenham	Education, Humanities, Social Sciences
Oxstalls Campus	Gloucester	Sport, Health, Teaching, Nursing
City Campus	Gloucester	Healthcare, Education and expanding professional programmes

One advantage of studying here is the flexibility that comes with a multi-campus university. Students experience different parts of Gloucestershire instead of remaining in a single university district throughout their degree.

The university has built a strong reputation in several academic disciplines, particularly:

• Education and Teacher Training
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Nursing and Health Sciences
• Journalism and Media
• Business and Marketing
• Computing and Cyber Security
• Creative Arts

Recent investment in the Gloucester City Campus has further expanded healthcare and professional education facilities, creating new teaching spaces within the city centre while strengthening links with local employers.

First-year students also benefit from an accommodation guarantee, provided they accept a firm offer and meet the university's published deadlines. Many applicants still compare independent housing alongside university residences, especially if they're looking for more flexibility, additional privacy or different tenancy lengths. That's why many students begin researching University of Gloucestershire accommodation several months before arriving.

University life at Gloucestershire feels a little different from what you'll find at larger institutions. The student population is smaller, classes are generally more personal, and it's easier to become familiar with lecturers and classmates. At the same time, studying across Cheltenham and Gloucester means you aren't limited to one campus or one part of the county. Each town brings something different to student life.

Students' Union and Societies

The University of Gloucestershire Students' Union (SU) runs more than 60 societies, covering everything from academic interests and volunteering to music, gaming, media and cultural groups. Whether you want to continue an existing hobby or try something completely new, there's usually a society that fits.

The smaller university community also makes it easier to get involved. Students often find themselves taking committee roles or helping organise events much earlier than they might at a much larger institution.

Throughout the year, the Students' Union hosts welcome events, quiz nights, charity fundraisers, careers sessions and social activities across all campuses, helping students meet people beyond their course.

Sport and Fitness

Sport plays a significant role within the university, particularly at Oxstalls Campus.

The university competes in BUCS competitions across a range of sports, while students who simply want to stay active can use the university's sports facilities, gym and fitness classes without committing to competitive teams.

Oxstalls Sports Park is one of the university's major facilities and regularly hosts training sessions, fixtures and recreational sport throughout the academic year.

Park Campus students also have access to university fitness facilities and can join sports clubs regardless of where they're based.

Eating Out and Social Life

Student life doesn't revolve around campus alone.

Cheltenham has a busy café culture, independent restaurants and traditional pubs spread around Montpellier, the Promenade and the town centre. During term time, these areas become popular meeting points after lectures.

Gloucester offers a different atmosphere. The regenerated Docks combine cafés, restaurants and waterside bars with outlet shopping, creating a relaxed place to spend weekends without travelling far.

Students looking for bigger nights out often head into Cheltenham town centre, where bars and live music venues stay busy throughout the week.

Because Bristol and Birmingham are both within easy rail reach, many students also take day trips or weekends away during the academic year.

Shopping

Everyday shopping is straightforward whichever campus you're based at.

Cheltenham town centre has major high street retailers alongside independent businesses, while Gloucester Quays combines outlet shopping with restaurants overlooking the waterfront.

Supermarkets are available close to all major student neighbourhoods, making weekly food shopping easy whether you're living in university halls or private accommodation.

Festivals and Local Attractions

One advantage of studying here is having access to two towns with very different personalities.

Cheltenham has built an international reputation for its annual festivals, including Literature, Jazz, Science and Music festivals, alongside the famous Cheltenham Festival at the racecourse. Throughout much of the year, there is usually something happening somewhere in town.

Gloucester offers its own attractions, from the historic cathedral and museums to the restored waterfront around the Docks. Students also have easy access to the Cotswolds, making weekend walks and short countryside trips a popular break from university life.

Healthcare and Student Support

Students should register with a local GP soon after arriving in Gloucestershire.

Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital provide the area's main NHS hospital services, while university wellbeing teams offer support for mental health, disability services, academic guidance and financial advice throughout the year.

Living in Gloucestershire as a Student

Many students choose the university because it offers a different pace from larger cities.

You still have busy cafés, sports clubs, shopping centres and nightlife when you want them, but everyday life generally feels less hectic. Commutes are shorter, green spaces are close by, and travelling across either town is relatively straightforward.

