Bristol Uni offers £250 to students missing Freshers’ Week due to halls not being ready

New Bristol students who are missing Freshers’ Week due to late accommodation start date will receive an apology and £250 compensation to help them “settle into their new home.”

The new accommodation building “Metal Works” in Bedminster is set to house 814 students in South Bristol. Students can move in from the 14th September in time for teaching to start on the 16th. However, they will miss “Welcome Week” more commonly known across the country as Freshers’ Week.

Due to a legally binding contract signed before the university moved teaching a week earlier, the move-in date cannot be moved. Students now face either missing Welcome Week or paying for alternative accommodation for the week, Bristol Live reports.

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Very confused #bristol #student #freshers #uk

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One user on TikTok joked about the blunder, writing: “I’ve just booked YHA hostel for Freshers’ Week” WHILST another said: “I’m booking a hotel because I can’t miss Freshers’.”

Freshers’ Week is a staple part of UK University culture. A week of meeting new people, introducing yourself to your new community and often lots of clubbing. It helps students settle into university life before teaching starts as they make the huge leap of living independently.

In response, the University of Bristol has acknowledged the upset missing Welcome Week may cause and has issued an apology and will issue £250 to affected students.

Additionally, the university is planning specific events in the Bedminster accommodation to help students get to know each other, their university and their new local community. More details will be shared over the coming weeks.

The SU Welcome Week spans multiple weeks with events being held throughout the first term.

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Concerns have been raised over the accessibility due to there being no direct bus service to uni and back. The accommodation is a 38 minute walk from the campus or a 10 minute cycle ride.

The university chose not to include the cost of a bus pass in the rent however, students can buy an upgraded bus pass for £189 which covers all Bristol buses for the academic year. While not insignificant this is highly discounted from the original price.

A University of Bristol spokesperson said: “Metal Works is an exciting, brand-new development for more than 800 students located in South Bristol, in the vibrant Bedminster area of the city.

“The move-in date, as stated on our website, is 14th September 2024. This is in time for the start of teaching on 16 September but after Welcome Week.  

“We know how important Welcome Week is for new students and we’re sorry if this causes any disappointment. A package of support and a series of events are being arranged for all residents so they can get to know each other and their local community during the first term in their new home.”

Related articles recommended by this author:

• • A comprehensive guide for new freshers preparing for Bristol University this September
  • Four Bristol students to meet their first opponents in University Challenge debut tonight
  • New Bristol SU code of conduct with updated guidance on sexual misconduct after complaints 

Featured image via University of Bristol