Sorry Bristol, you are fab after all! (University of Bristol in general)

Member Name: elbar1

Product:	University of Bristol in general
Date:	05/08/08 (191 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent library, good courses

Disadvantages: Like all universities, students seem to be second to the tutors' own research

I did my undergraduate in History at Bristol, graduating in 2001. At the time I felt a bit let down by the university and had expected much more contact with tutors. I felt that they were more interested in their own research than their students.

However, since then I have been to Exeter University to do an MA and it really made me appreciate Bristol. I stand by the fact that some of my tutors were not interested in lecturing or holding seminars and just saw them as a distraction. However, I found the same, if to a lesser extent, in Exeter.

What I now appreciate about Bristol is the breadth of module choices that were available on my course. At the time I didn't really appreciate it but looking back, there was always something I could pick that interested me. Also, the library service is excellent. It was well-stocked with multiple copies of the core textbooks and the system for taking our short loans worked really well. It also opened very late, which is good for us night owls.

The main halls of residence were quite a way out of town but the walk kept me fit and it also put a bit of a line between work and play.

I can't comment in too much detail on the various facilities because from my alumni stuff it seems it has changed a lot since I was there but all my experiences were positive and the changes I guess can only be an improvement so here are the highlights for me:

Gym - quite well fitted (there's now a super-dooper new one) and reasonable. I made full use of it on a regular basis
Student Union - building was hideous but there was so much going on all the time in there and the bars were great to drop into to.
Events - lots of live music from really well known bands. Also the drama societies were always putting on plays (of varying levels!!)
Halls - really did depend on which one you were in. Hiatt Baker should have been condemned and I think it now is! Wills was stunning - the old one for the private schools students. I cannot believe this kind of discrimination was and still is allowed but there you go. Us in Hiatt Baker new our place!
Careers Service - really helpful with mock interviews, help and loads and loads of literature available.
Societies - so so many and generally well run but this obviously depends on the students involved.

Overall I was impressed with Bristol and wish I had appreciated it a little more while I was there.

Summary: I would recommend it. I enjoyed myself, got a good degree and others are impressed I went there!