If you’ve secured a place at UWE Bristol (congrats!) then you might already know a bit about our amazing city and all it has to offer.
As a Student Comms team, we’ve got over 40 years’ experience living in Bristol, and in this time the city has been through big changes. If you haven’t had a chance to visit yet – and especially if you’ve found your way to us through clearing – we thought we’d introduce Bristol and why we love it so much.
1. Be a tourist and check out the sights 📸
Make your friends from home jealous by sharing selfies with our world-famous landmarks. Marvel at Clifton Suspension Bridge, get a few snaps in Clifton Wood, or have a peaceful moment at Arnos Vale Cemetery. The Clifton Suspension Bridge is not only a mean feat of engineering but provides the perfect backdrop for that “I’ve arrived in Bristol!” selfie – it’s what Brunel would’ve wanted 😉
Bristol is over 650 years old, and with that history comes so much to explore. You could check out Cabot Tower, set in the beautiful parkland of Brandon Hill (climb the tower itself for unrivalled views of the city) and the iconic Bristol harbourside – home to the S.S. Great Britain.
2. Catch a show
From West End musicals at the Bristol Hippodrome to cutting-edge plays at the Bristol Old Vic; there’s something for everyone. Venues such as the Tobacco Factory Theatre and the Wardrobe Theatre offer everything from contemporary theatre to the classics.
3. Eat some good food
Known for quirky independents to Michelin-starred gems, Bristol has it all! There’s a strong focus on local, organic and ethical food. Grab some of Bristol’s best street food at St. Nicks Market or head to Cargo at Wapping Wharf – home to a host of independent eateries.
4. Get out in nature
Bristol is overflowing with green spaces to chill, study and meet friends in. Countryside surrounds the city on all sides and in-between – highlights close to our campuses include the beautiful Ashton Court, Stoke Park and Snuff Mills, and in the city centre, Queen Square, Victoria Park and the Downs are all worth a visit.
5. Connect to local culture
Street art, museums, history – Bristol’s culture is as vibrant and diverse as our city is. Get to know the heart of Bristol by catching an independent film at Watershed, seeing some live jazz at The Old Juke; or booking yourself onto a Banksy walking tour to get those snaps for the grid.
6. Get to a festival (there’s one for pretty much everything)
Upfest for street art; music at Love Saves The Day; Bristol International Balloon Fiesta for, well, balloons… Then there’s St Paul’s Carnival, Bristol Pride, Bristol Light Festival, Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol Craft Beer Festival… needless to say, you’ll never be bored here!
7. Explore the nightlife
From big clubs with top DJs to gigs, underground speakeasies, regular comedy nights and karaoke – and a huge LGBTQ+ scene – Bristol nightlife is lit! Bristol’s also been awarded the Purple Flag status in recognition of our efforts to keep our city a vibrant and safe place to enjoy at night.
8. Take up a new sport
Across the city you’ll find opportunities for climbing, sailing, cycling and so much more. We recommend trying your hand at paddle boarding down the harbour or heading to the outskirts of the city where you’ll find The Wave; a popular year-round inland-surfing destination. Ashton Gate Stadium also houses Bristol City Football club and Bristol Bears if you want to cheer on our local teams!
9. Shop independent
Gloucester Road, Stokes Croft and Montpelier fall just outside the main city and are a lively hub for student life, lined with vintage shops, quirky cafés and a Banksy or two. Head to North Street in Bedminster for tonnes of urban art, and the Tobacco Factory Market on Sundays for ethical and eco-friendly goods, food and drink, craft and art stalls.
10. Adopt a bit of the local slang
Well, Bristol is known for being diverse, independent, creative and, most importantly, super friendly. Catchphrases you’ll hear out and about are “Cheers drive” for any form of transport; “Alright my loverrr” as a standard greeting; and “Shipshape and Bristol fashion” for when things are in good order – such as like your study notes, timetable, your (sustainable) out-out wardrobe…
Wanna explore further?
You can find out more about all the places we’ve mentioned on the Visit Bristol website.
We hope you’ll have fun exploring our – wait – your city. Share your pics with us by using #HelloUWEBristol 📸