Category: ResiLife

by Aimee Andrew, Residential Life Advisor

June 20^th marks World Refugee Day which is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It is a day to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution and to build empathy and understanding about this important issue.

When I was at university, I volunteered with Student Action for Refugees at a hostel for incoming refugees in Birmingham. This was an incredibly rewarding experience in which we ran a children’s playgroup to give parents some respite from childcare duties and to provide a welcoming and hospitable face in the hostel. I enjoyed this experience so much, and would recommend this to everyone, as it felt great to be able to make a tangible difference in the lives of newly arrived refugees. (more…)

by Freya Selman, Senior Resident

Freya is studying Social Work MSc and is in her 4th year at UoB, and her first year being a Senior Resident. Coco is a 2 year old miniature poodle. Freya was not able to get Coco’s explicit informed consent too share these pictures, as she is still working out how to go about it!

Loneliness is a horrible feeling, and it is definitely not as simple as just ‘deciding’ to not be lonely. It’s also something that people don’t often talk about. When feeling lonely, it’s so easy to see other people with all their apparent friends and assume that we are the only ones. We aren’t though. In fact, the more I’ve spoken to people, and tried to be more open about feelings of loneliness, the more I realise that there are very few people (if anyone at all!) who doesn’t feel lonely. Ironically, you are never alone in feeling lonely, and there will always be someone out there who will help you to feel supported. With time, you can also become that person for yourself. (more…)

by Santiago Ayuso Arcas

“It’s ok not to be ok” or “it’s normal not to be normal” are two quite concurrent mottos we can all see or hear around us. I myself have seen several promo posters in both train stations, Temple Meads and Lime Street, in my last trip to Liverpool. Having said this, one may well wonder, is it normal to be a loner? Is it ok to seek loneliness from time to time? Or, if I’m a loner, must I always find refuge in loneliness? Well, here I will throw a couple of reflections based on my experience as a PhD student, which means a “part-time” mandatory loner. (more…)

by Alex Mcconville, Chief Resident

Sometimes I can’t be bothered to work. Even though I know I need to. However, once I get going I can really get into the flow of it, and always get that sense of achievement after I finished what I set out to do. But the problem is always starting.

Sometimes we set ourselves unrealistic goals about how much we can get done in a day, or get overwhelmed  by the sheer volume of work that needs to be done during our degrees, masters courses, or PhD’s. And that doesn’t even include tidying your house, washing your clothes, eating better, and doing more exercise. (more…)

by Srood Salih, Chief Resident

Connect

With exams and coursework heavy in May, take care that you don’t drown in deadline season! It can be crucial for your own wellbeing to ensure that you fit in adequate breaks, and a really good way to do this is to connect with others.

If you are studying in a group or with a partner, fit in some time where you can take a walk or go and grab some coffee or a snack. Any down time where you can connect with other people and your friends, even if its just by having a chat can really help to take your mind off studying and keep your spirits up.

There are also plenty going on in societies, the SU and within ResiLife which you can see by visiting the What’s On webpage, reading the ResiLife weekly newsletter and following @UoBResiLife and @Bristol_SU on socials, if you are struggling for a way to connect with something. (more…)

by Tania Nzembela, Senior Resident in Riverside, East village

Shrove Tuesday is a Christian festival celebrated before the start of Lent, click here for a short video explaining the significance of these days to Christians across the world. This day is also known as “Pancake Day” or “Pancake Tuesday” and is widely acknowledged across the world. I will suggest some spots you can go to for delicious pancakes with friends on Pancake Day – or any other day. These are not listed in any particular order – they are all great places to go! (more…)