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!

A Film Afternoon: ‘Elizabeth I’
Wednesday 17 March: 2.30pm @ BISC
Watch the Golden Age of Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 – 1603 with local guide John Rosewell. Here more about her visit to Bristol and explore the contributions of the fascinating Queen in a discussion after the film
Costs: £2 Lots of refreshments provided!
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

THE COTSWOLDS
Saturday 24 April
Spend a day in the Cotswolds seeing some beautiful scenery and architecture in the countryside. Visit the Corinium Museum in Cirencester, Britain’s second biggest Roman town outside London. Here we’ll trace the story of the Cotswolds from Prehistory to the late 19th Century, with hands-on exhibits, and interactive displays, including a wealth of precious artefacts. In the afternoon we visit the charming and picturesque villages of Bourton-on-the-Water (voted prettiest village in England), Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Broadway. A perfect end to a perfect afternoon: in Broadway we will be treated to an English Cream Tea before heading back home. Price of £19.50 includes Museum entry, Cream Tea, and return coach fare. Leave BISC at 9am, UWE at 9:15am. Return by 7pm. Book early!
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

Japanese Evening
Wednesday 28 April @ 7pm
Experience Japan without even going there! Join us for an evening of Japanese culture, food and customs here at BISC. Kindly organised by the Bristol University Japanese Society. Come and roll your own sushi with the experts! Price £3. Starts at 7.00pm. Limited places available. Book in advance at BISC or online.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

Ice Skating & Evening Meal
Friday 30 April @ 6.30pm
Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter! Come and try ice skating at the Bristol Ice Rink after warming yourself with a delicious BISC meal (with extras). The meal will be served at 6.30pm at BISC. Then walk down together to the Bristol Ice Rink for the ‘disco session’ starting at 8.30pm. Food costs £2.50. Skating costs £4.50 with NUS card (£6.00 without). Pay when you get there. Booking essential!
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

GUIDED WALK 1: Wednesday 5 May
Bristol in Tudor Times
Meet local guide John Rosewell at BISC @ 2pm and step back in time. Follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I and visit, as she did in 1574, extraordinary places in the Old City, the Dock Side & Queen Square. Costs £2.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

CAMBRIDGE
Saturday 8 May
Visit the city of Cambridge, an old English town, best known for its University. See Cambridge by boat, as well as on foot, and pay a visit to St John’s College, founded in 1511. The trip includes a guided walking tour where you’ll learn about the origins of the city and the University, hear some of the most fascinating stories of famous people connected with Cambridge and discover what it’s like to study there. You’ll also get the chance to go punting on the river Cam to see the city from a different perspective!
Cost of £26 includes guided walking tour, entrance fee to St John’s College, punting and return coach fare. Leave BISC at 7:30am, UWE at 7:45am, return by 9:30pm. Book early to avoid disappointment for this popular trip!
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

The Bristol 10km Run
Sunday 9 May
No, we’re not asking you to run 10 kilometres, but how about watching or sponsoring those who are running on behalf of BISC at this year’s Bristol 10k run? The Bristol 10k run attracts more than 15,000 runners and many people run to raise money for charity. This year some students at BISC will be running in an effort to raise money for improvements at the centre – so come and support your ‘HOME AWAY FROM HOME’. If you benefited from BISC during your time in Bristol and would like to give something back, then why not join us to raise money?
Ask in the BISC office for details on how to sponsor these students.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

MEAL WITH A MESSAGE
STUDENTS AND CHRISTIANITY
Tuesday 11 May @ 6.30pm
Come and enjoy a delicious meal at BISC and explore ‘STUDENTS AND CHRISTIANITY’ with the Christian Union of Bristol University. Have your say and share your ideas as we talk, listen and explore together.
Free entry! Book in advance. Starts 6.30pm at BISC.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

GUIDED WALK 2: Wednesday 12 May
Clifton in Victorian times
Meet local guide John Rosewell at BISC @ 2pm. Follow in the footsteps of famous architect George Oatley. See Bristol (in particular Clifton) through the eyes of a Victorian master. Costs £2.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

Lunches during Exams
Every weekday from 17 May - 4 June
(except Bank Holiday Monday 31 May)
Take a break from revision and come and relax in the friendly lounge or peaceful and spacious garden at BISC. Enjoy a tasty lunch at BISC during the 3 weeks of exams. Lunch is served daily from 1-2pm and includes a variety of ‘mystery dishes’ and ‘mystery cakes’. It is always popular so arrive early! Please note that exam lunches will replace the regular teas and lunches for this 3 week period, except for Soup Lunch on a Wednesday. Lunch costs £2.50.

INTERNATIONAL FEAST
Friday 21 May @ 6.30pm
Enjoy an evening of international cuisine & cultural activities! Bring a main course or dessert from your country for us all to try. Share a song, a story, a poem, a game or any other aspect of your culture. No charge because you bring the food and the entertainment! Starts at BISC at 6:30pm. Please book in advance as limited places available!
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)

River cruise
Saturday 12 June
Exams are over, the summer is here!
Enjoy our annual river cruise on board the ’Flower of Bristol’ that takes us along the River Avon for a relaxing evening together. See Bristol from a different perspective and enjoy the summer scenery. The cruise includes a buffet meal, soft drinks and music. Licensed bar on board. Meet 5.45pm at the Prince Street Bridge. Boat departs promptly at 6pm, back by 9pm. Tickets £16. 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 BBQ
Wednesday 16 June @ 6pm
“So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye...” However you want to say it, come and say it at BISC. Join us to say your goodbyes before you leave Bristol. Enjoy a good selection of delicious BBQ food freshly prepared and cooked by a local chef. During the evening there will also be a short farewell talk. Come along, relax in the BISC garden, enjoy each other’s company and reminisce about your time here in Bristol. Don’t forget your camera!
Starts 6pm at BISC. Tickets £8. Book in advance.
Book online. | BISC Blogsite (photos and feedback)