Each term BISC arranges a programme of events and activities for international students in Bristol to enjoy. We believe that it is important to take a break from your studies to explore the country that you are studying in and BISC provides the perfect opportunity to explore historic cities and places of interest, as well as promoting cross cultural understanding and exchange through weekly events and cultural evenings.

We publish a different coloured programme for each term : Autumn (red), Spring (green) and Summer (blue). These are widely distributed within the Universities and colleges and are always available at BISC, or you can view up to date information right here on our website.

Our trips and events are open to all international students studying at either of Bristol's Universities or colleges or language schools. Whilst we do allow others to join in our events (including husbands/wives, or visiting family or friends of international students), priority is always given to international students studying in Bristol.

Our trips are also very popular, so booking in advance is highly recommended. If you book on-line, you will receive an email to confirm your booking. Your must pay within 7 days of booking to confirm your place or we may offer it to someone else.

We hope you enjoy the activities and trips that we have arranged. If there are any places that you think we should arrange a visit to, or if there are other activities you'd like to do, then please let us know!

FILM NIGHTS
Thursday 24th April
Simply watch a film & discuss it together afterwards at BISC. An opportunity to improve your English and articulate your thoughts. See website for details of films being shown. Free entry, but book in advance. Refreshments provided. Starts 6:30pm @ BISC.
La Vie en Rose
The critically acclaimed, oscar winning production about the Life of French Cabaret singer Edith Piaff. Beautifully shot , it is a fascinating slice of French 20th century cultural history with a fine ensemble supporting cast. As a child Edith Piaff was abandoned by her alcoholic mother, dumped by her circus-performer father into a brothel run by her grandmother, blinded by disease for four years and cured after a trip to the shrine of St Therese De Lisieux. At 15 she ran away to Paris where, in 1935, she was discovered begging on a street corner with best friend Momone by cabaret impresario Louis Leplee ( Gérard Dépardieu). Marion Cotillard won the Oscar this year for Best Actress. The film is rated 15 with strong language and sexual references.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

FILM NIGHTS
Thursday 1st May
Simply watch a film & discuss it together afterwards at BISC. An opportunity to improve your English and articulate your thoughts. See website for details of films being shown. Free entry, but book in advance. Refreshments provided. Starts 6:30pm @ BISC.
In the Heat of the night (1967)
Winner of 5 Oscars, after the murder of a wealthy and powerful Northern industrialist in the town one night, a well-dressed black stranger, Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier), waiting for a late night train in the deserted train station, is arrested as a prime suspect solely because of his colour. In the Heat of the Night (1967) is a tense whodunit detective story thriller that is set in the little town of Sparta, Mississippi during a hot summer, with an innovative score by Quincy Jones. Norman Jewison masterfully directed this murder melodrama from a screenplay by Stirling Silliphant that was based on the novel by John Ball. The film's posters proclaimed: "They got a murder on their hands. They don't know what to do with it."
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

CAMBRIDGE - FULLY BOOKED!
Saturday 3rd May
Visit the city of Cambridge, an old English town, best known for its University. Have the opportunity to see Cambridge by boat, as well as on foot, and pay a visit to Trinity College, founded by Henry VIII in 1546. Includes a guided walking tour from a local guide where you’ll learn about the origins of the city and the University, discover what it’s like to study there and hear some of the fascinating stories of famous people connected with Cambridge. You’ll also get the chance to go punting on the river Cam and see the city from quite a different perspective! Price of £22 includes guided walking tour, entry to Trinity College, punting and return coach fare. Leave BISC at 7:30am, UWE at 7:45am, return by 9:30pm. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

Kite Making Madness
Wednesday 7th May
Let’s go fly a kite! But first you have to make it! Enjoy an afternoon making your own kite. No experience needed, all materials provided. Only £2, includes refreshments. Starts 3pm at BISC, followed by flying them together on Brandon Hill.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

FILM NIGHTS
Thursday 8th May
Simply watch a film & discuss it together afterwards at BISC. An opportunity to improve your English and articulate your thoughts. See website for details of films being shown. Free entry, but book in advance. Refreshments provided. Starts 6:30pm @ BISC.
Kolya
Once a renowned cellist in the August Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, middle-aged bachelor, Frantisek Louka (Zdenek Sverak), now plays funerals at the city crematorium. Short of money, he marries a Russian lady in a marriage of convenience. His life is altered beyond recognition when his bride quickly emigrates to Germany to join her lover, leaving behind her six year-old Russian son, Kolya (Andrej Chalimon). The young boy is left in Louka's care, inviting the turmoil of the country into his own small apartment and inciting his own personal revolution. In Czech with English Sub-titles.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

Jazz Walks
Hear superb live Jazz music! Meet new friends! Get a taste of the culture and heritage in ‘The Old Duke’ one of the most atmospheric pubs in Bristol. See website for dates throughout the term. Meet Elvyn at the BISC steps at 7:45pm, or make your own way to The Old Duke, King Street, for 8pm. Free entrance, but bring some money if you want to buy a drink!

