Month: September 2020

Are you joining us for postgraduate study this year? Henry, one of our Enquiries Team members, gives his advice for new postgraduates. Find out where to get advice and support as well as the best places to go in Bristol!

Hi everyone, I’m Henry and I work in the Enquiries Team for the University. You may have spoken to myself or my colleagues during the application process and I would like to congratulate all of you on starting your studies with us this year! Whilst our role largely focuses on helping students with their applications we are still here to help with any queries from new and current students alongside our colleagues at the Student Information Point.

The most popular enquiries from incoming students have, unsurprisingly, been about the University’s plans for the upcoming academic year in the face of the ongoing pandemic. I never thought the phrases ‘blended curriculum’ and ‘stretchy campus’ would become part of my lexicon but here we are! If you haven’t had the pleasure of speaking to myself (!) then please take a look at our Covid-19 FAQ pages which provide all of the most important information about our commitment to providing a safe and fulfilling learning environment.

“I never thought the phrases ‘blended curriculum’ and ‘stretchy campus’ would become part of my lexicon but here we are!”

Lots of students are keen to find out what events are planned for the Welcome Week beginning on the 28^th September. The University is planning lots of virtual induction events that will help you get settled, meet fellow students, and get ready to explore Bristol! More information on course-specific events will be communicated by your faculty and please do check out our Bristol SU page to see all of the great societies and events that are planned.

I would advise all incoming postgraduates to orientate yourself with all of the great support services we offer. This ranges from wellbeing support to career advice and study support. Whatever your needs are we can help direct you to the correct team to support you.

One of the best things about studying at the University of Bristol is the city itself. Bristol is the perfect size to provide a diverse and exciting experience whilst always being within a commutable distance. Wherever I have lived in Bristol I have been able to walk or cycle to wherever I want to go within the city. If you are ever in South Bristol I would recommend Perrett’s Park which overlooks the city, it is definitely a hidden gem among Bristol’s many park spaces and has an amazing view as the sun sets.

I would really recommend looking at our explore Bristol page as this has a breakdown of the city’s neighbourhoods, key attractions, and commutable destinations within the South West & Wales.

I really hope you have a great beginning to your time at Bristol, if you need any advice or assistance during your first weeks then please contact us and we will be happy to help or put you in touch with someone who can. You can email us at choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

From all of the Enquiries Team we wish you good luck and an amazing time in Bristol!

 

One of our postgraduates, Rosie, talks about her role as an Ambassador at the University.

 

What are you studying at Bristol?

I am currently three years into a PhD in synthetic biology at the University of Bristol. My PhD is a lab-based research project on bacteria that make plastics, and I spend most of my day in the lab or at my desk reading and analysing data. I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Edinburgh and so choosing to move to a new university and a new city was an exciting step.

Why did you apply to be a Postgraduate Student Ambassador?

Last year I applied to be a Postgraduate Student Ambassador so that I could try to help answer the questions that I wish I had asked when I was applying. Being a prospective student to a new university can be a daunting process, and I really wanted to be part of something that makes it easier. Often these roles are filled by master’s students and I think it is important to ensure there is some PhD representation too. The PhD postgraduate experience can be slightly different to a master’s, and the additional few years here has given me extra insight about both the city and the University to share with incoming postgraduate students – I didn’t discover my favourite bakery until last year!

What sort of things do you get up to in the role?

Being a Postgraduate Student Ambassador is a great way of earning some extra money while still being able to complete my lab work. Each job is individually applied for, which means I can work flexibly around my timetable and only apply for work when I know I have the time. The jobs themselves are also quite varied; from an hour-long online chat, to whole-day events like open days, so there is something to suit every schedule. Each day is slightly different – you could find yourself giving tours around campus, answering questions on an information stand, and talking on a Q&A panel session in a single day! These events often include preparing the space before and after events, and so as well as getting to know other students, it also allows you to meet members of staff in both the Postgraduate Recruitment office, and at the location you are working.

What do you enjoy most about the role?

Working with other ambassadors has been a fun way to meet other students, especially those in humanities subjects that I would be unlikely to meet otherwise. The team work together all year round, so you get to see the same faces month after month and make friends. I found the more I expanded my network of people at Bristol the more interesting events, cafes, and places I learnt about. This also gives me more information to pass onto perspective students.

Why would you recommend the role to others?

I would recommend postgraduate students who are friendly and engaging to apply to be a Student Ambassador. If you’re looking for flexible work, can take initiative, and like speaking about your university experience this is the perfect job for you!

 

Applications to become an Ambassador for this year have now closed. If you have any questions about the role, contact us at postgraduate-recruitment@bristol.ac.uk.