International Students’ Handbook

2019/20 Contents

Welcome to Bristol 3

Before you arrive 5

British culture 7 Traditional British food 10 British sports events 11 Keeping healthy 13

Explore Bristol: Places 17 Explore Bristol: Shops 20 Explore Bristol: Food 22 Explore the University 25 Students’ Union and clubs 26 Accommodation 28 Language Café 29 Careers Service 30 Transport and travel 33

Support directory 35

Emergencies The emergency number in the UK is 999. If you need help, but it is not a life-threatening situation, call 111 for police and health assistance.

1 Welcome to the University of Bristol We are delighted to welcome you to the University of Bristol. You have done incredibly well to gain a place here. This marks the beginning of a rewarding journey as you join the Bristol community and start your new course. This handbook is designed to help you navigate your first few weeks of life in the UK. It also contains a guide to the services and support available, which you may wish to refer to during your studies. We encourage you to save or bookmark this document for future reference. We wish you the very best as you prepare for your studies, and we look forward to meeting you at one of our welcome events. Best wishes Global Lounge team

3 Before you arrive

Secure your visa You might already have your visa, but if it hasn’t arrived and you have questions, contact Student Visa Services. You can also approach them at any point while you’re here for information about Tier 4 visas, biometric residence permit (BRP) cards, registering with the police and working in the UK.

Register as a student Before you arrive at Bristol, you will receive instructions about how to register online. Look out for the email and follow the instructions before you leave home. You can collect your student card once you are here.

Pack important documents Depending on your home country, study level and course, you might need to bring important documents with you to Bristol. Details of what to pack will be listed in your registration guide and online: bristol.ac.uk/students/international

Plan your journey to Bristol We offer a free meet and greet service for students arriving during the main welcome periods in June, July and September. Friendly ambassadors will meet you at main airports and stations and direct you to Bristol.

5 British culture

There’s lots to discover when you move to a new country. Here are a few useful pointers about British culture, which should help you to settle in. Bristol is a very friendly city, so we’re sure you will soon feel at home.

Welcome Week Most UK universities have a Welcome ‒‒ It is more secure to withdraw small Week before classes begin in amounts of cash than to take out September. Bristol is no different, and a large sum and keep it in your you’ll find many events organised by the accommodation. We strongly Students’ Union, University residences advise against this. and the Global Lounge to help you make friends and explore your new Banking help home. Plenty of events are free, but you We can help you to open a UK bank need to buy a ticket for some. Discover account once you arrive. To open a what you can get involved in online at: bank account you must be a registered bristol.ac.uk/find-your-bristol student, so you can’t open one until you are here. However, you can do Bank accounts some research beforehand and get Many students open a UK bank account the relevant documents ready. See our to make accessing money easier and banking handbook for more details. safer. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to open a UK Financial planning bank account: It can sometimes take two weeks or more to open a bank account, ‒ Cash withdrawals from an overseas ‒ so keep this in mind when planning account can incur transaction fees; your finances ahead of arriving. ‒‒ If you receive a University of Bristol scholarship to help with your living Please be mindful of financial scams costs, this will need to be paid into and don’t send or give money to a UK bank account; people who request it, unless you expect the transaction. You can get ‒ Having a UK bank account can ‒ advice from Action Fraud if you think make it easier to pay for some UK- you’ve been a victim of a scam. based services, such as mobile www.actionfraud.police.uk phone contracts;

