My go to student dishes – international student food blog

Like most newbies to the UK, you’ll have heard that you can get utensils, cooking pots and the like at Wilko for decent prices. But wait.. what should you cook with them? This is were the real fun begins!

First, you’ll need to source out some ingredients and the joy of scavenging though produce and condiments with peculiar names is an enthralling experience. As you’re picking through the fresh vegetables and fruits, you notice a growing trend. This doesn’t look anything like the spinach I know, and is this banana unusually large and yellow?

Most African families are accustomed to bulk shopping, sometimes for the whole week or even a month. Unfortunately, this was impractical when faced with produce grown and stored differently. Only later did I discover those precious Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Oriental stores that offer those hard-to-find ingredients e.g.  plantains, maize flour, and parathas. To the country’s credit, there is no short of vegan alternatives as nearly all restaurants and groceries have plant-based options of some sort. This greatly supported me through my vegetarian lifestyle and vegan aspirations.

Breakfast happens to be my favourite meal and some classics are;

  • Oatmeal: So wholesome, filling, and nutritious, with various toppings whether sweet or savoury. I usually add some almonds and seed mix.
  • “….” on toast : Another opportunity to create a masterpiece and the backbone of it is high quality bread. My combos included : peanut butter and banana, hummus with olives and cucumbers, mushrooms and caramelized white onion, mushy peas, and black pepper (What, no avocado ? I know, I know but some witch cursed me in my crib, preventing me from enjoying this).
  • Pancakes : Whether in crepe form or fluffy American style, these are always a winner. Add some syrup or honey on top of that, dollop of yogurt and it’s a done deal!

Other meals called upon my creativity and put those cooking lessons with mum to the test. Just a few are:

  • Beans or lentil curry : What better way to make use of a vast spice collection? The outcome of the different blends brings something new to the table each time.  I usually munch this down with some turmeric and cardamon rice, but dry curries are excellent in Buddha bowls.

Roast vegetables: I’m talking sweet potatoes, white  potatoes, carrots,  eggplant, butternut, pumpkin, and bell peppers. This became my staple every week for the sheer ease of making it and the satisfying taste that doesn’t require any additional sauces (though some ketchup or tomato chutney on the side never hurt anyone) . Paprika and dry herbs such as thyme, sage or rosemary are your best friend for these.

The following recipe took dark greens vegetables to the next level in my cooking. Ingredients include:

  • A handful of leafy green of choice (spinach, kale, collard greens etc), 1 large white onion, 1 clove of garlic, 2 tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, 1 courgette, 1 spring onion
  • Must have spices are ground ginger, ground coriander, mixed herbs and the usual salt and black pepper
  • Finally, some olive oil and ¼ cup of water

Start by cooking down the white onion and garlic in the oil till they turn translucent and add the mushrooms. Add ground ginger and coriander to the onions, then roughly a minute later, the splash of water. After letting it infuse,  add the other veggies. Once the tomatoes  soft, bring in the dark greens. Turn down the heat, crack your black pepper and salt, pop the lid on and let that simmer away. You will not regret it!

I’m not ashamed to admit that I often felt nostalgic for the food of my home country and would sometimes find myself fantasizing about Kenyan chapati with a sad bowl of carrot and coriander soup upon my lap.  You know those restaurants that you visit often enough for the waiter to know the order by heart? That would be Saab Bakery, Haru Japanese restaurant, Boho Eatery and ArtCaffe for me.

Just the memory of being with my family and sharing a delicious meal, hits the spot every time. In Bristol, I happened to fall in love with one great hub along Park Street. To this day my tongue never did taste a stack of berry pancakes as delectable as those of Boston Tea Party. Did I already mention I’m a breakfast girl? Well, this joint was among the many highlights between my homemade muffins in the afternoon and a Costa hug in a mug.

What left to say than it’s been and still is one scrumptious odyssey.

A feast for the tastebuds! – international student food blog

Hi friends,

My name is Xuexi Pan, a postgraduate student studying Sociology. I come from Yibin, an attractive city of the Sichuan province in southwest China, where the Jinsha, Min and Yangtze rivers converge. Due to the topography of the basin in which it is located, the air is more humid and dampness tends to enter people’s body which is harmful. Eating chilies or food made from them accelerates the blood and makes the whole body sweat, thus the cold dampness can be driven out. So, in my hometown Yibin, people enjoy spicy food.

