Your Bristol student bucket list

Arriving in Bristol two years ago, a three-year degree seemed like an eternity. Now, with one more year to go, there seem to be a million and one things I still haven’t done, and time is running out. With so much going on, it can be hard to know what to see and do, and near impossible to do it all. But, there are a handful of things which are essential to the Bristol experience…

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Did you know it’s actually a requirement of all degrees in Bristol that you have to visit the Suspension Bridge during your time in the city? Only joking: but a pilgrimage to Brunel’s world famous bridge is something every student ends up doing. Whether you walk, run or cycle across it, visit in the day for sweeping views or at night to see it all lit up, just make sure you go (even if it’s only for the Instagram).

Tokyo World

This day festival signifies the end of the summer, and the start of term for most Bristol students, so what better way to let loose one last time? Held over two days for the first time in 2017, Tokyo World is the perfect introduction to Bristol’s funky, homegrown music scene. Think grime, garage, grunge and glitter. 2017 headliners in Eastville Park included Wilkinson, Jungle, Wiley and Wretch 32.

In:Motion

Bristol’s nightlife is legendary, and nowhere more so than Motion, officially the 19th best nightclub in the world. Even if drum and bass isn’t really your scene, Motion hosts all kinds of events throughout the year, and it’s well worth paying a visit at least once, solely for the experience. In:Motion runs from September to January, and names announced so far for 2017 include My Nu Leng, Gorgon City, Just Jack and Bicep.

Cider

The Apple samples some of the best of the West Country’s cider

The ultimate West Country drink. No Bristol student experience is complete without spending an evening sampling some of Bristol’s famous cider in one of the city’s unique pubs. Classic student favourites include sipping cider under the stars at The Apple and the lethal cider at The Coronation Tap (known to everyone as the Cori Top) – so strong it’s served only in half pints. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Food festivals

Bristol is a foodie heaven: from street food trucks to Michelin starred restaurants, all you can eat buffets (Za Za Bazaar I’m looking at you), to an artisan pastry underneath the railway arches, you name it and you can find it somewhere in Bristol. The city also hosts assorted food and drink festivals throughout the year, including cheese, gin and beer. You’ll thank me, I promise.

Varsity

Held every year in March, the University of Bristol take on UWE in almost every sport you could think of. From big events such as the Boat Race on the Floating Harbour and Varsity Rugby at Ashton Gate, to free-for-all colour runs and 5ks on the Downs, there’s something for everyone and absolutely no excuse not to don your uni colours and get involved, whether it be on or off the pitch.

Stokes Croft

Stokes Croft is the most ‘Bristol’ place in Bristol: from political street art to indie brunch spots, and a whole host of live music venues and clubs. Make sure you spend at least half a day wandering up Stokes Croft, and along Cheltenham Road and Gloucester Road, exploring some of the city’s more quirky areas and soaking up the indie vibes.

Live music

Whether it’s Dizzee Rascal at O2 Academy, or a foot-stomping jazz night at the Old Duke, music is absolutely everywhere, and it would be a crime not to make the most of it. Colston Hall and the O2 Academy tend to host more mainstream big names, but look out for smaller venues such as the Louisiana, the Fleece and the Thekla, who host up-and-coming artists, as well as pubs, bars and restaurants who frequently play host to more home-grown talent.

Love Saves The Day

Held on the last weekend of May, LSTD is the perfect way to welcome in summer, and what with it being a Bank Holiday, there’s no excuse not to party hard. Lots and lots of glitter, optimistically summery outfits and banging music – normally a little bit more mainstream than Tokyo World – characterise this festival. Previous headliners include Dizzee Rascal, Everything Everything, Stormzy, and Fat Freddy’s Drop. Top tip: LSTD always sells out so it’s well worth buying tickets in advance.

Get involved

One of the best parts of living in Bristol is the community spirit the city has. It’s often all too easy to stay in the student bubble, but in fact, some of my most rewarding experiences have been getting involved in wider city life.

Whether it be volunteering at a festival, working in a soup kitchen or marshalling a 5k, there’s something for everyone – opportunities are advertised everywhere and easy to find, so give it a go!