6 7 Religion Postal service SIM cards Bristol is home to people of many Outgoing post is sent through a There are many types of mobile phone different faiths. Places of worship post box; these are normally red smart cards (SIM cards) available in include mosques, gurdwaras, and located on busy street corners, the UK. Most networks offer ‘pay as Buddhist centres, synagogues and with collection times listed on the you go’ options. You can top these up a Hindu temple, in addition to a outside. Worldwide stamps can be as required, or pay monthly, through wide variety of Christian churches. bought in Post Offices, while most mobile apps. SIM cards are given out The University’s Multifaith Chaplaincy supermarkets and some stationery for free during the Welcome Lounges can provide further information as shops sell UK first- and second-class in September and January. well as pastoral and spiritual support: stamps for letters. If you want to send bristol.ac.uk/multifaith-chaplaincy . larger or signed-for items, you can do If you need to buy a new mobile We also have several faith-based so at a Post Office. phone there are many stores near to student societies offering a range the University. Search online or ask of social and religious activities. Recycling the Global Lounge team for advice. There are strict rules about recycling UK holidays in the UK. If you are living in private National holidays in the UK are often accommodation you will have different called ‘bank holidays’. Banks are boxes for waste disposal. Follow always closed on these days, as are the instructions carefully to ensure some places of work. Most shops are everything is collected. Your landlord still open, with shorter opening times. or letting agent will provide information about collection days for your property. Libraries Make sure you put your bins on the Smoking Once registered as a student, you street the evening before. In the UK it is illegal to smoke in public are automatically entitled to use venues. This includes University the University libraries. You may If you live in University accommodation, buildings, bars, restaurants, shops also join the city’s public libraries, recycling facilities are available in most and public transport. Most public free of charge. You need to show buildings. You will be provided with places have designated smoking proof of a Bristol address and some a blue recycling box, and it is your areas outside. identification to register. You can responsibility to empty the box and join in person or online here: separate the contents. TV licence www.bristol.gov.uk/libraries- If you have a television in your house archives/join-the-library In Bristol, you can normally recycle or flat, or watch BBC programmes paper, cardboard, glass, tins, online, you must pay for a TV licence. Local public libraries cans, hard plastic, food waste and They can be bought online and last for ‒‒ Central Library, College Green clothes. Other waste is disposed a year. Your TV licence will cover your ‒‒ Redland Library, Whiteladies Road of in black bins. whole property, so you can split the ‒‒ Clifton Library, Princess Victoria price with your housemates. Street

8 9 Traditional British food British sports events

The UK is a diverse mix of cultures, and we love many different Nothing brings people together like sport. Any large-scale types of food. Here are some of our Bristol favourites to try. sporting event in the UK is an excuse to come together to watch the game and celebrate.

‒‒ Look out for locally sourced fish ‒‒ Break out the barbecue in the and chips, a real benefit of Bristol’s garden or park. On sunny summer Wimbledon tennis championship A day at the cricket harbourside location. days, families and friends come A summer highlight for sports fans. Observing the complicated rules together to enjoy grilled food ‒ Try a thali at one of Bristol’s award- It’s known for the white dress code and traditions can offer a uniquely ‒ outdoors. You can pick up a winning Indian restaurants. and traditional snack of strawberries British experience. The Bristol County disposable barbecue from most and cream in the sun. You can watch Ground is a 20-minute walk from ‒‒ Enjoy a hearty Sunday roast with all supermarkets. it on big screens in city centre the campus and hosts One Day the ‘trimmings’, particularly popular ‒ Bristol has the most Michelin stars locations, at home with friends, or for Internationals as well as more fast- in colder months and often served ‒ of any UK city outside of London, real in Wimbledon. paced Twenty20 matches. in pubs. so if you feel like a real treat, a taster ‒‒ Bristolians love a good brunch: menu is a great way to experience Six Nations rugby Local football matches a slightly larger breakfast served fine dining. Taking place in February and March, Watch fans cheering on their team later in the day and often enjoyed this international sporting event with passion, humour and plenty of ‒ Tea is a national favourite and in with friends. ‒ brings out everyone’s competitive sing-song chants. Reds or blues? Bristol you can find it everywhere side. Many head to pubs to watch Choose either a Bristol City or Bristol ‒‒ Experiment with international from loose leaf specialists to cheap the matches on TV in a lively (and Rovers match to get a real glimpse of cuisine: from sushi to Ethiopian and cheerful cafés. often noisy!) atmosphere. Or to Bristol’s character. restaurants, you’ll never be short experience the game in person, of world flavours. you could catch a Bristol Bears Horse racing match at Ashton Gate stadium. A day at the races is an experience like no other. Look out for cheap tickets for Cheltenham, Chester or Wolverhampton racecourses to experience the occasion.

10 11 Keeping healthy

The NHS and the University offer a range of services to help you look after yourself while you are a student.

