Gloucester. A city that’s way more than just postcard-perfect cathedrals and charming cobbled streets. Though, admittedly, it has those too.
Located in South West England, Gloucester strikes the right balance between small-city comfort and big-history wow-factor. It’s best known for its Iconic Cathedral, Harry Potter fans, you’ve definitely seen it on screen, and its historic docks, now home to cafes, bars, designer outlet stores, and waterside walks.
Surrounded by natural beauty (we’re talking Cotswolds-level countryside), and just under two hours from both London and Birmingham, Gloucester is ideal for students who want peace without isolation.
What’s more? It’s noticeably affordable. Unlike London or even Bristol, Gloucester keeps student living costs manageable, and your loan money stretches just that bit further.
So whether you’re coming from halfway across the globe or the next county over, studying in Gloucester promises charm, convenience, and real English character, without an ounce of pretense.
Why International Students Are Falling in Love with Gloucester
Let’s keep it real. When international students pack their bags to pursue education in the UK, they’re often eyeing cities like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. But Gloucester is quietly stepping into the spotlight, and for good reason.
1. Quality Education in a More Personal Setting
Unlike mega-universities with 400-seat lecture halls, Gloucester’s educational institutions offer more intimate class sizes, more direct support, and a tight-knit student community. You’re a name, not a number.
2. Affordability Without Compromise
From rent to restaurant prices, Gloucester is significantly cheaper to live in compared to larger UK cities. Students here enjoy a high quality of life without draining their bank accounts. A fancy lunch under £10? Still possible.
3. Easy Access to Nature and Culture
Need a weekend escape? The Cotswolds are practically next door. Want big-city thrills? Bristol, Birmingham, Oxford, and London are all within reach. In the meantime, you’ve got festivals, vintage markets, food fairs, and nature galore right outside your flat.
4. Safe, Welcoming, and Multicultural
Gloucester isn’t just friendly, it’s genuinely welcoming. With a growing international community and decades-old diversity, especially within the city’s Caribbean, Indian, and Eastern European populations, students from abroad are made to feel at home fast.
5. The Student Life Vibe is Growing
Thanks to major investments in Gloucester’s university and infrastructure, the student experience has levelled up. More pubs, better nightlife, and educational outreach into community projects = less boredom, more buzz.
Bottom line? To study in Gloucester is to experience the real UK study-abroad dream, affordable, enriching, and human-scaled.
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Gloucester and Nearby
Gloucester may be compact, but when it comes to quality education, it’s got depth. Here are the top institutions students tap into, either within the city or within short reach:
1. University of Gloucestershire (Oxstalls Campus – Gloucester)
The main uni in town. Offers courses in Business, Health, Sports, Performing Arts, and Computer Science. Known for excellent teaching support and high student satisfaction.
2. Hartpury University & College
Located just outside Gloucester, this is a globally renowned center for Animal Sciences, Agriculture, Equine Studies, and Sports. Think Olympic-level sports science + next-level veterinary programs.
3. Gloucestershire College (GlosCol)
Based right in Gloucester, ideal for further education students, A-levels, diplomas, foundation degrees, and apprenticeships. Great progression routes to university.
4. University of Bristol
Just one hour away by train or car. Ranked among the UK’s elite universities. Good for research-heavy degrees.
5. University of Bath
Roughly 75–90 minutes from Gloucester. Ideal for engineering, architecture, and pharmaceutical sciences.
6. University of the West of England (UWE – Bristol)
Accessible in under an hour. Strong in media, robotics, law, and health studies.
7. University of Oxford (via Cheltenham or Oxford trains)
More aspirational, but some international students registered at Oxford opt to live in Gloucester or Cheltenham for cost-agility. Also, excellent summer programs run through local partnerships.
8. Cheltenham School of Fine Art
Short bus ride away. An independent fine arts training center for students focused on drawing, painting, and art history.
9. Cirencester College
While technically a further education college, it plays a big role for international students doing foundation or Level 3 courses near Gloucester.
10. Royal Agricultural University (RAU) – Cirencester
Perfect for students in Environmental Science, rural enterprise, and agribusiness. About 40 mins away.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Gloucester
Finding the right home is everything. Here’s where students most commonly (and comfortably) settle:
- Blackfriars Residences – City Centre
- Ermin Hall – Near Oxstalls Campus
- Vitalino Student Housing – Bristol Road
- Horton Road Studios – Near Gloucestershire Royal Hospital
- Harbour House – The Docks Area
- The Lantern – Trier Way
- Oxley Hall Student Living – Wotton Area
- Kingsholm Halls – Just off London Road
- Alney House Shared Living – Alney Island
- St. Oswalds Apartments – Near St. Oswalds Retail Park
The 10 Best Student Areas in Gloucester (And Why They Work)
Where you live will define your life beyond the classroom. Here are the top student-heavy neighborhoods and why they’re worth considering.
1. City Centre
- Nearby: Blackfriars Campus, cafés, Guildhall Theatre
- Properties: Blackfriars Residences, The Lantern
- Vibe: Urban, walkable, lively. Think great food, indie shops, and nightlife in arm’s reach.
2. Kingsholm
- Nearby: Close to Oxstalls Campus
- Properties: Kingsholm Halls, private student housing
- Vibe: Chill, safe, and packed with students who want quiet without being isolated.
3. Alney Island
- Nearby: Gloucester College
- Properties: Alney House
- Vibe: Green and peaceful with stunning views of the River Severn. Great bike paths.
4. Wotton
- Nearby: Gloucester Royal Hospital
- Properties: Oxley Hall Student Living
- Vibe: A touch suburban and pretty residential. Good for medical, nursing, and mature students.
5. The Docks
- Nearby: University buildings + restaurants
- Properties: Harbour House, luxury apartments
- Vibe: Trendy and scenic. Waterfront views, perfect for those who love brunch and books.
6. Trier Way
- Nearby: Between the city centre and Gloucester College
- Properties: The Lantern
- Vibe: Blended. You’re close to everything but not in the middle of it.
7. Longlevens
- Nearby: Oxstalls Campus
- Properties: Shared housing, student lets
- Vibe: Suburban peace, with a large student presence.
8. Brockworth
- Nearby: Short bus ride to main campuses
- Properties: Budget shared accommodation
- Vibe: More affordable and perfect for long-term or postgrad students.
9. Tuffley
- Nearby: Buses to Gloucester College
- Properties: Private houses and HMOs
- Vibe: Familial vibe, flats available at budget rates.
10. Barnwood
- Nearby: Within biking distance to most uni buildings
- Properties: Residential lets
- Vibe: Affordable + green = budget-friendly & breathing space.
Final Thoughts: Why Study in Gloucester?
Let’s put it simply: Gloucester is the smart student’s choice.
It’s a city with heart, heritage, and an exciting academic future. Whether you’re enrolling at Hartpury, diving into creative courses at Gloucestershire Uni, or prepping for higher degrees at nearby institutions, Gloucester delivers a student life that’s affordable, wholesome, and surprisingly dynamic.
You’ll enjoy small-class learning, riverside relaxation, and just enough nightlife to keep things interesting. Plus, with rising investment in student infrastructure and a welcoming local culture, international students are not just visitors here, you’re part of the tapestry.
If you’re ready to study in Gloucester, you’re setting yourself up for more than a degree, you’re choosing a memorable and meaningful UK experience.
