Thursday 18-07-2019 - 09:00

Written by Cameron Scheijde, Co-Editor in Chief of Epigram 2018-19

Photos courtesy of Cameron Scheijde

When most students choose their Universities, so many factors come into play. We can never know the impact that the city and University we chose will have on some of the most formative years of our lives. I knew Bristol based on the experiences of two small open days and its academic reputation alone – but I was lucky to have hit the jackpot and secured three incredible years in the most vibrant, beautiful, independent and energetic of cities.

Much like many third years in June, I have spent the last few days packing my three years of accumulated stuff into boxes, ready to leave my third floor student flat at the end of my tenancy. Looking out of my window, with views over the entire city, I cannot help but feel sad to be leaving Bristol – it is extremely obvious why so many choose to stay for years, or maybe their lifetimes, after graduating. 

From the first week, fearfully venturing into these strange and unfamiliar of surroundings, it was clear that Bristol has so much culture, energy and vibrance it is befitting of a city state, rather than simply a cog in the turbulent machine of the UK.

Students can often isolate themselves from their cities, especially in campus Universities, but Bristol’s set up means you have little choice but to get involved in the hustle and bustle of the activities of the city.

In three years I have attended classical music concerts in the Vic Rooms followed by Rock gigs in Stokes Croft, attended slam poetry in Hotwells followed by a pint in the famous cat pub. Locals and students mingle to create an environment of thriving creativity and fearless free expression. 

Hosting much of this cross-cultural mingling is the SU itself – that oft-criticised but utterly irreplaceable fortress of extracurricular activity. Bristol students do not come to Bristol solely to lock themselves in a library and achieve their degrees. They come to develop their passion for pottery or dedication to drama, to form their own volunteering networks or develop their political persuasions. The talent and enthusiasm of Bristol’s student community leaks into the very identity of the city itself. 

A Bristol student is the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Bristol West, and it was a Bristol student that launched the BME Powerlist, recognising the excellence of BME achievement in Bristol.

A Bristol student has grown Bristol Nightline into a large and important service for those struggling and it was Bristol students who have collaborated with the city to take a stand against inaction on climate change.

Bristol students, every year, deliver performances to school kids in Bristol and create their own theatre companies to showcase issues like female sexuality, sex workers and LGBTQ+ liberation. Students work with the city to develop policy and make changes on refugees, rent, homelessness, substance abuse and access to education. 

When you join Bristol University, you don’t just join an academic community to achieve your degree. You join a community of engaged and active students who actively work in the vibrant and inspiring surroundings of Bristol city life to make meaningful and life-changing contributions to those around them. 

As I am sure any graduate will tell you, I will miss being a small part of this brilliant and exciting community. Bristol students are truly some of the best.