When you arrive in the UK, it is Where to go for what? important to register with a local The UK offers a public health service, doctor’s service, or GP (General the NHS (National Health Service) but Practitioner) so there is no delay you can also access private medical in getting an appointment when care. The following is a guide to the you need one. This GP is your public services available. main contact for non-emergency medical problems. Medical emergencies only Eg: Chest pains, breathing difficulty Bristol is one of the UK’s few universities or heavy bleeding to have its own Students’ Health Call 999 and ask for an ambulance, Service, which provides medical care or if you are well enough to travel, go close to the main campus. You can to a hospital Accident and Emergency register with this or another local (A&E) department. There are A&E GP practice. Search for your nearest departments at Bristol Royal Infirmary practice online. and Southmead hospitals. www.nhs.uk/service-search Most illnesses or If you have a health problem, tell us medical problems about it straight away so we can point Eg: Fever, persistent vomiting, ongoing you in the right direction for help. You conditions or unexplained pains can also talk to academic staff in your school if you are struggling with your For most health complaints, visit your work because of these problems. GP’s surgery (doctor’s office). If you need to visit a hospital, your GP will Remember to take the required then refer you for an appointment. documents when you register If your GP service is closed, or you with a GP. are unable to get an appointment, you can call 111 or visit a walk-in centre where you wait to be seen. The Bristol walk-in centre is inside Boots in The Galleries shopping centre.

12 13 Minor health issues Eye health Is public healthcare free? Eg: Diarrhoea, hay fever, cough or cold Including glasses and contact lenses Emergency treatment is free for Some minor conditions can be treated Eye care is provided by opticians who everyone in the UK. using over-the-counter medicines are normally found on the high street. recommended by a pharmacist. You An eye test is usually around £20. You can get advice and buy medicines for need a prescription to buy glasses or Many international students are eligible minor illnesses at a pharmacy rather contact lenses, and the cost can vary for free or subsidised healthcare while than visiting your GP. Pharmacies greatly so it is worth looking around. they are a University of Bristol student. close to campus include Cotham To find out whether you are eligible for Pharmacy and Boots. Sexual health free or reduced-cost healthcare, visit Contraception the UKCISA (UK Council for International Mental health Attitudes to sex may be different to Student Affairs) website. Eg: Ongoing conditions, depression, those in your home country and sex is anxiety, stress or low mood often spoken about openly in the UK. The NHS website also provides lots In the UK, people are encouraged You are free to live according to your of useful advice about accessing to talk about mental health. If you own values and should not feel under healthcare as a student. have non-urgent mental health any pressure to conform to attitudes concerns, make an appointment to Oral health of fellow students. Private healthcare see your GP who will be able to offer Teeth and mouth Private medical care is also available in medical advice. You can also use the If you become involved in a sexual the UK. You could choose to take out Once you have registered with a University services, which offer many relationship, you may want advice private health insurance, even if you doctor’s surgery, you can register with different types of support, see page on avoiding pregnancy and/or STIs are also registered with the NHS, as a dental practice. There are NHS and 37 for a list of all the help available. (sexually transmitted infections). some services can have long waiting private dentists in Bristol, which you Practising ‘safe sex’ is recommended times and the NHS does not cover all can search for using the NHS website. If you have urgent mental health and you can visit either your GP or a health-related costs. This is a personal Dental treatment can be expensive, concerns, which may include family planning clinic, such as Unity decision and is not compulsory. so check costs in advance. If you experiencing suicidal thoughts, you Sexual Health, for advice. You can also use private healthcare have a dental emergency, call 111 should contact your GP surgery and services without insurance, but this for advice or ask your dentist for an request an emergency appointment can be very expensive. emergency appointment. or call 111 if the surgery is closed. The Bristol Mental Health Crisis Make sure your vaccinations are up- You may be able to get free dental team can help in very serious situations to-date before coming to university. care at Bristol Dental Hospital, where and is available 24 hours a day on our dental students treat patients 0300 555 0334. under the supervision of qualified dentists, even if you are not entitled to NHS treatment.

14 15 Explore Bristol: Places

Frequently voted one of the best places to live in the UK, Bristol has no shortage of venues to visit and events to enjoy. Visit Bristol publishes up-to-date information on city events. Below is a selection of some popular locations.

Ashton Court park Discover magnificent old oak trees and grazing wild deer at Ashton Court Estate, which offers free admission. This is a beautiful place for an afternoon walk, just outside of the city centre.

Blaise Castle Estate This 18th-century historic house and museum is situated in 400 acres of parkland. See how people lived through time, and explore the picturesque estate, all free of charge. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Here, you can find out about the last Bristol and Bath Railway Path billion years of Earth’s history, explore This cycle path is many things to many the region’s natural wonders and people – an integral commuting route, enjoy the extensive art collection – an attractive leisure path and an including a Banksy or two. (Best important wildlife corridor. Cycle the of all, the permanent collection is route all the way to Bath or walk, run completely free!) or jog sections of it at your leisure. Bristol walking tours Harbourside market Visit Bristol offers some The perfect place to meet friends and recommendations for walking tours in grab a bite to eat, this weekly market Bristol. Spend an afternoon learning takes place on Wednesdays, Thursdays about Banksy and graffiti or history and weekends in the centre. around the harbourside.