That combination of manageable living costs, approachable campus communities and access to both urban and countryside settings continues to make the university an attractive choice for students from across the UK and overseas.

Because teaching is divided between Cheltenham and Gloucester, choosing where to live should begin with one simple question:

Which campus will you spend most of your week on?

Travelling between the two towns is perfectly manageable using the Stagecoach 94 service or the rail connection, but making that journey every day quickly adds both time and transport costs. Living close to your main teaching campus usually provides the best overall experience.

Cheltenham

Students based at Park Campus or Francis Close Hall generally choose one of three neighbourhoods.

St Paul's and Town Centre North

Located close to Francis Close Hall, St Paul's has been a student favourite for years. Traditional terraced houses sit alongside independent cafés, supermarkets and affordable takeaways, creating an area that feels busy during term without becoming overwhelming.

Distance to campus

Campus	Approximate Journey
Francis Close Hall	5–10 minute walk
Park Campus	20–30 minutes by bus or bicycle

Average rents generally sit around £127 per week, making it one of the most balanced choices for students who want reasonable costs without moving too far from the centre of Cheltenham.

This area works particularly well for first-year and second-year students looking for shared housing close to everyday amenities.

The Park and Tivoli

Students studying at Park Campus often prioritise The Park and neighbouring Tivoli because lectures are within walking distance.

Large Regency homes dominate this part of Cheltenham, many of which have been converted into student house shares.

Typical weekly rents range between £110 and £150, depending on property size and whether bills are included.

This neighbourhood suits students who prefer:

• A quieter residential setting

• Easy walking access to lectures

• Green spaces nearby

• Less traffic than the town centre

If your timetable is centred on Park Campus, this remains one of the most practical locations for accommodation near University of Gloucestershire.

Montpellier and Cheltenham Town Centre

Students wanting to experience Cheltenham beyond university often choose Montpellier and the surrounding town centre.

Known for boutique shopping, independent restaurants and nationally recognised festivals, the area attracts students who enjoy spending time off campus without relying heavily on public transport.

Weekly rents generally range from £120 to £170, reflecting its popularity and central location.

Park Campus is usually reached by bus or bicycle, while Francis Close Hall is accessible on foot from many properties.

Although accommodation here tends to cost slightly more, many students consider the extra expense worthwhile for the lifestyle and convenience.

Gloucester

Students whose courses are based at Oxstalls Campus or the new City Campus usually focus their search within Gloucester rather than Cheltenham.

Living locally significantly reduces commuting time and makes daily university life much easier.

St Peter's and Kingsholm

Located close to Oxstalls Campus, this residential area offers some of Gloucester's better-value student housing.

Terraced houses dominate the neighbourhood, creating an established community where many students choose to live throughout their degree.

Average weekly rents generally fall between £95 and £130, making it one of the more affordable areas for University of Gloucestershire private accommodation.

Students based here can usually reach lectures quickly by walking, cycling or taking a short local bus journey.

Gloucester Docks and City Centre

The redevelopment of Gloucester Docks has transformed the waterfront into one of the city's most attractive places to live.

Modern apartments, restaurants, cafés and retail spaces now sit alongside historic dock buildings, giving the area a different character from Cheltenham.

This location is especially attractive for students attending the new City Campus, while those looking for accommodation near University of Gloucestershire Oxstalls Campus also benefit from straightforward bus connections between the two sites.

Typical rents range from £100 to £140 per week, depending on the type of accommodation.

Students studying healthcare programmes increasingly explore this area because of its proximity to the university's expanding academic facilities.

Each location appeals to different priorities.

Area	Best For	Typical Weekly Rent
St Paul's	Francis Close Hall students	£127
The Park	Park Campus students	£110–£150
Montpellier	Lifestyle and city living	£120–£170
Kingsholm	Budget-conscious Gloucester students	£95–£130
Gloucester Docks	City Campus and healthcare students	£100–£140

Rather than searching for the cheapest rent alone, it's worth considering your overall weekly costs. Spending slightly more on accommodation that's closer to campus can often reduce travel expenses and save valuable time throughout the academic year.

