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A hectic Spring

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The last few weeks have been somewhat hectic, down entirely to my own doing. I’m finding myself in the chronic habit of having ‘eyes bigger than my timetable’! In the last few weeks I’ve had an essay due, three shows to put on, one to write and of course all my reading! Whilst in the manic week of work I may be cursing myself for constantly accepting new projects, now that I’m out of the madness (for a time at least, I’ve got 2 more shows on next week!) I’m so glad I made the most of every opportunity. Fully submerging yourself in every element of uni from really exploring your own interests in your course to grabbing every chance to do extra stuff you love all makes for a full, complete feel to university.

And Bristol packs in the chances to do it, for me drama is a huge part of my life and there’s masses of chances to write, produce, direct and act. There’s also loads of really interesting extra talks that get run, I recently saw a talk from a man who is one of the last surviving ‘dam-busters’! Debates in death and suffering in religion and a talk from a clinical psychologist on the power of stress and how to use it, with approaching deadlines this was particularly handy. The only problem I’ve ever had is fitting it all in!

– Harriet

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The start of a new year

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Exam stress is finally over and we can all settle back into our normal routine. This year, I’m not going to lie, I really felt a step up in the amount of work necessary for the exams especially noticing the lack of effort into reading I had done for my course. So, to embrace this next term I have set a realistic goal to do all set reading for the lectures and seminars, and, when finding a particular subject interesting, to explore more into that topic with additional reading so that I will be prepared for my summer exams. With this step up in work ethic, it has honestly made me feel much happier and relaxed.

I have just signed for my house next year as well. I know it seems incredibly early, but it is really important to start thinking about who you are going to be living with, and where, as final year is very important! I’m living with ten of my closest girl friends next year, just off the triangle in Clifton. This is slightly nearer to the university, the gym and to pubs and take out. We decided these were all vital requirements – especially the food!

As stated earlier in my previous blog, I am part of the dance society. This year they are hosting a dance show called “Momentum” of which I will be performing in three dances in a couple of weeks. Although it’s a little bit scary it’s so great to be active within a society as you make so many great friends as well as being forced to leave your house and do something productive with your day.

– Evie

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Posted in General

From exams to immersive cinema

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The first term of university combines a peculiar combination of timescales. On the one hand, the time seems to have sailed by – by the end of first term you’ve made solid friendships, you know your way around Bristol and time accelerates at a pace faster than you’ve ever experienced. Yet, on the other, it feels as though we have been here forever. With a brain crammed full of new information more interesting than anything preciously studied, A-levels appear a distant memory left on the shore. Wave goodbye to the structured days of school life, and greet with open arms the beauty of structuring your own time. Naturally, some days are harder to keep motivated than others, but the satisfaction of completing self-motivated work surpasses any work achieved by teachers’ constant supervision.

On the whole, January exams didn’t go too horrendously (most students seemed pleasantly surprised by their marks). This might be due to the fact that a Humanities degree allows you to really focus on your own interests, meaning we actually want to do the work and will eagerly put in the time – even if it does eat into the Christmas holidays!
I am currently loving the second term courses; I am taking Introduction to Early-Modern Art and a more independent/seminar based course called ‘The Artist’ in which we are expected to write a 4,000 word ‘dissertation’ using our own research. Scary… But also exciting.

Beyond my academic studies, after exploring more of what Bristol has to offer, I decided it would be ridiculous to let opportunities go begging this year. I have recently begun volunteering at Arnolfini, an exciting contemporary art gallery situated by the picturesque Harbourside. I cannot stress enough the importance of trying as many new things as possible – even if you think it’s not your thing, you may just surprise yourself! Every other year the University also puts on the ‘Inside Arts’ festival in which students can get involved with volunteering as well as creating their own instillations. This year, for the festival, a friend and I helped at an ‘immersive cinema’ event, curated by an MPhil student at the University. It was so great getting to know more about her studies and how she presented her work to the public.

– Ellie

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A return to abnormality

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It was a bittersweet return to Bristol after Christmas; A very joyous reunion with my friends was had, then we quickly rushed off to our respective rooms to continue the arduous process of revision.

The exams went decent and it was with much excitement that I engaged once again with Bristol life. I have been to two very memorable events in the Student’s Union so far this term. Firstly “Explore ‘16”– a festival of culture in the Student’s Union featuring Brazilian martial arts, Mauritian food and Bollywood dancing, amongst others-was really good fun and made me realise the diversity of the University. Secondly a talk by George ‘Jonny’ Johnson- the 96 year old last surviving member of the ‘Dam busters’-was an incredible experience for me as an Historian in being transported to the past by one of its active participants. Jonny’s challenge to ‘retrospective Historians’, who question the importance of the run struck me particularly.

This term I am studying Revolution in 17th century England as A special topic alongside an Early Modern History module. I find the two hour format set up of the special topic to be very useful in provoking discussion, debate and share of ideas amongst students. I am becoming increasingly interested in the Stuart period, which I touched on at school, through the special topic and an essay on the execution of Charles I which I am taking as part of the Early Modern module.