16 17 Bristol Zoo Bristol Old Vic Trips and tours Bristol Zoo is the fifth oldest in the Built in 1766, Bristol Old Vic is the Bristol is well located to explore the world and has helped to save over 175 oldest continuously working theatre rest of the UK. It’s close to Bath, species from extinction. Its ongoing in the English-speaking world. Its Exeter, London, Cardiff and many conservation and research projects programme offers experimental other places of interest across the and award-winning education team productions, and its front of house South West of England and Wales. make it an enlightening place to visit boasts a lively bar and kitchen. and appreciate nature. There are great train connections from SS Great Britain Bristol Temple Meads station, or you Clifton lido One of the world’s most important can travel by coach from Bristol Coach The lido is an urban oasis in the heart historic ships, the SS Great Britain Station. Further information can be of Clifton, featuring a spa, restaurant, was the first iron steamer to cross found on page 33. outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna, the Atlantic in 1845. Climb onboard jacuzzi and steam room. and learn about Bristol’s maritime The Global Lounge team organises history and its world-famous engineer, trips from Bristol to many other cities Leigh Woods Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Bristol Folk House of interest. Leigh Woods, on the outskirts of Bristol, The Folk House runs an extensive is the perfect place to escape the hustle programme of recreational, part-time Bristol International Student Centre and bustle of the city. Located just over courses and workshops, as well being (BISC) is a registered charity with a the Clifton Suspension Bridge, it’s a home to a vegetarian café. Why not Christian ethos supporting international wonderful area for a weekend walk, a start a pottery class, join a choir or students of all faiths and none. They picnic, or to discover native wildlife. learn a language? organise a lot of activities, as well as run trips and tours throughout the M Shed Tobacco Factory academic year. From prehistoric times to the present This cosy hub in South Bristol is home day, M Shed tells the story of Bristol to a theatre, exhibitions, live music and and its unique place in the world. a café-bar. There’s also a weekly food The extensive permanent collection and crafts market. is free, but you can also find special exhibitions for a small charge. University of Bristol Botanic Garden The University of Bristol Botanic Garden is located next to the North Residential Village, and entry is free for students. It’s a great place to take a break, have a stroll and learn about plant evolution.

18 19 Explore Bristol: Shops

Shops are generally open from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. Supermarkets and large shops are open later during the week, and usually close at 4 pm on Sundays. Everything is close together: shops, supermarkets, clubs. We have the beautiful harbourside, Park Street and Whiteladies Road Broadmead, The Galleries Clifton Suspension Bridge and These are the closest shopping and Cabot Circus so much more not far from the streets to the main campus, called These areas, sometimes referred to as University… It is very easy to Clifton Campus. Here, you can find ‘the centre,’ have the largest selection explore Bristol! supermarkets, a pharmacy, a Post of high street shops in Bristol. They are Office and stores for homeware about a 15-minute walk from the main Zahra (LLB Law) essentials, as well as vintage shops, University campus. Kenya cafés and restaurants. ‒‒ In The Galleries you’ll find a Post Office (inside WHSmith stationery store), an Argos shop with a Charity shops catalogue of homeware and There are plenty of charity shops in gadgets, and Boots, the largest Bristol where people donate items pharmacy in town. with profits going to charity. The ‒‒ High street (chain) clothing stores, British Heart Foundation shop sells such as Topshop, H&M and Primark furniture and homeware in the centre. can be found nearby. Primark sells Cotham Hill and Gloucester Road have bedding and clothes at low prices. many charity shops selling clothes, homeware and books, and the Oxfam ‒ Wilko is a cheap option for most ‒ charity shop on Park Street has homeware and cleaning essentials. hundreds of popular book donations. Debenhams, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer department stores Hairdressing also stock homeware but can be There are plenty of hairdressers more expensive. in Bristol, and many offer student ‒‒ There is an Apple Store in Cabot discounts. For hairdressers Circus. Other phone stores specialising in African hair near nearby include Vodafone and campus, try: Carphone Warehouse. ‒‒ Cococheno Hair & Nail Salon, Nelson Street ‒‒ Gaudi Hair, Baldwin Street.

