By Alannah Mylechreest, Community Subeditor
Bristol is a city brimming with possibilities, and as a fresher, it can sometimes be overwhelming to know where to begin.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 10 suggestions to add to your Bristol bucket list – a list of all the essentials you should make sure you experience during your time at university.
- See Clifton Suspension Bridge
This is perhaps the most quintessential Bristol activity; a snap of the bridge deserves a spot on every new Bristol student’s Instagram story. You’ll get the best views if you head up the hill towards the Clifton Observatory, and if you’re not scared of heights, definitely make sure to walk across the bridge and look down at Bristol from on high.
- Explore St Nicholas Market
Nestled in Bristol’s old city is St Nicholas Market, offering a range of unique shops and eateries. The market contains Bristol’s biggest collection of independent retailers and has over 250 years of history, having been running since 1743. From jewellery shops to comic shops, juice bars to Szechuan street food, all tastes are catered for in what has been named one of the top ten best markets in Britain.
- Have a drink at the Bag of Nails pub
Going for a drink with mates is a fundamental part of the student experience, and without a doubt Bristol offers countless places to do that. If you’re looking for recommendations, Bag of Nails is well worth a visit. This charming pub at the bottom of Jacob’s Well Road is perfect for pet lovers, as you are surrounded by adorable cats whilst you sink your pints. Don’t forget to have a cider when you’re there – you are in the South West after all!
- Visit Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Bristol is a hub of history and culture, boasting 17 museums in total. The best place to start is at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, conveniently located on Queens Road, making it the perfect break in between study sessions at Wills. You can find a range of exhibitions on things as diverse as ancient history, geology, or fine art. The best news for your bank account is that entry is completely free!
- Go charity shopping on Gloucester Road
If you’re looking to acquire some new threads to wear to lectures but also wanting to stick to a budget, Gloucester Road, a 1.7-mile-long shopping street located in the north of Bristol, is the best place to hit. There’s no shortage here of charity shops where you can search for bargains. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the street art, a Bristol staple, adorning the walls of shops.
- Have a picnic on College Green
You likely got a few comments about Skins from friends when you told them you were moving to Bristol, so visiting College Green, one of the most iconic locations found on the show, is a must-do. Be sure to head there with friends when the weather is good and enjoy a picnic together. There are plenty of options nearby to pick up a quick meal deal, but if you fancy something slightly more substantial, check out Pizzarova on the bottom of Park Street and grab a few sourdough pizzas to go.
- Watch a film at Watershed
If you’re looking to unwind with a film after a long day of lectures and nothing on Netflix is quite cutting it, why not head down towards the Harbourside to Watershed, Bristol’s arthouse cinema. You’ll be able to watch a wide range of films, from the bigger hits, to foreign flicks, to the occasional throwback film. Don’t forget to bring your UCard with you to nab a student discount on tickets.
- Browse The Last Bookshop
Braving the treacherous mountain known as Park Street is worth it to have a browse around the Last Bookshop, better known as the £5 bookshop due to the low prices it offers on all its books. If you’re looking to save money, and to do something to counteract the impact on your brain from doomscrolling, picking up something new to read for cheap from this shop is a safe bet.
- Take a day trip to Bath
Although Bristol is packed with stuff to do, don’t forget to explore outside the city’s borders. Only around 10 minutes by train, the gorgeous spa town of Bath is well worth a visit when you have a free day. A popular site for tourists, the city could easily have its own bucket list of things to do too, but some highlights include the Royal Bath Crescent, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge. Whilst the festive season may seem a long way off at the moment, don’t forget to go in December to have a wander around Bath’s amazing Christmas market.
Meg Stoneman
- Pick up a new hobby
You may have heard the cliché that people find themselves during their time at university, but this honestly is true, as there are countless opportunities as a student to find out what kind of things you most enjoy. Bristol’s Student Union is home to over 350 societies, and there really is something for every interest. Attend as many Give it A Go sessions as you can – who knows, you may find something new that you love, or potentially meet some friends for life!
Featured Image: Unsplash / Jarred Kyle
