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The teaching and facilities at Bath are outstanding
I have just finished my first year at the University of Bath studying Biology with a professional placement and can confirm that moving is worth it!
After completing the international baccalaureate, I started exploring my options of studying abroad. As I had lived in England before I started looking at different universities across the country and the types of courses they offered. I was originally interested in politics and ended up applying for different combinations of politics, economics and international management. To aid in my application process, I contacted Across the Pond who acted as my school/student advisor and uploaded my predicted grades to UCAS (the university application portal used in the UK). Across the Pond were also able to advise me in how to finance my studies. They also helped me keep up to date with my application and would let me know if any additional information had been requested. The communication between me and the representative from Across the Pond was fast and essential to being able to attend university abroad. After I had received offers from 4 universities, I changed my mind about the course and decided that I wanted to study biology instead and to also defer starting uni until the next autumn. Instead of waiting to reapply the year after, I contacted the admissions of the university directly and asked to be reconsidered as a candidate for their biology with a professional placement course. I had also decided that I only wanted to try and get into the University of Bath, which I don’t recommend! Apply to more than one university for your course! The admissions team got back to me quickly and requested that I write a new personal statement. This is an example of how the university of Bath was able to be flexible and meet my needs.
After receiving my grades in the summer, I had an unconditional offer to study at the University of Bath starting the next autumn. During my gap year I worked in retail and travelled around Europe.
When September rolled around, I started packing and realised that two 23kg suitcases is hard to fit your previous life into! I moved into shared accommodation located on the very beautiful campus Bath has to offer. I lived with eleven other people, four other girls and seven boys, sharing the same kitchen and bathrooms. It was overwhelming being surrounded by people all the time especially as someone who has always considered themselves an introvert but after 9 months of living together, I consider them family and will continue living with the girls next year. Freshers’ week was a blast and included a lot of going out and exploring Bath’s nightlife. Christmas time was cozy; me and my flatmates made a big Christmas dinner together. Spring/early summer in Bath was dreamy, the location of our accommodation was in a green open space which we really took advantage of. Surrounding the campus are national trust fields which feature some of the most beautiful meadows and get very nice sunsets. If you value nature, then I really recommend the University of Bath! In the second semester, I met my boyfriend which has also allowed me to explore other areas of England when visiting his hometown.
Furthermore, the teaching and facilities at Bath are outstanding. I had many contact hours which included lectures, workshops and time in the labs. My favourite module was biodiversity where we would study a group of organisms in lectures for example plants and then have labs that would feature a wide range of extraordinary specimens. As well as the lecturers being present, there would also be two or three lab assistants that could answer your questions or just have a chat. I would leave the labs feeling inspired.
I also think that the city of Bath is a beautiful place to be a student, it is a heritage city which means that there are lots of tourists and there is always a busy feel. An aspect I really appreciate about Bath is that there isn’t a pressure to go out all the time partying and equally there isn’t a pressure to stay in all the time studying. There is always the opportunity for both. In addition, the University of Bath is a prestigious uni and a degree from there is usually very valuable.
In addition to my studies and social life, I also got a part time job in Bath. I work as a waitress at a restaurant and the money goes in my fun fund which only enhances my experience as a student. For example, to celebrate the end of exams me and some friends went to a festival in Bristol which is only a 15-minute train away!
If I were to do first year again, I would join more societies and sports! In the beginning it can be quite overwhelming, and I just didn’t feel I had the time to commit myself to more societies, however looking back I wish I would have! I did however join the Scandinavian society and met great people!
Despite the inevitably huge loan that I will have when I’ve finished my degree, I really think it is worth it. I have made friends I hope I will stay in contact with for life, I love my course, I love the freedom and feeling of accomplishment that comes along with establishing yourself in a new country. I can only wish that you also get a just as joyful experience.
- Lila
Bristol is a lively, accommodating and accessible city
Bristol has two universities to choose from: the University of Bristol (UoB) and University of West England (UWE). Both universities offer a variety of courses, and are renowned for at least a few- UoB is known for research, specifically in science, social science and law, and UWE is known for it’s practical and industry-focused approach to teaching. Either way, your education is in great hands.
The great thing about studying in Bristol is you have a choice of how to spend your university years. UWE has multiple campuses, some in the concrete jungle we call Bristol and one on the outskirts if you are looking for a quieter, more peaceful experience. UoB is located in the city, but it offers quiet accommodation, depending on where you apply.
