Tag: UWE Bristol

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 the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship helped me fund postgraduate study

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By Hanna, MSc Physician Associate Studies

In this blog, Hanna shares how receiving the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship made postgraduate study possible and opened the door to training as a physician associate. She offers practical tips for scholarship applications and reflects on the skills, experiences and career ambitions she has developed along the way. Read more.

“Without this scholarship, doing a master’s simply wouldn’t have been possible. I’ve always loved learning and was proud to be the first in my family to finish university, but postgraduate study felt out of reach. As the eldest in an immigrant family, I’ve seen how education can open doors, but the financial reality was a huge barrier.”

One of my teachers once told me that only 8% of Black students go on to complete a master’s. That statistic stuck with me, but it still felt unrealistic. I didn’t even have a course in mind, and the cost alone put me off. During my undergraduate degree, several lecturers encouraged me to consider a master’s, and when I found out about this scholarship, it felt like a door opening.

I came across the scholarship while researching ways to help fund my tuition. Once I found it, I reached out to get more information and was sent the application form. The process from there was really straightforward.

My top 3 tips for scholarship applications

  1. Be authentic. I remember thinking I hadn’t done anything groundbreaking, but I focused on what I had done and why I was passionate about my subject. Your real experiences are enough.
  2. Start early. The word count was small, so every sentence had to work hard. I went through several drafts. Starting early gave me time to re-read and edit  without feeling rushed.
  3. Stick to the brief. This scholarship is about how you align with the university’s values. I kept going back to the criteria and ticking them off to make sure I covered everything.

Life as a postgraduate student

I’m studying to become a physician associate. I love learning about different medical conditions and applying that knowledge in real-life settings. I enjoy the flexibility the role offers as it allows you to move between specialities and develop a broad base of medical knowledge.

“What I enjoy most is interacting with patients.  Every conversation is unique, and knowing I’m making a difference is really motivating.”

Skills I’m developing

This course is intense and demands a lot of independent study. I’ve had to develop strong time management and resilience to keep up. Communication has also been a key skill. Explaining complex conditions in simple terms has made me think more carefully about how I speak. I’ve also grown in confidence working in teams, both with peers in simulated consultations and with professionals during placements. I’ve learned to be adaptable and contribute effectively.

Looking ahead

I hope this course leads to a fulfilling career where I can make a real difference. I want to deliver person-centred care and be someone patients trust. I’m currently interested in emergency medicine, though I’m open to exploring other specialities as I gain more experience. One day, I’d love to teach and support future Physician Associate students.

Find out more about the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship and Physician Associate Studies.

How a placement year prepared me for an accounting and finance career

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By Ethan, BSc Accounting

In this blog, Ethan shares how placements, paid roles, and expert support at UWE Bristol have helped build skills and confidence for a future career in the accounting and finance industry. He offers insights and advice for students looking to make the most of similar opportunities. Read more.

“During my BSc Accounting degree, I was able to take part in a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. The most valuable was my placement year with the university’s finance team.”

This experience was crucial in strengthening my soft skills like teamwork and advancing my personal and professional development. Interacting with professionals and seeing the university’s operations up close gave me a new appreciation for the effort that goes into making UWE Bristol a thriving university.

Careers and academic support

I’ve had so much help and advice from the careers service. They’ve helped me improve my CV, practise psychometric tests, and get ready for interviews through drop-ins and appointments. I’ve used this service frequently, building relationships with the advisors and improving my preparedness for the future. The open and honest advice they provide is ideal for those seeking internships and placements, setting you up for long-term success.

I’ve found my lecturers are incredibly friendly and are willing to go above and beyond to put your needs first. They are always prepared to give you their time to explain concepts you don’t understand, including 1-1 help.

Meeting the professionals

On my course, there’s an annual ‘Ask the Expert’ event which connects students to working professionals. This allows students to sit down with professionals in the accounting and finance industry to discuss career paths and goals.

“I’ve had the opportunity to attend this event as both a student and an expert, seeing both sides and providing my advice to current students. It acts as a powerful event for explaining to students what employers are looking for so they can prepare for the future.”

Paid work experience

Aside from my placement, I’ve had the opportunity to gain extra experience from paid positions within the university. These include student ambassador and peer-assisted-learning roles. Through these, I’ve taken part in open days, and I’ve tutored first-year students. These roles act as an excellent starting point to develop skills such as communication and working with others in a productive way. On top of being fun and rewarding, you also get paid to take part, giving your bank account a welcome top-up.

Final thoughts

I’ve been presented with countless opportunities while at UWE that have shaped my academic journey and personal growth. From my placement year to the activities outside my course, each experience has equipped me with the skills I need to succeed. I now feel well prepared to pursue my goal of becoming a chartered accountant thanks to the university’s supportive environment. The experiences I’ve had have acted as a springboard to get me to where I want to be, and I’m feeling well prepared for the future.

Find out more about studying Accounting at UWE Bristol.

How I balanced parenthood with postgraduate study and boosted my career.

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by Abimbola, MBA

Graduate Abimbola, shares how returning to postgraduate study boosted her career opportunities.  She tells us why she chose UWE Bristol and how the support she received helped her balance studying alongside parenthood. Keep reading to find out more about Abimbola’s story.

Continue reading “How I balanced parenthood with postgraduate study and boosted my career.”

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