Category: Student life

Being a commuter student at UWE Bristol

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By Maddie, BA(Hons) Creative and Professional Writing

In this blog, Maddie shares what it’s like travelling in each day and finding her feet on campus. She talks about the challenges, the small wins, and what’s helped her feel at home at university while living off‑campus. Read more.

Have you ever found yourself sprinting for your train with a half-finished cup of coffee and a heavy backpack weighing you down, terrified to miss that important 9am lecture? If so, you’re not alone. The number of commuter students is on the rise at UWE Bristol. Whether it’s because you want to save money, stay close to family, or just can’t find a home that suits you, what’s being a commuter student really like?

Why do some students choose to commute?

Students choose to live off-campus for many reasons; some find it gives them the best of both worlds: the experience of university whilst still upholding their home life. As a commuter myself, I’ve enjoyed both sides of the page. Many students find it daunting moving to a new city, into a new house, let alone with people you’ve never met! It’s totally normal to have anxiety about these things: it’s a huge step in your early adult life. Being a commuter can also make higher education more affordable and accessible, especially in a city as busy and vibrant as Bristol.

With the cost-of-living crisis in full blast, accommodation prices all over the UK are skyrocketing, this can really deter new students from moving into accommodation as other options can be more financially manageable. Another reason many students choose to commute is if they are already local. I know many other students who chose to stay living at home with family, as UWE Bristol was just a bus ride away. 

My journey

So, what’s it like to make the journey? My commute from North Bristol takes around 40 minutes: A 10-minute walk to the bus stop and a 30-minute bus journey. To me, this time is precious. I try to use it as best as I can, for example, doing the required reading for my lectures that day so it’s fresh in my mind, catching up on some notes, or listening to music and podcasts to get myself prepared for the day ahead.

One of the most accessible things about Bristol is the public transport system. There are so many options! Bristol has its own internal overground trainline, with stations dotted in most neighbourhoods, allowing you to get from the top to the bottom of the city in around 10 minutes.

Bristol also has Metrobuses, which take the motorway, cutting the usual city route time in half. Plus, if you’re close enough to commute by foot, Bristol is full of vibrant art, greenery and parks, even walking is pleasant and care-free.

Pros and cons

Commuting isn’t without the odd challenge. For example, early mornings and transport delays, missing out on spontaneous campus events, or even getting stuck in traffic. But there’s always some good to come from the bad. Commuting has taught me key time management skills, the importance of planning ahead, and how to make every minute on campus count. Joining societies, spending time in the library, and grabbing lunch with friends all help make UWE Bristol feel like home.

Whether you’re 10 minutes away or an hour, what truly matters is how you make use of your time at UWE Bristol. Commuting doesn’t limit your experience; it just shapes it differently. Sooner than later, you’ll find your groove, your best friends, and your new favourite study spot (most likely near the Greggs!).

Find out more about undergraduate study at UWE Bristol.

How the Graphic Design opportunities I’ve had at UWE Bristol have prepared me for my creative career.

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By Bran, BA(Hons) Graphic Design student.

Our student, Bran, shares the wide range of creative opportunities he’s had while studying Graphic Design at UWE Bristol. He tells us how these experiences have grown his passion. Keep reading to find out more about Bran’s story.

Bran’s story

My name’s Bran and I’m a third year BA(Hons) Graphic Design student. When I was studying my A Levels, I enjoyed studying Graphic Communication, which was a popular subject at my college. When I found out that UWE Bristol offered Graphic Design as a subject, it quickly became my first choice.

I already had some friends from Bristol and I loved the city – I knew they’d be plenty of opportunities to go to different creative events and meet new people. Now I’m here, I love being based at City Campus where I’m surrounded with other likeminded creatives. This has enabled me to make friends with people from other creative courses, like my housemates, who study Illustration and Media.

My experience of studying at UWE Bristol

One of my favourite things about studying Graphic Design is that it’s so broad. In my second year, I had the flexibility to choose from a range of optional modules – I ended up choosing Moving Image. This helped me to discover my passion for animation and allowed me to experiment with new industry-standard software, like Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro.

The lecturers on my course are supportive and care about our personal and professional development, offering us equal opportunities to develop as designers and voice our ideas. They also present us with professional opportunities like internships and freelance jobs to get hands-on experience. My personal tutor, Kate, has been especially helpful and has supported me to find my own path in specialising in motion graphics.

The people on my course are also a huge support. In group projects, we’ve made cool pieces of work together. I’ve had the chance to work with people outside of Graphic Design, such as Film, Fashion Communications and Illustration students, giving me a different outlook and perspective. For example, on my Collaborate module, I worked with students from a range of creative courses to build a sculpture, which we exhibited in the Arnolfini Gallery.

Another bonus has been the Low Income Bursary, which has helped me to fund equipment from the Art Shop at Bower Ashton. This financial support has allowed me to experiment with different materials to find the best ones for my projects.