Yibin Burninges Noodles

This is both the name of a restaurant and a highly famous dish in Yibin. Located on People’s Road in the bustling city centre, this restaurant is a century-old establishment. Burninges Noodles, given this name because their oil is heavy and waterless and ignites on fire. Sounds particularly amazing, doesn’t it? It is, especially when you eat it, spicy and numb, an absolute feast for the tastebuds!

Recipes for Burninges Noodles

I love Burninges Noodles, and I always make my own here, whilst living in Bristol. I would love to share the recipe for making this dish below.

Ingredients egg noodles, Yibin sprouts, crushed cooked peanuts, chopped spring onions, star anise, sesame seeds, gold striped chilies and fine peppercorns
Seasoning 4 tablespoons of sesame oil

one tablespoon of chilli oil

3 tablespoons of soy sauce

one small tablespoon of MSG

How to do it

1. Bring a large amount of water to the boil, cook the noodles until they are about 80% cooked (there is still a white heart in the middle)

2. Remove with long chopsticks and place in a small bamboo cage and SHAKE well to dry.

3. Place in a bowl, add the soy sauce while still hot and mix well with chopsticks repeatedly so that they do not stick

4. Immediately add the chili oil and sesame oil and mix well

5. Sprinkle the remaining ingredients over the top

6. Mix well and serve

I encourage you to make this dish yourself in Bristol, you can find all the ingredients at Wah Yan Hong. However, I would recommend visiting Yibin in Sichuan to get a more authentic taste of this dish! I hope that you have enjoyed this blog post and will try this recipe yourself at home.

Pictures credit: Chuanxue You (permission for use has been obtained)

“When I miss home, I… ” Coping with homesickness

This week we asked our Instagram followers to share what they do when they’re missing home;

here’s what they said…

Getting out and about

“…Visit the Student Living Room”

Have you checked out your Student Living Room in Senate House? It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and even play a game of Fussball.

“…Meeting up with people who speak the same language as me, or are from my home city”

Come along to our weekly Language Café and improve your skills, learn about other cultures and have fun!

“…Going out to eat”

Some of your favourite places for food included; meatballs at Ikea and Wok to Walk!

‘Me’ time

“…Cuddling up with a tea, hot water bottle and a movie”

“…Taking part in sports to keep my mind busy”

There’s a great range of activities suitable for all abilities; take a look at our B:Active timetable.

“…Listening to music that reminds me of home”

“…Distracting myself by doing things I love – reading, baking and gaming”

Want to read your book in peace? Check out the relaxation spaces on campus. Surround yourself with bean bags, cuddly toys and make yourself at home.

“…Cooking a meal that reminds me of home”

Home comforts

“…Calling or Skype-ing my loved ones”

“…Looking through family photographs”

“…Washing my clothes in the same washing powder my family uses at home, for a familiar scent”

Student settling in guide

Customise your bedroom and make it your own

Moving away from home can be really daunting and there’s really nothing that will comfort you more than a cozy bedroom! Obviously feel free to splash out in Wilko (it’s a rite of passage) but be sure to bring a home comfort to make you feel settled like a photo or cuddly toy.

Explore Bristol

Bristol is such a cool and exciting city, full of hidden gems. Take full advantage of what the city has to offer in terms of food, music, art and shopping. Especially if you live in halls of residence further out such as Stoke Bishop.

Do some exercise

With all the takeaways, boozy nights and free rein over choosing your own meals, it is understandable if you’re feeling a bit out of shape. You’ll need to cope with Bristol’s hills somehow, so perhaps try an exercise class or join the gym.

Finding a house for your second year

Finding a house for your second year can be a stressful situation. There may be disagreements, awkward phone calls and you may even get ghosted by your letting’s agent after the first email. But you will get through it and find a nice place to live with your best mates, and it will all be worth it in the end. You will be fine!

Try something new

It might be cliché but with no parent or teacher encouragement, it is up to you to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Try to go to socials, meetups or join a society that could help you develop a new skill. What’s the worst that can happen? If you completely hate it, you never have to go back!

Not a fan of clubbing?

If you’re not a drinker, or just not keen on nights out, there are plenty of events to keep you entertained in the evenings. There are lots of great pub quizzes but my favourite non-clubbing night is a Tuesday evening of jazz and funk music at Mr Wolf’s. You can still dance if you want to!

Feeling like you haven’t met your lifelong friends yet?

If you aren’t getting on as well as you’d have liked with your flatmates, remember that there are so many other ways to meet people. Join societies and chat to people on your course but equally try not to be dismissive of people who you wouldn’t necessarily normally hang out with, you might get on.

