Category: Student life

City sights: Your best bits of Bristol

Posted on by Kristen

We asked students their top spots to unwind, grab a bite, discover something new or meet friends around town. Here’s what they had to say:

Harbourside

Bristol harbourside

Joseph (MSci Mathematics) told us, ‘My favourite spots are on the harbourside, which not only has loads of cool bars and restaurants, but is also one of the prettiest areas of Bristol at night.’ From independent cinema at Watershed to art at Arnolfini, this area is a cultural hub as well as a central place to catch a drink with friends or watch the boats go by.

If you’re still getting to know Bristol, the (free!) M Shed museum aims to tell the story of Bristol through quirky artefacts, personal accounts and interactive exhibits. Nearby Cargo offers an array of lunch options – from tacos to tapas – served out of re-purposed shipping containers.

Bristol Museum

Where to duck to escape the bustle of Park Street at lunchtime? Tamara (BA English Literature) said, ‘I love the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. The architecture is beautiful and it’s so peaceful.’ From gilded Renaissance masterworks to Banksys, local wildlife to Egyptian mummies, there is plenty to explore.

Royal Fort Gardens

Royal Fort Gardens in bloom

This lush green space is a firm student favourite for the way it brightens up the middle of campus. The gardens feature a (seasonal) wildflower meadow and pond as well as unexpected art installations like the mirror maze sculpture ‘Follow Me’ and ‘Hollow,’ a modernist wooden grotto constructed from samples of 10,000 trees. When the weather warms, this is where you want to bring a book to study al fresco.

Mrs Potts Chocolate House

‘Mrs Potts is a wonderful place to escape reality for a while and just relax or have a chat,’ says Yasmin (MEng Mechanical Engineering) about the Park Street cafe. ‘The cakes are delicious (with a lot of vegan options), the coffee and hot chocolate warm you up on a cold day, and the interior is extremely cosy…When it’s not too cold, you can go downstairs to a picturesque courtyard with fairy lights and candles.’

St Nicholas Market

St Nicholas Market on Corn Street in the Centre

Established in 1743, this spot is home to the city’s largest collection of independent retailers. It’s a favourite of Muirne (MBChB Medicine), who says, ‘What I love most about St Nick’s Market is the sheer variety. There are tons of different cuisines available as street food, and most of it has amazing vegan and vegetarian options. There’s a mix of shops, from niche jewellery designers, to antique record and book shops, to boho-style crystal and incense stalls. And because of this variety, you get a wonderful mix of people there too.’

Christmas Steps

Draped in white fairy lights and dotted with interesting indie businesses, this spot gets your vote for atmosphere. An ornate wrought-iron sign announces ‘To Christmas Steps’ from high above the chimneypots before winding down layers of city streets – past artisan popups, an art-house video rental with mini cinema, and a popular board game café.

Have we missed any of your best bits of Bristol?

Out with the old, in with the new

Posted on by Eva Waite-Taylor

Demolition of the Temple Quarter site has begun!

There’s no bang, no dramatic demolition, no explosion. So, we’ve chosen to mark the occasion with a difference, through spoken word.

University of Bristol alumni and award-winning spoken word artist, Vanessa Kisuule, pays homage to the site, which has been a former sorting office, a cattle market and once had a burgeoning rave scene. Inspired by the authenticity and grit, Vanessa reflects on the site’s heritage with ‘Brick Me’…

We’ll be sharing more from this former UoB English student, and our other Artists-in-Residence, who will continue to explore the stories of the local area and its inhabitants, collecting memories from the past and hopes for the future. Keep your eyes peeled and get inspired.

Tis the season to…be helpful.

Posted on by Sarah

If you need to know where to get advice or how to get around campus, drop in to our new Information Point at Senate House and someone from our friendly team will be on hand to point you in the right direction.

Second year English student Olivia Garner has been working at the Information Point since September this year.

