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Welcome programme
An introduction to Bristol for Pre-sessional students
Welcome Bristol has recently been voted the best place to live in the UK, and we hope you will see why! The city offers everything from one of the nation’s oldest theatres to the famous Bristol Zoo. Our programme of events will help you discover the city and its surroundings, get to know each other and, most importantly, have a good time. There is something for everyone: from city trips to sport afternoons and film nights.
Welcome and Registration Events On the first day of your arrival, you will need to register with the University, which includes visa checks and opening a bank account. You can also find out about what the Students’ Union has to offer, sign-up to trips and activities, and meet fellow students. The Welcome Talk will take place on Thursday morning and the Registration and Welcome Afternoon will take place from 11.30am - 5pm in the Richmond Building, Queens Road, BS8 1LN.
bristolsu.org.uk
University of Bristol Students’ Union The University of Bristol Students’ Union (Bristol SU) is the main democratic body representing the students of Bristol University. Bristol SU is central to your time at Bristol and is here to ensure you have the best possible experience at university. Bristol SU works to support all aspects of student life, including: • Representing students views to the University • Providing a buzzing social hub, with an exciting range of live events • Supporting a wide variety of societies and sports clubs • Offering support services, such as a lettings agency and an impartial advice service Bristol SU is a charitable company and is affiliated with the National Union of Students (NUS).
/BristolSU
@Bristol_SU bristolsu.org.uk
0117 331 8600
bristolsu.org.uk
Events
Bristol SU, in partnership with the International Office, have organised events for you to have fun and familiarise yourself with the city and its surrounding areas.
Bristol walking Tour Discover your new home, learn a little history and get practical tips to make the most of your time here! Walk followed by an optional boat tour of the harbour. Date: 20 May. Leaving at: 1pm. Sign up by: 18 May. Date: 19 & 20 June. Leaving at: 6pm. Sign up by: 16 June. Date: 17 & 18 July. Leaving at: 6pm. Sign up by: 14 July. Price: Free. Meet: Richmond Building, BS8 1LN Sign up by dates above, or at: www.aftbristol.com
Day in London Spend the day discovering London with your friends, or enjoy a guided walking tour of the sights and stop in Chinatown for lunch. Price includes travel, maps, optional tour and more! Date: 25 June, 8am. Sign up by: Before 20 June Date: 23 July, 8am. Sign up by: Before 18 July
Price: ÂŁ25. Meet: Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ Sign up at: www.aftbristol.com
bristolsu.org.uk
Oxford and Bicester village Visit the oldest university city in the world and enjoy a walking tour - a chance to see many of the famous colleges in Oxford. In the afternoon you can explore the city, or visit the Bicester village outlet for some discounted designer goods! Date: 2 July, 9am. Sign up by: Before 28 June Date: 30 July, 9am. Sign up by: Before 26 July Price: ÂŁ25. Meet: Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ Sign up on dates above, or at: www.aftbristol.com
Stonehenge and Salisbury Trip Discover Salisbury, famed for its beautiful cathedral and quaint architecture. Take a short city tour, followed by free time to explore. In the afternoon we will visit Stonehenge, entrance cost included. With an audio tour, admission to the stones, museum and the recreation of a 5000 year old village, this is the cheapest price from Bristol - guaranteed! Price: ÂŁ35. Date: 12 August, 9am. Meet: Bristol Hippodrome Sign up: Before 8 August, book at www.aftbristol.com
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL BOTANIC GARDENS Tour the beautiful garden filled with a huge diversity of plants, including many exotic species set in inspirational displays against the backdrop of a striking Victorian house. Date: 28 June, 2.30pm - 4pm. Date: 30 June, 2.30pm - 4pm. Date: 26 July, 2.30pm - 4pm. Date: 28 July, 2.30pm - 4pm. Price: Free. Meet: Botanic Garden reception Sign up: Pre-book at shop.bris.ac.uk/product-catalogue
bristolsu.org.uk
film Night Enjoy your favourite film in the fantastic Winston Theatre! Let us know what you’d like to see on the PG Network Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/pgnetwork For PGT and PGR Students only. Price: Free. No booking required. Date: 3 July & 15 August 7pm-10pm, Meet: Winston Theatre, Richmond Building
Summer BBQ The Bristol SU PG Network invites you to unwind on the terrace with a burger and summer drinks! For PGT and PGR Students only.
Price: Free. No booking required. Date: 10 August, 5pm - 10pm, Meet: Balloon Bar, Richmond Building
board game night We have a range of board games and card games available, or feel free to bring your own. Free food provided. For PGT and PGR Students only.
Price: Free. No booking required. Date: 30 August, 7pm - 10pm Meet: Balloon Bar, Richmond Building
WANT TO DO MORE? Why not attend one of the many Bristol festivals this summer? Bristol Pride Festival, 30 June - 9 July, bristolpride.co.uk Grillstock, 1 - 2 July, grillstock.co.uk Harbour Festival, 21 - 23 July, bristolharbourfestival.co.uk Upfest, 29 - 30 July, upfest.co.uk Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, 10th-13th August, bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk bristolsu.org.uk
information, advice & guidance bristol su - Just Ask Just Ask can offer advice and support on almost any issue that might affect you at university, be it academic, financial, social or personal. Our services are free, confidential and independent and our advisers are always happy to help. bristolsu.org.uk/justask bristolsu@bristol.ac.uk 3rd Floor, Richmond Building. 0117 331 8635
international student visa advice & compliance team The International Student Visa Advisers can support and guide you on matters related to your immigration status throughout your student journey. They work with the Visa Compliance Officer to help you meet UKVI requirements and rules.