Cost of Living and Student Budget Breakdown

One reason students choose Gloucestershire is that day-to-day living costs are generally easier to manage than in many larger university cities. While Cheltenham is typically a little more expensive than Gloucester, both locations remain below the average living costs seen in places like Bristol, Birmingham or Oxford.

Once rent is taken out of the equation, most students spend somewhere between £105 and £135 per week on everyday expenses. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle, where you live, and whether your course requires travel between campuses.

The table below provides a realistic estimate of weekly student spending.

Expense	Typical Weekly Cost	Notes
Groceries & Food	£34	Based on the Save the Student 2025 survey (£146/month). Supermarkets in both towns help keep food costs manageable.
Local Transport	£0–£15	Students living close to campus often walk or cycle. Regular bus users can save with student travel passes.
Household Bills*	£16	Applies mainly to private rentals where utilities aren't included.
Social Life	£14	Covers occasional meals out, cafés and student nights.
Mobile Plan	£3–£5	Typical SIM-only contract.
Course Costs	Varies	Some practical courses require additional materials, travel or placement expenses.

*Purpose-built student accommodation usually includes utility bills within the rent.

Food Shopping

Most students find grocery shopping straightforward regardless of which town they live in.

Cheltenham has several Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl and Aldi stores, while Gloucester combines major supermarkets with local markets that often offer fresh produce at lower prices.

Students living in shared houses can usually reduce weekly costs further by cooking together and splitting household essentials.

Getting Around

Transport costs vary depending on your campus.

Students living close to Park Campus, Francis Close Hall or the Gloucester City Campus often walk to lectures, keeping weekly travel costs extremely low.

Those travelling between Cheltenham and Gloucester should budget a little extra.

The Stagecoach 94 service runs frequently between both towns and is the main public transport link used by University of Gloucestershire students. Student tickets and longer-term passes usually work out considerably cheaper than buying individual fares every day.

If your timetable regularly includes teaching at different campuses, transport quickly becomes one of the biggest factors affecting your overall budget.

Bills and Utilities

If you're renting privately, it's important to check exactly what's included before signing your tenancy agreement.

Some landlords include utilities within the rent, while others charge separately for:

• Electricity

• Gas

• Water

• Broadband

• TV Licence (where applicable)

Students choosing University of Gloucestershire private accommodation often compare properties based on total monthly cost rather than rent alone.

Purpose-built student accommodation usually includes utilities in one weekly payment, making budgeting much simpler throughout the academic year.

Social Spending

Both Cheltenham and Gloucester have active student communities without the higher prices often associated with larger cities.

Cheltenham has a busy calendar of festivals throughout the year, alongside independent cafés, pubs and restaurants around Montpellier and the High Street.

Gloucester offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, with the regenerated Docks providing restaurants, cafés and waterside bars that remain popular with students.

Most students find that budgeting around £14 per week for leisure allows for occasional meals out, coffee with friends and regular student events.

Additional Course Costs

Some degrees naturally involve extra expenses beyond tuition fees.

Students studying health-related courses may need to travel to placement providers, while those on creative programmes should budget for printing, specialist materials or portfolio work. Education students may also have travel costs during school placements.

Planning for these expenses early makes it much easier to manage your finances later in the year.

Budgeting Advice for International Students

If you're applying for a Student visa, you'll also need to meet the UK Government's maintenance requirement.

For universities outside London, applicants currently need to demonstrate access to £1,171 per month (around £270 per week) for up to nine months. This figure is set for immigration purposes and shouldn't be treated as the average amount students actually spend each week.

A Practical Way to Compare Accommodation

Many students focus entirely on rent when comparing University of Gloucestershire accommodation prices, but that rarely tells the full story.

A room that costs £10 less each week may involve daily inter-campus travel, while accommodation closer to lectures could save both money and time across the academic year.

When comparing different options, consider:

• Weekly rent

• Bills included or excluded

• Distance from your teaching campus

• Transport costs

• Walking or cycling options

• Grocery access nearby

Looking at your overall weekly spending—not just the advertised rent—usually leads to a much better decision.

Every student has a different idea of what makes accommodation feel like home.

Some prefer complete independence after a busy day on campus. Others enjoy sharing a kitchen with flatmates and having people around throughout the week. Budget also plays a significant role, particularly after first year when many students move into the private rental market.

