Cheltenham and Gloucester at a glance
Cheltenham and Gloucester are neighbouring towns in Gloucestershire, offering students the best of both worlds. Cheltenham is known for its graceful Regency architecture, café culture, and international festivals, while Gloucester is a cathedral city steeped in Roman and medieval history. Together, they offer a balanced student lifestyle with culture, green space, and excellent connections. The University of Gloucestershire has campuses in both towns, giving students a truly integrated and flexible experience.
Cheltenham is well known for its many festivals, and of course the races! It’s a good time of year during the races, as spirits are high. The town is gorgeous with plenty of shops. I always spend my breaks between lectures there, and the walk through Pittville Park is lovely. Everywhere is within walking distance. (University of Gloucestershire student)
Airport
Train station
Browse through the universities and colleges in Cheltenham and Gloucester to find one that suits you.
City highlights
In Cheltenham, stroll through Montpellier and The Promenade for boutique shopping, admire art at The Wilson, or attend one of the town’s world-class festivals in literature, science, jazz or film. Meanwhile, Gloucester’s historic docks feature museums, shopping outlets, and the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral – filming location for multiple Harry Potter scenes. Both towns host cultural events, theatre performances, and seasonal markets, offering year-round entertainment for students.
Montpellier: Take a stroll around Cheltenham's regency buildings.
Student life in Cheltenham and Gloucester
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Treat yourself
Sunday chilling
When family visit
Transport tips
Travel between Cheltenham and Gloucester is easy, with regular buses and a short 15-minute train ride. Both towns are walkable and bike-friendly, and local bus networks (Stagecoach West) offer reliable services with student discounts. Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester train stations connect directly to Birmingham, Bristol, and London. For international travel, Bristol and Birmingham airports are the nearest options, each under 90 minutes away.
Study among 'spies': On the bus from Cheltenham to Gloucester you'll pass the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), tasked with keeping the UK safe through technology and intelligence
Accommodation
Students at the University of Gloucestershire can choose to live in either town. Cheltenham offers residential areas like St Paul’s and Fairview, while Gloucester students often stay near Oxstalls campus or Kingsholm. Accommodation options include university-managed halls, shared houses, and flats – with affordable rents compared to many UK cities. The university provides help with housing, finances, and international student support, including arrival services and community-building activities across both locations.
International student information
Discover everything you need to know as an international student planning to come to the UK.
Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our international pages can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.
Where to eat
Both Cheltenham and Gloucester offer diverse food scenes. In Cheltenham, try The Find or Boston Tea Party for brunch and workspace cafés, or sample international flavours at Bar and Wok, and Kibou. Gloucester’s docks feature waterfront dining and student favourites like Bill’s and Greek on the Docks. Markets in both towns serve fresh local produce and street food, while halal, vegan, and gluten-free options are widely available.
What to visit
Explore Pittville Park and the boating lake in Cheltenham, or visit the Holst Birthplace Museum. In Gloucester, enjoy the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum or take a scenic walk along the River Severn. The Everyman Theatre, Guildhall Gloucester, and Sherborne Cinema regularly host films, live shows, and student-friendly events. Both towns offer green space, culture, and plenty of inspiration outside the classroom.
Pittville Park: One of the largest parks in Cheltenham, Pittville Park is picturesque and great for picnics and socialising. It also offers tennis, golf and even rowing on the lake. (Photo from third year student at University of Gloucestershire.)
The nightlife in Cheltenham is vibrant, with a good music scene too, particularly at The Frog and Fiddle – a pub that many students go to. MooMoos is a club renowned for its student nights. There is also Popworld next door, which is renowned for its cheesy pop music nights. The bars in the area are very welcoming to students, and often all have drink offers on.
Pittville – I like the neighbourhood I live in. It's literally a five-minute walk to the Brewery Quarter, which has a Tesco Express so I can pick up a few things, and a large Tesco about a 15-minute walk away. The Coconut Tree [bar and restaurant] is down the road by another campus, which also has a fish and chip takeaway. The area itself is mainly a student road, so I feel safe living here. It can get a bit noisy in the evenings, especially on student nights.
On your doorstep
Cheltenham and Gloucester sit at the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it easy to enjoy country walks, historic villages, and scenic cycling routes. Nearby attractions include Sudeley Castle, Tewkesbury Abbey, and Westonbirt Arboretum. For weekend trips, students can reach Oxford, Bath, Bristol, and Birmingham within 90 minutes by train or coach, opening up even more cultural and leisure opportunities.
The Cotswolds: Just a short drive brings you to England and Wales’ largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Cotswolds – where the limestone villages look like they've been dipped in honey. Quintessential English countryside – perfect for seeking adventure and inspiration.
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
UCAS Hub
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