The website has a page dedicated to Pre-sessional students: bristol.ac.uk/directory/visas/pre-sessional
bristolsu.org.uk
Don’t miss anything this summer - join the Bristol SU Postgraduate network on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ pgnetwork
bristol - a guided tour Here’s our quick guide to your new city! Five must-see areas in Bristol
The Triangle & Park Street
Whiteladies Road & Cotham Hill
Gloucester Road & Stokes Croft
Very close to the Students’ Union, it’s busy day and night and is very student friendly. You’ll find pubs, bars, clubs, coffee shops
One of the main student hubs in Bristol. There are loads of nice cafés and restaurants, and the charity shops are some of the best in the city. Lively bars make this a great place to go out.
Home of Bristol’s independent shops, Stokes Croft has a liberal attitude towards street art. A favourite student spot, it boasts funky bars and pubs. On Gloucester Road, you can find specialist food shops, vintage clothing and trendy coffee shops, plus legendary clubs like Blue Mountain and Lakota.
and some really cool shops. Try: Roccotillos Diner, BS8 Fashion Emporium and the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Try: Fishminister, Highbury Vaults and Everyman Cinema
City Centre
Clifton Village
Bristol city centre mixes unique pubs, markets and arthouse cinemas with highstreet brands and fancy restaurants. The city centre’s highlight is the Waterfront, where you’ll find great food, drink and views.
Home to Bristol SU, Clifton Village is full of beautiful Georgian and Regency houses, terraces and plazas. You’ll find upper market restaurants, boutiques and pubs. It’s gorgeous, but can be expensive! Our bar, The Balloon, is the exception, and is the cheapest around.
Try: Boat trips, St Nicholas Market and the Arnolfini art gallery
Try: The Primrose Café, The Coronation Tap and the Suspension Bridge bristolsu.org.uk
Try: The Canteen, Blue Lagoon and the Amnesty Bookshop.
The best of Bristol
With so much on offer, you’ll soon discover your favourites. But to help you start, here are a few of ours.
Theatre
Fashion
Film
Bristol Old Vic - home to the oldest auditorium in the world. The building itself is beautiful and Kings Street has so much history you can almost see the pirates!
The charity shops on Cotham Hill are full of cheap vintage and designer clothes.
The Watershed is one of the best arthouse cinemas in the country, with new and classic film from around the world.
For great theatre on a small budget, try The Wardrobe, at the Old Market Assembly.
Cooshti on Park Street, has great street gear, discounts and friendly staff, and That Thing, in Stokes Croft, is home of Bristol’s independent fashion designer-makers.
Music
Sport
Colston Hall programmes a great range of musicians and comedians but they often sell out fast.
Bristol SU is home to over 60 sports groups, so start with us! We also run Get Active, offering cheap fitness sessions for students.
For local music, choose any one of Bristol’s thousand little venues why not try Mr. Wolf’s or HY-Brazil. Bristol SU’s own Anson Rooms host a great selection of British and international talent, so keep an eye on our website.
There are two big football teams in Bristol. Bristol City play at Ashton Gate in the Championship, and Bristol Rovers play at the Memorial Ground in League One. There are lots of beautiful cycling routes - the first you should try is the Bristol to Bath cycle path. bristolsu.org.uk
Showcase Cinema de Lux in Cabot Circus has great facilities for watching blockbusters. It’s expensive, but they give good discounts for students and members. The Orpheus Cinema and The Cube are tiny cinemas, but are cheaper and offer a nice atmospheres.
Everyman cinema has recently been renovated to its glorious past as the historic Whiteladies Picture House. It’s a ’boutique’ cinema so expect luxurious sofas in the theatres and table service.
Sport
Bristol SU Active provides opportunities to get involved in sports activities. Get active, make new friends and have fun! Classes start from June 12 until September.
Badminton
Indoor Football
Mondays, 4.30pm- 5.30pm, Sport Centre. £2 or free with Sport Pass
Fridays, 4.30pm - 6.30pm, Sport Centre. £2 or free with Sport Pass
Yoga
Swimming
Tuesdays, 5pm - 6pm, Carpenter Room, Richmond Building. £2, booking required
Saturdays, 1.30pm - 3.30pm, Richmond Building Swimming Pool. £2 or free with Sports Pass
Fitness Pilates Wednesdays, 8am - 9am, Carpenter Room, Richmond Building. Free, booking required
Piloxercise vs Zumba Wednesdays, 5pm - 6pm, Carpenter Room, Richmond Building. Free, booking required
Body Balance Thursdays, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Carpenter Room, Richmond Building. Free, booking required
Boxercise Sundays, 5pm - 6pm, Carpenter Room, Richmond Building. Free, booking required
To book in advance and pay online: bristolsu.org.uk/activities/sports/getactive We will be holding one-off events, so make sure you check out our website for updates: bristolsu.org.uk/activities/sports
bristolsu.org.uk
Summer summer pre-sessional menu Highlights The Full Monte £4.55
Iced Coffee with Syrup £2.20
Noodle Bowl £4.75
Smoothie £2.70
Full English Breakfast
Served over Ice
Spicy Chicken, Spicy Prawn or Tofu Pho
Super Red, Super Green, Super Orange, Super Blue, Super Purple
Beef Burger £4.90
San Pellegrino £1.20
Served with Salad Garnish & Chips
Blood Orange, Orange & Pomegranate, Lemon or Grapefruit
Sweet & Sour with Rice £5.90 Prawn or Beef
The Richmond Building, 105 Queens Road
Get your B
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The Basket Your Student Union Shop
lsu.org.uk