England Study Abroad Program at University of Bristol
About University of Bristol in Bristol, England
- Required GPA: 3.2 (4.0 scale)
- Application deadlines: September 1 for spring semester (Jan-June)
April 15 for fall semester (Sept-Jan)
April 15 for full year (Sept-June)
- Program advisor: David Watkins
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Program Snapshot
University of Bristol is an Instant Response program
What is this?
We're so excited that you're considering IFSA-Butler's program at the University of Bristol for your semester or year abroad. The city of Bristol is known fondly by our staff as a "Little London." The city is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment options. Students always find something exciting and enriching in this little big city. We're sure you're going to love studying there!
There are a few specific forms for this program that you will need to complete along with your IFSA-Butler application. You can find the forms under the Forms tab.
What the University of Bristol has to offer
- One of Britain's premier universities, with highly competitive admission
- A member of Britain's Russell Group of universities, similar to the Ivy League
- A warm and welcoming atmosphere
- An urban campus that is truly integrated into the city
- An active Student Union brings music and events to campus and sponsors social, athletic and cultural clubs
- Many social and cultural societies and sporting groups
- Great athletic and recreational facilities through the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health
Housing
- Housing is in university-operated residence halls and student houses in the city and adjacent suburbs, all within three miles of the university.
- Half of the residence halls offer a meal plan, while students in the other halls purchase or prepare their own meals
Academics
- Unlike many English universities, Bristol allows students to study in several different departments to create a varied class schedule
- Students take a varied number of courses, depending on course weight
- A member of the prestigious Russell Group of major research universities in the United Kingdom
We look forward to working with you!
Academics
CoursesWhere can I find a list of courses that the university offers?1. Open the University of Brisol online course catalog. 2. Click on the "Unit Catalogue" link.
What courses am I eligible to take?
As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. Course descriptions in the online course catalog (see above) include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course.
For each course that you list on your preference form, be sure to check the following:
- When determining which courses to take, please bear in mind that the England academic system is an intensive, three-year program.
- First-year or "C" courses are appropriate for departments in which you have little or no prior experience.
- Second-year or "I" courses will be equivalent to advanced sophomore or junior-level U.S. courses.
- Third-year or "H" courses will be equivalent to senior-level U.S. courses.
- Fourth-year or "M" and "D" courses are part of a postgraduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.). You are not eligible to take these courses as an undergraduate study abroad student.
- Determining what semester (i.e. Teaching Block) a course is offered
- Teaching Block 1-12 corresponds to the fall semester
- Teaching Block 13-24 corresponds to the spring semester
- Teaching Block 1-24 corresponds to a full-year course
What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your course preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.
Course RestrictionsThe following departments are available only to students studying for the full academic year:
- Law
- Engineering
- Geography
- Chemistry
- Physics
The following departments are available only to students studying for the spring term or full academic year:
- Philosophy
- Biology
- Mathematics
The following departments are not available to study abroad students:
- School of Medicine
- Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Community-based Medicine
- Applied Community Health
- Exercise, Nutrition and Health
- Graduate School of Education
- All postgraduate level units (Level M or D)
- 2nd year Psychology lab classes
Credits
How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select. At the University of Bristol, a full course load consists of 60 Bristol credits per semester or 120 Bristol credits per year. Each Bristol credit is equivalent to 0.25 U.S. semester credit hours. For information on the credit weight, please review the information below.
10 Bristol credit points = 2.5 credit hours
20 Bristol credit points = 5 credit hours
60 Bristol credit points = 15 credit hours
Registration
What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full University of Bristol course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A-F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.
You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.
The course preference form is not a registration form; it is a guideline to let your host university know which courses you are interested in taking abroad. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind. Neither you nor the university is bound by your selections, and you will not officially register for courses until you arrive on campus.
Exams
What do I need to know about exams?
Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendar to review the exam period for your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting a grade query or academic follow-up for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.
Transcripts
How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at the University of Bristol. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.
Housing
Housing OptionsThe following housing options are available during your semester or year abroad.
Catered Residences:
- Badock Hall - Stoke Bishop
Located in Stoke Bishop, two miles from the main university campus, Badock Hall offers a comfortable environment for students in a diverse community. The student experience is greatly enhanced by a student bus service operating seven days a week between Stoke Bishop and the Clifton campus area.