Understanding the differences between room types makes it much easier to choose accommodation that fits both your lifestyle and your finances.

En-suite Rooms

En-suite accommodation remains one of the most popular choices among University of Gloucestershire students.

You'll have your own bedroom and private bathroom while sharing the kitchen and communal living space with other residents.

This option works particularly well for students who want privacy without missing out on the social side of university life.

Typical advantages include:

• Private bathroom

• Shared kitchen reduces living costs

• Good balance between independence and community

• Bills are often included within PBSA accommodation

Properties such as Collegiate Shaftesbury Hall offer en-suite rooms from around £127 per week, making them a practical option for students studying in Cheltenham.

Studio Apartments

Studios provide a completely self-contained living space.

Everything—from the kitchen to the bathroom—is private, giving you full control over your daily routine.

They are particularly popular with postgraduate students, mature students and anyone who prefers a quieter environment for studying.

A typical studio includes:

• Private kitchen

• Private bathroom

• Study area

• Sleeping space

• Personal storage

Although studios generally have the highest weekly rent, many students feel the additional privacy is worthwhile.

Shared Houses

Shared houses continue to be one of the most affordable forms of student accommodation near University of Gloucestershire.

Each resident has a private bedroom while bathrooms, kitchens and communal areas are shared.

They're especially popular among second and third-year students who already have a group of friends they'd like to live with.

Shared housing often offers:

• Lower weekly rent

• Larger communal spaces

• More traditional student living

• Flexible house sizes

The trade-off is that everyone shares responsibility for cleaning, shopping and keeping communal spaces organised.

Which Room Type Should You Choose?

There's no single answer that suits everyone.

Room Type	Privacy	Social Life	Typical Cost
Shared House	Moderate	High	Lowest
En-suite	High	High	Mid-range
Studio	Very High	Lower	Highest

Before making a decision, think about how you like to live rather than simply choosing the cheapest option.

The right accommodation is the one that fits your routine, your budget and the way you expect to spend your time outside lectures.

Finding the right place to live isn't only about choosing the property closest to campus. Travel time, rent, room type and the area you'll be living in all make a difference over the course of an academic year. For some students, a ten-minute shorter commute is worth paying a little extra. Others would rather save on rent and take the bus to campus.

House of Student lists accommodation across Cheltenham, making it easier to compare options before making a decision. If you're looking for University of Gloucestershire student accommodation, these are some of the strongest options currently available.

Property	Distance to Park Campus	Walk	Transit	Drive	From
Collegiate Shaftesbury Hall	1.88 Miles	37 min	25 min	8 min	£127/week

Collegiate Shaftesbury Hall

For students studying in Cheltenham, Collegiate Shaftesbury Hall is one of the most practical choices available.

Located on Clarke Way, the property sits particularly close to Francis Close Hall while remaining well connected to Park Campus by local bus services. That flexibility suits students whose timetable includes facilities across both Cheltenham campuses.

En-suite rooms give residents their own bathroom while sharing kitchen and living areas with other students. For many, that balance works well. You still have your own space when you need it, but everyday life doesn't feel isolated.

The property also places everyday essentials within easy reach. Supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and Cheltenham town centre are all accessible without lengthy journeys, making day-to-day student life much simpler.

Students comparing University of Gloucestershire accommodation often choose this property because it combines a reasonable weekly rent with a location that works well throughout the academic year rather than simply during the first few weeks of term.

At £127 per week, it also sits within the typical price range for purpose-built student accommodation in Cheltenham, particularly when bills are included within the rent.

Although many students naturally begin with the University of Gloucestershire accommodation portal, it's worth comparing independent providers as well. Looking at both university-managed residences and private accommodation gives you a much clearer picture of what's available before accepting a tenancy.

Because the university operates across two towns, students based primarily in Gloucester may prefer accommodation closer to Oxstalls or the developing City Campus. Those searching specifically for University of Gloucestershire Oxstalls accommodation or accommodation near University of Gloucestershire Oxstalls Campus should focus on properties in Gloucester to reduce daily travel rather than commuting from Cheltenham throughout the week.

Keeping accommodation costs under control usually makes the biggest difference to a student's overall budget.

The good news is that Gloucestershire remains one of the more affordable university destinations compared with many larger cities across England. Weekly rents are generally lower than places such as Bristol, Oxford or Reading, while everyday expenses also tend to be easier to manage.

