Welcome events programme – Global Lounge

Welcome to Bristol! Get to know the city and meet other students from all over the world at our friendly welcome events.

This September the Global Lounge is running a welcome programme full of fun and social activities – led by the Global Lounge team and student ambassadors – guaranteed to get you excited about student life, and connected with the city and University community! During our jam-packed and exciting welcome period, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Bristol with other students, get involved in fun activities that will help you to make friends and get practical support with settling in – while enjoying some delicious free food along the way!

We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to our exciting, vibrant and multicultural city.

All events listed are open to all current students at the University (home and international), however spaces are limited, so please make sure you book your place as soon as booking information becomes available.

Student life webinars

During these fun and informal online sessions, current students share their personal experiences of what it’s like to live and study in Bristol; offering you tips and insights into everything from study spaces, discounts, getting around the city, and the best places to eat and shop! Don’t miss this great introduction to student and city life.

Live webinars will run in the first week of Welcome from 11 am to 11:45 am. Click on the dates below to find out more and book your place.

If you are unable to attend the live webinars, you can watch the recordings on our website, or view them on Youku.

Student life – Monday 5 September
Explore the city of Bristol – Tuesday 6 September
Eat and shop in Bristol – Wednesday 7 September
Living in the UK – Thursday 8 September
Travel in Bristol and beyond – Friday 9 September

Intercultural virtual workshops

Equip yourself for a global future with Kynfolk’s interactive workshops, hosted by the Student Inclusion team. Learn about British culture and how to adjust to a new living environment through topical themes, discussion and comparison. Students from the UK will be able to explore their own intercultural skills during these sessions.

Workshops run from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Click on the dates below to find out more and book your place.

An introduction to British culture – Tuesday 6 September
British culture: thriving when you’re new to the UK – Thursday 8 September

Language café taster session

Experience the Language Café at this friendly, informal taster session, and see if you’d like to return to the Global Lounge’s weekly sessions as a volunteer or learner. You’ll meet people from across the University community and enjoy free tea, coffee and snacks. We’ll also have information about volunteering at a future session.

The Language café taster session runs from 2 pm to 3:30 pm.

Language café taster session – Monday 19 September

‘Ask me anything’ drop in

Coming to a new country or a new city can be a daunting experience, but the Global Lounge is here to help! Visit us in our light and airy space, enjoy a hot drink, and we’ll do our best to help you find the information you need. We offer practical support; including helping you to open a bank account and providing UK SIM cards for your phone.

‘Ask me anything’ drop ins will be running every Monday to Friday, from 11 am to 2 pm. No booking necessary, just come in and visit us any time between these hours.

‘Ask me anything’ on Monday 19 September will be running at the amended time of 1 pm to 4 pm.

Mondays: 5 September, 12 September and 19 September
Tuesdays: 6 September, 13 September and 20 September
Wednesdays: 7 September, 14 September and 21 September
Thursdays: 8 September, 15 September and 22 September
Fridays: 9 September, 16 September and 23 September

Make friends from around the world

This session does exactly what it says on the tin; come to the Global Lounge and make friends from all over the world! This event will help you to get settled in your new home by giving you the opportunity to meet other students through an array of fun activities, including charades, quizzes, crafts and board games.

Make friends from around the world runs Monday to Friday (5 to 23 September) from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Click on the dates below to find out more and book your place.

‘Make friends from around the world’ on Monday 19 September has been cancelled.

Mondays: 5 September, 12 September and 19 September
Tuesdays: 6 September, 13 September and 20 September
Wednesdays: 7 September, 14 September and 21 September
Thursdays: 8 September, 15 September and 22 September
Fridays: 9 September, 16 September and 23 September

Campus tours

What better way to explore the University’s fantastic city campus than through our current students? Our Global Lounge ambassadors will give you a tour of the University area and buildings, sharing their personal insights and top tips on where to eat, relax and study – while answering any questions you have along the way.

Campus tours run Monday to Friday (5 to 23 September) from 1 pm to 2 pm. Click on the dates below to find out more and book your place.

Mondays: 5 September, 12 September and 19 September
Tuesdays: 6 September, 13 September and 20 September
Wednesdays: 7 September, 14 September and 21 September
Thursdays: 8 September, 15 September and 22 September
Fridays: 9 September, 16 September and 23 September

City tours

Join ambassadors and friendly guide, Luke, for a tour of some of the most historic and bustling areas in Bristol. Discover Clifton and its iconic landmark – the magnificent Suspension Bridge, enjoy stunning views from the top of Brandon Hill, walk through Bristol’s popular Harbourside, or explore the city’s famous street art and indie district.

City tours run between 12 and 22 September, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Click on the dates below to find out more and book your place.

City tour: Brandon Hill and the Harbourside – Monday 12 September and Tuesday 20 September
City tour: Bristol’s old city and street art – Tuesday 13 September and Wednesday 21 September
City tour: Clifton and the Suspension Bridge – Thursday 15 September and Thursday 22 September

Breakfast in the Global Lounge

Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day – with this in mind, we invite you to join us for a delicious free breakfast in the Global Lounge. Tuck into fresh fruit and pastries, enjoy free tea and coffee and get to know other new students from across the globe, and make plans to meet again at different welcome events.

Join us for breakfast on the 13, 15, 20 and 22 September, from 9:30 am to 11 am. Click on the dates below to find out more and book your place.

Tuesdays: 13 September and 20 September
Thursdays: 15 September and 22 September

Treasure hunt

Not only are we offering campus and city tours, but the Global Lounge has also created a treasure hunt around Bristol, custom-designed just for you! Make new friends and discover the best neighbourhoods of this vibrant city – you’ll also have the chance to win some great prizes!

Treasure hunts run from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Click on the dates below to find out more and book your place.

Treasure hunt: Clifton Village and Brunel – Friday 9 September
Treasure hunt: Whiteladies Road the Downs – Friday 16 September

Cream tea in the Global Lounge

Join us in the Lounge for an unmissable feast of fresh scones with jam and cream, plus delicious cakes and other treats (all for free!) while we discuss some interesting – and rather silly – debates revolving around this traditional, quintessentially British pastime!

Cream teas run from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Click on the dates below to find out more and book your place.

Cream tea – Wednesdays: 7 September and 14 September

#WeAreBristol Colour Run

Brought to you by Bristol Students’ Union and Sport, Exercise, and Health, the #WeAreBristol Colour Run is inspired by the Hindu festival of Holi. You’ll be covered in colourful powder paint while you run, at whatever pace suits you. Meet other students in a friendly, informal setting and get involved in the #WeAreBristol community.

The colour run is on 2 October, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Click on the date below to find out more and book your place.

Colour Run – Sunday 2 October