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author
Sofia Amanova
Sofia
Amanova
faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
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Sofia is available on social networks:
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author
Sofia
faculty
Faculty of Social Sciences
academic year of the stay
2024/2025
University of Bristol
traineeship
study stay
short-term mobility
other
How does Sofia rate their stay?
university
city
accommodation
financial demands
about university
What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
The university is one of the oldest in United Kingdom with long lasting history and traditions. I love the Georgian architecture of the city and especially the University of Bristol main campuses has beautiful facilities and high quality equipment for students to use to develop their skills and make progress during their studies.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your "adoptive" university? What made it special? What were the premises where you studied and the university facilities like?
The study methods are quite similar to Charles University methods but what was different is the amount of people on some lectures were overwhelming. I received a lot of support and had helping stuff whenever I needed.
What is student life like at university?
University of Bristol has more than couple hundreds of student associations and student clubs that makes the integration to the university and new culture much more gentle and interesting. I was part of muslim community, volleyball team, russian speaking society and even tried to join the cave society. Life at university is full of interesting events, free food and international people. I enjoyed every bit of it.
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
I communicated fully in English both in university and in the city. Language requirements are minimum B2.
about the city
What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
I think everyone knows about the overly polite English culture. I noticed that I became more polite, friendly and open myself. Bristol city is one of the most lively and fun cities in the UK and there is always something to do there. My favorite place was the city center, Clifton village, Ashton Court Estate and my friends dorms. During the exchange I have been to almost 20 cities but Bristol has my heart and for sure deserves a place in my top 3.
about finances
In your experience, how far does the scholarship go? What percentage of your expenses did it cover? What is your opinion on prices in the country in general?
My scholarship almost fully covered my accommodation so I needed money for the food and entertainment. I think it is definitely more expensive than Prague but with the right planning you won't need much more money then you spend in Prague.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
I shopped usually at tesco, lidl or sainsbury. The prices are not bad so if going for groceries it is always best to plan ahead and have a meal plan for the week in advance this way you will avoid impulsive spendings and have more money for travelling and exploring the UK culture.
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about accommodation
What type of accommodation did you choose? Would you recommend it to others? If not, what type of accommodation do you think is best based on your experience (dormitory, private apartment, private dormitory, shared room, etc.)?
I was able to get the university accommodation in the East village and would recommend this area to anyone, since it is close to city center and university campus. To be honest it can be challenging to land the university accommodation than I would go for private dorms but they can be quite expensive in that area. My advice is to go for uni accommodation it has everything a student might need.
about experiences
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
I used this opportunity and traveled to 18 cities in UK. I would say usually the best choice is bus, it is cheap and very reliable. Trains on the other hand can get delayed or even cancelled quite often. So I would recommend to go somewhere close with bus (national express, flixbus, megabus). But if you are planning to go far then I would say the best option is to but the discount in the trainline app for 30 pounds and it will give a discount for trains it gets cheap then.
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
The polite and friendly culture is not something I used to. Stranger people can say darling or honey to you. Also they use English phrases like you alright, cheers. And at first I did not know how to answer or sometimes I could not understand the locals especially in Wales and Scotland they have a different pronunciation. But over time I learned to understand differetn dialects and got used to the politeness, I definitely can say that my English got better.
final rating
Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
The location is great since the Bristol city is interesting on its own with lots of interesting places and things to do, it is very diverse and international. But it is also located near London, Cardiff, Bath, Stonehenge, Oxford. Which makes the traveling very easy. University of Bristol is the best in the city and that region so I think this will be a great choice for anyone who is interested in high quality education together with experiencing unique English culture.
live-saving tips
If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
The Uk adapter, the sockets are different so it is better to by them beforehand.
Before leaving, I would like to know that...
Even though there is no snow the wind can get so bad that the winter jacket is needed.
What surprised me most was that...
The people I met, never met such an amazing, interesting, polite and friendly people in one place!
The hardest thing for me was...
To be able to enjoy the day even though the whole day is pouring rain. But we are the ones who can turn the sad day to a happy day despite the weather.
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