Bristol Voices
Our award-winning Bristol Voices programme connects new international students with local alumni in Bristol to facilitate cultural exchange and help students discover their new community.
Bristol Voices
Are you based in Bristol? Bristol Voices pairs local alumni volunteers with international students, helping to welcome and support them as they settle into life at the University, in a new city and culture.
The programme offers alumni and students an opportunity for cultural exchange, and has partnered over 400 students from 57 different countries including India, Mexico, China, Germany, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Turkey and the USA.
Starting life in a new place can be daunting, and alumni can help students make the most of their Bristol experience. Alumni can offer local advice, guidance and encouragement, while the students can share their own culture and experiences with the volunteer. We encourage pairs to meet up in places around the city that encourage this shared learning.
Bristol Voices has run successfully between September and December since 2021. In 2026 we introduced a pilot programme running between January and April, to welcome students joining the University mid-academic year.
Bristol Voices is a flexible opportunity with an expected commitment of friendly welcome advice over email or messages, at least one in-person meeting, and informal communication throughout the term. The expected time commitment is 3 to 6 hours during the four months the programme runs (either September to December or January to April).
We will match alumni with students based on the answers you provide in our application form, which opens before each programme. The application form for Bristol Voices September – December 2026 is online here.
Matching and introductions will take place during August and September, ready for the start of the academic term.
We will host an event in the city for all Bristol Voices programme participants during the term, and also recommend pairs organise least one additional meet up on their own.
Bristol Voices welcomes all new international postgraduate students, Global Transfer students and new study abroad students based in Bristol. Get top tips on how to make the most of your time at Bristol as well as local advice while practising language skills or getting answers to questions about life in the UK.
We are looking for alumni of all ages who can meet with students as they settle into life in Bristol, offering guidance, local recommendations and a friendly chat. This is a social and fun role that offers the opportunity to make new connections from all walks of life.
The application form for Bristol Voices is online here. Please complete the form before 1 September if you would like to apply to take part in the programme which will run between September and December 2026.
We will contact all applicants during the summer 2026 to check that you are still happy to be involved before we start to match and introduce buddies during August and September 2026.
If you have any questions regarding the programme please contact Sarah Price, Engagement Officer.
* Please note that we do not expect alumni volunteers to provide professional wellbeing advice. If you are concerned about your own welfare or that of a student find out where to get help on our emergency help pages.