By Paul, UWE Bristol’s Head of Environment and Sustainability.
Head of Environment and Sustainability, Paul, tells us how he’s turned his passion for sustainability and tackling the climate crisis into a career. He shares how UWE Bristol is supporting sustainability on campus and how students can get involved in creating a more sustainable future. Keep reading to learn more.
Continue reading “How Paul and his team’s work is making our university more sustainable.”By Carolina, MSc Business with Digital Management
Leaving my home in Colombia and moving across the world by myself has been one of the most challenging experiences I’ve ever had by far. Last year I decided to study my postgraduate degree at UWE Bristol, and when deciding where to study, I knew I wanted to find a place where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.
I didn’t just look at the University’s academic status, but also at the different social activities going on and the support available international students. For me, this was so important as I believe work life balance is key, and I knew I needed activities where I could enjoy time out and take a break from my studies.
How I have felt supported at UWE Bristol
Since I arrived at UWE Bristol, I felt very welcomed by all the staff. I remember the first day I arrived in the UK, the staff were so nice and helpful. They arranged my transport from the airport to my accommodation, which helped me to not feel overwhelmed on my first day in a new country.
Since I arrived at UWE Bristol, I felt very welcomed by all the staff.
The Global Café and Conversation Club in the Global Lounge were the activities that I joined during my first few weeks at UWE Bristol. Here I found out valuable information about the university services, and I met other new students from all over the world as well.
The Fresher’s Fair was two days full of activities, music, and food. Here I had the chance to find out more about the different sport societies at on offer here. My first time ever playing polo was with the UWE Bristol Polo Team and it was such an amazing experience. It was fascinating to learn how to ride the horse properly along with the hand mallet practice to develop a good technique. The whole tour around the Beaufort Polo Club was an experience I’ll never forget either.
The library was basically my second home for the last few months and apart from being there working on my assignments, I also joined different workshops that helped me improve my critical writing skills. The librarians running these workshops are very friendly and gave me good tips which I was able to put into practice in my assignments.
Also, I found the support I received from the Careers Service staff really useful. They gave me advice about jobs and my CV, which was useful for me to prepare and start applying to different roles in the UK.
Student Life activities
Some of the Student Life activities I’ve joined during this year include the boat cruises, bowling nights, craft clubs, roller disco, among others. The first activity I joined was the boat cruise. We had the chance to see the whole Harbourside, including attractions such as the iconic SS Great Britain, and the colourful houses in Hotwells.
My favourite activities were the ones where I had the opportunity to be creative. These include painting my own plant pot, and more recently sowing some peppermint seeds, which I can now watch grow. Also, making my own dream catcher, which is now up in my room.
I have to say that I’m extremely grateful for those social activities that helped me make new friends and fit into life at UWE Bristol. I also discovered hidden skills and explored my creativity. It also helped me to feel less homesick and gave me a sense of community that is sometimes hard to find when you first move to a new country.
Being in a multicultural environment has made my experience so much better as I’ve met people from all over the world and we’ve shared our cultures. One lovely memory was when I tried homemade food made by two of my classmates from Myanmar. They cooked dumplings and a dish called Mala Xiang Guo, which is very traditional in Asia.
Being in a multicultural environment has made my experience so much better as I’ve met people from all over the world and we’ve shared our cultures.
Studying at UWE Bristol has immersed me into a friendly and inclusive community where I’ve made so many amazing memories that I’m sure will last a lifetime.
Discover more about international study at UWE Bristol.
By Abigail, BA(Hons) Sociology
From the moment I stepped onto UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus at an Open Day, I knew that this University was the perfect place for me.
A connected student community
The first thing that stood out to me was the sense of community. As UWE Bristol is a campus university, everything is all in one place and it feels like its own little community of students. All buildings are within walking distance of one another, which makes rolling out of bed ten minutes before a lecture possible. The campus has fantastic facilities including the Students’ Union shop which stocks all the essentials, the Centre for Sport, the Health Centre, several food and drink outlets such as Greggs, Subway, Starbucks, the Atrium Café and The Grill, and the Students’ Union itself.
Getting involved at the Students’ Union
During my time at UWE Bristol, I’ve spent a lot of time at the Students’ Union. Regular events for students are held there, with some highlights being the quiz nights, drag shows and sports event screenings. The Student Life team also put on events all throughout the year, with the aim of bringing the student community together. These events include free or discounted trips to attractions in Bristol, such as Ninja Warrior, the Harbourside and the Bristol Hippodrome, as well as events on campus, including pizza and games nights.
Before coming to university, one of my biggest worries was that I would feel lonely or that I would struggle to meet people with similar interests, however, I was proved wrong. There is always an event or an activity happening on campus and there is always something for everyone.
There is always an event or an activity happening on campus and there is always something for everyone.
Within walking distance of Frenchay Campus, there are a number of large supermarkets and restaurants, as well as two shopping centres (Cabot Circus and Cribbs Causeway) a short bus journey away. Activities such as bowling, mini golf and the cinema are also nearby, which can be used as a great icebreaker when getting to know new friends.
My accommodation on campus
During my first year at UWE Bristol, I lived in on-campus accommodation at the Student Village. Student Village accommodation consists of flats of six en-suite bedrooms and a communal kitchen/living area. This accommodation was very sociable, and the communal courtyards in between the different accommodation blocks meant that it was easy to meet people from different flats as well as your own.
