Bangor Student Area Guide

Just moved to Bangor? Welcome to one of the UK's most unique university cities. Nestled between the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the coastline of the Menai Strait, Bangor offers a mix of student life, outdoor adventure and local community that's hard to find anywhere else.

Getting Your Bearings

Bangor is compact, meaning most places can be reached on foot.

Places to Explore

Bangor Pier - A Bangor classic. The Victorian pier stretches out into the Menai Strait and is perfect for morning walks, sunset views or a study break.

Garth Beach - A hidden local gem just minutes from the city centre. Ideal for a quick escape when you need some fresh air.

Penrhyn Castle Grounds - Beautiful woodland walks and incredible views of the surrounding area.

Menai Bridge - Just a short walk or bus ride away, with independent cafés, restaurants and stunning views across the strait.

Student-Friendly Coffee Stops

Perfect for catching up with friends or pretending you'll actually get some studying done.

• Blue Sky Café
• Domu Café
• Doast Café – a brand-new addition to Bangor
• Reubens Coffee House
• Yugen Coffee House

Food Shopping

Bangor offers plenty of convenient shopping options for students, from well-known supermarkets such as Morrisons, Asda, Lidl, Aldi and Tesco to a range of international food stores in Upper Bangor, where you can pick up speciality ingredients and taste a little bit of home.

Top student tip: shop later in the evening for reduced items.

Eating Out

Bangor has plenty to offer when it comes to food, with a great mix of restaurants, cafés and takeaways across the city. Here are some of our favourite spots to eat out.

Jones Pizza (Upper Bangor) – Popular for authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas and a laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for meeting up with friends.

Torna a Surriento (Garth/Pier Area) – A long-standing Italian restaurant overlooking Bangor Pier, ideal for a relaxed meal with family or friends.

Wood Fired Shack (Upper Bangor) – Known for its wood-fired pizzas, street food-inspired menu and vibrant social atmosphere.

Anka Turkish Restaurant (City Centre) – Serving Turkish and Mediterranean favourites, with generous portions and plenty of sharing options.

Nomi (Garth/Pier Area) – A modern Indian restaurant offering flavourful curries, grilled dishes and contemporary South Asian cuisine.

Getting Around

You don't need a car to enjoy Bangor.

• Most locations are walkable.
• Regular buses connect Bangor with Caernarfon, Menai Bridge and Llandudno.
• Bangor Train Station provides direct links across North Wales and beyond.

Whether you're starting your first year or returning for another semester, we wish you the very best during your time at Bangor University.

If you're still looking for student accommodation in Bangor, or you're planning ahead for next year, our friendly team is here to help. Get in touch with Dafydd Hardy Student Lettings to find your perfect student home.