If you’re struggling, tell someone

University can be overwhelming – don’t suffer in silence. Most things that seem monumental can be solved, but don’t forget that university isn’t necessarily for everyone. If you’re unhappy, there’s always someone you can talk to [Editor – Did you know that our Wellbeing Access Service is a useful route in to the support you need – you can call, email or submit an online form] Or you could even consider your other career options. (No shame in taking a gap yaaah.)

Stay safe and healthy

Freshers’ flu will be inevitable, but take the time to nurse yourself back to health and definitely sign up to the Student Health Service. Don’t forget that university is supposed to be fun so if you’re feeling uncomfortable or unsafe, tell someone. Look after yourself!

Give yourself a break

At the end of the day, university can be stressful, and you’ve done so well to get into such a good one. When things go wrong (and they will!) don’t beat yourself up about it. You haven’t quite done all your reading? get some sleep and do some more the next day. Woke your house mates up after accidentally locking yourself out? Apologise and move on. Give yourself a break, we’ve all been there.

Written by

This weeks blog has been written by Orin Carlin, a second year Classics (BA) student.

 

Still looking for more things to do when you are missing home? Take a look what our student Instagram followers said.

Top tips for student life

Welcome Week has now passed, and we hope you are settling in well! Here are some top tips from your University community on how to manage student life using their own personal experiences.

Making friends…

Sarah Ashley, Marketing Officer (Postgraduate) – Welcome Week is a great time to meet people, have fun and explore your new city but don’t worry if you don’t immediately click with people. I didn’t meet the people I’m still friends with now (10 years after graduation) until I was almost at the end of my second year.

Annie Avery, Student Living Room Coordinator – Don’t worry if you don’t feel like you’re having ‘the best time of your life’ give lots of opportunities a chance and you’ll find your people

Living in halls…

Robert Smart, Partnerships Manager – If in Halls, get to know your reception teams and staff. They are friendly and can make things happen, particular if you talk to them!

Paul Arnold , SU Head of Business Development – When you move into halls and are getting settled in to your room, pop your door open to let people know you want to say hi and make friends!

Jemma Harford, SU Student Opportunities Manager (Groups and Services) – Bring food to share, your new accommodation can be daunting but everyone loves food. Bring some homemade biscuits, local treats or cook a flat meal together that incorporates all of your favourite foods.

Studying…

Marton Balaz, Reader in Probability (Mathematics) – In my first weeks of studies I realized that difficult concepts settle. Material that seemed shockingly complicated in the first week became rather natural two weeks later. I just had to look back in my notes again. So, don’t panic! revisit difficult stuff regularly.

Susan Pettinger-Moores, Medicine Teaching and Learning Manager – Pop in and meet the admin team for your course – we don’t bite! We have lots of knowledge and really want to see students succeed.

Look after yourself..

Simon Gamble, Head of Study Skills – Don’t worry about trying to be perfect. It’s fine to get things wrong and it’s good to try new things, because that’s how we grow and learn.

Tom Wallis, SU Student Development Coordinator (Sports and Physical Activity). If you don’t immediately feel at home, work and broaden your horizons; your people and your place are somewhere and they’re waiting for you to find them.

Chloe Hogan, SU Events Coordinator – Don’t put too much pressure on yourself that “university is the best time of your life”. Enjoy each moment as it comes and don’t put pressure on yourself to do too much as this will burn you out!

Managing your time…

Elle Chilton-Knight, Undergraduate Student Administrator – Get everywhere 5 minutes early! You’ll get best pick of seats/equipment and it makes all the difference towards a calm, confident exterior. From there you’ll be chatting to people in no time!

Getting involved…

Helen Dury, Portfolio Marketing Manager – University is the perfect opportunity to try new things. I joined a ski club and competed around the country and met someone I’m still great friends with now, nearly 30 years later!

Philip Gravatt, SU Finance Assistant -My tip would be to look into all the societies and clubs available at the Students Union. They’re a fantastic way of learning something new and easing academic stress.

Matt Humberstone, SU Student Development Coordinator – Join a student group! For many students, their student group becomes the best part of their university experience.

Jenny Reeve, Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine – Take every opportunity to get involved with new activities, skills or social events that you have not had the chance to do before – there is such a vibrant and diverse student population, it is a great way to meet others who share your interests. There is so much more to University life than your academic program – have fun!

Explore the city..

Robbie Fox, Alumni Mentoring Coordinator – Explore this amazing city! I came here as a student , fell in love with the place and have been here ever since! This video is a nice example.

Linda Gerrard, Residential and Hospitality Services – Get your walking shoes on and get lost! Around most corners there is something to delight, amuse or inform.

Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, Undergraduate Education Officer – My one piece of advice for new students would be to not confine themselves to the University bubble. Get out and discover new places and cultures in the city – Easton, St Pauls, and Stokes Croft are the perfect places to start!

Lauren Wardle, Student Wellbeing Adviser – Explore the city as a whole, and get involved in hobbies and interests that make you ‘you’! You might find your interests lead to new friends, or even some job opportunities down the line.

Services available to you..

Knut Schroeder, Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer – Download our free Student Health App, which is listed on the NHS Apps Library. It’s been developed by the University of Bristol Students’ Health Service and University of Bristol students, and it’s packed with common-sense health advice that can make all the difference for your health and wellbeing. You can even customise the app for Bristol when you open it up for the first time.

Lauren Cole, Careers Information Advisers – Pop in to your Careers Service and get to know the support you can access. We can help you find and apply for part time work, internships and work experience, graduate roles, or start your own business!

Find Your Way

We’re sure you’re starting to imagine yourself here on campus, wondering how you will find your way without getting lost don’t worry! This week we’ll be sharing lots of helpful tips on everything from getting your university email address to where to find your nearest supermarket.

Let’s talk about registration

You need to register before you can start your studies here at the University of Bristol and become part of our community. Registration is a two-part process which involves registering online and also registering in person when you arrive here at Bristol.

    • Online registration is open from the 4 – 14 September.  You’ll need to upload a photograph of yourself by 14 September, so that your student card (UCard) can be ready for you to collect during your in-person registration. Once you have registered online you’ll have access to your student email address.
    • Registering in person will confirm your attendance here on campus and may include document checks. At this point you will also collect you student card (UCard). Not all students register at the same time, so you’ll need to check your Welcome Week timetable which will be sent to you soon.

Places to know about

You should have received your Welcome Pack in the post by now – which includes a fold out map of Bristol. This will be useful in your first couple of weeks to familiarise yourself with the city. During Welcome Week, there’ll be an information tent on Tyndall Avenue and if you get lost, there are lots of friendly faces around campus ready to help.

  • Wills Memorial Building – At the top of Park Street. Your Welcome Ceremony will take place here during your first week. This is a celebratory ceremony were you’ll hear from Vice-Chancellor Hugh Brady, and your Bristol SU Sabbatical Officers.

  • Beacon House – on the Clifton Triangle. This is a key study space for all students. You’ll find bookable group study rooms and a dedicated quiet space perfect during exam periods.
  • Bristol SU – on Queen’s Road in Clifton. You’ll find a bar, café, social spaces and, plenty of events to take part in from ticketed gigs to poetry reading session.
  • Senate House – on Tyndall Avenue. The home of the Bristol SU Living Room and Postgraduate Research Hub which run a variety of activities, during Welcome Week and throughout the year. This great student hub also offers a variety of study and relaxation space and even a food court to sit down and enjoy a tasty treat with friends.
  • Global Lounge – inside the Bristol SU, a pop-up hub for all students. Offering a range of activities to exchange cultural experiences, meet friends from around the world and be inspired to become global citizens.

Services to know about

Feeling hungry?

From grabbing a quick snack between lectures to doing you’re weekly food shop, Bristol will cater for your every need.

  • Balloon Bar – Based in the Students Union, serving great value, locally sourced food and drink – the ultimate student hangout.

  • Source Cafés – dotted around campus, often within University study spaces. Take a look at our Source Café map to find your closest one.
  • Supermarkets – We are lucky enough to be in the heart of the city with a variety of shops nearby – from Sainsbury’s in Clifton Down Shopping Centre, and Chinese supermarkets on Park Street, to local fruit and vegetable grocers on Gloucester Road. Take your pick!
  • Eating out – Bristol is extremely multicultural and caters for all. Whether you’re vegan or looking for halal options on the menu, there will be something for you. If you’re hungry to explore and try new things, in and around the city centre offers a great choice – with everything from Japanese to Jamaican cuisines.

Bristol UniBus Transport

Bristol is a great city to get around by bus. We even have our own bus service Bristol UniBus has two routes: U1 and U2.

If you’re an undergraduate student living in University-allocated accommodation, you will receive a bus pass for unlimited travel on the U1 service (and four other local services) to get you back and forth safely from campus to your halls. If you are a Vet School student, you will also receive a free bus pass to travel between the Clifton campus and Langford campus on the U2.

Visit our University of Bristol bus services web page to find out more.

Next week’s blog…

Next week we’ll be talking about balancing your social and academic life and the support available at the University of Bristol.