Students mainly live in single study-bedrooms. However, some shared rooms are available. The rooms are all similar in style and size, with a set of built-in cupboards and shelf space. Every room is carpeted and will contain:
- Single bed with mattress and cover; students provide all pillows and bed linens
- Bedside table with lamp
- Wall heater
- Curtains
- Reading chair
- Desk with chair and shelf over the desk
- Recycling bin (students empty these)
- Trash bin (staff will empty these)
- Main light and smoke detector
- Internet connection
- Internal telephone
Some bedrooms have washbasins or en-suite are available. Additionally, every corridor in the hall has one or two communal bathroom areas.
Adapted rooms available for hearing impaired students & students with mobility difficulties.
The hall also includes:
- Phone and ResNet link in all study bedrooms
- Laundry facilities on site
- Computer room
- Music practice room
- Churchill Hall - Stoke Bishop
Churchill Hall is located approximately a 35 to 40 minute walk away from the main university campus. The student experience is greatly enhanced by Student Bus Service operating seven days a week between Stoke Bishop and the Clifton campus area.
Students mainly live in large single-study bedrooms with some shared rooms available. The bedrooms are allocated as single-gender groups of four to eight students within 16 houses, each with a small shared kitchen. There are some bedrooms with washbasins are available, but no en-suite rooms, as students share communal bathrooms.
The hall aims to offer independence without solitude. It has several spacious public rooms including common rooms, a bar, library and snooker room. The dining room is large enough for all residents to sit down together for an occasional "formal meal" usually as a prelude to another social event.
Churchill has strong traditions of staging cabarets, success in sports, "home grown" musical ensembles and charity fundraising events.
The hall also includes:
- Phone and ResNet link in all study bedrooms
- Laundry facilities on site
- Computer room
- Music practice room
- Clifton Hill House - Clifton
Clifton Hill House is located approximately a 15 to 20 minute walk to the main campus. Students mainly live in single-study bedrooms. However, some shared rooms are available.
Some bedrooms with washbasins are available; no en-suite rooms.
Adapted rooms available for hearing impaired students.
The hall also includes:
- Phone & ResNet link in all study bedrooms
- Laundry facilities on site
- Computer room
- Music practice room
- Hiatt Baker Hall - Stoke Bishop
Hiatt Baker Hall is located approximately a 35 to 40 minute walk away from the mail university campus. The student experience is greatly enhanced by Student Bus Service operating seven days a week between Stoke Bishop and the Clifton campus area.
Students mainly live in single study bedrooms. However, some shared rooms are available. Each bedroom includes its own washbasin, telephone, and internet connection. Students will share bathroom and kitchen facilities. There are two pantries on each floor of the hall, fitted with small cookers, refrigerators and a microwave for the preparation of simple meals and snacks.
The main building is the focus of Hall life. It contains the dining room, a common room, a bar with a large screen and satellite TV, as well as a game room with snooker and pool tables. There is also a library, table tennis room and a television room.
The hall also includes:
- Phone and ResNet link in all study bedrooms
- Laundry facilities on site
- Computer room
- Music practice room
- Wills Hall - Stoke Bishop
Wills Hall is is located approximately a 35 to 40 minute walk away from the main university campus. The student experience is greatly enhanced by a student bus service operating seven days a week between Stoke Bishop and the Clifton campus area.
Some single study bedrooms with washbasins or en-suite are available.
Adapted rooms available for hearing impaired students and students with mobility difficulties (not fully wheelchair accessible).
The hall also includes:
- Phone and ResNet link in all study bedrooms
- Laundry facilities on site
- Computer room
- Music practice room
Self-Catered Residences:
- Durdham Hall - Stoke Bishop
Durdham Hall is the newest of the university's halls of residence. Located at Stoke Bishop, the hall is approximately a 35 to 40 minute walk from the main campus. The student experience is greatly enhanced by a student bus service operating seven days a week between Stoke Bishop and the Clifton campus area.
Students reside in flats of six or seven single-study bedrooms. Each study bedroom has an en-suite bathroom. There are some flats suitable for students with disabilities, as are most of the facilities throughout the hall (please enquire for your specific needs).