20 21 Explore Bristol: Food

Large supermarkets often contain food from across the globe, but Bristol also has lots of specialist grocers.

Main supermarkets Specialist food stores There are a number of big chain African, Caribbean and halal food A foodie’s paradise Finding a restaurant supermarkets in the UK. Most have ‒‒ Kalahari Moon, St Nicholas Market Did you know, Bristol has the most Whether you’re looking for tastes of shops near to the University campus ‒‒ Malik’s, Stapleton Road, Easton Michelin stars of any UK city outside of home or to discover something new, or our residences. ‒‒ Super Mashriq Halal Butchers, London? If you want to eat out, you’ll you can search for restaurants easily Ashley Road find that almost all worldwide cuisines online. Review sites are a great place The best way to find your nearest one are catered for. to start. All of the following have listings is to search using an online map and Asian supermarkets for Bristol: look for these names: ‒‒ 168 Oriental, Park Street Ask for a student discount www.visitbristol.co.uk ‒‒ ALDI ‒‒ Wah Yan Hong Oriental Food Many venues provide good discounts ‒‒ ASDA Specialists, Denmark Street on prices if you are a student. You www.bristol247.com ‒‒ Co-op ‒‒ Ding Sing Oriental Supermarket, will need a TOTUM student card to www.tripadvisor.com ‒‒ LIDL Fairfax Street get most benefits, while some smaller www.timeout.com ‒‒ Marks & Spencer ‒‒ Wai Yee Hong, Eastgate Road restaurants may accept your University ‒‒ Sainsbury’s student card. ‒‒ Tesco Middle Eastern supermarkets ‒‒ Waitrose ‒‒ Al-Noor Supermarket, Stapleton Road

European supermarkets ‒‒ El Colmado, Gloucester Road ‒‒ Viandas Spanish Deli, Park Row ‒‒ C&T Licata & Son, Picton Street ‒‒ Paprika Store, Old Market Road ‒‒ Eastern European Food Stores, Gloucester Road ‒‒ Eastern European Food Centre, Ashley Road

22 23 Explore the University

Do you want to learn more about other cultures and meet new friends? See what the Global Lounge team can offer.

Global Lounge team The University of Bristol is launching a programme of cultural and social activities under the name of ‘Global Lounge’ in autumn 2019. In future the Global Lounge will be a physical space, but in the meantime it will host activities and events in various locations across the campus and city.

Bristol is filled with many diverse communities. The Global Lounge team brings these groups together so they can learn from each other. Each year, a full calendar of events will be available for all University of Bristol students; join us as we celebrate international festivals such as Diwali, Nowruz or Thanksgiving and visit nearby places of interest, such as Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge or Oxford.

If you or your student society are interested in organising an event to showcase one of your own cultural celebrations, email [email protected] The team can support you with marketing, and help make your event inclusive for the whole University community.

24 25 Students’ Union and clubs

The University of Bristol Students’ Union (Bristol SU) exists Bristol SU helps its students run more than 400 societies and to help all students have the best possible time while they sports clubs. Whether it’s well-known sports like football, are at Bristol. It aims to give students a voice, to help you rugby or running, or something more unusual (Quidditch, experience new activities, to access the advice and services anyone?), Bristol SU has a huge range of options. you need, and to meet new people. The Students’ Union is run by elected full-time student officers and is based in the International Officer Volunteering Richmond Building. The International Students’ Officer Volunteering is a great way to represents international students with discover the city and give back to all aspects of the international student the local community. Bristol SU can experience, including campaigning help you find wide-ranging projects University bar and event venue Student discounts against discrimination and breaking such as gardening, school workshops The Students’ Union has its own In The Basket you can buy a TOTUM barriers. The International Officer and helping the homeless. There are student bar and restaurant, selling card, which provides student discounts supports the international student hundreds of charities and community good value food and drinks and for many online and physical shops community through the International groups looking to recruit volunteers. featuring a lively calendar of events. nationwide. Your TOTUM card also Students’ Network. For opportunities delivered straight It’s called the Balloon Bar and is comes with ISIC membership, which to your inbox, sign up to the SU in the Richmond Building. gives you many international discounts. International Students’ Network newsletter. They can even help you At the time of writing, a one-year The International Students’ Network develop your own volunteering project. The Students’ Union runs regular TOTUM card costs £12, two years cost welcomes all international students comedy events, bingo nights and £22 or three years cost £32. You can through socials, campaigns, forums DBS checks karaoke evenings to bring people also buy your TOTUM card online. and more. Hosting many exciting Depending on your choice of together. Live music takes place during events, such as a Global Carnival, volunteering project, you might need the weekends in the large venue on the network offers a supportive to apply for a DBS (Disclosure and the first floor, the Anson Rooms. community run by students. Barring Service) check. This process can take a few weeks, so keep this in Merchandise store Other networks mind if you want to get involved. If you In the Students’ Union, you can find There are many other networks within think you might want to volunteer in The Basket, which sells University the Students’ Union, from LGBTQ+ to Bristol it is worth securing a Criminal branded items such as jumpers, Wellbeing networks. Record Check (sometimes called a scarves and keyrings. This is on the Certificate of Good Conduct) from your ground floor next to the Balloon Bar. home country before you arrive, as this will speed up the process. For full details visit: bristolsu.org.uk/skills-volunteering/ find-an-opportunity/dbs

