- Libraries:
- There is one main library containing about 1.2 million books and over 2,000 study places. Although the Students' Union complains that this is not enough, many would disagree. There are also specialist libraries. You probably won't need to visit them in your first year though.
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- Computing:
- The University has over 1,000 computers, which on the whole are fairly modern but do little more than the basic stuff you need. They are also slow due to the size of the network, probably. There was a myth circulating that the uni used mostly Macs but that's been revealed as bollocks. 24 hour access can be gained in the computer service building, but this has to be requested and 24hr access to your department is not available, because the university authorities believe that students have ample time and should therefore manage it properly! Only postgrads have full 24hr access. Some hall rooms are networked but access points to 'ResNet' are scattered. In-hall labs tend to be similar to main labs but with slower and older machines.
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- Sports:
- The University is well represented on the sports field, and one reason is that they have excellent facilities. They are also dotted around the city, so you will even get fit while running between them.
Under the SU there is a swimming pool, and next to the University there is Woodland House, which contains a gym and many indoor sports facilities. Out by the Halls of Residence at Stoke Bishop there are 40 acres of playing fields, an artificial pitch and numerous lawn tennis courts (used by the Lawn Tennis Association). Sailors go to the Baltic Wharf Marina and rowers head for the boathouse on the River Avon.
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- Future Plans:
- Selling off halls and raising tuition fees are the only plans we have heard of which doesn't sound too good.
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- Disabled Students:
- The University buildings have good access for wheelchairs, and there is an 'Access for Deaf Students Initiative' which includes induction loops, and other special equipment for hearing impaired students.
However, getting from building to building is difficult because Bristol is quite hilly. Also the distance between Departments, shops, halls and entertainment can be considerable.
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- Student Welfare:
- Overall Bristol students seem to be a happy bunch of campers! The University employs two consellors and the Health Centre has a number of doctors and nurses. Although the actual staff numbers are not as large as other universities with similar student numbers, things seem to be going fine. The Students' Union gives welfare, accommodation and sexual advice...(and no, they don't tell you what the best positions are!).
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- Parking:
- While in Halls the demand for parking is kept under control by making students pay for a parking permit. However, with more students bring cars to university, parking at Halls and around the university can be a pain in the arse!
However, Bristol itself tends to be tight on parking, though metered spaces are fairly cheap (compared to London) at 40p - 60p per hour in the center. The M5 into and out of the city is always busy at rush hour!!
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- University Shops:
- There is a large general store in the Students' Union selling everything from food and stationery to university clothing. To add to this there is a travel agency, market stalls (on occasions), a hairdresser and a launderette.
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- University Bookshops:
- The Students' Union has a comprehensive second hand bookshop, and there are branches of all the major book retailers around town.
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- Banking:
- There are NatWest and Lloyds Bank cash machines in the Students' Union. The city also has branches of every major bank. Unfortunately, there are no banks near the main group of halls on the downs but you can get cashback in the shop by HB Hall. Buy alcohol now and have money for more alcohol later. Woohoo
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- Transport Policy:
- The StudentLink bus service is run by the Students' Union, and links Stoke Bishop to the Union until the early hours of the morning. It costs 60p and is great but if there is some really popular or hyped night somewhere, order a cab, as the bus will fill up at the early-on-halls and then miss yours (depends which end the bus comes from)
Other than that, the public transport in Bristol is quite good. Trains run from the various stations around town, and the buses are inexpensive. As for taxis, well I can't remember! All I can remember is that it wasn't very expensive when split between three. Yes it is what you are thinking. However, I did find out from one local company that it is just under £1.00 a mile...not bad really. Other than that walk home you lazy bastard.
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- Green Areas:
- Around the University in the city centre, there are few large green spaces, but there are numerous little squares and quads which are used by students in the summer when...revising (yeh, right!!).
Out by the Halls of Residence, there are plenty of parks and open spaces. There are the Downs, Aston Court and Cabot Tower. A great mix of town and country!
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