Physics > UG Admissions > About our University

About our University

Bristol is a top University - for teaching, research, and the way in which it looks after its students. Here are what some of the University guides have to say about us:

• Excellent degrees

  In the top three with Oxbridge for percentage of students gaining 1st Class or 2:1 degrees
  The Sunday Times, 2006

• Excellent in all subjects

  In top three with Oxbridge for appearances in subject Top Tens - this shows genuine breadth and depth across all subjects
  The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2006

• A top University in how it looks after its students

  Bristol is 6th (and 1st outside of London and Oxbridge) as judged by Head Teachers and Peers at other Universities
  The Sunday Times, 2006

The University was founded in 1876 as the University College of Bristol. It was the first university in the UK to accept men and women on an equal basis. The Bristol Medical School, founded in 1833, became part of the College in 1893. In 1909 the College combined with the Merchant Venturers College to become the University of Bristol and was granted its Royal Charter.

It now comprises some 60 departments and 15 research centres organised into 6 faculties, and attracts students from the UK and worldwide to its degree programmes. The University Student Union building is one of the largest in the country with excellent facilities including a swimming pool, a theatre, a concert venue as well as cafeterias and bars. The Bristol Student Union itself has an enormous range of clubs and societies, over 200 in number, and caters for most interests.

Student Halls

The student residences are located in some of the nicest and safest parts of Bristol, and are an excellent place to start your time at University. Do check out what our students think of the accommodation. Six Halls of Residence, including the 18th Century Goldney Hall (with its historic Orangery and grotto) and Clifton Hill House, are located within 10 minutes walk of the main University precinct. Another six Halls can be found close to the Bristol Downs and University Sports Ground, on a major bus route.

The University also owns a large number of smaller residences throughout Bristol. Further information concerning University accommodation can be found from Bristol's Accommodation Office. The Accommodation Prospectus is available.

On Physics Department UCAS open days, applicants will see at first hand a Hall of Residence.