Lu's Top Tips for Postgrad Students
Hello!
Hi! I’m Lu, your Postgraduate Education Officer here at Bristol Students’ Union. I work alongside the 6 other elected full-time officers to represent the students at Bristol University. I joined the University as a postgrad in 2019, studying for an MPhil in Film and Television. Having experienced postgraduate life at the University both before and during the pandemic, I’m really excited to be using these different perspectives to help support postgraduates this year.
Whether you’re progressing after completing your undergraduate degree here, or are entirely new to the University as I was, there’s so much you can do to make the most of your experience at UoB.
Welcome 2022 for Postgrads
The start of a new academic year is always a great time to get involved with one (or maybe more!) of the clubs, societies, and networks that we have – there are over 350! If you’re keen to try something new, or to find others who share your interests and hobbies, make sure you head over to the Welcome Fair on 23 September up on the Downs!
Bristol SU Postgraduate Network
One group in particular that you should look out for during Welcome 2022 is the Postgraduate Network! This postgrad-led group is specifically designed to support and enhance the postgraduate community at Bristol, and is a great way to get involved with Bristol SU from both social and representative perspectives.
Don’t miss:
Postgraduate Real Ale Trail | 22 Sept | The Beckford (Senate House)
Postgraduate Welcome Mingle | 29 Sept | The Balloon Bar (Richmond Building)
Postgraduate Speed-friending | 6 Oct| Anson Rooms (Richmond Building)
Postgraduate Residents Committee
Additionally, if you’re living in Halls, make sure you check out the upcoming events organised by the Postgraduate Residents Committee. Consisting of a Rep from each Postgraduate Halls of Residence at UoB, the Committee work together to plan events and activities that are purely for Postgrads living in Halls, from bowling nights to trips to local landmarks. The Reps for the Committee are elected in October, so you could even run to be one yourself!
Spaces for Postgrads
Having done my postgrad degree in Film and Television, I spent most of my time on the 5th and 6th Floors of the Richmond Building. However, the Richmond Building is also the main Bristol SU space, and it’s where a lot of Bristol SU events are held throughout the year, in venues such as the Balloon Bar and Anson Rooms. It’s also home to other student spaces, including Burst Radio Station, Epigram Newspaper offices, Bristol SU Shop, and the University pool, so there are plenty of reasons to visit.
The other main SU space on Campus is Senate House. Having undergone renovations and refurbishments in the last few years, the space has been transformed into different areas that have all been designed according to what UoB students have been asking for. In particular, I’d recommend checking out the Bristol SU Loft, the Beckford Bar, and if you’re a Postgraduate Research Student, the PGR Hub.
My Top Bristol Picks
Outside of campus spaces, there’s so much to explore within the city, no matter what your interests are. One of my favourite places in Bristol is the Harbourside, especially on a warm sunny evening - a great place to spend time with friends.
For food and drink, my favourite places to go are East Village Café, Earthcake, Oowee Vegan, Bravas and The Apple.
For sights, I love exploring the city and discovering the amazing street art. Also, have you really been to Bristol if you’ve not taken a photo of the Suspension Bridge?!
Useful Bristol SU Support and Services
Bristol SU Academic Advice Team – here to support you with free impartial advice on any aspect of your degree.
Bristol SU JobShop – listing a variety of interesting jobs to do alongside your studies.
Student Voice – as a postgrad student you’re represented by a range of reps including course and faculty reps, and me your Postgraduate Education Officer!
Bristol SU Lettings – great quality private rented housing with 0 tenancy fees!
University of Bristol Wellbeing Service – you can request wellbeing support for you or a friend at any time.
Bristol is such a great place, and we’re so excited to Welcome you… see you soon!
