If Love Actually was set at Bristol Uni: A romantic (and chaotic) student spin

With Christmas right around the corner, what other way is there to spend your time than snuggling up and watching the 2000s classic rom-com, Love Actually. But what if all of the characters crossed paths another time in their lives, without really knowing, when they were much younger, an 18-year-old fresher perhaps? We couldn’t help but wonder what the cast of Love Actually would do if they attended Bristol University.

1. David

 via Universal Pictures

David studies politics and international relations, though he’s still bitter about his Oxford rejection (and makes sure you know it).

His first year was spent in Hiatt Baker, catered, naturally. He wouldn’t know where to start with a microwave. A regular at Fishies, David’s the type you’ll find tearing up the dance floor after one too many, even if he swears he doesn’t dance.

Pres are always at his flat and the mess stays until the next party. Despite his outward confidence, David is a last-minute essay warrior, so, naturally, you will find him in the ASS at 3am with two red bulls on the go.

2. Jamie

via Universal Pictures

Jamie lives in Clifton Hill House and is regularly found with an oat cappuccino from the East Village Cafe. He studies English and philosophy and is president of the book club. Often spotted with a thriller in his hand, he wears long trench coats thrifted from the nearby charity shops.

When he’s not working at Clifton Waterstones or taking long romanticised walks across the suspension bridge, he is attending research seminars to “broaden his knowledge”, although they are entirely unrelated to the book he is planning to write.

3. Billy Mack

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via Universal Pictures

Billy Mack is a drama kid at heart and studies theatre. He’s a bit obsessed with Shakespearean monologues and will try his best to show off that he CAN recite them off by heart.

Billy is the one person in your group project who never responds to their messages and you end up doing most of the prep although he manages to pull through at the end.

He is involved, although not entirely committed, to Bristol Improv and DramSoc and always steals the show no matter how big or little his role is.

Everyone knows him for his carefree attitude, although that has led to him going skinny dipping in the fountain outside the Vic rooms after a couple of pints in W.G Grace, although he prefers White Bear.

4. Juliet

via Universal Pictures

Juliet is a psychology student and is VP of the A Capella Society. When she is not rehearsing, she loves trying out the latest Bristol brunch spots and makes sure to snap a picture of the aesthetic uni buildings as she passes.

When she’s not super busy getting ahead of her assignments, following a very strict Google Calendar plan, you will find her relaxing in Juice Jar with an acai bowl after an intense pilates session. But of course you would know this from her Instagram, she is practically Bristol royalty.

5. Harry

via Universal Pictures

Harry studies business and management and lives in Print Hall as he much prefers the quieter ends of Bristol.

Harry is the type of guy giving out his LinkedIn on a night out at Brass Pig, although he avoids it now after they started charging for entry.

Harry, seemingly uninterested in love, has fallen in love with the president of the Art Society (Karen) who is way out of his league.

As a romantic (yet ultimately cringe) gesture, he books out a study room in Wills every Friday just for her, yet she normally stands him up – as she should. He does eventually get lucky and they start dating in his final year; he treats her every week to a date night at his favourite, Brown’s Brasserie & Bar (must be because of how close it is to Wills, his fav study spot).

6. Karen 

via Universal Pictures

Karen is the nicest girl you have ever met. She studies history of art and is president of the Arts Society.

When she is not volunteering at the local OXFAM, she seeks the newest nature walk whether that’s the Harbourside or Aston Gate.

Karen is a true “flat mum” always cooking spare food for her flatmates and cleaning up after everyone, she’s the gal holding your hair up whilst you’re being sick in the La Rocca toilets or holding your purse and coat for you’re ready to walk home after a night out.

She meets the “love of her life” in her last year (Harry) but her friends wish she hadn’t settled down so soon – especially after finding out his go-to coffee order is a double shot of espresso – a major red flag.

7. Daniel

via Universal Pictures

Daniel studies biomed as he always wanted to contribute to helping people and loved science growing up.

He lives in Riverside and is always down to go for fresh cider from the Apple or any pub on King Street. He is a hopeless romantic and his favourite spot to chill out is the Suspension Bridge at Sunset (which is also his go-to date spot).

He loves going to comedy nights at Basement 45 and is always up to exploring Bristol’s jazz scene. Without admitting it, he would much prefer a chill night in, cooking up a gourmet meal (steak and chips) with his flatmates than a crazy night out, but he never says no to plans because he doesn’t want to to let anyone down.

8. Mark

via Universal Pictures

Mark studied economics but his passion is photography and film. He reluctantly joins the photography society yet ends up running their Instagram because he takes the “best” black and white candids on pub trips.

He hates the mainstream clubbing scene like Lola Lo’s and tends to exclusively attend the underground raves or obscure indie gigs in Stokes Croft. Mark likes the broody aesthetic and prefers his own company, yet he somehow always ends up at a flat party lurking in the kitchen and observing from the corner.

He lives in Wills and enjoys taking the U1 to campus, savouring the aesthetic of the bus journey (and maybe snapping a quick photo along the way).

Featured image (before edits) via YouTube.