Bristol SU’s ‘Welcome Week’ events aren’t just for freshers

Struggling with agoraphobia for most of my first year, I spent a lot of it holed up in my room. After months of exposure therapy, I swore I’d put myself out there in second year.

I moved back into Bristol and quickly realised that I knew little about the leisurely activities it had to offer. I thought the best place to start would be Bristol Student Union’s (SU) ‘Welcome Week’ events.

Firstly, I attended a photography session held by professional wildlife photographer, Elizabeth Streeter (@naturewithbiz). I couldn’t ask for a better start to an event – the moment I step foot near Royal Fort Garden, I was adopted into a lively conversation with a group of excited first-years and a study abroad student.

'There were also well-seasoned photographers eager to learn from Elizabeth' | Epigram / *Torres Gan*

We slowly made our way round Royal Fort Garden with an adorable worksheet that introduced us to some basic wildlife photography techniques.

There were many first-timers who wandered aimlessly with our phone cameras– me included. But, there were also well-seasoned photographers with incredible portfolios, eager to learn from Elizabeth.

Speaking with the more experienced photographers, I learnt that this didn’t have to be a one-time-thing. Elizabeth advised students to visit Royal Fort Garden regularly for walks, hone our photography skills, and for mindfulness. Kya Ko, a first year veterinary medicine student, opened up about how wildlife photography got her through tough exam seasons:

Photography has always been my favourite activity to help me escape from work and stress. It really forces you to be mindful of your surroundings and it has taught me how to notice the small beautiful things around me!

'Experimenting with texture' | Epigram / *Lianne Ponferrada*

'Mirrors at Royal Fort Garden' | Epigram / *Haneul Jang*

'Tree in Royal Fort Garden' | Epigram / *Kya Ko*

Eventually, the small groups we started off merged into one group, where they all spoke about the societies that they were considering, sharing social media handles, and stories from back home.

I ended the day by partaking in a lino-printing workshop at the Senate House. This one was a nostalgic one, as I enjoyed making lino-prints when I studied Fine Art for my GCSEs.

Nonetheless, for those who had never lino-printed before, the SU staff were eager to teach us.

'SU staff leading lino-printing workshop' | Epigram / *Lianne Ponferrada*

At this event, I was pleased to meet people from different years. I met Amelia, a fourth-year mathematics student, who said:

‘It's important [for older years to attend ‘Welcome Week’ events] because there's the opportunity to give freshers advice. It’s great for older students too! We can make new friends, try out a new hobby, and have a fun time with the friends we already have.’

Overall, I’d consider my second ‘Welcome Week’ a success. By getting out of the house and trying out new things, I’ve laid the foundations for a year not spent hiding in my room. At these events, I was less worried about encountering cliques or being the only person in the room who didn’t know anyone.

'Skulls by Amelia Tang, fourth year Mathematics student' | Epigram / *Lianne Ponferrada*

'Cats by Gilly Cooper, first year Mathematics PhD student' | Epigram / *Lianne Ponferrada*

Whether you’re a fresher or a fourth-year, I’d highly advise going to the ‘Welcome Week’ events. I’ve learnt new relaxation techniques that I otherwise wouldn’t have known. Even if you're the only second or third year student, freshers or those at Bristol for their study abroad programmes, will be eager to learn from you.