After finishing my undergraduate study at Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, I was anxious to find a university which, besides music, also has a strong interest in Chinese studies generally, because I wanted to apply for a place to further my research into musical, cultural and diplomatic exchange between China and the West in the 17th and 18th centuries. Finally in 2008, I chose Bristol, not surprisingly, as it had great understanding of my research in both the Music and Historical Studies Departments, and I was also awarded the ORS Scholarship from Bristol.
Now with eight months study and enjoyable experiences in Bristol, I'd be worried if I were not at Bristol. The university offers a superb environment for doing research, I am very much impressed with both departmental and university libraries, I can easily access documents and materials, sometimes with the help from the friendly librarians. The Sports Centre is one of the places I do not want to miss every week, it perfectly combines various sporting activities. Here, I should also mention that the weekly lunchtime concert at the Music Department is always free to all Bristol students and definitely ideal for the busy students who want an enjoyable rest. Not only the university, but the peaceful areas of the city of Bristol have given me beautiful memories since I settled here. I normally love to walk to Brandon Hill, which is a five-minute walk from my flat. I would call it a picturesque paradise given by nature, but Bristol indeed deserves it. A panoramic view of Bristol at the top of the hill, and lovely squirrels and birds, all of these, make me embrace wonderful and natural nature, peaceful and touchable.
During the last eight months, I have widely deepened my understanding of my research field both musicologically and historically. One of my supervisors Professor Stephen Banfield in the Music Department, who is a good scholar interested in writing a global music history, teaches me a lot in taking Chinese music and its history into a comprehensive musicological account. His supervision also helps me reassess musical exchange between China and the West at a refreshing level. Another supervisor of mine Professor Robert Bickers, a leading figure in the field of modern Chinese history in Britain, is also seriously interested in my field. In the weekly research seminar for all PhD students in Chinese history, we discuss specific issues and topics, from which, I gain lots of knowledge about Chinese history in English literature. In short, the co-supervision by two departments at Bristol widens and strengthens my academic thinking and stimulates my intense interest in investigating a vast amount of unresearched fields.
At the time of Bristol’s centenary, I wish Bristol a great future, and I hope my profile is helpful for research students who are keen to come to Bristol.
Having obtained my Bachelor's Degree in China, I was dedicated to studying documentary filmmaking and developing my career in the industry. Bristol University is one of the few ones in the UK that provides a programme based on the practice of documentary filmmaking. From information acquired on the Internet I got to know that the Drama Department at Bristol University has a very good reputation in the field of film and theatre studies, which greatly strengthened my aspiration toward the programme here. In addition, Bristol attracted me as a medium-sized city, with its combination of relaxed life style together with vigorous cultural activities. One of the best things about the programme was that I really got trained in every aspect of documentary filmmaking. During the past academic year, each of us Documentary Practice students made a ten-minute film for our dissertation project. Although it was challenging, we all benefited as we got the opportunity to practice directing, shooting, sounding, editing and producing – every skill needed for documentary filmmaking, which indeed offered us the confidence to start a career in the industry.
I didn't have a strong professional background before I came to Bristol. So initially I felt I was not learning fast. However, when it came to the stage of the dissertation film production, I began to grasp both the concepts and skills quickly, for we had a private tutorial concerning our projects with the supervisors every week since the beginning of the second term.
Another great thing was that, as filmmakers, we had the freedom to make the films we envisioned, no matter how conventional or artistic they were. The supervisors only gave suggestions from a professional perspective, but the students were the people who made the final decisions.
Although the number of students on the programme was small, we didn't feel very restricted within our programme. Actually, we had many classes overlapping with students from other programmes within and outside the department, like the students from the Archaeology Department who were studying Archaeology for Screen Media and the students from Music Department who were studying Composition for Film and Television. This not only enriched our filmmaking experiences, but also our social life. At the end of the academic year, each of us Documentary Practice students collaborated with one composer for our independent dissertation film project.
