Do ask to be added to the Brustol facebook group as it will make it easier for you to ask questions to current students. There is usually a meetup in Brunei near the end of the summer holidays (usually September) for freshers to meet current Bruneian students studying in Bristol. Details would be on the facebook group.
What to pack from Brunei?
- First and foremost, try to use at most 2 bags to make it easier for you to travel.
- Important certificates and documents (Passport, O-level, A-Level and do not forget to print the email containing your CAS number as you might be asked for it at the Border Agency).
- A jacket but not more as you can buy them later (cheaper here).
- Clothing and toiletries for about a week.
- Small rice cooker (a must!)
- Ask your seniors if you need your A-Level notes (if you do not know any, try asking us through our contact us form). Chances are you won’t need them.
- Cara Melayu, Songkok and Sinjang for the boys and Baju Kurong, Tudung as well as a black jubah for the girls. You will need them for some BruStol events such as the National Day Celebration.
- Foods and snacks you like which are not available in the UK.
- Packet seasonings.
- Laptop/notebook. If you don’t have one and want some suggestion on what to buy do not hesitate to contact us. Most educational software used by the University is Windows-exclusive which means that it won’t run on Apple’s Mac OS or Linux.
- You do not need to bring any electric adaptors/plugs as they use the same power socket as in Brunei (BS 1363 standard).
- Medicines
- Stationary (Pens are expensive here so stock up your favorite ones!)
- Some cash but not too much.
The Journey from London to Bristol
Upon your arrival at
Heathrow, you will be greeted by an officer/ a group of officers from Brunei
Students Union (BSU) who will then guide you to the designated Customs booths
and then to the baggage claim area. They will then bring you to the Brunei Hall
for a briefing and you will have to fill in some forms there. After this, you
will be on your own to get to Bristol.
You have 3 choices of transportation to get to Bristol from London:
1) By Train
The fastest way (about 2.5hrs) to get to Bristol but is more expensive than coach averaging about 30 per trip. However, purchasing a ticket is tricky if you do not have a UK card/account to pay for it yet. It would be much easier if you contact us in advance to sort things out if you do decide to use a train.
One thing to be aware of is that trains here do not wait for anyone, if you missed your train you would most probably (unless you are lucky enough to get nice train operators) have to pay for another one on the spot which is expensive. This means that depending on the time, you might have to run with your baggage to catch your train. Also the baggage storage areas on the trains are really limited so you might have to stand by your bag throughout the journey if you didn’t get any space.
2) By Coach
By far the cheapest mode of transportation available with a single ticket costing about $10 on average. It is slower (~3hrs) than train but much more comfortable. You also have plenty of storage compartments for your baggage. Remember to bring some snacks/drinks to your seat as you will not have access to your baggage throughout the journey. A toilet is also provided.
3) By Taxi
The most expensive option among the three although the price varies according to the number of people you share the taxi with. Ask the receptionist at the Brunei Hall for a taxi and he/she will provide you with one. It is the most convenient choice as you get to decide exactly when to go.
Extra: By Plane
If you are extremely well off, this will be a no brainer. Bristol does have its own airport but even then you would have to take a train/taxi to get to your accommodation.
Things to do after arriving at Bristol.
1) Meet up with the seniors if you haven’t done so.
Trust me; they will make your life a lot easier.
2) Submit sponsorship and consent letter to the Senate House.
2) Submit sponsorship and consent letter to the Senate House.
3) Get vaccination(s).
4) Open a bank account. Most of the Bruneians here
use HSBC as they stated that their Amanah accounts will not be involved in any
interest/’riba’ related investments and hence is Shariah compliant.
5) Explore Bristol. Get to know where to buy Halal products, the Chinese supermarkets and finally the shopping centers!
6) Get to know other Bruneians. It is extremely
important that you get along with the rest of the Bruneians as you will need
them to cope with the stress of studying and being away from your family.
Any further questions feel free to ask through the contact form in this blog or the Brustol facebook group.
Any further questions feel free to ask through the contact form in this blog or the Brustol facebook group.
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