By Jenna Baker, Third Year, Film and English
Each accommodation has something that makes it stand out, whether it be great parties, extravagant balls, visually enticing exteriors or a pickled rat. In this article, I’ve explored what films relate most closely to each UoB accommodation.
West Village is close to campus, Clifton, and home to some of the prettiest accommodations. With a hint of grandeur at Goldney Manor, the tower in the garden, and the finely trimmed gardens, Goldney has an undeniable visual appeal. With its somewhat artsy set of residents, who clearly favour an accommodation with good views (if but a little pretentiously), decent parties and whimsical vibes, Dead Poets Society (1989) seemed like a good fit. Not only is there a poetic quality to Goldney and its gardens, but the hidden grotto underneath bears significant resemblance to Beaver Valley Cave, where the Welton academy boys go to secretly read poetry. Ferris Bueller’s day off (1986) also struck a chord, with a definite slight slacker vibe amongst Goldney residents, but with one priority that’s clear, to have a good time. Who wouldn’t wanna skip lectures to chill out on the grass in front of Goldney manor?
Manor Hall is in a great location, with deceptively massive rooms, huge kitchens and some pretty nice gardens too. Nonetheless, it is not particularly known for its parties, which is why this accommodation would be Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012). Whilst a lot of residents seem to favour being a bit cool and quirky, some, I fear, are trying a bit too hard - which can be a bit cringe, just like the movie. I would say this accommodation is underrated, it hosted some great pres and a couple of good parties in my first year, which clearly have gone under the radar. Generally though, people here come across as pretty laid back, fun, but also pretty genuine, like Patrick, Sam and Charlie in Perks of Being a Wallflower.
North Village is well known for being the area most densely populated with private school students. Wild Child (2008), could easily relate to either Badock, Churchill, or even Wills, with a definite prevalence of lacrosse players in these halls - a sport that I hadn’t even heard of before arriving in Bristol. I also want to give special mention to Wolf of Wall Street (2013), as the vast majority of laddish finance-bros in the making seem to be North Village residents.
There are a lot of films that could be related to Wills Hall. It’s an accommodation with a reputation for being one of the poshest at UoB, which is why it’s surely got to be Saltburn (2023). With a grandiosity known for imitating Oxford University halls, goldstone exterior and mahogany desks, Wills certainly aligns with Saltburn’s university setting and the manor house that Felix’s (Jacob Elordi) family reside in. Not only that, but Wills provides residents with cloaks, for dinners that take place in chandelier-lined halls, just like Felix does with Oliver, where black tie is customary at family dinner.
Hiatt Baker holds a reputation in North Village and University wide for hosting some of the best parties and being generally a very lively accommodation. With up to 30 people on each floor, Hiatt is densely populated before parties even occur. Project X (2012) perfectly encapsulates Hiatt Baker’s consistently busy atmosphere. With frequent parties that are often massive but also hectic (with injuries, fainting etc) that get shut down by security, Hiatt definitely fits the vibe of the slightly insane party that takes place in Project X.
East Village is known for its proximity to Cabot and the infamously overstimulating Lidl. Reminding ourselves of a classic staple of UoB history - the pickled rat, Orchard Heights would of course have to be Flushed away (2006) if it were a film. Ratatouille (2007) may have seemed like the obvious choice for its claim to fame, but the poor guy (meaning the pickled rat) was not left to live in peace, unlike Remi, so it had to be Flushed Away. Quite grim but undeniably funny, Flushed away delves into what is hidden in plain sight, like the characteristic city in the sewer, or the pickled rat…
Disha Angadi
Unite House is close to the oldest pub in Bristol, The Hatchett, as well as OMG, Basement 45 and O2 Academy. With such proximity to nightlife, you would think I would choose another party or club-centric film, like The Moment (2026) - If Charli XCX was a student she’d surely be known for frequenting OMG. However, for me, it has got to be Backrooms (2026). Whilst this film hasn’t actually been released yet, I have no doubt that the film’s setting will strike uncanny similarities to Unite House’s terrifying hallways. Have you ever tried to get back home after an afters there? It takes you like 15 minutes just to find the exit, I’ve got lost twice in there.
Featured Image: Epigram / Jenna Baker
What film reminds you of your first year accomodation?
