Life in the City
Bradford’s a great place to visit and an even better place to live. One of the 10 largest cities in Britain, it’s small enough to be friendly and easy to get around, yet big enough to offer a choice of things to see and do.
An eclectic mix of modern and historic architecture come together to house all the varied amenities you’d expect in a cosmopolitan university city. Boasting many contemporary attractions, Bradford still retains all the charm of a city steeped in history, including an amazing 5,800 listed buildings and a magnificent cathedral with beautiful William Morris windows.
Star of Screen and Stage
Vibrant and colourful, progressive and cultural, Bradford has a great social scene, good local sporting venues and a plethora of fine eateries serving excellent and affordable cuisine from all corners of the world. In 2009 Bradford was officially recognised as the world’s first ever UNESCO City of Film and a visit to the National Media Museum, one of the most visited national museums outside London, is a must. The Bradford Leisure Exchange multiplex in the city centre has a 16-screen Cineworld cinema, restaurants and tenpin bowling at Hollywood Bowl. Theatres and art galleries are plentiful, most within walking distance of the city campus.
Bradford’s shops are as diverse as its inhabitants, with enough affordable options to provide a bargain-hunter’s paradise, and when you’ve shopped until you’re dropping you can head for one of our beautiful parks or chill out with a drink in one of the city-centre bars or friendly Yorkshire pubs. If you’ve still got some energy left, head for the magnificent Alhambra Theatre for top West End shows, plays or musicals, or St George’s Hall for music of all genres from bhangra to brass bands or rock and pop, or dance the night away in one of the clubs on or near the campus.
The city itself never stands still, and is currently benefiting from investment into the development of a City Park right at its heart around Centenary Square. Visit www.bradford.gov.uk/citypark to find out more.
Annual street events and festivals in the area are always spectacular and imaginative occasions, bringing together residents and visitors to enjoy fabulous flavours and the usual benefits of living in a global community.
Green Scene
Our Ecoversity student ambassadors have produced a Green Guide showing where you can buy and eat organic, Fairtrade and locally-sourced produce. Download your copy from www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Fresh Air, New Experiences
If you’re more of an outdoor type, or you simply want to feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair after an intense bout of studying, you’re only a stone’s throw away from some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. A short journey will take you into exhilarating, rolling countryside which boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Saltaire Village, where you can see original David Hockney paintings at the 1853 Gallery, and the 12th-century Fountains Abbey. At Haworth you can visit places associated with the world- famous literary family the Bronte's. All locations are easy to get to from the local bus and train stations.
Not only can you go a lot further here, you’ll find your money will too. Bradford is recognised as the least expensive city for students to live in the UK*, with affordable rents and everything you need on your doorstep.
For more information about the city and what it has to offer visit www.bradford.ac.uk/bradford.
The following websites are also well worth a look:
- www.bradford-city-of-film.com
- www.wildwestyorkshire.com
- www.visitbradford.com
- Bradford Visitor Guide
*The Times Good University Guide 2010
