From the ASS to the SU: What your favourite university building says about you

We all know that Wills Memorial is pretty and the ASS is far from, but were you aware that your preferred building on campus actually says loads about you as a person? One step into the Arts Complex and you are hit with the scent of tobacco-tainted leather, whilst Wills might greet you with phrases like “this is so dark academia” or “did you know Sex Education was filmed here?”.

Despite all containing seminar rooms, study spaces, cafes and students, every building at the University of Bristol has a slightly different personality and thus attracts a different demographic. Over time, these buildings’ key features, like design, location, or just general vibe, have shaped who their inhabitants are. Here is a look at some of your (worst) traits based on your choice of study space.

Wills Memorial Building

You prioritise aesthetics above all else. Your first year accommodation probably had an eerily similar name and your other university choices most likely consisted of Durham, Oxbridge and York. If Wills is your go-to library, you definitely spend more time perfecting your BeReal there than actually studying. You’re also counting down the days until graduation so you can show the world you walked across a fancy stage with an organ in the background. Bonus points if you chose to study law because you knew it would be based here.

Arts Complex

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You want everyone to know how effortlessly cool you are, from your cashmere skinny scarf to your copy of The Bell Jar. You would probably describe yourself as “mysterious” or “esoteric”, as you sit on one of the benches outside the main entrance rolling a cigarette. You find the Woodland Road row of houses exterior sweet, but secretly appreciate how clinically bright the interior is, because it stops you from falling asleep whilst doing your latest 60 page reading. You are also, admittedly, quite resilient for navigating your way around what can only be described as a maze.

Arts and Social Sciences Library

At the end of the day, work comes first for you, no matter the cost. Even if the cost in question is the ugliest building you’ve ever laid eyes upon, and the tickling cough you’re trying to suppress because you’re surrounded by 200 completely silent people. You’re not afraid to admit to spending full solar days slaving away in here, and you’re also very competitive, having fought bravely for your rightful seat in the dark depths of exam season.

Fry Building

You sit somewhere between the ASS crowd and the Wills crowd, being an appreciator of all things grand and pleasing to the eye, whilst cherishing practicality and a good workspace. You are either a maths student with a love for pretty buildings, or an arts student cosplaying as a STEM student (everybody knows you’re not). You’re quite fickle, reinventing yourself every few months, just as your favourite building did after it burnt down in 2018.

Senate House

You have an uncountable amount of friends, to the extent that the awkward smiles and hugs you give in here almost match that of a night at Daisy’s. You probably tell people to meet you here so that you can exploit your bank of Moves+ points for free coffee, whilst you watch your friends take a financial hit.

Then you claim you’re going to finally lock in before talking shit for two hours, thinking nobody can hear you. We are in fact all listening to what happened in your flat last night. However, you do actually possess the incredible ability of studying in any environment no matter how noisy it is.

Physics Building

You like to dabble in the finer things in life, like opting for paper notes over laptop notes in Tyndall Lecture Theatre, or sipping on an oat chai from Rolling Italy instead of Senate House. Either way, we know you secretly take the lift so you can hear what you claim to be the start of No Surprises by Radiohead.

Richmond Building

You’re either a film student, a theatre kid, or a swimmer. All admirable options, because I respect the dedication to be able to go the extra mile (or quarter mile) for your chosen niche. You’re probably an active member of multiple societies, many of which are based here. The overly jolly inside of the Richmond Building, contrasted with its less than jolly facade, is not enough to put you off, which I applaud. And if you like this building because of its bar, I don’t believe you.

The Hawthorns

You say that you only go here for the soup, but really you find the place quite charming. You’re a homebody, never willing to stray too far from the very centre of campus, and you’re slightly more introverted than other people as you gaze out of the bay windows, across the road at the Senate House masses. You’ve tried, on multiple occasions, to convince your friends to study here with you, but without much success.

Queen’s Building

You either come here claiming it is the best place to find a rich engineer husband, or you’re said rich engineer husband who has too much on their plate to take notice of the Arts Complex girls on the prowl in the library. Either way, you’re extremely dedicated to your bit. The best thing about this building is the views it gives you of other buildings, and the worst is the pesky UCard barriers when you’re already running late.

Life Sciences Building

You’re actually probably the most unironically cool person on this list. You’re humble and don’t care too much for other people’s opinions, and you keep your passions mysterious, but not on purpose. Being in this building makes you feel at home, from the little tuft of grass above the entrance, to the huge suspended bird models. Not even the barriers or massive ugly metal wall can put you off your safe haven.

Chemistry Building

You say: “I know a place”, and it’s just that weird coloured glass tent thing outside the Chemistry Building. Unless you love stairs or being confused or concrete or cross-country walking, then I’m honestly not sure why this building would ever be your favourite.