But by far the best thing about Bristol is how accommodating it is. If you are looking for a party scene, Bristol is known for that, you don’t have to look far! If you are looking for quiet evenings, Bristol is good at that, too. There are a lot of events hosted by locals to participate in, all listed primarily on Eventbrite and a variety of other websites, ranging from a tour of the Cathedral to free makeup courses to Lego building. Bristol is big enough to have various shopping malls, trampolining areas, parks and even an ice-skating rink in the winter, and big enough to be meeting new people at all times if you so wish, but not big enough to ever truly feel lost like London. The city is alive, and you feel that when you walk around the streets meeting friendly strangers. The city is divided into multiple areas, ranging from posh Clifton to international Redland to historic Redcliffe, but united in its warm population. In fact, people like it here so much, that it isn’t uncommon for people to stay in Bristol after they graduate. There truly is something for everyone!
If you value travel, Bristol is very accessible. It has a train station going from London all the way to Edinburgh, and even its own airport flying internationally. The bus station can also take you to a variety of destinations via buses for cheaper transportation options. If you have a friend who drives or you drive yourself, you can get to the coast in a matter of an hour from the city centre of Bristol. The city of Bath, located a brief 20 minute train ride away from Bristols train station, offers exploration and a variety of other activities to do.
As a fellow international student, it’s easy to find people from home. The best way to start is by joining the society of your university specific to your home country or continent. There are also online forums of people looking for others in Bristol from the same country, sometimes as specific as city!
None of that would be valuable if the city of Bristol weren’t safe. The only theft I’ve heard of is a bike stolen when it wasn’t locked to anything. As a woman, I am comfortable asking a stranger for directions and using public transport. If you ever do feel unsafe, there is a service offered by the universities- a phone number you call, and local police will arrive and escort you to your destination safely. I don’t know of anyone who needed to use that service, man, woman or otherwise. Obviously, don’t be senseless about your belongings or your information, don’t ask for trouble. But if you have even a smidge of logic and self-preservation skills, you will be more than okay.
In conclusion, Bristol is a lively, accommodating and accessible city which would be more than happy to have you for your university (and potentially beyond) years!
- Sophia
Student Accommodation in the UK
Where do you live when studying abroad? Do universities in the UK offer student housing? How much does student accommodation cost? Did you know that as an international student, you are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the first or all your years studying at most of our UK universities? You will need to apply by the housing application deadline, and of course the best student accommodation in the UK goes first - so that is a good reason to apply early! There are several different student accommodations, price levels and facilities to choose from!
Most students choose to live on campus in their first year. This is social and a fantastic way to get to know students from all over the world! After that, most students choose to move into privately rented accommodation with their new friends. We recommend everyone to live in university accommodation in their first year, as it is a great way to get to know other students (and not just those on your degree).
Learn more about the different options, on-campus accommodation, how to arrange private accommodation and everything you need before applying for student accommodation in the UK via this webinar!
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Visa for European Students who want to study in the UK
Do you want to study in the UK and are wondering if you need a visa? Maybe you have applied to British universities already, or are considering applying to university in London or elsewhere in the UK, but would like to know more about the UK student visa for European students? This webinar recording is about the UK Student Visa for students who will be starting their studies at a British university and are from European countries. We cover everything regarding the CAS, the application process, cost and other practicalities worth thinking about when applying for a student visa.
Did you know that all non-UK students need a visa to study in the UK? How much does a student visa cost? Is it difficult to get a student visa if you want to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? For most European students in the UK, a student visa is now a fact.
After the UK left the EU, student visas have now become a reality for the vast majority of international students. It is therefore important to familiarise yourself with this process as early as possible, so that you are well prepared when the time comes to submit an application for a student visa. In this webinar recording, we will go through useful information about student visas, when to apply, what you need for the application, costs, and other tips and tricks that can make the process easier. This webinar is suitable for those who have already applied, those who have accepted an offer, but also those who are considering studies in the UK and want to know more about the visa process.
We have the information and tools most people need to be able to go through the visa process without the need for individual follow-up/advice beyond the general information and guide from us. Remember that Across the Pond cannot provide individual advice on your visa application, only certified immigration staff can. In this webinar recording, you will learn about a number of important points that are good to be aware of when you familiarise yourself with the visa process.