26 27 Accommodation Language Café

Finding short-term Learning a language is all accommodation In some cases you may need to find about practice, and there are accommodation for less than an plenty of ways to improve academic year. It is worth noting your skills while at Bristol. that finding accommodation in Bristol (particularly in areas close to the University campus) is competitive, so being open to compromise is a From Autumn 2019, the Global Lounge good idea. The Accommodation team will run a weekly Language Café. Office produces information on This will be a great opportunity to finding short-term accommodation, practise your language skills, meet and also runs a bulletin board where new people and get involved in the you can find vacancy listings. global community here in Bristol.

Living in University accommodation University-Wide Language Take a look at the online guide for your Programme Living with flatmates Living in privately rented residence to get all the information you Many students can learn a modern In our residences you’ll be living with a accommodation need on life in your halls of residence – language as part of their course, mix of other students from both the UK Depending on the length of your from where to get your post, through and the levels range from beginner and around the world. Be brave and course and your accommodation to what to do if you lose your keys. to advanced. Find out more online: say hello to other students you meet requirements, you may need to look bristol.ac.uk/students/ bristol.ac.uk/sml/study/uwlp – remember they are feeling as new for private accommodation at some accommodation and nervous as you. When it comes to point during your stay in Bristol. getting along with your housemates, if Support in your accommodation everyone tries to be considerate with The Accommodation Office is If you are living in a University things such as noise and using the available to provide advice on finding residence and need support, kitchen, and at the same time tolerant private accommodation. They your first point of contact should be of one another, then you should all get produce a range of factsheets which your Residential Life team in your along nicely. include information on avoiding residential village. scams, personal safety, where to look The Senior Residents for your for accommodation, guarantors and accommodation will be arranging to booking accommodation from abroad. meet you and your flatmates during They also organise a housing advice the first few weeks of term. Make sure fair to help you get started. you go along to the meeting, as your Senior Resident will be an important contact and it’s a great way to get all the flatmates together.

28 29 Careers Service

The Careers Service can help you explore which career is right for you, find relevant work experience and apply for roles in the UK, your home country or anywhere in the world. We also support students wanting to take up further Bristol Futures Through a range of learning resources study or start a business. You can visit in person, and be and extracurricular activities, Bristol sure to look out for information about the support available Futures supplements our Careers Service by encouraging you to develop within your school or faculty too. your skills and broaden your horizons. The initiative includes: ‒‒ Study Skills and Personal It’s important that you start your career information and advice across a wide Development Planning to planning early, particularly if you are a range of sectors and for every stage improve your employability; master’s student and only in the UK of your career journey. Do also check for a short time. We recommend you the international students’ area which ‒‒ Bristol Futures Optional Units, which first get an overview of the support contains all the support available and allow you to expand your knowledge we offer on our website. From these is tailored to you. A key resource is the of global challenges and work with pages you should then log in to our International Student FAQs which students outside your course; career portal mycareer (you will need answers your most common questions. ‒‒ Extracurricular Open Online Courses your single sign on), which has detailed On mycareer you can also book careers and other opportunities to find out events, make appointments for CV more about the city, build new reviews, and find advertisements networks and develop skills beyond for jobs you can do alongside your your studies; studies and after you graduate. I will be starting work in ‒‒ Our employer-endorsed scheme, the London with a top-tier law Getting work experience while you Bristol PLUS award, which recognises firm after graduation. The are in the UK is important, so make your extracurricular activities. Law School had many events a start by booking one of our events which helped us pave the way such as ‘Communicating your value to Explore the opportunities at: towards a career in law, and home and UK employers’ or ‘Finding bristol.ac.uk/bristol-futures the Careers Service had skills work experience and internships in workshops. I also obtained the the UK’. Volunteering is also valued Bristol PLUS Award, which by employers and is one of the ways recognised the skills I gained. you can gain work experience while Kristin (LLB Law) in Bristol. Explore the career support Singapore available at: bristol.ac.uk/careers

