UoB vs UWE: Bristol’s ultimate university campus showdown

Dating someone from UWE as a UoB student is like living in a rom-com where the romantic tension isn’t “Will they, won’t they,” but “Will we go to The Triangle or Gloucester Road tonight”

As someone who splits my life 50/50 between UoB’s classic city architecture and UWE’s expansive Frenchay campus (thanks to my lovely boyfriend), I’ve become somewhat of a cultural chameleon. Here’s what I’ve learned about navigating Bristol’s dual university identity—with a side of good recommendations, of course.

Pubs: The White Bear vs The Anchor

At UoB, The White Bear is the sacred ground where society discounts are rife, post-ASS pints are mandatory, and The Tab’s pub quiz is the event of the year. The White Bear is essentially like a second home to UOB students, it’s not just a pub—it’s an emotional support system. Tucked away like a hidden relic for students battling both existentialism and essay deadlines, The White Bear is where underpriced pints meet overpriced degrees.

UWE’s equivalent? The Anchor. It’s not just a pub—it’s a rite of passage. Thursdays at The Anchor are practically a student holiday, with crowds gathering for cheap pints. Forget lectures; the real curriculum is learned queuing outside in the cold like it’s a life choice you fully support. Anchor Thursdays aren’t about sophistication—they’re about survival, and maybe, just maybe, securing a perfectly priced £5 double pint before the night blurs into a montage of bad decisions. I’ve mastered the art of nodding along to UWE pub banter, all while secretly yearning for the well-worn bus seats of The White Bear.

Coffee: Bakesmiths vs FED 303

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UOB students treat Bakesmiths like a second library, except with better lighting and oat milk. It’s where you go to “study” but it’s really just to scroll on Instagram while pretending to work on that seminar reading. You’ll leave with minimal progress but a strong sense of accomplishment, powered entirely by caffeine and aesthetic surroundings.

Ah, the Triangle, the holy trinity of UoB nights out; Lizard Lounge, Larocca and The Brass Pig. Its where dreams go to die and dignity is optional. A classic Friday night would involve a few drinks at Berkeley before queuing in the cold, regretting your choice of shoe, and pretending you’re too cool for VKs (but drinking three anyway).

Meanwhile, UWE students treat The Triangle like a warm-up. Their real playground? Motion, Lakota, and any warehouse that vaguely resembles a legal venue. UWE nights out often begin with, “It’s just a short walk,” which translates to “bring snacks for the journey.” I’ve danced in places so obscure I wasn’t sure if it was a club or someone’s large shed. UWE students put us at UoB to shame with the intensity of their nights out…

UoB students act like Pret is a personality trait. Need coffee? Pret. Need lunch? Pret. Need to avoid responsibilities? Pret. Its Stockholm syndrome but with overpriced baguettes.

UWE students, however, have actual campus facilities that don’t rely on a Pret addiction or a Sainsbury’s meal deal. They’ve got a Subway on campus. A literal Subway. It’s like living in the future, we have a clear winner here.

Clifton is UoB’s vintage paradise. You’ll find curated racks of expensive 90s Levi’s and jackets that scream “academic chic.” Shopping here feels like an aesthetic experience curated for your Instagram story.

Stokes Croft, on the other hand, is where UWE students thrive. It’s a chaotic treasure hunt where you might find a vintage gem or a cursed lamp. The prices are better, the vibes are grungier, and the staff definitely judge you less when you buy three random items that don’t match.

Sports Night: SWX vs Vice

Dating across the UoB/UWE divide has taught me that Bristol isn’t just one city—it’s multiple microcosms stitched together by questionable public transport and an unhealthy obsession with snus. But in the end, we’re all united by the same things: Bad life choices, overpriced drinks, and the eternal struggle to find a good takeaway at 3am (Donervan forever).