Location

Located about two hours by train west of London, Bristol is a thriving, modern city that takes pride in its long history. From its earliest days, it was a major port where ships from Africa, the West Indies, the United States and the rest of Europe docked with their goods. Today, it is a major financial and trade center, playing host to corporate giants like Rolls Royce, British Aerospace, and Lloyds Bank International. In addition, today's Bristolians take responsibility for the port's role in the American slave trade, actively educating themselves and visitors about oppression and diversity.

The arts flourish in Bristol. The world-renowned Bristol Old Vic Theater Company performs to sold-out audiences at the 18th-century Theatre Royal. Opera, film, ballet, and music from heavy metal to classical find their home in the city’s theaters, performance halls and pubs.

Bristol is also a vantage point for seeing many of England’s famous sights. Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, Bath and the southwest coast of England are all within a day’s travel. London, of course, is very accessible via the high-speed trains that come on the hour.

The University of Bristol first opened in 1876 as University College Bristol. It was the first higher education institution in England to admit women and men on equal grounds. In 1909, the College obtained its Royal Charter and was authorized to award degrees for the first time.

Bristol has established itself over the years as one of the premiere universities in the United Kingdom, with its worldwide reputation for scholarship and research. For British students, it is generally the third most difficult university for admission, after Oxford and Cambridge. It is a middle-sized university with approximately 13,000 students enrolled in 40 different academic departments.

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