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.

How I’ve learned to stretch my budget

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By Hannah, MSci Forensic Science

Joining university as an 18-year-old was a little daunting, as it was the first time I’ve ever had to budget my money since leaving home. It really opened my eyes to how quickly money disappears unless you prioritise your spending.

Learning how to budget

In a time when rents have been increasing, I’ve had to prioritise paying my rent rather than spending money on doing fun stuff. However, I found that choosing a house with bills included made me less stressed, as I know exactly how much money I need to save every month for rent. Also, l found searching for houses early gave me the best chance to find a house within my budget.

Eating well for less

Most days during exam season I spend long days at the library. It can be very easy to eat junk food as it’s simply more convenient but can be far more expensive. So, I often prepare a meal to take to eat at the library as I find this saves me so much money rather than buying a meal deal every day. I also buy from the fruit and veg stand at the University, as it’s significantly cheaper than supermarkets and allows me to have a healthy snack whilst working.

As you can imagine, students spend a lot of money on food and drinks as it’s such an important part of socialising with friends. Personally, I’ve had to limit how much I spend on food and drink each week as it is very easy to spend too much. One way I’ve managed to save money is by taking advantage of the free meals available at the Students’ Union. It’s so easy as you just bring your own container and get a completely free meal in return.

It has really opened my eyes to how quickly money disappears unless you prioritise your spending.

Take advantage of the support at the Students’ Union

Another scheme UWE Bristol offer is the ‘bring a bag to campus’ scheme, where you bring your own bag to the Students’ Union and fill it full of free food and household essentials. These events take place on campus often and are advertised on the Students’ Union social media accounts.

As a student there is a temptation to go out socialising with friends more often, however now I’m going into my fourth year of university, it’s more difficult to afford to go out as much, as I have to prioritise my money for essentials. Although I do feel it’s really important to have a break from university work, so I always try and save a small amount every month for socialising. I also try to pick up a few extra shifts when possible, so I have some money to spend on myself.

Making the most of the discounts available

I also find making use of student discount apps such as ‘Unidays’ and ‘Student Beans’ have saved me lots of money during my time at university. There are discounts for practically everything as a student. I’ve found it most useful when going out for meals as so many restaurants in Bristol offer student deals.

There are also lots of travel offers, which makes travelling home from university less expensive. I’ve made use of the ’16-25 railcard’ and discounted coach tickets, which has allowed me to travel more for less.

Even though we’re living in a cost-of-living crisis, you can still have a good time at university. With some careful budgeting and the support available, it’s all possible.

Discover more about managing your student finances at UWE Bristol.

Looking after my wellbeing as a UWE Bristol student

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By Amos, MSc Health Technology

At the beginning of the second semester of my course, my spirits were high but a few weeks into the semester, I started feeling overwhelmed by loads of course work and my research work. I even considered giving up my course to help me get my head above water and catch my breath.

Make sure you get help when feeling overwhelmed

It’s important to speak up and get help when you need it. UWE Bristol is a really supportive community; you just need to reach out and help is there. I remember telling my friends that UWE Bristol staff live and breathe the University’s values. I figured out the major reason why I was feeling overwhelmed, and I spoke with my research supervisor about it. He advised me to take it slowly and prioritise the most important things. With his advice, I breathed a sigh of relief and this proved to be my turning point.

It’s important to speak up and get help when you need it. UWE Bristol is a really supportive community, you just need to reach out and help is there.

Get comfortable with taking a break

After speaking with my research supervisor, I realised that taking breaks would really help my mental health. I then planned to take two days off per week, and I dedicated these days to switching off and watching my favourite sci-fi series or going out with my friends to visit some nice places. Just taking a break feels like hitting a refresh button for me.

Wellbeing support is available at UWE Bristol so make sure you access it

I have experienced first-hand that UWE Bristol is interested in the whole person and not just in an academic capacity. Accessing the UWE Bristol’s Wellbeing Service from time to time has assured me there’s plenty of support for everyone here. I have always felt supported at the University and know that I’m never alone, and I don’t have to figure it all out on my own.

Discover more about how we support you to manage your health and wellbeing at UWE Bristol.

Living on a student budget during the cost-of-living crisis

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By Laila, BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science

Life as a student in Bristol is fun and exciting, and even though we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, there are many ways to stretch your student budget further. Here are some helpful tips that help me to budget and save money.

Meal planning to save money

I’ve always loved cooking and really enjoy choosing what new meals to make. So, I decided to learn how to make the most out of my meals and save money by meal planning, cooking in batches and shopping smart. I try to fit meal planning into my weekly schedule. I start by looking for my inspiration on budget-friendly, ‘easy to prepare’ recipes on TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram and then I create my shopping list. When I shop, I always look for discounts and deals, and try to buy store-branded items, as you can save loads doing this.

