The University of Bristol is often overlooked. But with a culture rivalling that of the capital and academia rivalling Oxford and Cambridge, Bristol is the ideal choice for someone with a desire for vibrancy, creativity, diversity and inspiration. To make your choice easier, we have provided you with all of the essential information.

What’s Bristol like?

A large cosmopolitan city in the south west of England, Bristol is distinctive, cultural, progressive and exciting. Compared by many to London due to its diverse population of creative individuals, it truly does have an identity of its own.

Boasting year-round festivals and a rich music and arts scene, Bristolians are never shy of something to do.

It also offers a sustainable approach to city life, having been awarded European Green Capital status. This is unsurprising, though, given its acres of green parkland and award-winning cycle tracks.

For students, Bristol is a city of adventure.

What about Bristol University?

Established in 1876 and receiving its royal charter in 1909, Bristol University has a rich history. For any feminists among you, it was the first college in the country to admit men and women on an equal footing. Today, it offers refuge for Oxbridge-level students, without all of the intimidating traditions.

Ranked 11^th in the UK for research and in the top 10 UK universities overall, it is an extremely prestigious institution. Gaining a place here, then, is no mean feat. In 2015, it admitted only 7.2% of applicants for undergraduate degrees.

For those students who do meet requirements, studies at Bristol are separated into six faculties. There are; the Arts; Engineering; Science; Health Sciences; and Social Studies and Media and Law. The university is known, though, to have fantastic research and teaching facilities.

Is it popular with Canadians?

Thanks to its prestigious status, Bristol University is popular with all international students, including those of you from Canada.

You can find testimonies from current and past Bristol students from Canada here, to give you an idea of the experiences you may have there, too. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/student-experiences/canada.html

How do I apply and what are the entry requirements?

For students applying to Bristol University, there are two methods of application. You can either apply via UCAS or by Common Application.

Entry requirements differ depending on which province or territory you are from. Specific information on this can be found here. http://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/canada.html

Are there any famous alumni?

Bristol University has taught a large number of interesting characters. Just a few of the celebrities in the alumni are magician Derren Brown, comedians Matt Lucas and David Walliams, actor Simon Pegg and ‘You’re Beautiful’ singer, James Blunt.

What can I do in my spare time there?

With a huge amount of culture and activities on offer in Bristol, chances are you wouldn’t get bored.

Residents can take a boat out, go for a cycle ride, go on a street art tour or even to the annual Graffiti Festival, go and see live music (you can even watch bands on a boat at Thekla), take in a play, get a pint on the docks or even do a bit of historical sight-seeing at The Clifton Suspension Bridge. You can even spend your student loan at Cabot Circus shopping centre.

The opportunities are endless!

Now you know how much Bristol has to offer, if you like what you see, why don’t you make it one of your choices?