Students looking for accommodation University of Gloucestershire often find that paying slightly less doesn't necessarily mean compromising on quality. The key is choosing a property that keeps travel costs low as well.

Budget-friendly Recommendation

Property	Distance	Walk	Transit	Drive	Starting Price
Collegiate Shaftesbury Hall	1.88 Miles	37 min	25 min	8 min	£127/week

Although there are cheaper shared houses available across Cheltenham, Collegiate Shaftesbury Hall represents strong overall value once you consider what is included.

Students receive:

• Private en-suite room

• Shared kitchen and communal spaces

• Modern student facilities

• Bills included within the rent

• Good public transport links to Park Campus

When comparing University of Gloucestershire accommodation prices, it's worth calculating the total weekly cost instead of looking at rent alone.

A shared house with lower rent may also involve separate utility bills, internet costs and higher transport expenses. In many cases, the final monthly cost ends up being closer than students initially expect.

For students wanting predictable monthly spending, purpose-built accommodation often removes much of that uncertainty.

If you're still deciding between university-managed residences and University of Gloucestershire private accommodation, compare:

• Total monthly cost

• Bills included

• Distance from your teaching campus

• Contract length

• Available room types

• Shared facilities

Looking at those factors together usually gives a far better indication of value than weekly rent alone.

Students who start their accommodation search early also tend to have the widest choice, particularly before demand increases during the summer months.

Getting around is fairly straightforward once you're familiar with where your teaching takes place. The main thing to remember is that the University of Gloucestershire operates across both Cheltenham and Gloucester, so your journey will depend on which campus you're attending.

Students who live close to their primary campus often walk or cycle most days. Those travelling between towns generally rely on buses or trains.

Walking and Cycling

Many of the areas surrounding Park Campus, Francis Close Hall and Gloucester City Campus are easy to cover on foot.

Cheltenham is particularly popular with cyclists thanks to routes such as the Honeybourne Line, while Gloucester continues to expand its cycling infrastructure around the city centre and waterfront.

Choosing student accommodation near University of Gloucestershire within walking distance of lectures can remove the need for daily transport altogether.

Bus Services

The bus network connects every university campus with the surrounding student neighbourhoods.

The most important route for University of Gloucestershire students is the Stagecoach 94, which runs frequently between Cheltenham and Gloucester throughout the day.

Typical journey times include:

Route	Approximate Journey Time
Cheltenham Town Centre → Park Campus	10–20 minutes
St Paul's → Francis Close Hall	5–10 minutes
Gloucester City Centre → Oxstalls Campus	10–20 minutes
Cheltenham ↔ Gloucester	35–45 minutes

Students who expect to travel regularly usually save money by purchasing student travel passes rather than paying individual fares.

Rail Connections

Both towns have well-connected railway stations.

Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester Station provide regular services to destinations across the country.

Typical journey times include:

Destination	Approximate Time
Gloucester ↔ Cheltenham	10 minutes
Bristol	40–50 minutes
Birmingham	45–55 minutes
Cardiff	1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes
London Paddington	Around 2–2 hours 15 minutes

These services make travelling home during university breaks relatively straightforward, particularly for students living outside the South West.

Travelling Between Campuses

Not every student needs to move between Cheltenham and Gloucester regularly, but some courses do involve teaching across multiple sites.

If that's likely to apply to your degree, it's worth factoring travel into your accommodation decision from the beginning.

Students searching for University of Gloucestershire Oxstalls accommodation generally find that living in Gloucester makes more sense than commuting daily from Cheltenham. Likewise, students whose timetable is centred on Park Campus or Francis Close Hall usually benefit from staying in Cheltenham.

Airport Access

There isn't a major commercial airport within Gloucestershire itself, but both Bristol Airport and Birmingham Airport are easily accessible.

Bristol Airport can usually be reached in around 75 minutes by road, while Birmingham Airport is approximately 75 minutes away by train and connecting transport, giving students convenient access to domestic and international flights throughout the year.

For most students, everyday travel is uncomplicated. Living close to your main campus keeps commuting simple, while the bus and rail network makes travelling between Cheltenham, Gloucester and the rest of the UK straightforward when you need it.