Dates for walks:
Monday 28th April
Monday 12th May
Monday 19th May
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

BRUNEL TRAIL
Saturday 17th May
Isambard Kingdom Brunel was one of the most versatile and inspirational engineers of the 19th century. He designed both the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The Brunel Trail is a half day guided walking tour (9:30am-2pm), led by Elvyn Griffiths, and covers the sights of Bristol made famous by Brunel as well as a visit to the ss Great Britain –winner of 10 major awards including ‘Museum of the Year’ for an audio tour. Walk costs £3, ss Great Britain costs £8 with NUS card, (£10.50 without) and offers free, unlimited return visits for 1 year. Meet 9:20am at the bridge. Book in advance.

Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

byo Lunch during exams
Tuesdays & Thursdays 20th May - 5th June
Monday Cream Tea, Wednesday Soup lunch and Friday Sandwich lunch will continue as normal during exam time, but on Tuesdays and Thursdays BISC will be open for you to come and bring your own lunch and enjoy it together with others. Relax in the friendly lounge or peaceful and spacious garden at BISC. Help yourself to FREE tea, coffee and biscuits between 1-2pm every Tuesday and Thursday between 20th May and 5th June. Take a break from revision and come and relax at BISC. Just turn up.

Eurovision Song Contest
Saturday 24th May
Come and watch this annual musical contest at BISC with music, dancing and fun as European countries battle it out to win votes from other countries for their song. Cast your own vote in this International competition shown live on TV from Belgrade, Serbia. Includes pizza, ice cream & popcorn to sustain you during the voting! Starts 7pm. Costs £3 for food. Book in advance at BISC or online.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

INTERNATIONAL FEAST & GAMES
Friday 30th May
Take the night off from exam revision or essay writing and enjoy food from all over the world! Bring a main course or dessert from your country for us all to try. No charge because you bring the food! Starts at BISC at 6:30pm, followed by various fun and games after dinner. Please book in advance.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

Gardening at BISC
Friday 6th June @ 2pm
Would you like to help in the BISC garden? We shall be having a garden work party to prune the bushes, dig the weeds and have a general tidy up, after sandwich lunch on Friday 6th June. No experience or equipment required, but please book in advance. Starts 2pm. Wear good shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty!
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

Picnic & Cycle Ride to Bath
Sunday 8th June
The Bristol and Bath railway path is a 13 mile off road route between the cities of Bristol and Bath. Join us for a leisurely cycle ride to Bath and back, along the scenic pathway where you can ponder the artworks along the route, enjoy the landscape, take in the fresh air and enjoy time together. Meet at 10:30am at BISC, or 11am at Millennium Square. Bring your own picnic lunch. If you don't have a bike and can’t arrange to borrow one, ask at BISC for details of hiring a bike. Subject to weather conditions. Free, but book in advance.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

River cruise
Friday 13th June
Exams are over, the summer is here! Enjoy an evening river cruise on the ‘Tower Belle’ along the River Avon towards Bath with live acoustic music from local band ‘Transition’, plus food and drink. Hop aboard and enjoy a relaxing evening on the river as we cruise along at a gentle pace with time to take in the scenery and atmosphere. Licensed bar on board. Meet 6pm at the Mud Dock, Princes Street. Boat departs promptly at 6:15pm, back by 9:30pm. Tickets £13. Don’t ‘miss the boat’ for this popular event! Book early as places are limited!
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

Farewell Garden Party
Wednesday 18th June
“So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye...” However you want to say it, come and say it at BISC. Join together to say your goodbyes before you leave Bristol. Enjoy a selection of delicious BBQ food (including Halal and vegetarian), hear a short farewell talk, then spend the evening simply relaxing in the BISC garden. An opportunity to chat, play games and reminisce about your time in Bristol. Don’t forget your camera! Starts 6pm at BISC. Costs £4. Book at BISC or online.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)