30 31 Transport and travel

Travel within Bristol Cycling and walking Bristol is a compact city and it is easy Bus to travel around on foot or by bike. If The bus services in Bristol run you cycle, you must use lights after frequently Monday to Saturday, dark and ride on the left side of the with a reduced service on Sundays. road, and you should also wear a First Bus is currently the main bus helmet and invest in a secure lock. company operating in Bristol. You can download the First Bus app to buy cheaper tickets with your University Travel within the UK student card. Coach You can buy your ticket on the Travelling by coach (long distance bus) bus with cash or contactless card is cheaper than train travel, but takes payment, or in advance using the app. longer. Bristol is a useful base for You can only get on or off a bus at a travelling by coach, offering direct designated bus stop. When your bus connections to London, Birmingham, is approaching, you should hold your Manchester, Scotland and Cardiff. arm out to let the driver know you want to get on. Some buses don’t If you are aged 16 to 26 you can buy a tell you when the next bus stop is Young Person’s Coachcard to get a ¹⁄³ approaching, so pay attention. You discount on coach travel with National must press the stop button to stop Express, the main coach operator of the bus. Bristol Coach Station. This currently costs £12 .50 for a year or £30 for If you live in University accommodation, three years. you might receive a free bus pass for the U1/U2 bus service. If you have a TOTUM student discount card, you are entitled to a 10% Taxis discount with Megabus, a popular Taxis are a good – if expensive – way budget coach operator. to travel around the city late at night or when it is not convenient to get a bus. Train VCars is a taxi firm based in Bristol, The UK has a very good rail network. and you can ring them to book a taxi If you are aged 16 to 30 you can buy a on 0117 925 2626. If you find yourself railcard that will save you ¹⁄³ on your without money in an emergency, you rail fares. On UK trains, you generally can give the taxi firm your University of must buy a ticket before boarding. Bristol UCard and pay the fare later.

32 33 Support directory

There is plenty of support available at Bristol. Some of these services might be new to you, so we have created this directory to explain what the services are, who they are for, where to find them and whether they are free.

You might feel a bit nervous about using these services, but remember that all staff are familiar with a range of student concerns and are here to help. You shouldn’t hesitate to seek advice, no matter how small the issue. If you Feeling homesick? aren’t sure where to go or who to ask, you can visit the Information Point If you need some extra and they can direct you to the correct support, we provide a team to help. Almost all services are variety of help. From free and available to all students. Student Wellbeing Advisers The Information Point is on the ground to the Students’ Health floor of 5 Tyndall Avenue, on the main Service and from study campus and can be contacted in person, by phone or email. support resources to your [email protected] subject librarian, there is 0117 428 3000 always someone available.

I signed up for a peer mentor who is a third-year student from my course. She told me what to take note of for the course and offers me guidance whenever I need it. Xiong Jing (BSc Pscyhology) Malaysia

34 35 Academic Health and wellbeing

Service Description Further information Service Description Further information Availability