Every flat has a shared kitchen and dining area that is furnished and equipped with supplies.
Facilities include a large lounge with a pool table, various games, big screen TV and bar. The Badger Bar is open nightly during term-time and is the center of social activities within the hall.
The hall also includes:
- Phone and ResNet link in all study bedrooms
- Laundry facilities on site
- Computer room
- Music practice room
- Goldney Hall - Clifton
Goldney Hall is located approximately a 15 to 20 minute walk to the main campus. Students live in single-study bedrooms and share communal kitchen and living area with four to eight flatmates.
Bedrooms are supplied with a bed, mattress, pillow, desk, desk lighting, chair, curtains/blind, drawers/shelving, wardrobe and waste receptacle. Students are responsible for providing bed linens, duvets and blankets.
The building hosts a lively bar, common area with TV, as well as historic gardens.
The hall also includes:
- Phone and ResNet link in all study bedrooms
- Laundry facilities on site
- Computer room
- Music practice room
- Manor Hall - Clifton
Manor Hall is located approximately a 15 to 20 minute walk to the main campus. Students live in single or shared rooms with washbasins.
All bedrooms have access to communal kitchens, equipped with gas or electric cookers and refrigerators, and to communal bathroom facilities located on the corridor, in the flat or house. The larger communal areas and bar are located in the main building.
The hall also includes:
- Phone and ResNet link in all study bedrooms
- Laundry facilities on site
- Computer room
- Music practice room
Student Houses - Various Locations
The Student Houses are located all throughout the city of Bristol ranging from St. Andrews, a 25-minute walk to the main university area, to right in the center of the main university precinct. The student houses tend to be a quiet, more relaxed environment compared to the other university mandated options.
The following houses are available for student accommodation:
- The Hawthorns
- Hillside/Woodside
- Northwell House
- Osborne Villas
- 115 Queens Road
- 121 Redland Road
- Richmond Terrance
- 43/45 St. Michaels Hill
- 61/63 St. Michaels Hill
- 30/33 St. Michaels Park
- Winkworth House
- 97 Woodland Road
Some key features include:
- Phone and ResNet link in all study bedrooms.
- All houses have shared kitchen and common room facilities
- There is a team of Senior and Deputy Senior Residents who provide assistance to students living in the houses.
- Approximately one third of the rooms have en-suite facilities
- All houses are non-smoking
University Hall - Stoke Bishop
University Hall is located at Stoke Bishop, approximately a 35 to 40 minute walk from the main campus. The student experience is greatly enhanced by a student bus service operating seven days a week between Stoke Bishop and the Clifton campus area.
The majority of students are accommodated in shared flats each providing five standard, single- study bedrooms with shared facilities. There are some en-suite rooms available.
The hall also includes:
- Phone and ResNet link in all study bedrooms
- Laundry facilities on site
- Computer room
- Music practice room
Meals
Catered residences provide meal plans. Self-catered residences and student houses do not provide meals plans, so students will have to purchase and prepare their own meals. See the Housing Options tab for additional information.
Housing FAQs
Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for the cost of your meals (whether a meal plan or self-catered) and any commuting costs you may incur. Some university housing requires students to move out during winter and spring breaks. If you wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the university housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during university breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.
Are bed linens provided?
The distribution of bedding and bed linens varies year to year at each hall of residence and student house. Some will provide bedding and linens free of charge while others will allow you to rent a bedding package at a very reasonable rate. We suggest that you wait until you arrive in England to buy your bed linens (if necessary) because it will save you room in your luggage.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in England for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.
Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.
Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.
Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.
Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.
Location InfoLiving and Studying Abroad in Bristol, England
About Bristol
Population: 500,000
Location: Southwest England, ninety minutes from London
City features
- A port city that received its royal charter in 1155
- An interesting combination of medieval churches, Georgian crescents and major financial institutions and industry
- Trendy neighborhoods that cater specifically to students with a mix of pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas
- An active arts scene with music, galleries, opera, ballet and theatres, including the Theatre Royal, home of the famous Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company
- Enthusiastic support for cricket, rugby and soccer
- A great jumping-off point for travel
Do more!
