Back in Bristol: A re-Freshers’ guide to smashing term two

Coming back to uni after the Christmas holidays can be a tough time; it’s grey, cold, you’re missing your family and friends, and the excitement of starting a new uni year seems to have worn off. However, here’s a guide on how to make the most of being back in Bristol.

January is a time of new beginnings; New Year’s resolutions, the start of a new term (one where everyone attempts to be academic weapons and make it to their 9am’s for once) and so on. Although it can feel a little daunting being back at uni, try some of these tips before work picks up again to explore university life and figure out where you fit in in the wild environment of Bristol community.

1. Find your style

Got any leftover Christmas money? Head down to the vintage shops on Park Street, or perhaps hit the countless charity shops that line Gloucester Road.

In the bustling university environment, it’s normal to feel lost in who you are. What you wear is key to confidence in yourself, and Bristol is a great place to experiment with your style, home to millions of divas strutting their stuff on campus.

Trying new styles can help you to develop a better sense of self, helping you to navigate the frenzy of university life. If you’re stuck for inspiration, simply sit in Senate and watch the endless catwalk of students dressed in a myriad of different styles. Whether you love to sport the traditional skinny scarf and fur coat, or you prefer something more daring, there are plenty of shops waiting to furnish your new wardrobe.

2. Find your music sense

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Music is a major part of many people’s lives, and can be key to developing a sense of self. No matter where you are, you can inevitably find someone with similar music taste to you, and this is a great way of connecting with new people or strengthening bonds with current friends. Bristol has an amazing history of pop performances, whether that’s a Nia Archives set under The Arches or Dizzee Rascal popping up in Cabot Circus for an impromptu concert.

If that scene isn’t for you, check out some of the local DJs (and no, this does not mean the boy living next to you in Wills with his own set of decks), or head to Mr Wolf’s for some amazing live music on Tuesday evenings. Bristol is home to plenty of up and coming artists, as well as hosting some bigger names like Lost Track of Time in Lakota or Sammy Virji in Motion, so keep an eye out for events to experiment with new music styles and sample the broad spectrum of different venues that Bristol has to offer.

3. Try new things

Between uni work and cycling through all the Triangle nights out, there’s still plenty of time to try new things this semester. Picking up new hobbies and trying new activities is a great way to make new friends, visit new places, and see how you adapt in different situations. Joining societies is a fantastic and affordable way to do this –some societies may offer a Re-Freshers’ discount, so snap up a membership whilst you can. Go out on a limb and try a new sport, or perhaps pop along to DramSoc to live out your actor dreams.

For the adrenaline junkies, there’s plenty on offer like Bristol Skydiving Club, or if you fancy a calmer day out, Break Away Bristol gives you the opportunity to explore all Bristol has to offer whilst connecting with other like-minded individuals. It’s important to reconnect with your hobbies and favourite pastimes to avoid falling into the monotony of simply going to lectures then heading back home, so make sure you try something new this semester.

4. Keep in touch with home

The transition from being at home to back at uni (especially in halls) can be a tough one. Some people take to it like a duck to water, and some struggle a bit more. Remember that everyone reacts to situations differently, and its okay to just nip out and take some time to call your family or friends. Things like organising a joint FaceTime with your friends from back home go a long way in maintaining strong friendships when you’re away from each other, and helps keep you involved with each other’s lives.

Additionally, organising a visit is a great way to merge your home and uni lives; take your family around Clifton for a wholesome day out, or introduce your home friends to your flatmates and bond over VKs in Brass Pig together. Sometimes it can feel as if you’re living two separate lives as two different people, and so meshing the two together can help you to build your confidence and connection with yourself. Cohesion between home and uni life can make the often challenging transitions much easier, and allow you to experience the benefits of both home and university life.

5. Spend time with yourself

Although friendships are a key part of uni, it’s easy to get lost in them and forget how to be by yourself, especially coming back from home after Christmas. Independence is a fundamental element at university, both in academia and your personal life, and something that every uni student must become comfortable with. Take yourself for a walk on the Downs, or wander down by Harbourside, and let yourself reflect. University is a hectic experience, and much easier to navigate with a clear mind and clear sense of self. Allow yourself a few moments of quiet solitude per day, perhaps on the bus on the way to your lectures, to calm your buzzing brain and give yourself a little break.

6. Be brave

Yes, it’s a cliché, but everyone is more or less in the same boat. It can sometimes feel as if life is set in stone after freshers, but this is far from the truth. Don’t be afraid to lean on your friends and navigate life together, but also don’t shy away from making new friends. Bristol is a buzzing community teeming with bubbly, friendly people, and innumerable things to do, so make the most of your time here – after all, we all have to graduate at some point. In short, if you’re still finding your way, or struggling to re-enter the fever dream that is uni, don’t stress; take your time, but remember to go and experience Bristol life to the full, in whatever way is best for you.