Why Bristol was the right choice: Lucia's story

After first coming to Oxford to study English at Kings, Lucia - from Argentina - went on to complete a Degree Pathway Programme with us before securing a place at the University of Bristol to study Politics and International Relations.

We recently caught up with her to hear about life in Bristol, the transition to university, and the advice she would give to future Kings students.

How is everything going in Bristol? Why did you choose the city and has it lived up to your expectations?

I struggled to adapt in the first term but now I’m surer than ever that Bristol was the right choice. I met wonderful people and the city feels very alive and friendly. I chose this city because of both the reputation of the university and the alleged nightlife of the city. The city itself exceeded my expectations, there are endless things to do and when I think I know the city well enough I discover a whole new area that I had never seen before. It also feels like a student city, making it easier to make friends because you see people your age everywhere.

What are your top three local recommendations for someone coming to study in Bristol?

First things first: join societies and go to as many socials as you can. Personally, I met some of my closest friends through the Spanish society rather than from my course or my flat. I would advise going to the Welcome Fair and checking all the stands of the societies and just signing up for anything that catches your eye. Now, regarding places to go, I would definitely recommend going to Clifton Village and just walking through the streets, it's by far the prettiest area in Bristol. Then for a good place to have brunch I always go to FED in Clifton Down (it’s a bit expensive though, so avoid it when the student budget gets tight). For a good night out, I always prefer reggaeton nights at Thekla, but as they happen only occasionally, OMG is always a safe choice.

Your course is Politics & International Relations, where do you hope that takes you after university?

I still haven’t decided what I want to do after uni, there are so many options. I will decide when the time comes, I may do a master´s degree or start working right away. Hopefully I´ll be sharing a flat with my current best friends in London, some working, some doing masters, and I will figure it out eventually. My dream job would involve travelling so if I had to say something I would probably say I would like to work for an international organisation.

Before beginning your Foundation course, you first studied English at Kings in early 2024. Can you share how this initial experience prepared you for your academic course / life in Oxford more broadly?

It was definitely key to prepare me properly for Foundation. I was 17 when I first went to Oxford to study English and it was my first experience living alone and far from home. I feel like it was like a teaser for what was coming afterwards and it helped me be more confident when I started foundation as I already knew the city a bit, the system of Kings and some teachers as well. So, it made me feel less alone and less of a stranger in a new city. It also taught me how to have a casual conversation in English, which I had never really done before. By the time I started my academic course, I felt much more confident speaking and making friends in my second language.

What advice would you offer future Kings students in terms of university applications?

Research, go to see the city, if possible, make sure that you apply to unis that have what you’re looking for. This may sound strange but I genuinely believe that one needs to choose the city as much as the university. Even though the university is where you will study the city is where you will live for the next three or four years so I think that to have a good experience one needs to pay a lot of attention to the location. Think about whether you want to live somewhere that is quiet and small or big and noisy, or an old city or a modern city. All these questions I think are relevant to ask yourself when choosing the right university, as I strongly believe that going to university is much more than the degree you will get when you graduate, it’s also about the experiences and the people you meet and the places you visit. Also, listen to the Kings advisors, they know what they are talking about, they’ve been doing it for years so whatever they tell you will be in your best interests. And don’t leave it for the last minute, there’s a deadline for applications and you want to make sure you´re happy with all of your options as you can only apply to 5 universities.

What was the most useful support you received during your time at Kings? (Maybe a specific teacher really helped you or a specific event that influenced your academic path?)

I have to say Melrose (UCAS coordinator) was of great help when applying to uni. Not only was she extremely helpful when I was there, but she also continued helping me even when I was back home and miles away. When I was struggling to get my visa, she was quick to answer all of my messages, despite the fact that I often texted her at crazy hours because of the time difference. Not only was she helpful but she was also extremely kind and friendly. I will forever be grateful to her (even if she often scolded me for not paying attention in English classes). Regarding my subjects, Alex was outstanding as my history teacher. He was always looking for new and different ways to learn so the broad content wouldn’t bore us. His classes were very entertaining and you could definitely tell that he loved what he did, so there always was a happy vibe in his classroom. Besides, he was very understanding and approachable, I genuinely looked forward to his classes.

What is your favourite Kings memory?

To be honest I don’t know if there is a specific memory that I particularly remember. I think the most memorable thing about Kings was the day to day, I enjoyed every single moment of it. Seeing all those familiar faces every day really helped me feel like I was home. However, if I had to say one, I would probably go for the graduation ceremony. It was a bit sad as everyone was going away but at the same time I was proud of everything I experienced there and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

You used to be a big fan of the 'His Dark Materials' book series from local Oxford author Philip Pullman! Do you have any more book recommendations for someone coming to study in the UK?

Yes, he´s still my favourite author and I’m still a bit disappointed that I never got the chance to meet him personally. My other favourite author is Arthur Conan Doyle, and although that may sound a bit basic, I think the Sherlock Holmes series is brilliant and it made me more excited to live in England as I felt like I was living in one of his books!