Tag: student life

How I used VR and AI on my Digital Media degree to reconnect with my hometown

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By Nastya, BSc(Hons) Digital Media student 

Moving to the UK from Ukraine four years ago, at the start of the war, changed everything for Nastya. She had to adjust to a new country and a completely different way of life. Now in her second year, she’s realising just how much her Digital Media course is helping her reconnect with her past while preparing for her future. Keep reading to find out more about Nastya’s story. 

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How studying at UWE Bristol helped me discover my dream career

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By Laura, BA(Hons) Creative and Professional Writing

In this blog, Laura shares how moving from Barbados to study Creative and Professional Writing at UWE Bristol helped her uncover an unexpected passion for marketing. She reflects on developing her voice as a writer, gaining real‑world experience through volunteering, and finding confidence as an international student discovering her career path. Read more.

“When I moved from Barbados to Bristol to study Creative and Professional Writing at UWE Bristol, I didn’t have a clear career path in mind. I just knew one thing: I loved writing. Whether it was stories, essays, or quirky social media captions, if it let me be creative, I was in.”

Fast forward to now, and I’m heading into a career I never expected but absolutely love. Here’s how my time as a student at UWE Bristol helped me figure it all out.

Writing with purpose: more than just words

At first, I thought my degree would be all about fiction, short stories, poems and scripts. And yes, there was plenty of that. But what really surprised me was how much we focused on audience, voice and purpose.

I started noticing the power of words everywhere: in taglines, in tone, in how one sentence could make you stop and think. I realised writing isn’t just about telling stories, it’s about connecting with people, building trust, and shaping how we see the world. That shift in perspective changed everything for me.

Turning workshop skills into real-world wins

By my second year, I wanted to take what I was learning and apply it outside of uni. That’s when I found out about Share Bristol, a community project that had just opened a Library of Things on UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus.

They were looking for a volunteer social media marketing assistant, and I thought, why not? I applied, waited nervously, did the interview, and got the position.

“Suddenly, everything I’d learned at UWE Bristol made sense in the real world. I was writing posts, planning content, and thinking about how to engage different audiences. I saw how creative writing techniques make marketing feel more human and relatable.”

That experience was a turning point. I knew marketing was where I wanted to go next.

From Barbados to Bristol: finding my feet and my voice

Moving to a new country was a huge leap. I had to learn how to be independent, adapt quickly, and figure things out on my own, from navigating Bristol’s bus routes to balancing uni work with volunteering.

UWE Bristol made the transition smoother than I expected. My lecturers were supportive, my course mates were welcoming, and I quickly found my place in the creative community.

Being an international student taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to thrive outside of my comfort zone. These experiences have shaped who I am, both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead: skills that stick

Now, as I plan for life after UWE, I can see just how far I’ve come. I arrived unsure of my future, and now I’m pursuing a career in marketing, starting with my master’s degree.

My course has given me more than just writing skills. I’ve learned how to think critically, communicate clearly, and create content that connects. These are skills that will stay with me long after graduation, helping me adapt and thrive in whatever path I take.

Start your own story

If you’re thinking about studying at UWE Bristol, here’s my advice: say yes to new experiences. Try different things, meet new people, and give yourself time to explore. You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one.

Sometimes the best part of uni is discovering your path as you go. So, take that leap, start your story, and see where it leads.

Find out more about undergraduate study and volunteering opportunities at UWE Bristol.

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.

Battling anxiety as a first-generation student

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By Marcus, BA(Hons) Creative and Professional Writing

In this blog, Marcus opens up about navigating anxiety and imposter syndrome as a first‑generation student. He shares what helped him find confidence and offers reassuring advice for anyone feeling unsure about starting university. Read more.

“During sixth form, I didn’t think university was for me. Neither of my parents did higher education, and the prospect of choosing (let alone paying) for another three years of study felt laughably unrealistic to me, despite decent grades.”

My A-Levels were disrupted by lockdown, so my plan of ‘do a gap year and decide what to do later’ became getting a hospitality job and working for four years. While I believe it helped me mature and I wouldn’t have it any other way, after a while I felt unfulfilled and wanted to explore my options.

Even though my parents were brilliant and encouraging, navigating the first steps towards university without someone to look to for advice was extremely daunting. The task of writing a UCAS statement after leaving education for several years seemed legitimately impossible, despite how badly I wanted to attend. I ended up reaching out to old school friends and asking for the most basic advice (such as do I need to bring a notebook and a laptop to class?) which is something I would really recommend.

Facing imposter syndrome

When I got to uni, I thought my anxieties would fade away and I’d get swept up in the exciting frenzy of university life.  I didn’t expect the fear of ‘have I made the wrong choice?’ to linger over me. Terrifyingly, the doubts continued. Being slightly older than some of my peers, I lacked the wide-eyed joy at seeing the world on my own for the first time. All I could think about was how much more dedicated and ambitious the people around me must be. I worried I had made a mistake and that I didn’t belong here. I didn’t allow myself to enjoy learning new things because I felt I wasn’t good enough.

“Now in my third year, I am so pleased to say by sticking with it and giving myself the chance my parents never got, I finally feel I belong. I am learning I love studying, a realisation 18-year-old me would be equally horrified and proud to find out.” 

Being able to sit in a café with a coffee and my laptop scrutinising articles is now a hobby; something I never thought I’d admit to. Had I not allowed myself this opportunity, I would never have found this out.

Taking the leap

The biggest piece of advice I can offer – and the one I wish someone had told me was this: feeling unsure is completely natural. Taking the leap is half of the battle. If you’ve already done that, you’ve done the hard work. There are so many people at UWE Bristol that are there to talk if you don’t feel you can ask specific questions of your family. That could be lecturers, course leaders or even fellow students in similar situations. I can say with complete certainty that if you feel the way I did, it does get better. All I wish is that I’d spoken to someone about it sooner, because the people around you are there to help. I’m so glad I decided to go to university.

Find out more about undergraduate study at UWE Bristol and how you can support first generation students.

How counselling through UWE Bristol’s Wellbeing Service helped me to accept myself.

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By Jade, BA(Hons) Creative and Professional Writing student.

Our student, Jade, has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. She reflects on her experience of using UWE Bristol’s Wellbeing Service and shares what her university experience means to her. Read more about Jade’s story.

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How the opportunities I’ve had at UWE Bristol have transformed me into a confident, career-ready writer.

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By Rebecca, BA(Hons) Creative and Professional Writing student.

Our student, Rebecca, shares how the opportunities she’s had on her writing course have transformed her from a shy student to a confident, career-ready professional. From volunteering to freelance work, she tells us how her experiences have boosted her confidence and enabled her to get paid for her writing. Keep reading to find out more about Rebecca’s story.

Continue reading “How the opportunities I’ve had at UWE Bristol have transformed me into a confident, career-ready writer.”

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.”

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.”

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