The accommodation felt safe and secure with card access to all buildings, flats and individual bedrooms, and there were always numbers to call or staff to speak to if there was a problem. Also, the ease of walking to the on-campus library from my accommodation meant that after those late-night study sessions, it was never a long walk back.
My course
Another highlight of my time here was the course itself. I studied BA(Hons) Sociology, beginning the course in the middle of Covid-19. The support from all academic staff during my entire course was fantastic, and they have an open-door policy with their students. It was clear that the academic staff saw the importance of forming positive relationships with the students, as well as amongst the students themselves, as my course leader often arranged course events including meals, theatre visits and course-related trips to Bristol city centre.
The support from all the academic staff during my entire course was fantastic.
The main thing that drew me to this course specifically was that the modules are developed and tailored to suit the interests of both the students and lecturers. The lecture content allowed for flexibility, depending on what the students were interested in. Also the lecturers were always super passionate about their subject – a great way to keep students engaged.
Assignment styles are also structured to suit all abilities, including presentations, essays, blogs and case studies. As someone who did not get on with formal exams in my Sixth Form, this was ideal for me. I always felt valued and respected by all staff at UWE Bristol, and students’ interests were always put first.
Living in Bristol
Bristol played a large role in my university experience too. It’s such a diverse city. From the amazing nightlife to the quaint cafés, the restaurants and bars and the museums and art, there is something for everyone. I have really enjoyed exploring a new city, and I’m still finding new things to do and see in and around the city.
Bristol played a large role in my university experience too.
Throughout the year, Bristol holds a range of events including the famous Bristol Balloon Fiesta, the Harbourside Festival, Bristol Pride, the Light Festival, and Bristol Sounds. Coming from a small market town, it’s been great to attend some of these large-scale events and really immerse myself in city life.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Bristol also has a wide range of green spaces, such as Clifton Downs (with incredible views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge), Brandon Hill, and Ashton Court Estate. Closer to Frenchay Campus, Stoke Park and Snuff Mills there are also lovely green spaces – the perfect place for a walk to de-stress from the academic pressures of university.
My biggest piece of advice to anyone applying for university is to attend an Open Day if you can. Before visiting UWE Bristol, I had no idea where I wanted to go, but visiting the University gave me a gut feeling that this was the place for me. I’m happy to confirm that this feeling was right. Everything I’ve mentioned in this blog has contributed to the fantastic experience I’ve had at UWE Bristol, and I hope gives you an idea of what life at UWE Bristol is like.
My biggest piece of advice to anyone applying for university is to attend an Open Day if you can.
Discover more about student life at UWE Bristol.
by Chloe, BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing
Moving to a new city and starting a new chapter at university is by far one of the most exciting things I have ever done. There is so much exploring to do in Bristol, from the Clifton Suspension Bridge to Millennium Square, not to mention all of the amazing independent businesses and quirky stalls in the popular markets. However, it never occurred to me that there were so many hidden gems on the UWE Bristol campus itself!
As well as having quick and convenient bus links to and from the city centre, amazing resource centres and helpful career hubs, Frenchay Campus boasts some beautiful spaces to work and chill with your friends. Due to the fact there is so much choice, there is always somewhere you can go.
Whether you prefer somewhere that you can have a bite to eat or somewhere quieter, there is no doubt that you can find it on campus.
Chloe
One of my favourite places to study is the library, which has a range of zones over five floors! Each level has a different purpose which means you can study in a variety of environments, allowing you to find a space perfect for you.
From Help Zones (Level 2), Quiet Study (Level 3) to the main Study Zone (Level 4), to silent Study (Level 5) you can find the perfect spot to work on assignments and research.
You can also book study spaces and individual study rooms which are so useful if you have a group project and want your own room, or even if you have a conference.
The Library Lounge on Level 4 gives you the chance to buy drinks and have a quick break in between sessions, which is a huge bonus to keep yourself refreshed and stay focussed.
For me the library has been somewhere that I have used most frequently since joining UWE Bristol because you can stay focussed in any zone that makes you feel comfortable – plus the staff in the help pods are so helpful and approachable.
Chloe
I think that having such a good environment to use and enjoy, with so much choice, has enhanced the way I look at studying and means that me and my friends can use each zone depending on how we feel when we come in.
Talking of places that you can get a bite to eat, another one of my favourite places on the UWE Bristol Frenchay Campus is the beautiful Business School.
This is one of the newest builds on campus and one of the most gorgeous buildings inside and out! It has such a modern feel and the Atrium Café on the ground floor is a great place to just hang out even if you haven’t come for a lecture or self-study. The food on offer is really tasty, quick and healthy – no wonder it’s such a popular spot!
As well as this, X block as it’s more commonly known, flaunts teaching and office spaces and booths over seven floors, so there is more than enough space to find a spot.
Now the real community hub of UWE Bristol is the Students Union! This is where students hang out, go to events and a hot spot for food and drink. There is always something being run either at the SU building or online, meaning there is never a dull moment. UWE Bristol wouldn’t be complete without the SU – it’s all part of the experience!
The SU team run so many competitions where you can win some ace prizes and connect with new people. It is a great place to mingle and I met some students there that are now still close friends.
It’s good to have somewhere that isn’t study related where you can chill out and just have a break.
Chloe
The variety on Frenchay Campus at UWE Bristol is something that has made my experience at UWE Bristol both productive and fun. The choice is unbelievable and there is always somewhere to go that has exactly the vibe you want. Being comfortable and confident is so easy when there are so many options to hang out and I think that’s what is so unique about UWE Bristol – we aren’t just a university, we are a community.
Find out more about campus life.
