8 reasons I love Bristol and want to continue making it my home

It’s been almost two years since I moved to Bristol from Gibraltar. I first decided to make the change to study MA Journalism at UWE after securing a one-year scholarship from the Gibraltar Government.

This is not my first time living in the UK. I moved to Keele in Staffordshire in 2018 to complete my three-year undergraduate studies in 2018, but my stay was cut short due to Covid, and I completed half of my degree online from Gibraltar. This makes Bristol, the UK city I’ve lived in for the longest time so far - two years and more to come as I have decided to stay.

Here are eight reasons why I love Bristol and why would like to continue to make it my home:

Aquarium

I love a good aquarium, and I was thrilled to know there is a very accessible one in the centre of Bristol. I asked my parents for an annual pass during my first birthday in Bristol. I made the most out of the pass whilst I lived in a student accommodation in the centre. Coming from a seaside city, Bristol Aquarium was a spot I frequented whenever I was feeling homesick or stressed.

St Nicholas Market/Exchange Hall

I love the vast range of small independent shops, stalls and food places. Every time my family visits, we usually end up here at one point or another. Every time I miss Spanish cuisine or crave some good churros with dulce de leche, La Lola is my go-to place. We always go to La Lola when my parents visit since it is also one of the few locations my mum (who speaks Spanish) can order by herself.

Gloucester Road

Once more, it’s a place that has a vast range of food places, independent shops and charity shops. Some highlights are the Gallimaufry and its open mic nights, Lisa’s Chocolate with amazing homemade chocolates and Marie Curie and its community hub, which has also been great with supporting small business running stalls in the shop.

Christmas market

The centre looks like a whole new place every time the Christmas Market takes place. I find it fascinating and also a good place to find some quirky last-minute Christmas gifts.

Grupo Mamarracho/Aqui Estoy

Since October 2021 I’ve had the privilege to work as a teaching assistant for the bilingual after school class, Aqui Estoy, and some months later, the theatre group Grupo Mamarracho run by the same person. I have learnt a lot from my boss Lucero who always brings both adults and children a lot of fun in our classes and plays. She has helped me grow a lot and built up my confidence, and find my voice as Triton in our version of Little Mermaid and as a hyena in our version of The Lion King. Working with her and the lovely children has been a blast and one of my highlights of the week.

Transport links

Whilst the bus routes are not the most reliable at times, I love how connected Bristol is to surrounding cities and other countries. From being able to catch a coach to London MCM for less than £20, to travelling to Glastonbury via a direct bus or visiting Bath by bus or train for less than £8. There’s even a direct flight to Gibraltar from Bristol Airport. This has made it much easier to go home for some of the summer and the Christmas holidays, and for my parents to visit me.

Music scene

Bristol has a very active music scene and caters for all sorts of tastes: from local to internationally renowned artists. Or even experiencing a concert on a boat at Thekla. One of my biggest highlights was being to see Set It Off at The Fleece, which is also a lovely venue with an intimate feel.

The community

The biggest highlight of Bristol, however, is the community. Bristolians are very friendly. It’s a lovely experience to be able to have so many conversations with strangers. For example, I have been able to meet lots of people whilst holding stalls as Crafty Ro-Ro at markets. Marie Curie became my base and it has been great to meet regulars and build a rapport with Lawrie, Barbara, Jason and the volunteers who are friendly and took good care of us.