If you’d like to practise speaking a language in a friendly environment, why not come along to our Language Café?
Held every Wednesday in term time, it’s free to attend and open to all current students and staff. Whether you’re a complete beginner or advanced learner, join us to make new friends from all over the world! You can also enjoy free tea, coffee and tasty snacks while you chat in the cosy Lounge.
Language Cafe Taster session:
Come along and experience a taste of Language Cafe during Welcome! Book a space here or drop in to chat with our friendly Language Cafe Volunteers about what you can expect this term while enjoying our signature snacks and teas!
- Language Cafe Taster: Monday, 15 September, 12-1:30 pm in Anson Rooms, Richmond Building.
Autumn 2025 dates:
- Every Wednesday during term time, starts on Wednesday 1 October.
- English practice only between 2.30 – 4 pm
- All languages including English between 5 – 6.30 pm
- Where? The Global Lounge (First Floor, Senate House).
- How? These are DROP IN sessions, no booking required.
Simply drop in on Wednesdays during term time. You don't need to reserve a place, but the Café can be extremely popular and spaces are limited, so please arrive early.
- Join from 2.30 to 4 pm to practise English only.
- Join from 5 to 6.30 pm to practise all languages, including English.
We offer a huge range of languages spoken by our volunteer community. Previous Cafés have offered many different languages including French, Spanish, Gaelic-Scottish, English, Italian, German, Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, and many more. Each week the languages available depend on the availability of our wonderful volunteers. Find out which languages are available this week:
Volunteering at Language Café is a great way to share your knowledge and share an afternoon with like-minded people. It's a place for you to build your community and help others out – all whilst having free hot drinks and snacks at the Global Lounge.
We are always keen to hear from friendly, enthusiastic volunteers. Plus, volunteering is a great opportunity to:
- Boost your confidence
- Develop leadership skills (track more skills here)
- Get a free Language Café t-shirt & a free hoodie after 5 hours
- Meet other like-minded students
- It also counts towards the Bristol PLUS Award
Applications for Autumn 2025 are now open!
Please apply via this form. We will be in touch via email with more details on the next steps. Please note that successful applicants will also have to complete a short training session (online or in-person) ahead of their first volunteering session.
Volunteer application deadlines are by midnight on:
- Wednesday 24 September 2025
- Wednesday 15 September 2025
- Wednesday 5 November 2025
If you have any questions, please feel free to email the global-lounge@bristol.ac.uk for clarity.