– Adam

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Posted in History

Back in Bristol

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After a busy summer of Glastonbury Festival and travelling to China and Vietnam, I returned to Bristol on September 1st. With eager anticipation to see my friends and to crack on with third year, I was keen to get back to Bristol as soon as possible. I knew this year would be absolutely crazy with being Religion and Theology President, course rep and work load of third year, I knew I had to structure my time.

It was also my first time of moving away from home, as – being a local – I have lived at home for the first two years. This was an exciting, but also daunting prospect. Although I had feared that I would maybe get too distracted with all the new exciting socialising that I would be doing, and being more independent which may take up more time. However, I have found that the pressure of third year has taught me to balance my time quite well, with working as hard as possible; but also socialising as much as possible.

Although I missed the sunshine and beach of Vietnam, (I am shivering at 20c – my housemates won’t let me live it down – they call me the ice queen) being back in Bristol is great and I’ll be sad to finish third year. My most interesting fact for this blog – I am addicted to baking cakes, my cake of the year so far is an Oreo cake which includes: chocolate sponge with hidden Oreos, white chocolate buttercream and covered in ganache. DELICIOUS.

– Sarah

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Posted in Religion and Theology

This New Year

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This new year started off quite differently to last, rather than frantically making superhero badges for themed club events, and trying to guess who the next person to turn up in the flat would be, I arrived to my flat at Bristol, and felt at home. I spent most of fresher’s week unapologetically doing what I enjoyed, which is avoiding staying up late and exploring the alternative fresher’s activities the uni has to offer. I went to comedy shows; Ted preview talks and explored the coffee shops. After a fantastic fresher’s week, culminating in the fresher’s fair and me walking out with as many freebies that I could lay my hands on, I was very ready to start the academic year.

Second year work brings a lot of challenges, but it’s worth every second. From learning about Nietzsche to why exactly everyone is naked in Greek art, the last month or so has stretched my understanding of Classics, and how we look at it, and I love that. The pressure of knowing my work goes towards my final grade has driven me out of working in my bedroom, (with the distraction of the internet), to the study spaces in Woodland Road. The study areas are great, and not just because, unlike my flat, they’re lovely and warm, but also because they set me in the right mood for working.

When I’m not working I’ve tried to throw myself into societies, and became the education Officer for Pottery society. This was a bit of a surprise to me when I got the post, having not tried to make any pottery since my year six project, but societies cater for all abilities, and the committee has been incredibly welcoming. So far my best achievement has been a coaster, and although my family was less than impressed when I showed them, I’m quite proud of my circle of clay.
The new year has also brought a new area of Bristol. Last year I was in Waverly (down by Thekla) and it was incredibly convenient, and afforded such great sights as the St Mary Redcliffe Church (which I could see from my window) and the SS Great Britain. This year I’m on the other side of uni and living in Clifton, where I get the less romantic, but far more practical, view of the Student Union. Exploring Clifton Village, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge has been wonderful, and I’ve also been exploring the student union, which sounds less fun, but continues to surprise me when I walk up one too many flights of stairs and turn up in a study room I never new existed, or at the front desk of the Student Union offices. The Union also contains a cafe/bar, which is such a chill place during the day and great venue at night, and is well worth popping into for a smoothie or a pint.

– Holly

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Posted in Classics and Ancient History

Back in Hilly Bristol

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Returning to the hilly landscape of Bristol was long-awaited over my summer. Although it was great to be back in London seeing friends and family, the freedom and exciting experiences awaiting me in Bristol were always at the back of my mind.
Second year is undeniably a step-up from first year and, at times, the amount of reading we are expected to get through has been a struggle. However, I am finding this year much more intellectually stimulating, especially since I made the decision to start Latin. Although I took Spanish at A-Level, I was still concerned that taking this famously complex and grammar-heavy language would be nothing but stressful. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how I’ve been able to engage with it and my only regret is not doing it last year!

In addition to my academic work, I’ve been trying to take advantage of the many opportunities that Bristol has to offer. Attending Freshers Fair and helping out on the Classics and Ancient History stall definitely inspired me to get more involved in the plethora of extra-curricular activities available. I’ve joined Pottery Society and my first lesson official lesson is next month where I (ambitiously) hope to make an amphora! In addition, I’ve written a handful of articles for Epigram, something last year I was too scared to do. I had no idea I would feel such a sense of pride from seeing my name in print and I can’t wait to write more! In an attempt to enhance my CV (and accept my fate of becoming an adult) I have started the Bristol PLUS Award, a scheme which aims to equip students with the essential skills required to be successful in the working world. Fortunately for me, I already have the required work experience under my belt so I hope to have it completed by Christmas.

Exploring a new area has been another highlight of second year so far. Last year I lived in shared accommodation at Churchill Hall in Stoke Bishop for a month or so before moving to my own room in Unite House so I felt as though I was already quite well-travelled when it came to Bristol. Turns out I was wrong, which, to be honest, is only a positive as it means that there are lots of fantastic new places just waiting to be discovered and explored. One such example is Cotham Hill which has been a real treat with all its charity shops and an amazing café called ‘Health Hub’ where I’ve picked up an organic juice when I really need a pick-me-up. Next, I hope to learn the ins-and-outs of Gloucester Road!