Olivia stands in front of the Information Point desk with an iPad in her hands

While Olivia is used to providing information on everything from finance to academic support, this month she’s getting into the festive spirit. So if you want to know who stocks the best mince pies, need advice on how to trim your tree or the best way to wrap a present, the team at the Information Point might 😉 be able to help!*

*Being totally honest, they’re not 100% sure what trimming a tree even means –  better to stick to Bristol questions that they can answer🎄😆

Team of people stood behind Information Point desk
Some of the Information Point team

The Information Point is open in Senate House, Tyndall Avenue, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm during term time.

Although the University closes for Christmas on 21 December, you can still access some of our facilities over the break. Take a look at the services and support available over the holidays.

 

 

Tis the season to…celebrate community.

Posted on by rebecca.hobson

Watch some festive greetings from Eva Larkai, Chair of the BME Network and Aisha Rana-Deshmukh, President of Bollywood Dance Society.

How will you be spending your time over the holidays? #TisTheSeason

If you’re staying in Bristol, don’t forget to join the University Staying in Bristol Facebook Group listing events and activities taking place over the festive season.

You can also find out about our opening hours during the holidays including study spaces, the Students’ Health Service and the sports facilities. If you want to talk to someone over the festive season, you will be able to access support via our Residential Life Support Centre, open to all students for urgent issues, whether you live in Uni residences or not. There are also self-help tools to provide support, including Big White Wall.

 

Tis the season to…enjoy your city

Posted on by rebecca.hobson

If you’re staying in Bristol over the holiday period, why not get out, explore and enjoy your city. There is plenty of festive fun taking place and why not join the Facebook group open to all students staying in the city for the holidays.

Here’s our pick of Bristol’s festive offerings.

Get your skates on

Try out your fancy footwork at the Millennium Square ice rink until 7 January. If ice skating isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to enjoy at the Winter Fair with a Christmas Market, Apres Bar and Big Wheel to choose from.

If you prefer your festivities a little more stationary, wrap up warm and head to the We the Curious big screen for free showings of Love Actually (6 December), Gremlins (13 December), the Polar Express (16 December), Elf (23 December) and Home Alone (3 January).

Skating at Millennium Square

Festive fun

If you’re looking for quirky gifts, or just fancy getting into the festive spirit, Bristol has plenty of Christmas markets to choose from.

St Nick’s market will be open every day until Christmas with outdoor markets from Wednesday 12 December.

St Nick’s Market, Bristol

Let it snow

We might not be in for snow on Christmas Day but there’ll be guaranteed snow at Millennium Promenade from 1 to 7 December and again from 15 to 21 December on Corn Street and Clare Street from 5 to 7 pm.

If you’re missing the real thing, take a look at our snowy snaps from earlier this year.

Sparkling lights

We think our city always looks beautiful, but there’s something special about seeing it decked in lights for the holidays. Start at College Green then wander up Park Street to Clifton for those festive feels.

If you’re staying in Bristol, you can  find out about our opening hours during the holidays including study spaces, the Students’ Health Service and the sports facilities.

We know that the festive season isn’t easy for everyone so if you want to talk to someone, you will be able to access support via our Residential Life Support Centre, open to all students for urgent issues, whether you live in Uni residences or not. There are also self-help tools to provide support, including Big White Wall.

And don’t forget, join the University Stay in Bristol Facebook Group listing events and activities taking place over the festive season.

 

… feel proud.

Posted on by cheryl.miles

The festive break is almost upon us so we want to wish you all a very happy holiday season. Students and staff from across campus have come together to bring you some ‘Tis the season to …’ festive joy and useful info. Look out for some familiar faces over the next two weeks.

We’re starting with a message from our SU Sab Officers. 

 

And here’s what they’re looking forward to working on next term!

  • Stanford – Society Awards
  • Nasra – Careers Week
  • Ginny – Varsity
  • Shubham – A full-time International Officer
  • Sally – People’s Vote

Feel proud of all that you’ve achieved this term too #TisTheSeason

For those staying in Bristol, please find out about our opening hours during the holidays including study spaces, the Students’ Health Service and the sports facilities. If you want to talk to someone over the festive season, you will be able to access support via our Residential Life Support Centre, open to all students for urgent issues, whether you live in Uni residences or not. There are also self-help tools to provide support, including Big White Wall.