My Graphic Design opportunities at UWE Bristol

In my second year, I had the opportunity to get involved in a weekend workshop for young creatives called Werkhouse hosted at Taxi Studio. We were given a live brief for a local charity, and after some brainstorming, we presented our project ideas to a crowd of nearly 100 people. When our idea was chosen, we were supported by a team and a senior designer mentor to turn our idea into a reality. This was a great opportunity and I still talk to the people I worked with on the project.

This year, I also attended a portfolio evening through my course, a networking event where creative students had the chance to showcase their work to alumni. At the event, I got chatting to an alum about internship opportunities, which led to me finding an internship at Green Hat Design. Through this opportunity, I got to work there once a week and gain insight into the industry first-hand.

“The course leaders often send us professional opportunities to apply for outside of the course. As a result, I gained my first freelance job for Butterfly Conservation UK, which fulfilled a huge passion of mine.”

My recent creative project

I’ve recently got involved in a wellbeing animation project, which I heard about on Instagram through New Wave, a creative agency ran by UWE Bristol. I thought this project was a great opportunity and luckily, I had some spare time over the Easter break to take on a new challenge.

Through this project, I was tasked with animating a mental health story from another student, Daniel. When I heard Daniel’s story about not fitting in, I realised it meshed with the work I was already doing on my course. I felt passionate about the theme, so I knew I had to sign up for the opportunity.

“My experience of working with the New Wave agency was great. The process was straightforward, and the team were helpful. It also offered a great opportunity to get more freelance experience.”

My plans after graduation

I love Bristol, so I’d like to stay in the city for as long as I can after I graduate. I’ve recently got in touch with as many local studios as possible to look for opportunities, and I’ll continue working freelance. I’d like to find a creative job in the industry, working in motion design or for an animation studio.

Find out more about studying Graphic Design at UWE Bristol.

How the societies at UWE Bristol have changed my life.

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By Daniel, UWE Bristol student.

Before I attended UWE Bristol, I had no confidence, and my mental health was in the pits. Back in 2021, I was about to start my second attempt at university. I felt ready to fail like I’d done previously in education. The last thing on my mind was societies and extracurricular activities.

Continue reading “How the societies at UWE Bristol have changed my life.”

How the animation opportunities I’ve had at UWE Bristol have grown my skills, network and confidence.

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By Amber, BA(Hons) Animation student.

Our student, Amber, shares the wide range of opportunities she’s had while studying Animation at UWE Bristol. She tells us how these experiences have grown her creative skills, professional network and self-confidence. Keep reading to find out more about Amber’s story.

Continue reading “How the animation opportunities I’ve had at UWE Bristol have grown my skills, network and confidence.”

Finding my tribe at UWE Bristol.

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By Sadie, UWE Bristol student.

When I came to UWE Bristol in the middle of lockdown, I remember having loads of anxiety over connecting with people. I never really considered myself popular or all that talkative, and all the rules around social distancing didn’t help much either. Now, I’m in my final year. I’m the president of one of the biggest societies on campus, and I feel more confident and self-assured than ever. How did this happen?

Continue reading “Finding my tribe at UWE Bristol.”

How Paul and his team’s work is making our university more sustainable.

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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.”

Life as an international student at UWE Bristol

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By Angelica, BA (Hons) Media Communications

Getting involved in social activities at university can be fun and sometimes a little daunting, but being a student at UWE Bristol, I found it easy to socialise as there are so many things on offer here. I want to share my experiences of UWE Bristol with you, focusing on the social spaces that have enriched my student life.

Finding the ideal study area is important for a student like me, and luckily the University provides a wide range of options. From the modern library to the cosy study pods, everyone can find a study space to suit them. The Street Learning Zone in S Block is a personal favourite of mine. Tucked away in a quiet corner, it’s so relaxing to study there. Long study periods are made more convenient by the available computers and free water refill stations.

Being a foodie, I was thrilled to learn about the variety of food options available on campus too. UWE Bristol offers delicious Asian food, such as sushi, onigiri, and chicken katsu curry at the OneZone, which quickly became my go-to option. The University also accommodates all tastes and dietary preferences, such as vegan, vegetarian etc., so there really is something for everyone.

One of the most amazing things about UWE Bristol is its celebration of diversity and inclusivity. When I arrived, I was a little concerned at first about fitting in as an international student from Indonesia. However, when I saw how friendly and welcoming the staff and students are, I knew I didn’t need to worry. Students from all ethnicities and backgrounds are actively encouraged to interact and celebrate their individuality at the University.

One of the most amazing things about UWE Bristol is its celebration of diversity and inclusivity.

The Global Café events have been great for me as an international student as they provide a space for us to share our cultures, languages, and unique perspectives. It was fun to connect with other international students and hear their perspectives on moving to a new country and navigating uni life.

Living in Bristol is fantastic too. The city offers amazing restaurants, museums, and a buzzing social scene. Bristol is a hub of creativity, culture, and nightlife, offering an array of options to unwind and socialise with other students. There is a perfect place for any mood and occasion, whether you want to enjoy live music or cosy bars. The Harbourside area is one of my favourites; there are plenty of things to do and you can’t beat the view.

Bristol is a hub of creativity, culture and nightlife.

