How are you finding Bristol so far?

We have seen a real mixture of sunshine and rain already this term, but the days are very soon going to get shorter, darker and colder, and for many people, it’s a time of year when we just feel like hibernating! But, before you hide away under the duvet, we want to talk about all the great things that happen in autumn.

For a start, it’s the season to indulge in comfort food – we’re thinking hearty soups, pies, curries and stews… There are also opportunities to get together and celebrate events such as Halloween and bonfire night. Plus, there is still plenty going on in both the university and in the city to help us stay active, keep motivated, meet new people and try out new activities. We’ve got a list of events and resources below to help you keep going, but we’d also love to hear from you about how you stay motivated with the change of season.

Read on to find out how you can share your ideas and be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Competition time!

Over the next four weeks, we will be running a weekly competition based on a seasonal theme. Each one is a chance to let us know how you’re settling into university so far and also to share tips and ideas with others who might still be adjusting to a new routine and way of life. You can email us your answers, or why not get creative with a vlog?

We will post the best responses on our student blog each Friday, and the overall winner for each topic will win a £25 voucher.

Send your answers to student-comms@bristol.ac.uk

1. Competition one: Daylight saving time
   With the clocks going back this Sunday (31 October) we would love to know what you will do with your extra time. Will you be opting for the extra hour in bed or will you be hitting the gym before your first lecture?

   Competition one is now closed – read the winning entry on our blog.

2. Competition two: Your pet stories
   Do you have an amazing pet at home? Celebrate your pet, or even just an animal you know that deserves to be recognised! Send us an image of your pet and 100 words about them.

   Competition two is now closed – read the winning entry on our blog.

3. Competition three: Comfort food. Best recipe for winter days.
   Cooking your favourite foods or food from home can be a great source of comfort in the winter months. What is the recipe that always makes you feel good? Share with us including an image if you can!

   Competition three is now closed – read the winning entry on our blog.

4. Competition four: Activity that’s kept you going
   What activities have kept you going during this autumn period? Did you join Be Active, start knitting, meditate, learn a new language, go dancing…? Share your stories of what’s helped you ​stay motivated and settle into Bristol life.

   Competition four is now closed – read the winning entry on our blog.

Read the terms and conditions for this competition.

Events and resources

Remember, you don’t have to be suffering from the “winter blues” to be feeling a little low. If you need a pick me up then maybe some of the resources below will help:

• What’s On – listings of events, activities, cultural celebrations and volunteering opportunities within the university
• Manage homesickness – if you’re missing home then these top tips from Save the Student may help
• Global Lounge – relax, meet others or attend one of the many events on offer
• Eat your pumpkin! – seasonal recipes from BBC Good Food
• Lunchtime Socials – connect, unwind and recharge at the Multifaith Chaplaincy
• Stay active – see what’s on at the uni sports centre, and read tips from the BBC for keeping going even when it’s cold.
• Student Wellbeing – self-help resources for managing your wellbeing, as well as details for how to request support
• The SU Wellbeing Network – find details of student groups and societies which are specifically focused on promoting wellbeing
• Supporting your Wellbeing Sharepoint – wellbeing resources for PGR students
• Student Minds – support and resources to manage your own or your friends’ mental health
• Off The Record – drop-in sessions, projects and services for looking after mental health run by and for young people in Bristol
• Headspace – free meditations for weathering the storm
• YouTube – watch videos from University of Bristol students on how they managed their transition to university
• Go for a walk – Bristol has some great green spaces so go explore and breathe in some fresh air