I am now back in China, working with a PhD student from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Bristol on his project about the Buddhist death rituals here. My responsibility is to film the Buddhist rituals and to edit a 30 minute documentary film on the topic. I now feel grateful for all the things I've learnt through the Documentary Practice programme at Bristol, which has empowered me with the knowledge, the skills and the confidence I need to start a career in the field.
I chose the UK because it has a good reputation in China for standard of education. Also a one-year Masters course is good to save time and money. I applied for the University of Bristol, because through the internet I found Bristol was ranked number 1 for drama and cinematic on the Times online rankings.
I’d never been to UK before, because I felt it was difficult to get a visa. However, I’d been to some other countries in Europe. Although coming to Bristol was my first time in the UK, I settled in quickly. I met some other Chinese students in the same halls very soon after arrival. The university accommodation is in the centre of Bristol, which is very convenient, since supermarkets and banks are easy walks away. In my flat, we have a mixture of nationalities: Chinese, Greek, Russian, British and Malaysian. It’s a great opportunity to make friends and experience different cultures.
The course has a good mixture of nationalities including British, Chinese, American, Indian, Greek and so on. We can have access all the equipment we need, and design students work in workshops and have access to the theatre collection and costumes housed in the department.
The biggest difference between studying here and China is the way of learning. In China there are large classes, less discussion, mostly lecture based learning. In Bristol the groups are much smaller and students participate actively in the seminars through group discussion and expressing opinions. The essay writing style is also different. In the UK you are encouraged to write freely and to express your own opinions and to say what you want. This is a liberating feeling. Once I got used to the style I have received praise from my lecturer. The best things about the University of Bristol are-- the quality of teaching, making every minute count, small classes and good contact time with academics.
In my spare time, I joined the Chinese Society. I was the minister of the publicity department for the Chinese Society in Bristol, and the vice minister of the IT department in UK Chinese Society. I have also joined the University gym and go swimming sometimes. I like walking in Bristol because I enjoy the nice views and the quiet atmosphere of Royal Fort Gardens. The climate in the UK is temperate and is very clean. Bristol has beautiful views of the countryside nearby and is situated on hills, which provide an excellent form of exercise in the fresh air to keep you healthy.
I was very lucky to win one of the International Office scholarships. Truly this scholarship has helped me a lot. I can buy more books, go to exhibitions and events at the Watershed, watch more films, which help enormously with my research and background for the course. I thought I would have to do a part time job to help with finances before I came, but the scholarship means that I can spend the time focusing on the course and studying instead of working late at night.
My plans for the future involve putting the skills I have learnt to practice in the film and TV industry in China. I would like to gain some work experience in the UK before going back home. I would like to make films for Chinese people and to let people in other countries know about China.
I will never regret coming to Bristol, as it is exactly the experience that I imagined it to be.
I always looked forward to come to UK to embrace the culture and witness the great masterpieces. My dream came true in last autumn.
I applied Bristol University, because of the high quality education and excellent reputation. Also a degree from such a high-ranking university will help me be more competitive and have priority in my career. The undergraduate course in England only needs three years to complete, which is one year shorter than China. The most distinct character of UK is cosmopolitan. So it’s a great chance for me to learn about many different cultures here. I think that I can never go to a place that contains so many nationalities, even someone from the remotest corners of this planet.
The University is situated in the heart of Bristol, which is a multi-cultural and fantastic city. My major is Mathematics with Statistics. I am pretty enjoying my courses. Obviously, I chose the right subject, which I am good at and can give me more potential. I was surprised when I got the schedule, because there are only twelve lectures per week. That means I have lots of spare time to arrange my own learning and interests. Currently, I am still adjusting my time to the best way to suit the independent study that compliments the lectures. In addition, we have tutors for each subject, in order to supervise our study. There are more opportunities for me to talk back to the teachers than I have been used to.
