05/02/2025
Across Bristol and Bath in particular, we welcome students this weekend as its is Freshers Weekend, when first year students arrive at college. For many, it will be their first time of living away from home and it is to those students that we send a particular welcome. Starting studies and being in a new and exciting city can be very liberating and there is considerable cross over between Bristol's gay scene and student accommodation districts, with welcoming pubs and cafes. At the same time, some people may be struggling with homesickness or another aspect of emotional and mental health. This can be difficult to manage, on top of the demands of courses. So we urge you to reach out for each other and use student counselling services where necessary or your college's nightline service. You will also find a welcoming voice on community and grass roots radio. In Bristol, you have BCFM on 93.2 FM, that's the station from which "ShoutOut" originates every Thursday. Ujima is led by the African-Caribbean communities and transmits at 98.0 FM. If you are living in South Bristol or environs then your community station is KTCR on 105.8 FM and in the North Bristol burbs Bradley Stoke Radio on 103.4 FM. In addition, across the UWE Campus, you can find The HUB Student Radio on 1449 kHz AM and digital DAB radio, and in Bath, University Radio is also on 1449 kHz from the Calverton Campus. If you are starting your student life, we wish you every success in your studies. and remind you that you will find a lively and welcoming LGBTQIA+ scene at venues across the cities.
