Summer vacation opening hours and services
Find out which University services are open and where to get support. This page will be updated for every Easter, summer and Christmas holiday period.
University Summer closure dates
Summer vacation starts on Monday 12 June and finishes on Monday 18 September. During this time the University will be closed on:
- Monday 28 August 2023 (Summer bank holiday)
- Tuesday 29 August 2023 (University closure day)
Summer vacation events and activities
There are a number of events and activities planned for the holidays which are available to all students, including those living in private accommodation.
On this page:
Health and wellbeing support
Whilst the university is open, you may request wellbeing support by completing a Request Wellbeing Support form. However, if you submit a form whilst the university is closed, it may not be reviewed until after the break.
Emergency Support and the following services will still be available:
- Students' Health Service or your GP practice (check opening times)
- Call NHS 111 for non-emergency medical advice
- Call 116 123 for the Samaritans
Residential Life team
The Residential Life team will continue to operate 24/7 throughout the vacation and is also running fun events and activities over this time. These events are open to all students, including those living in private accommodation.
You can contact a Residential Life Advisor on 0117 428 3300 (option 2)
Self-help resources
If you are struggling or need help whilst you wait for further support, try our self-help resources to get information on how you can improve your wellbeing.
Students' Health Service opening times
The Student Health Service will be open as normal Monday to Friday 8:45 am to 6:30 pm during the summer vacation.
Telephone lines are not open after 6:30 pm in the evenings or on Saturdays.
August Bank Holiday times
Saturday 26 August – Phone Lines closed pre-booked appointments only
Sunday 27 August – CLOSED
Monday 28 August - CLOSED.
Tuesday 29 August – 9 am – 12 pm
Normal opening hours will resume on Wednesday 30 August.
Accessing medical care while university is closed
If you need medical help or advice while we are closed that cannot wait until we re-open please call 0117 3302721 for details of the on call services or dial 111 to speak to the NHS on call services
Student Services
Summer vacation: open Monday - Friday, 9 am - 8 pm
- Email: student-services@bristol.ac.uk
- Tel: 0117 428 3000
However, if you submit a form whilst the university is closed, it may not be reviewed until after the break.
Libraries and study centres
You can continue to access subject support and the 24/7 live chat service throughout the holidays.
IT Services support
During the summer break, IT's out-of-hours helpline will be available 24/7 to provide basic help.
IT Services number: 0117 428 2100
If you will be travelling over the break, check your MFA settings and take all your devices with you to make sure you don't lose access while you are away. We recommend you use an authenticator app as your default sign in method.
If you need MFA support during the break, visit the Using MFA page.
The Laptop and Mobile Clinic will be closed until the start autumn term.
Study skills
Over the summer we have workshops about planning and writing your dissertation project, or literature review. You can find out how to book those on our workshops page
If you have more assessments over the summer and want to talk to a tutor about how to study, revise, or plan and write your work effectively, you can:
- Book online tutorials
- Drop-in to talk to one of us in Senate House (2nd floor, Study Skills hub, no need to book) Monday-Friday, times on the web page
- Post a question on “Ask a question” and we’ll get back to you during standard working hours
Sport, exercise and health
If you’re looking for something active to do over the holidays, we run adult swimming lessons, have indoor and outdoor courts and pitches for pay-as-you-go hire, and we’re running a full programme of studio fitness classes.
PGR students and those at Langford can also continue to take advantage of free social sport and activity sessions, under our B:Active student programme, until 31 July!
There is a network of (free) social walking and running groups that take place from various locations around campus - check out our webpage for the latest group details. Can’t find a suitable walk or run in your area? Why not start one yourself, become a group leader and meet some new people along the way.
Check the full range of programmes, facilities and opening times on the University of Bristol Active App or on the Sport, Exercise and Health website.
Summer Saver offer
Get 7 days of access to gym, swim and classes for £12.50, or try 6 weeks for £50 and save 10% when you purchase an annual membership after your 6-week saver. Find out more and buy online.
Global Lounge
Summer vacation: open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays
The space is available for everyone to enjoy with comfy sofas, books, board games, plus free tea, coffee and biscuits! Come and relax with friends or come on your own and get to know the friendly Global Lounge team and ambassadors.
You can also join in with the Global Lounge's fun Summer vacation events, from Tuesday 20 June. Full term time programme is available on the Global Lounge website.
Disability Services
Disability Services will be open as usual during the summer period to respond to students and offer holders. It will be closed on Monday 29 August for the Summer Bank Holiday.
Group study skills workshops will not be taking place over the summer but other workshops will be taking place. See what workshops are on offer.
See Disability Services.
Multifaith Chaplaincy
Find out more about the Multifaith Chaplaincy's summer provision here.
Students' Union opening times
The Richmond Building
Summer vacation: open from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays. Closed on weekend.
The SU reception
Summer vacation: Usual opening hours (9 am to 5 pm)
Senate House
Summer vacation: open from 8 am to 10 pm on weekdays. Closed on weekends.
Careers service
Summer vacation: Monday 12 June - Friday 16 June, open 10 am - 4:30 pm. From Monday 19 June - Friday 15 September, open 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Closed: Friday 14 July for staff training.
August Bank Holiday weekend: closed from 4:30 pm on Friday 25 August until 1:30 pm on Wednesday 30 August.
The Career Service will continue to run events, drop-ins and CV reviews.
Your Bristol Story: student blog
Top tips, events and ideas to make Bristol feel like home.
Global Lounge events
Global Lounge events are open to all staff and current students (home and international). The regular events are available without booking, however for most of our cultural events, registration is required.