Are you coming to study in Bristol? Yes? -then visit this page…

Universities and colleges in Bristol

In Bristol, there are 2 universities and a number of colleges which provide many courses which you may be able to join. You would need to contact the universities or colleges directly for more information about the courses and how to apply.

• University of Bristol
• University of the West of England
• City of Bristol College
• Filton College
• Soundwell College
• Trinity College
• English Language Centre

Travelling to Bristol

When you arrive in the UK, you will need to travel to Bristol. National Express have coaches that run all over the country and this would be the cheapest way to get to Bristol. National Express run coaches direct from Heathrow and Gatwick airports to Bristol. If you are flying to Bristol Airport, there is a regular coach service to Bristol from the airport. National Express also has an online timetable. Also there is a very good railway network in the UK and there is an online timetable which can help you plan your journey. Catching a train is usually more expensive than a coach but tend to be quicker to arrive at your destination. Discount cards can be bought at railway or coach stations which can save students one third of the price of their journeys. These discount cards can last for 1 year or 3 years.

• National Express Coach Service
• Railway Timetable
• Eurotunnel
• Heathrow Airport
• Gatwick Airport
• Online travel information in Britain
• City Line Bus Company (bus travel within Bristol)
• New2UK - A guide for international students coming to study in the UK

Food and plant imports to the UK: Advice to students

There are strict controls now in place on bringing meat, milk, fish, shellfish, plants, and their products into the European Union (EU) countries. These products can carry plant pests and diseases that can be devastating to the ecology and economy. It is important that as an international student entering the UK that you are familiar with, and abide by these rules.

1) Overseas students coming to the UK/ students going abroad to study for a holiday
The rules on personal imports from non-EU countries changed on 1st January 2003, effectively banning personal imports of meat, milk and their products from these countries. Details of imports and allowances can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/illegali/allow/allowances.htm

2) Students who have direct contact with livestock overseas and then may have contact with livestock in the UK.
Students should only visit livestock premises if it is essential and should avoid premises known to be diseased. For further information on diseases exotic to the UK log onto http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/default.htm

Accommodation in Bristol

You need to contact the accommodation office of the University or college that you are going to. They will be able to advise you on your accommodation situation. They may be able to provide with a list of guest houses to stay in when you first arrive in Bristol. There are also a few addresses listed on this site.

• accom-office@bris.ac.uk - University of Bristol Accommodation Office
• sas@uwe.ac.uk - University of the West of England Accommodation Office
• Unite - non-campus student accommodation
• Study Lets
• Accommodation for Students
• UK Property SHop
• Bristol Digs

If you are struggling to find student lets in Bristol, have a look at student house hunt! They've got loads of student accommodation to rent from most of the Bristol letting agents, ranging from single student flats to big student houses. The website is supported by the students unions of Bristol University and UWE, and should make it easier to hunt down your rented housing in Bristol!"

Opening a bank account.

There are many banks to choose from when opening a bank account in England. They all offer different incentives to encourage you to join them. Check them all out and at the Freshers Fayres they will all be there with information about their student accounts.

• Student Finance Advice from The Times Newspaper.
• Currency Converter

Shopping in Bristol

There are many shopping areas in Bristol. The two main areas are Broadmead which is located in the centre of Bristol and Cribbs Causeway Shopping Mall which is located on the outskirts of Bristol. Each area of Bristol has it's own range of shops and supermarkets. Clifton and Gloucester Road are two popular shopping areas for students. If you are looking to buy academic books why not buy them on the internet? It is often much cheaper.

• Broadmead Shopping Centre
• Currency Converter

Useful information

You may find, once you have arrived in Bristol, that you need to buy a few things. You may decide you would like a bicycle to help you get around more easily, or you may want to sample English television channels and therefore need a TV and license. You might want to find a job or have queries about your VISA. BISC has produced a series of leaflets to help answer some of these questions.