If you’re coming to UWE Bristol, I encourage you to get involved in all that’s on offer. When you connect with other students you’ll create lasting memories that you’ll cherish forever. I’m grateful for the moments and incredible friendships that have blossomed within this community that’s been special to me. And remember, your journey at UWE Bristol is not just about getting a great degree, but also about developing yourself and embracing a vibrant student experience that will stay with you for years to come.

Discover more about international study at UWE Bristol.

Navigating the cost-of-living crisis as a student at UWE Bristol

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By Jessica, BA(Hons) English Language and Linguistics

Living as a student in Bristol has been an incredible adventure filled with exciting new experiences, academic growth, and valuable life lessons. Throughout my journey at the UWE Bristol, I’ve discovered how to tap into what’s on offer to make living costs more manageable. Here in this blog, I’m going to delve deeper into how I’ve been able to stretch my budget further while here. This includes everything from affordable public transport, diverse job opportunities, student discounts, and cheap eats.

Public transport discounts

Bristol’s public transport is both convenient and affordable and commuting in Bristol is easy. First Bus, the city’s primary bus operator, goes the extra mile to support students by offering discounts. Whether you’re heading to lectures, exploring Bristol’s beautiful parks, or discovering hidden gems, the bus network has become an essential part of my daily routine. Not only do the discounts make getting around more affordable, but they also encourage students like me to embrace all that Bristol has to offer.

Lots of job opportunities

Bristol’s vibrant economy is teeming with diverse job opportunities, making it an ideal place for students to earn while they learn. There are plenty of part-time jobs available in retail and hospitality, which is ideal to fit around your studies.

Bristol’s vibrant economy is teeming with diverse job opportunities.

Student discounts and benefits

As a student city, Bristol really values its students and there are so many discounts available using the TOTUM card. This student discount card opens doors to huge savings. From discounted cinema tickets to gym memberships and more, the TOTUM card has become a trusted companion for students looking for fun activities they can afford. Being able to unwind with friends at the movies or maintain a healthy lifestyle at a reduced cost supports our budget and enhances our overall university experience.

Great food at a price you can afford

Bristol’s food scene offers a tantalising mix of flavours, catering to all tastes and budgets. Among the many culinary discoveries I’ve made, one that stands out is the fruit and veg stall on Frenchay Campus. This hidden gem offers an array of fresh produce at incredibly reasonable prices, allowing students like me to maintain a healthy diet on a budget. Also UWE Bristol is great at providing a wide range of good, affordable food on campus without putting a strain on our wallets.

My time here at UWE Bristol has been unforgettable and despite the cost-of-living crisis, it is possible to have a great time and find ways to live well on a student budget.

Discover more about managing your student finances at UWE Bristol.

How to save money as a UWE Bristol student

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By Maria, BSc(Hons) Criminology with Psychology

As a final-year student, I know the struggle of having spent years saving. There are always challenges beyond our control and the rising cost-of-living is one such challenge we all face. I soon realised that I needed to adapt my lifestyle to survive these difficult times financially. So let’s take a look at my tips to help you save money too.

I soon realised that I needed to adapt my lifestyle to survive these difficult times financially.

Consider your transport costs

For people who work part-time and only work a few days each week, instead of using a weekly bus pass, use the 2-trip pass. I only work a few days per week, and I don’t really go out often, so that’s why I now use the 2-trip (return) bus pass, which is £2.70, whereas a whole week would cost me £18.80. This has saved me loads of money – so that’s £10 to save in my piggy bank.

Take advantage of the many Students’ Union offers

If you can’t live without your mocha frappés at Starbucks, especially during hot summer months, the struggle is real. One thing I really love now are the offers you get from the Students’ Union. From iced lattés to lemon water to the ‘bring a bag’ days on campus where you can fill your bag with free food, there’s so much on offer. They post every offer and activity available on Instagram and in the student comms too, so you need to keep an eye out for any updates. The free food giveaways at the Students’ Union offer a great selection of vegetarian and meat options – it’s a fun thing to do with your mates. What is not to like about freebies after all, especially when you’re a student.

Find your inner chef

One of the things many of us don’t enjoy is … cooking. For me, Fridays are for takeaways or going to that Italian restaurant at Cabot Circus in the centre. But remember the more money you save, the better it is for you.

You can definitely save money by cooking your own meals more. That recipe you liked on Instagram last year would come in handy now, especially if it’s student friendly. I was really pleased as I managed to make five meals for £10 – my parents were very impressed. There are Instagram accounts specifically catering for student budget meals that taste as good as those from a pub or restaurant. Also, those TikTok videos from student chefs will save you a ton of time prepping, buying, and cooking rather than paying for the bus ticket and spending it elsewhere.

I was really pleased as I managed to make five meals for £10.

Save, save, save

We can all focus on saving if we really want to and when we need to. Just think of all that money you save can go towards those ever-increasing bills. Also, changing the way you think can help you to change your lifestyle and often this is for the better. Despite these hard economic times, you can still have a good time like seeing your mates for a coffee at the Students’ Union or making a meal with friends at home. There are plenty of opportunities for connecting with people, without all the expense.

Discover more about managing your student finances at UWE Bristol.

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