Bristol a Great Student City! Past Review

By (Film, Video, Photographic Arts, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/23/2019 to 06/10/2019 with

University of Bristol: Bristol - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence and learned to advocate for myself when I was feeling overwhelmed. I'm much more experienced travelling on my own now and have more confidence to take on new or unknown experiences.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were interesting and professors were knowledgeable. I was a bit thrown by the more structured bureaucratic structure of the university, which made it more complicated to speak to professors/get extensions etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a first year dorm (Clifton Hill House), which wasn't the nicest place in the world, but was well located and it was fun to live with local students.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Direct enrollment helped me feel connected with the local students and Bristol was a very friendly city where I had no problem speaking with other students or locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The main streets in Bristol are very safe and well lit, even when I came back from travelling on a bus late at night, I felt very safe walking home.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The city of Bristol quickly became my favorite city. It's great for students as there are two large universities in Bristol and there are always activities going on. The study abroad staff at the University are incredibly nice and helpful and definitely worth speaking to if you're experiencing any difficulties. It's a very good school as well, with world class professors and interesting classes.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Prices are pretty reasonable, but because of the exchange rate can add up if you're not paying attention.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own food, and walk places rather than ubering.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Bristol's livability
  • Living with local students
  • Interesting classes
* What could be improved?
  • public transportation wasn't really explained to us
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be scared to join student clubs/societies! It's intimidating being an international student but people at the school are very friendly and welcoming.