Join the University Staying in Bristol Facebook Group listing events and activities taking place over the festive season.

 

Welcome to all of our future change makers – we’re almost ready for you…

Posted on by University of Bristol Law School

Hi! I’m Rosa, Student Activities Officer in the University’s Law School. My role is unique at Bristol; I’m here to provide Law students and societies more support throughout your time with us. I’m the main point of contact for our growing number of student societies and also work as part of our Employability team to deliver a range of exciting and informative careers events. Make sure you look out for our weekly employability bulletin too – there’s a lot going on this term so be sure not to miss out!

Rosa outside the Wills Memorial Building

We’ve been very busy in the Law School getting ready for your arrival in Welcome Week. You are in for a treat – Law is based in (arguably) the best building on campus, so you’ll get that Hogwarts experience you’ve always dreamed of.

Law students in the Wills Memorial Building

Strike a pose!

Law School staff have been taking the new academic year seriously at a recent photo shoot enabling them to get new professional head shots. This will help you identify who is who on our website – there’s a lot of us!

Words of wisdom

Feeling a bit nervous? Not sure what to expect? Our new Director of Employability, Dr Roseanne Russell and Director of Recruitment, Dr Judy Laing shared some words of wisdom below to help you feel welcome:

Roseanne Russell

Roseanne says: ‘Welcome to Bristol! Welcome Week should be one of the best weeks of your university life so make the most of it. Throw yourself into all the activities on offer, take time to explore our fantastic extra-curricular provision, and most of all remember that everyone else is feeling as nervous and excited as you.’

 ‘The best bit of my Welcome Week was meeting students who remain my closest friends over twenty years later. As Director of Employability I am looking forward to working with you over the next few years as you pursue your passions and begin thinking about your career aspirations.’

Dr Judy Laing

Judy says: ‘I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to all our new and returning students in the law school this year. For those of you who are joining us for the first time, I very much hope that you enjoy your time here and make the most of all the fantastic opportunities that are available to you. It can be overwhelming when you first arrive with so much going on and lots to remember.’

 ‘Don’t forget that you are not alone. We’ve got 400 new first year undergraduate law students joining us and there are plenty of staff and students around to support you, if you need it.’

Who said study spaces needed to be boring?

If you’re a postgraduate student, keep reading… We recently opened a new study space for you with fancy (and very bright!) new sofas and handy study spaces. The room is located on the fifth floor of Wills Memorial Building in room 5.69. Have a wander up during Welcome Week and see it for yourself.

The best things in life are free…
Our undergraduate and postgraduate teams have been busy stuffing your welcome packs, which include lots of important information such as your programme guide, welcome week timetable and employability brochure – but perhaps most importantly they contain free pens and jelly beans! 😊

You’ll receive your pack during student registration in Welcome Week. Make sure you keep hold of these documents as they will come in handy during your first few weeks and let you know where you should go if you have any questions (you’ll have lots of questions, don’t worry).

Practice makes perfect
You will see much more of this room during the academic year – this is our Moot Court which you will use for honing your mooting, debating and negotiation skills. Here are some photos of some of our recent graduates making good use of it!

And finally, a note from our Head of School, Professor Ken Oliphant:

‘I’m hugely excited to be starting a new academic year as Head of School and looking forward to meeting you all on your arrival in Bristol, as well as welcoming returning students as they come back. Here you will be inspired and challenged to be the very best you can be. Enjoy!’

 

 

From all of us at the Law School. We look forward to meeting you very soon…

My Welcome Week experience

Posted on by Sarah

Hi, I’m Em!

I’m a seasoned Bristolian, so despite the fact that I have only just finished my first year at Bristol, I have a lot of Bristol experience to share with you to make sure you get the best experience in Bristol as you possibly can.

