The University is located in the centre of Bristol, a thriving modern city which is home to over 35,000 students. Bristol strikes an unusual balance - it offers all of the facilities of a big city, but is small enough to enjoy living in. Many students - and staff - who have joined the University over the years have chosen to make Bristol their permanent home. The city's location also provides easy access to London, as well as favourite areas - the countryside, mountains and beaches - in the South West and Wales.

COMPUTING

Computing at Bristol is based in a modern building immediately adjacent to one of Bristol's liveliest areas. This houses student laboratories, research laboratories and staff offices surrounding a large atrium. For most of the day, the atrium is a hive of activity, with students meeting, relaxing, discussing project work, or using the wireless internet access. Immediately outside, the streets are full of cafes, shops, bars and clubs, and here life goes on into the small hours. Within ten minutes walk are Bristol's harbourside, Clifton village, and Whiteladies road, all similarly vibrant areas providing a home to thousands of students.

Merchant Venturers Building

LIVING

International students are generally guaranteed a place in one of 520 University places, and though a more limited number of places are available for UK and EU students, the Accommodation Office is on hand to help all postgraduate students find somewhere to live. A large number of both private and shared residences can be found within easy walking distance of the University. In addition there are areas of lush parkland nearby such as Brandon Hill and the Downs where people often play football or Frisbee, fly kites, or simply relax.

PLAYING

The University has a thriving Student Union with a vast range of clubs and societies enabling you to pursue your current interests and to take up new ones. You can also take advantage of more than 50 sports clubs catering for everyone from novices to serious athletes for whom advanced training is provided by the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health. Within two minutes walk from the department is a new on-site sports centre, and there is also a 38-acre sports complex with many indoor and outdoor facilities including floodlit artificial pitches and indoor tennis courts. In the city, annual events include the Ashton Court Festival, the International Balloon Fiesta and the Bristol Half Marathon.