Before enrolling at this university, I took the International Foundation Year (NCUK) in China. That was the bridge to higher UK education system. Through the year in IFY, I had perceived the similar teaching method in England and prepared completely for the following study and life here. Therefore, I didn’t get a serious cultural shock in terms of adjustment to a new atmosphere. I am trying to submerge myself in British cultural. However, something that still seems to have been a great challenge to virtually all of us is language.. Language is possibly one of the biggest potential barriers. The language difficulties experienced by me didn’t reduce my willingness to participate in class and my ability to conduct independent learning outside the lesson time.
In addition, social life is also an important part of the university life here. There are a lot of societies in this university, covering almost every conceivable interest. I participated in yoga society and CSSA (Chinese Student and Scholar Association). In order to improve my abilities of communication and organization, I joined the election and was voted as the leader of Tour Department of CSSA. I never thought that kind of things would happen to me. I got the chance to present myself. For example, I have organized two short-journeys for our members and got excellent feedback. This experience really provide me a unique way to learn social skills that can never been know from the books and increased my personal confidence.
I am so glad that I love this university. It provides me an excellent learning experience in an environment enriched by research. I can develop myself more intellectually and individually. The education system here is very independent. It enables me to focus strongly on my subject, because the professors enlighten the students instead of indoctrinating. I have been this lovely place for four months. I am experiencing and studying. I will gain a greater proficiency and confident in learning the knowledge and life.
I first heard about Bristol, as a centre of excellence for education when I was still at home in Harbin,HeiLongjiang Province in China.
In the academic and business world, many international students return from Bristol University to their native lands to take up leading positions in society. I started as a postgraduate student in Social Sciences and found the atmosphere, freedom and understanding more than I had experienced in my studies in China.
Bristol is a very friendly city where the student social life is blended well into the day to day life of the City. There are good accommodation facilities available for students either in the spacious and well presented halls of residence or in privately owned rooms, at affordable prices, in various parts of the City.
Bristol not only has a very distinct culture including a national theatre, zoo and beautiful dockland area, near to the local coast, but a strong business and industrial influence in world class engineering products, for example. It also has its own International Airport as well as a good train service and direct coach service to London and its airports.
I can thoroughly recommend Bristol University as a major stepping stone to one's future.
Bristol University is one of the most famous universities in the UK. It is often ranked in the top ten every year. It has a large group of highly qualified lecturers who are extremely qualified and knowledgeable in their own major fields. There is no doubt over teaching quality here and no doubt about living here in a very happy mood.
Bristol University stands out especially in the Engineering domain. It has first-class experimental laboratories fitted with advanced equipment and safety systems. Much research and inventiveness is undertaken by the Engineering Faculty. Bristol University is definitely a place which is worth studying in and I feel one would never regret coming here.
The courses are arranged here reasonably. You can learn your major knowledge from easy to hard step by step other than learning high-level materials, which you may never have touched before from the beginning. Lectures are attractive and atmosphere is alive.
Bristol is a lovely city to live. It is quite peaceful in city center. People here are totally friendly and warm-hearted. It brings you a homely feeling here and you will certainly love this small beautiful city.
There are many clubs and teams waiting for you to join. You can find the same feeling as you were in China. You won’t feel alone here. My favorite club is RAG which works for charity. I’ve progressed on communication to people and English speaking. It’s quite fun living and studying in Bristol. I am so sure that it’s the best decision to choose here.
Having been in Bristol for 4 months now, I feel like a dream come true at last. Yup! This place is fantastic! Everything just matches my expectations: an energetic city, a quality university, a lovely residential hall and a bulk of friends.
I still remember last January when I was busy with preparation for the applications: (you know all the research and personal statement thing!). As I was taking the engineering stream and I was planning my career as an actuary or a stock-broker, I intended to take a numerical course such as mathematics. Of course, amongst all the universities I researched, the University of Bristol seemed the best choice for not only it’s reputation, but also it’s course structure, academic atmosphere and personal tutor system. Without any doubts, I put the University of Bristol as my first choice and chose the course of Mathematics with Statistics and I was pretty optimistic about the chance of being enrolled since my academic performance had been the best on the programme.