Centre for Courses to develop your bristol.ac.uk/english- Free and Disability Confidential advice and study bristol.ac.uk/disability- Free to all Academic academic language and literacy, language/study/ available to Services support for disabled students, services students Language and equipping you with skills that current-students most students including those with: dyslexia, Development complement and enhance ongoing health and mental your studies health conditions, attention deficit conditions, Asperger Just Ask Information, advice and bristolsu.org.uk/advice- Free to all syndrome/autism, visual or guidance on University policies, support students hearing impairments, and processes and procedures mobility difficulties (including appeals, extenuating circumstances, changing course, Multifaith A welcoming space for people bristol.ac.uk/multifaith- Free to all and disciplinary action) Chaplaincy of any faith and none to drop chaplaincy students in for a chat, a coffee, a quiet Peer assisted Weekly student-led study bristol.ac.uk/students/ Free, available to room or to talk to a chaplain study sessions sessions where you can ask study/faculty-study- undergraduates about any issues you are facing. (PASS) questions about course support/pass on participating The website offers information material and student life subjects about worship centres and organisations in Bristol for all Personal Tutor Questions about your You will be given these Free to all faith communities (undergraduate course, help with academic contact details at the start students or postgraduate or personal development, of your course but speak Peer mentoring A fellow student usually taking bristol.ac.uk/students/ Free taught students) and advice on your studies to your school if you don't a similar subject who can help study/peer-mentoring have them. as you are adjusting to Bristol, First-year Supervisor listen when you need to talk undergraduate (research and answer any questions students only students) you have about your course Study Skills Workshops and tutorials bristol.ac.uk/studyskills Free to all or university life covering topics like critical students Student Confidential, individual and bristol.ac.uk/student- Free to all writing, academic reading, Counselling group support from qualified counselling students projects and dissertations, counsellors, offering a reflective presentation skills, group work and accepting space and revision techniques Students’ Support with health issues bristol.ac.uk/students- See page 13 Subject Help finding information, bristol.ac.uk/library/ Free to all Health Service (physical and mental) health librarian evaluating academic resources, subject-support students avoiding plagiarism and Residential Life Each Residential Village has bristol.ac.uk/students/ All students referencing correctly Service a Residential Life team based wellbeing/services/ living in a in the village’s Student Support residential-life-service University Centre. They offer 24-hour advice residence, at and support on any issues you any level of are facing, seven days a week study

Wellbeing Professional help and guidance if bristol.ac.uk/students/ Free to all Service you are experiencing challenges wellbeing/services/ students or want extra support student-wellbeing- service

36 37 Life at Bristol

Service Description Further information Availability

Accommodation For questions about University- bristol.ac.uk/ Free to all Sport, Exercise A wide range of opportunities bristol.ac.uk/sport/ Available to all Office allocated accommodation, or help accommodation students and Health to get active, whether you want welcome students, costs finding private accommodation, to represent the University in vary as well as advice about life in a competition or simply use rented accommodation, including the gym budgeting and UK housing law SU Student 13 student-led networks that bristolsu.org.uk/ Free to all Bristol Doctoral Training, events and opportunities bristol.ac.uk/doctoral- Free Networks / help build communities, create student-voice/ students College (BDC) to support your development college/current- International change, hold forums and representation/ and enhance your experience, research-students/ Postgraduate Students' organise social events – these networks including connecting with the pgr-hub research Network include the International Students’ research community in the PGR students only Network and networks for: Hub in Senate House BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) students, disabled students, Bristol Futures Extracurricular courses and bristol.ac.uk/bristol- Free to all LGBT+ students, postgraduate opportunities to expand your futures students students, trans students, horizons, help make you more wellbeing, and women. globally aware and enhance your employability Student Fees Fee payments and funding bristol.ac.uk/fees- Free to all and Funding advice, and support with long- funding/contacts students Bristol Support for international students www.bisc.org.uk Costs vary Office term financial hardship International from Bristol and UWE (University (some free), Student Centre of the West of England) through available to Student Visa Support relating to your UK bristol.ac.uk/visas Free to all (BISC) a range of activities, trips and international Services immigration status students socials, and a centre where you students can get a free cup of tea or use Students' Union Community building, cultural bristolsu.org.uk Available for all the lounge and garden celebration, social activities and students, costs meeting other students vary Careers Service Advice on employment, part-time bristol.ac.uk/careers Free to all work, career planning, networking students and professional development, whether you want to work in the UK or plan to work overseas

IT Services Help with technical problems, bristol.ac.uk/students/ Free to all accessing online resources or study/it students trouble with your computer, as well as workshops and a laptop / mobile clinic

myopportunities Online portal to help with your careers.bristol.ac.uk/s/ Free to all skills development through opportunities students engagement opportunities, such as volunteering and internships

38 39 If you need all or part of this publication in an alternative format, please contact us. Tel: +44 (0)117 394 1649 Email: [email protected]

This handbook contains information for students planning to start university in autumn 2019. We have made every effort to ensure all details are correct at the time of going to press (August 2019). However, since this information is subject to change, check the University’s website for the latest updates: bristol.ac.uk

Design: pelotondesign.co.uk Photography: Bhagesh Sachania, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Dan Rowley, Fine Time Photography, Visit Bristol © University of Bristol 2019

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