A little background on me

I just finished my first year studying Philosophy but I’m changing my degree and now I’m going into my first year studying Religion and Theology.

I’ve lived in Bristol for 19 years and am still not tired of it.

Today I’m going to share with you my Welcome Week experience.

Thekla

University and clubbing are synonymous with each other, this might mean that you have to go out of your comfort zone but that’s okay! Hundreds of other people will be doing exactly the same thing.  Last year, I mainly went to venues like Thekla and The Lanes. However, there’s loads of information online regarding the theme of each night so make sure that you have a look! I didn’t go out loads, and I still met some great friends.

Not a drinker?

I went to loads of events last year that don’t involve drink. For example, I went on a coffee shop crawl where instead of drinking beer, you drink coffee! There’s also loads of amazing food in Bristol, as a vegan I never struggle to find options which is obviously a plus. If you are unsure about what you can do, check out the SU’s guide to alternative and non-drinking events.

My welcome week peak (the good kind):

For me, as a Bristolian, the welcome ceremony was very special. I never thought that I would get into a Russell Group uni. In fact, I went to a below average secondary school/ sixth form combined and had my prom at the Marriot at the bottom of Park Street so, to be at this grand ceremony at the top of the big hill was very symbolic for me. I had to climb and fight to get into Bristol, just like you will need to climb and fight from getting to the bottom of Park Street to the top!

What I would change?

People always say that Welcome Week is your chance to really get involved, and that was a scary prospect for me. I suffer with a few different mental health difficulties so being a social butterfly is not second nature for me. But, your first week does not discriminate, there will be many other anxious people there and there will many people who want to say hello to you.

My one piece of advice is to be the person you want to be friends with. Also, don’t stress about making friends, it will happen but to be honest, the friends you make in Welcome Week might not be your uni-long best friends. So just relax and have a great week!

What to pack for University 

Posted on by Kate

You’ve got six sets of Wilkinson’s basics coasters…but no shower gel. A suitcase of fancy dress options and only one extension cord. Moving into halls is an exciting time, so if you’re starting to think about what you need to bring to University, don’t worry about forgetting something important – we’ve got you covered. 

student's feet below the word 'hello'

Here’s our list of things to pack: 

The essentials 

  • Registration guide and Welcome Week timetable so you know where you’re going 
  • Keep cup – you can get a discount at each of our Source cafés every time you use a reusable mug 
  • Water bottle – keep hydrated in style and help save the planet by saying no to single-use plastics 
  • Towel 
  • Clothes 
  • Bedding – you’d be surprised how many people forget a duvet cover or pillow case! 
  • Toiletries  
  • Kitchen equipment – if you’re in self-catered accommodation you should bring a plate, bowl, cutlery, and pots and pans. It can be worth waiting until you arrive to see what your housemates have brought before buying smaller items like vegetable peelers or cheese graters; that way you’ll end up only with what you need. 

 flat-lay of items to pack

Getting around 

Ready to study 

  • Notepad 
  • Pencil case – you can pick up loads of cool freebies, including stationery, at the Welcome Fair 
  • Laptop 
  • Headphones – because you don’t want to be that person blasting music on the bus 
  • Textbooks – our libraries are also a great resource and staff are happy to help you find what you need 

Your new community 

  • Biscuits are a great way to break the ice when you first move in 
  • Playing cards or board games 
  • Fancy dress 
  • SU wristband for entry into a host of events to help you get to know your neighbours and make friends 

student carrying a box into halls

A home away from home 

  • Photos of family and friends 
  • Clock – because you don’t want to miss that 9 am lecture! 
  • A cozy hoodie 
  • Calendar 
  • Lamp 

Need something else? 

There are plenty of shops nearby where you can pick up anything else that you need – including The Basket, found on the ground floor of the Students’ Union. You can also order moving-in packs for the kitchen, bathroom, or cleaning supplies. 

Why not get a plant or poster to brighten up your room and make it your own? Share a photo of your space with us using #FindYourBristol and let us know the one thing that you’re not leaving home without.