- Visit the beautiful town of Bath nearby
- Ride the train to London, just 90 minutes away
- Enjoy the lovely coastal resorts of the surrounding West Country and rustic charms of the Cotswolds
- Take advantage of low-cost airlines that offer flights between Bristol and the Continent
Links
Visit Bristol
Explore-at-Bristol
Bristol News
Interactive map of Bristol
Dates & Fees
Program Dates
 Please wait - Loading Dates... Important: Once you are abroad, please verify the program end date with the department(s) in which you are studying. Ending dates may vary from department to department, and you will be expected to complete all course obligations prior to your departure. Program housing is available only until the program end date.
Your program end date may change due to circumstances beyond IFSA-Butler's control. Upon arrival at your host university, be sure to verify your exam schedule and program end date. We also strongly recommend that you investigate fees and penalties associated with your airline tickets in case you need to make date or route changes.
In the United Kingdom, exams are taken under formal conditions and changes cannot be made for individuals. Exams must be taken where and when scheduled.
Program Fees
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What's included in our England program fees
Expense calculator
Academic Year and Fall Payments Due: July 1
Spring Payment Due: November 15
Program Fee Bills
IFSA-Butler will send a single bill for the entire program fee, which includes tuition, services and housing. Students who opt for independent housing will not be charged the housing component of the program fee.
Housing
The housing component of our program fee is based on the average cost of local student self-catering accommodation, usually a shared room in a regular dormitory, apartment or house without any extra features.
† Housing Deposit
This program requires a housing deposit of $300. This payment is in addition to the program fee but is due on the same date. The deposit is held separately from the program fee and should be paid separately. The deposit is refunded to the student after the program, less any damages, fines or outstanding debts in the student’s name.
Personal Cost Estimates
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Expense calculator
These figures are designed to assist students with financial planning but are only estimates based on past students’ experiences at the current exchange rate. They do not include any entertainment or vacation travel costs.
The above numbers are general estimates of expenses during a program abroad. We recommend taking into account your current spending habits, the cost of living in your host country and the current exchange rate. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor can be helpful as you attempt to work on a personal budget for your experience abroad.
*Student Visa: U.S. citizens studying in the U.K. for less than six months (180 days) do not need to apply for a visa, but can instead enter the country as a student visitor at no cost. Student visitors are allowed to remain in the U.K. for up to six months but are not allowed to undertake any paid work or unpaid volunteer activities. Citizens of some countries may be required to obtain a student visa. If this applies to you, your IFSA-Butler program advisor will notify you. Detailed instructions regarding U.K. visas will be sent to all students upon acceptance.
Personal Miscellaneous: Covers general expenses of college life, including course supplies, photocopying, toiletries, snacks, personal care, etc.
All costs are in U.S. dollars.
FormsTo apply to the University of Bristol program, use our easy online application. Applicants to the University of Bristol program must complete must complete additional forms as part of the application process:
We must receive these forms before we can send your application to the University of Bristol for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.
If you have already started an application to the University the Bristol program, you can track which forms IFSA-Butler has received by logging into the student portal.
Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team
IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Bristol, England:
 Program Advisor David Watkins assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural and academic questions before departure. David can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, ext. 4229. David graduated from the University of Cincinnati with bachelor’s degrees in international affairs and political science. He studied abroad in France, Israel and the West Bank, and began a study abroad program with IFSA-Butler in Egypt during the spring of 2011. After political evacuation from Egypt, he continued his studies in Morocco. David currently advises students planning on studying abroad in England and Australia.
 Student Accounts Coordinator Angelita Shaffer assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Angelita can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4221.
 Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler since 2000, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.
Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office, including our resident directors. Click here to read more about Resident Directors Lynne Alvarez and Andrew Williams.
 Upon return from your study abroad program, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs Rhonda Hinkle processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Rhonda completed her undergraduate coursework at the University of Evansville and received her master's degree from Bowling Green State University. She also has taken doctoral courses at Ball State University. For Rhonda, study abroad not only increased her awareness of the world around her but also ignited her passion for travel and education. Rhonda can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4259.
ScholarshipsBristol offers a $4,000 for academic year students attending state universities and paying in-state tuition. Download a scholarship application.
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University of Bristol