When I’m on Frenchay Campus, I head over to the fruit and veg stall in E block and buy some ingredients there. They have loads of fruit and vegetables from local suppliers for very affordable prices. I tend to prepare larger portions to cook in batch as the leftovers serve as great future meals and can be frozen for my busier days – saving both time and money.

Life as a student in Bristol is fun and exciting, and even though we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, there are many ways to stretch your student budget further.

The Students’ Union events

The Students’ Union at UWE Bristol host events to help you with the cost-of-living. My housemates and I went to the Students’ Union with our own containers to fill with hot food to either freeze, or eat for lunch/dinner – and this is all for free.

They also host other events like this to help students with the cost-of-living such as the ‘bring your own bag event’, where you can go along to fill your bag with lots of household items and food products – all for free.

They also offer many fun activities to do for free, which is a great way to save money and a good alternative to going out. My friends and I are going to the ‘Potheads’ workshop to make some clay plant pots, which is a fun activity to do on a budget.

Cost-effective, eco-friendly travel

When I moved to Bristol, I knew it was called a ‘cycling city’, so, when I moved into my first-year house, I bought  a second-hand bike to cycle to campus. It’s not only faster than the bus or walking, but I save money on bus fares and get daily exercise that energises me for the day.

UWE Bristol also has a bike loan scheme that allows you to hire a bike for the year for free, with a £40 refundable deposit. There are some great cycling routes to take advantage of, while saving money on transport and helping the environment too.

So even though we’re in a cost-of-living crisis, there are many ways to stretch your budget and still have a great time at university.

Discover more about managing your student finances at UWE Bristol.

My journey as an international student at UWE Bristol

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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.

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.

Why I love studying at UWE Bristol

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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.

How Ollie followed his passion for rugby at UWE Bristol

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By Ollie, BA(Hons) Business and Events Management

Before joining UWE Bristol

Since the age of 9, I would play football every Saturday and rugby union every Sunday. When I was about to start secondary school, I had to choose one to continue playing, which was an easy decision as I enjoyed rugby more and was naturally better at it. Since joining secondary school in Gloucestershire, I had been playing for my school team and avidly supporting Gloucester rugby. As I progressed through school, I briefly quit playing to focus more on my upcoming exams. This was difficult but ultimately the right decision for me at the time. After leaving school I was very eager to get back into the sport I love, so I knew that I would try out for the UWE Bristol team as soon as I was accepted onto my course.

I was very eager to get back into the sport I love.

Joining the UWE Bristol rugby team

I remember being extremely nervous when going to the societies fair. I’m normally quite a confident person and nothing really fazes me, however I was very aware that I hadn’t played rugby for a long time and would be signing up at the same time as 100 other lads, so might be a bit out of my depth in terms of ability and experience. Despite this I signed up and was welcomed to the squad with open arms. Going along to my first training session was great. I felt like I was in school again, I was not only grateful to get some exercise and fresh air, but also to meet some great lads who had also spent time away from playing and were apprehensive to start back up again.

Becoming a part of the team

After a couple of weeks’ of training the club was divided into four teams depending on ability and experience, with the opportunity to progress to a higher team. The first and second teams trained together and the third and fourth teams also trained together on a different day. I was put into the third team playing as a prop. For as long as I can remember, my position has been as either a tighthead or loosehead prop, so I was very grateful for this outcome.

First game for UWE Bristol

I was very excited and honoured to play my first game for UWE Bristol against Cardiff Metropolitan.  Although they were a lot better and we got absolutely battered, I still had a great time representing the university in my red and white kit and enjoyed a drink or two with my teammates after the game.

I was very excited and honoured to play my first game for UWE Bristol against Cardiff Metropolitan.

The social side of rugby

As part of the team, I’ve attended some great nights outs and themed events such as Christmas parties and team dinners. This is a huge part of being in the UWE Bristol team as it makes you closer to your teammates and helps unwind from juggling the stresses that can come with uni assignments.

Why I’m glad that I joined the UWE Bristol team

Starting rugby again has given me that enjoyment that I really missed when playing as a young boy and has introduced me to some good lads who I will keep in contact with for years to come.

Discover what you could get involved in at UWE Bristol.

How running 27 miles helped UWE Bristol student, Chloe, raise awareness of student mental health.

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By Chloe, BA (Hons) Creative and Professional Writing

Student Chloe, talks about what inspired her to run 27 miles for the charity, Mind. She shares how this has helped her to become more aware of her own mental health and how she hopes to inspire other students to talk about mental health and find their own coping strategies. Keep reading to find out more.

Continue reading “How running 27 miles helped UWE Bristol student, Chloe, raise awareness of student mental health.”

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