Get Ready
University Life
Everything you need to know about starting University in Bristol and moving away from home
So, you're busy thinking about how to get ready for uni life in Bristol. Not sure where to start? We got you.
It's an exciting, and maybe daunting, time and you're probably wondering where to get started in preparing for your move.
We want to make sure that you're set up with everything you could possibly need for life in Bristol as a student. After all, being prepared will help you get set off on the right foot as soon as you have arrived - so you can make the most of this wonderful city from the get-go!
To help you understand a bit more about uni life, and what you might need to prepare before the term starts, we've created a few handy guides for you to read.
These include your very own packing checklist and things that you won't want to forget before you get to uni, as well as a useful guide to Welcome 2026. After all, you may be wondering what ‘Welcome' even is!
We are so excited to welcome you here in September, and hopefully, these guides will help you prepare over the next few weeks.
FAQs
What is Bristol SU / What is a Students' Union?
We sit at the heart of all the best bits of student life!
When you join the University of Bristol, you automatically become a member of Bristol Students’ Union (Bristol SU). We’re an independent charity led by Full-Time Officers (current students, elected by you) who work to improve your university experience, help you make change and ensure your voice is heard in big university decisions.
What do we do?
We believe great things happen when people come together, and Bristol SU is where that starts.
We're your voice - We represent your academic interests and help you make change on the things that matter most to you.
We're your community - We're the home of student groups, relaxing spaces, inclusive events and activities. Meet people, try something new, and get involved in a way that works for you.
We're your support - We provide free and confidential academic and housing advise when you need it.
Welcome to your Students' Union!
Can you tell me about societies?
We have over 300 different student groups at Bristol so you can try your hand at anything from Kitesurfing to Origami. They are all led by students.
Most students are a member of at least one student group in their time here as it’s a great way to meet people, make new friends and to try out new activities.
You can browse all our student groups using this tool.
How can you get involved in student groups?
You can join our student groups throughout the year, but the best way to meet them all is at our Welcome Fair right at the start of the year. We have a huge fair during Welcome Week where students can meet all of our student groups and find out more about what they do.
This year, the Welcome Fair takes place on Friday 18 September.
Our student groups also run ‘Give it a Go!’ taster sessions, usually at the start of each term, so you can try out different activities before you commit to membership. All of our student groups are listed on our website, and students can buy membership to the different groups there.
We are also hosting a Give it a Go Takeover Day on Wednesday 16 September, where all our spaces will be packed with Give it a Go events!
Tell me about volunteering
Volunteering is your opportunity to get out into the local community and do something positive for the benefit of others.
Explore current opportunities on our website or chat with groups and charities at the Welcome Fair on Friday 18 September. Or pop along to the Volunteering Fair in the Anson Rooms on Wednesday 7 October!
Is it possible to do a sport / hobby you've never done before?
Yes! University is a great time to try something different and most of our groups are set up to have sessions for complete beginners, as well as people who are more experienced.
You can browse all our student groups using this tool and see what takes your fancy.
I don't want to compete in sport but want to play - is this possible?
Yes! A lot of our sports clubs will run social sessions for those who don't want to compete, as well as more serious training sessions for those who do.
Alternatively, if you're happy to compete without the commitment of regular training then we have a fun, social, semi-competitive sports league called Intramural Sport which will give you the opportunity to take part in a more relaxed league with your mates.
How can I get involved in campaigning?
We have a campaigns team at the SU who are the go-to people to contact for any campaigns. You can also connect with our group of 6 Student Community Organisers, elected by you.
They work together to identify the issues students face and take action to make things better on campus. Each organiser reflects a different marginalised student community, helping ensure our work is inclusive and responsive to student needs.
You can also post on our online Ideas Board; we'll help you transform your idea into a campaign with the support of your elected officers.
I'm interested in representation / can you tell me about elections?
Bristol SU supports a network of over 900 elected academic representatives who represent student voices to the University and provide important feedback on the academic experience.
If you think you might be interested, you can find further information on our website and nominate yourself now.
What can I do if I'm not in Bristol for Welcome Week?
We run a range of different events throughout the term and have plenty of exciting opportunities for you to get involved and meet other students.
These range from crafty afternoons, live music, local day trips and a huge vintage thrift sale! Keep an eye out on our Instagram and the What's On Page on our website to stay up to date.
You'll also have plenty of opportunities to try out a range of Student Groups as part of our Give It A Go programme. You can join most of our Student Groups at any point during your time at university.
