Overseas students who have just started their studies in the city were invited by the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol to attend the fifth annual Welcome Reception at Wildwalk-At-Bristol on Wednesday, 19 October 2005.

The Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Peter Abraham, welcomed the students as part of the community of the city of Bristol.

The students also met the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, Professor Eric Thomas, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England, Alfred Morris.

Kristina Nink from UWE, who helped to organise the event, said: "We not only want to welcome students at the respective universities but also want to make them feel part of the wider community of Bristol, outside the universities, and encourage them to become involved.

"International students studying at the two universities come from over 120 countries, from China to Nigeria and from the Netherlands to Mexico. We welcome the cultural diversity they bring to our institutions and to the city."

During a light buffet, new international students had a chance to meet and speak with their respective Vice-Chancellors and various representatives from their universities.

The students also had the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Wildwalk interactive museum of life on Earth.