Fingers crossed that all goes well in this term and my pottery dreams become a reality!

– Flora

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Posted in Classics and Ancient History

Adjusting to Second Year

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After a long and busy summer of working, relaxing and – excitingly – moving into my new house in Redland, I was certainly eager to start my second year of studies. Having been back for a few weeks now, I can positively say that the jump to second year has been an adjustment, but no doubt a good one.

This term in History, the course is made up of one compulsory unit and two Lecture Response Units. Our compulsory unit, ‘Rethinking History’, explores different forms of history through two lectures per week and a fortnightly seminar. The seminars require us to perform a presentation on one of the types of history (intellectual, cultural, political and environmental), which has been great practice for presenting our research and ideas and I hope helpful in preparing us for the 24-hour exam at the end of the term. As someone who has never studied these four areas properly before, it has opened my eyes to the variety and possibilities that can be focused on in history.

My Lecture Response Units have unquestionably been the highlight so far. I am currently studying Politics and Society in Contemporary Britain with Hugh Pemberton, which is surprisingly an area I have not yet studied. I recently submitted by 3000-word essay on this topic, which discussed the Conservative Party’s reaction and response to their 1945 electoral defeat. My other Lecture Response Unit is the South African war with Simon Potter. Having had no prior knowledge on this topic, it has been fascinating to learn about such a unique war in British history. Studying this topic has also caused sparked a new unexpected interest in military history, which will be the focus of my other 3000-word essay that is due later this month.

My week is full to the brim of work, various society meetings and lots of exercise to keep myself balanced, as well as recently starting a new part-time job. As the second year of university is the ideal one to be the busiest, I have definitely tried to fulfil this to the best of my ability!

– Abi

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October in Bristol

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They say ‘home is where the heart is’, although I would have to disagree. Don’t get me wrong, there is no better feeling than being around your most loved family and friends. However, that feeling is closely followed by an unexplainable desire to discover hidden, or famous, art surrounding one’s home. A desire which, I am sure if you clicked on this blog (purposefully and not by accident), you also share.

Starting university is overwhelming to say the least – it’s hard to feel at home in a place many of us have only ever visited, right? The phrase ‘emotional roller-coaster’ springs to mind. Therefore my decision to be pro-active about making Bristol my new home was the best idea I had throughout my first month here. Home is where the heart is? Well my heart longs for ART. And what better place than Bristol to immerse yourself. Lanes full of stunning street art that lead to magnificent medieval buildings are just waiting to be discovered. You cannot help but be swept up in Bristol’s unique culture. For us Art Historians, the sense of home can be found spray painted on a brick wall, and for that, I count us the luckiest students in Bristol. They say home is ‘where the heart is’ but for us, home is definitely where the art is.

We have started our introduction courses; I am taking Introduction to Modern art, Introduction to Medieval Art and Approaching the Object, all of which are immensely enjoyable yet also challenging (reading week will definitely be greeted with open arms). For my first Modern Art essay, I chose to write about The Impressionist Movement, but it’s been so interesting speaking to other students, with a diversity of interests, and discussing what they had chosen.

Every lecture gives me something new to take away and the weekly site visits add a refreshing new style of learning to our timetables (I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need to give myself a break from excessive reading and actually approach art and architecture in person). The lecturers, seminar leaders and my personal tutor are all engaging, interesting and unbelievably welcoming. I’m so happy to be part of such a caring team of staff and students.

– Ellie

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Posted in History of Art

Staring out in Bristol

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Having moved from my hometown of Milton Keynes, where the most exciting thing about the place is the number of roundabouts, Bristol has amazed me by offering so much to do. Granted, one of these events was an extremely slow and out-of-sync crane ‘dance’; but I’m thrilled that such events even exist! How many towns can say they host a crane dance to bhangra music? I doubt it’s many. Bristol definitely earns bragging-rights for its wealth of choice. From the many cafes and street-food stalls to a wild club night, there is something for every mood. And Bristol does all this, whilst looking so good! I love the Harbourside, Clifton is so pretty and there are plenty of green spaces. I have to admit that I still get a kick out of how impressive the Wills Memorial building looks on my daily walk up Park Street, although I can’t say I enjoy the hill.

I now feel very at home in Bristol. After the first few weeks of navigating my flat, the dynamics of cooking for myself and wondering how so much washing-up can be created in one day, I am definitely settled and looking forward to my time here. As for the actual reason I’m here- the course! After an essay-free gap year, I found the thought of writing my first undergraduate-level essay extremely daunting. But I signed up to do English, so I knew it would spring up on me sooner or later! Now that my essay is submitted, and the more despairing moments from that first deadline have faded from memory, I can say that I enjoyed the chance to choose my own subject and interest. I’m excited for the rest of my course and to see what these three years at the University of Bristol are going to hold for me!

– Georgia

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