In 2019, it was found that British students spend 55 hours a week online – a figure that would likely have risen over lockdown. That’s about a third of our time providing data, accepting cookies and opening ourselves up to the internet and its forces. Shouldn’t we be more concerned by this?

In light of the University’s recent plans to erect new student accommodation in Temple Quarter and St Philips, and the poor quality of some of the existing residences, the University’s housing priorities are being questioned.

As Universities scramble to fulfil social distancing measures in light of COVID-19, Bristol’s proposal to extend teaching hours until 8pm has proven controversial, as it has been argued that it takes away from the University experience. This is not the case.

From academics, to societies, to nights out, COVID-19 has been wildly disruptive for Universities. With the new term looming, returning students are faced with two options: stay safe and social distance, or live life like before, as if coronavirus didn’t exist.

Black students applying to the University of Bristol are over 10% less likely to receive an offer than white applicants. The urgency with which this issue needs to be addressed cannot be stressed enough.

With the release of UCAS figures showing the number of prospective undergraduates choosing to defer has dipped, I envisioned where I stood a little over a year ago, added in the context of a global pandemic for good measure, and asked: what would I have done?