h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Another year, another module to do in my course. And another 1 week residential school.

This year I get the choice of spending a weeks intensive learning experience () in either Bath, Bristol or Nottingham. Nottingham is out as I know the place and would rather go somewhere I haven't been before.

The residential school will be at the university in either town and there will prob be half a day or so to have a look around if I so wish but most of it will be spent on campus. Perhaps some time in the evening to look around but, on previous experience, I doubt it.

So which should I choose? Based on how pretty the uni campus and surrounding area is, how good the on campus accomodation is (they usually put us up in the halls) and what the local area is like if I do wish to take a wander one evening.

I'll admit I do have a slight preference for Bath at the moment merely cos people seem to be somewhat derogatory about Bristol and its inhabitants (usually such comments seem to come from those living there!) and after my visit to Durham (very pretty, full of neds who dislike anyone who they either don;t know or looks even vaguely different) I'd like to not have to run the gauntlet every time I step off campus!

Bath university is quite a way out of Bath. But wow, you've got to visit Bath at some point - if not now then another time for definite. One of the most beautiful towns in the land.
Obviously the Roman Baths are the high point but there is also the Royal Crescent and other attractions.

Bristol Uni is a much shorter journey to the City and is also worth a visit though I must say.

Given the choice I'd definitely choose Bath but be careful about how easy it is to get into central Bath as if you've only half a day...

As I said, go there anyway!

Can't comment on the Halls accomodation though as I've only been to either on a day trip so have never stayed there.

I know Bath better than Bristol, but both should make for a fascinating half-day trip - The SS Great Britain in Bristol is worth a visit if you decide to go there. I don't know the University so can't advise on transport.

Bath University is a few miles out but there's a good bus service into the city. Tons of things to see and do there - notably the Roman Baths.

What sort of things are you into?

wandering and exploring - parks, wildlife, historic buildings (so yes, baths would be good) although more into medieval than roman.

I went to a wedding reception on the SS Great Britain.

Not unsurprisingly the marriage was somewhat more ephemeral than the IKB's ship

otoh if it is outside the city itself is there good countryside for walks? It'll be in june/july time so should be good weather.

The Baths in Bath are better preserved than most mediaeval stuff I've seen.

I've visited Bath once or twice - yes, very nice. But as said - the campus is out of town. Someone else you know lives there - but I'm not sure if that's public knowledge.

I visit Bristol fairly often for work and quite enjoy it - apart from the work. Decent pubs and restaurants etc.

sounding like Bath it will be then

I went to university in Bristol and thought it was great. The city is very pretty, lots of green spaces and you can mostly get about by walking. Actually I like the place so much I'm moving back there this weekend.

As for the halls, it depends where they put you. The bulk of people in halls are a little way out, say ten minutes walk before you get anywhere, but there are some more expensive halls closer in which would probably be very nice.

Bath I haven't been to, but maybe I shall take a look sometime on the strength of what people have said here.

Will it be Bristol University or UWE?

um.

I'm glad you asked that.

Um.

no one's reading this anymore are they?
No? Oh good. And you won't tell anyone will you?

Good.

Only, it isn't Bristol.

It's....


well....



it's Brighton.
University of Sussex.

ooops

Too many 'B's, that's my excuse

Hmm, so, Brighton, UoS Falmer campus - any recommendations for that anyone?

The Pavilion's absolutely stunning. Take plenty of money, though - it's not cheap.

ah, yes, of course, a rather unusual building. Might well be worth a visit - ta for mentioning it!

UoS Falmer campus is very, very pretty but it's a heck of a long way outside Brighton. There's a bus that takes about 15 minutes to get into town and when I visted it was cheap. Dunno about now. It's definitely not walkable in less than an 40/50 mins.

Well my sole experience of Falmer was an undergrad interview about 20 years ago so it's probably changed but...

boy was it a dump...

Brighton itself is probably OK though - never been.

Well there's a couple of opposing viewpoints then.
Pretty but a dump.

I was only a lad at the time, no soul

Well, when I went I was 15 and easily impressed. So that might have something to do with it.