The University: (Bristol) Although I can't speak of UWE as I didn't study there, I heard good things about it. Bristol's lecturers can be a little hit and miss, but they're all really understanding and easy to talk to - there's a real familiarity which is something I really liked. The Arts and Social library has been recently revamped, so the system's changed a little (for the better). The Union's also pretty lively, but the best thing is the number of societies on offer (groups for fans - there's even one about tea!!). There are also some Erasmus nights so you get to meet foreigners and British students who've come back from their year abroad and who'll show you the best bits about the city.

Favourite places: Café Gusto behind the Arts and Social library for the chicken and avocado panini. The Woods on Park Street for some seriously potent cocktails. DNA on Park Street for cute, one-off fashion pieces and Thekla, a club that's on a boat on the waterfront. The Old Duke for live jazz every evening. Too many places!

Useful local words: 'gert lush' (well nice), 'luvie' (term of affection, a bit like mate), actually, 'mate' (every public school student's word of choice), 'rah' (posh people), brizzle (town's nickname).

What not to pack: Too many summer clothes, it only really gets hot over June to August, and that's outside of term time. Plus you'll want to buy loads once out here. What to pack: A decent pair of trainers as there's loads of hills, and if you live in some of the student halls, you'll have to cross the Downs (beautiful but very muddy). An umbrella. A mid-season coat.

Word of advice: Try out different areas of the city as it is pretty big and most students only stick to the centre. Saint Paul's is pretty cool and you should definitely try and go to Weston for some kitsch seaside stuff to do, and Cardiff, to hear the Welsh!

Julia Chambers, French and Philosophy, Bristol University.