Well, although it is a little embarrassing to admit, the fact was that I got rejected! I couldn’t believe my eyes at the time I saw the results, I felt extremely upset and even a little angry at the university; how could they turn down a first-place student?! However, after I communicated with Mr. Aldridge and talked to my principle, Mr. Arthur, I found out that the failure was my own fault. First of all, I was too confident to do a thorough research about the university and the city and due to some complicated reasons I also missed the consultation at my centre where I would have been given valuable advice. Secondly, my course choice did not fit my personality as I am an outgoing and sociable person and the nature of course of Mathematics with Statistics is more researching. Once I figured out these two reasons I desired the University of Bristol more as I realized that unlike other universities, which only paid attention to my exam results, Bristol really cared about me, the individual student and had rejected me not because of my academic performance but because they had realised I was making a mistake. With mature consideration and help from both my school and the University of Bristol, I wrote another application for the course of Economics and Mathematics, and finally, hehe, I am here now.
As I said in the beginning, the city and university have everything I dreamed of: the city is old and young, filled with traditional British architecture and modern shopping malls. I live in a university hall which is on the top of a large hill, a little far from the city centre, but never mind, because this place is nothing but wonderful. The hall is surrounded by expansive grassland, embraced by the crystal blue sky and white clouds (you can even see the clouds moving!) and when the sun comes out, I feel myself melt in the heart-warming sunshine. My flat is an adorable cottage with en-suite facilities, which makes my life a lot easier.
The best and the most crucial part of my life is my study. As a matter of fact, the teaching quality exceeds my anticipation, I have both experienced and passionate lecturers, strict and helpful personal tutors and perfect amount of course work which gives me enough practice and leaves myself adequate time to explore deeper and wider.
I also joined the RAG (Raise and Give) society here, which is a charity organization operating a variety of fund raising activities. I have taken jobs in street collections (a little scary in fact) and also volunteered as a dealer for the casino in some charity balls, which, by the way, is really cool.
Certainly, Bristol is not a never-never land: I also encountered some problems in my daily life. Homesickness probably is most common problem for an international student, especially for someone like me who has never been apart from my family before. But I have made lots of friends since I came here. Every time I feel weary and down, they will come and cheer me up.
Anyway, I still feel there are loads of things waiting for me to discover in Bristol, UK, and eventually the whole of Europe. I would like to compare myself to a treasure hunter who is ambitious about exploring the world and started the first step in Bristol!!!
The word Bristol in my dictionary is defined as both young and old, both academic and energetic and both challenging and relaxing. When I saw its cityscape, the campus of its University and the people here, I heartily believed that I had made a correct choice not only from the pictures on the website, the words from the previous graduates and the fames from people who know about the city and university any more.
To focus on University of Bristol, which dependently makes a great agreement with my words Bristol and I am enjoying my first year of undergraduate life. It is so thoughtful of the university to attempt to benefit students’ lives in s omany possible ways.
There are three main libraries in central campus. What took my breath away were not only millions of books there, it was the methods for students to manage their usages of libraries. Now I can borrow or return books directly from issue desk in the libraries. If the issue desk is closed, I can still do my self-borrowing through a machine. What is more, I can renew or reserve books online. I can do that at anytime in anywhere just by a phone calling to the automotive answer system, which provides convenience.
Another thing that drew my attention was their various career services. A good university would not narrowly watch just academic achievements, they also concern themselves with helping students with their future career. Looking for part time work, vacation work, one year placement and graduate job opportunities are all incorporated in the services. In addition, the career service office is offering training for skills to be employed, such as writing covering letters and CVs and how to behave well in telephone interviews and face to face interviews.
Of course, university life can not be filled in only by study. There are many societies and clubs under the name of Student Union of University of Bristol. You can do sports, play music and any other you want to colour you studying. There are always more choices than you imagine.
