At this month’s book club, our conversation wandered delightfully across genres, languages, and even galaxies. Some members were charmed by classic Japanese literature like Good Morning, Lemon and Night on the Galactic Railroad, with nods to the beloved anime Galaxy Express 999. Nostalgia brought us back to animated staples like The Little Mermaid and Snow White, as well as the cozy but surprisingly divisive Paddington. We reflected on Disney’s retellings—especially Maleficent—and how they subvert traditional fairy tale tropes.
Literary detours took us into postmodernism with Pynchon’s Inherent Vice and Virginia Woolf’s famously disorienting To the Lighthouse. Darker themes surfaced with Rescue Distance, Dürrenmatt’s haunting The Minotaur, and discussions of Greek mythology’s labyrinthine symbolism. The group also dove into myths and philosophy, chatting about Cronus, Zeus, chaos, and how ancient beliefs shaped modern storytelling.
The meeting wrapped with a few personal anecdotes—writing struggles, reading in second languages, dreams about math, and the desire to rediscover reading for pleasure.
At the Reading Skills Book Club we like to chat about what we read and watch in English (mainly…).
For inspiration and future reference, here is a list of all that the participants brought to our last meeting and if you want to join us for the next one it’s on the 7th of May
Aftre a busy end of term our last RSBC session saw some discussion touching on movies and shows!
The new meeting date is on the 9th of April, book your place here! (but notice the change in time as we will meet at 10.30 rather than the usual 12 due to busy times at
the Global Lounge)
Here is a summary of what happened last month!
Books, Shows, and Other Media People Engaged With
A big mix of books and shows came up in the discussion! People had been
reading Shakespeare, Heart of Darkness, The Bloody Chamber
(Angela Carter), and works by Shirley Jackson (We Have Always Lived
in the Castle, The Haunting of Hill House). There was also a chat about a
Russian short story featuring an unusual “hiding” hobby. On the TV and
movie side, someone started Breaking Bad but had to stop because it was
too addictive, while another (well, me) was watching My Hero Academia—not amazing,
but just the right level of engaging without being too absorbing. Apocalypse
Now (the adaptation of the short novel Heart of Darkness) and Se7en also somehow came up, great movies!
Reading Tips
If you ever feel like a book is too much, don’t stress—there are plenty of
ways to make it easier! Start with shorter works by the same author
before diving into their more complex stuff. If a book’s language feels tricky
(looking at you, Heart of Darkness), don’t be afraid to reread sections or
look up meanings—it’s not a race. And if you know more than one language,
reading in different versions can actually help things click. Also, match
your book to your brainpower—after a long day, maybe save the deep,
poetic prose for another time and grab something more engaging but low-effort instead. And the best part? Talking about books with others can
make even the weirdest, most confusing story suddenly make sense.
It’s very common for students to have part-time work and study at the same time, but that can bring pressures and difficulties in managing your time. Here, the Bristol Futures Student Advocates share their ideas, tips and experiences of balancing part-time work and study.
How do I split my time and priorities between work and study?
Many students choose to take on part-time jobs to support them financially while at university. However, it is important to keep in mind how many contact hours you have a week/ how many hours of work you are expected to put in outside of those hours. For example, some weeks I’ll have quite a lot of contact hours, which means that I have less availability to work and so flexibility within a job is important to me.
Additionally, time management becomes more important when taking on a part-time job that fits around your studying. Some people may prefer to work more weekends and complete most of their course-related tasks during the week, while others may prefer to work in a job during the week and use the weekend to catch-up on university work. Either way, it can help to visualise the next week ahead before it starts and make sure you know when your shifts are, when you have university and anything else you might have planned.
Having a job as a student might also make having a good work-life balance challenging. Making sure you have time do things that you enjoy outside of a job and university is important for your mental-wellbeing, so don’t be afraid to politely decline a work shift if it means you won’t have the time to do things you enjoy too.
Ana Maria FB, BVSc1
Eliana Garcia Bustos
Balancing part-time work with studies, especially in engineering, requires careful planning to ensure that academic progress isn’t negatively impacted. As an international student, adhering to the 20-hour work limit is essential to maintain visa compliance. It’s crucial to manage work hours in a way that doesn’t conflict with important study times, especially during major deadlines.
In group projects, effective communication is key. I rely on platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams to keep everyone updated. Ideally, I’d prefer a job near campus with flexible hours, so I can work around lab sessions and group meetings. Academics must always take precedence, as a strong academic record can open more career opportunities. It’s important to recognise personal limits and explore alternatives like scholarships or financial planning. Discussing plans with tutors or supervisors can also offer valuable insights and help avoid potential challenges.
Ultimately, balancing work and study is possible with clear priorities, effective time management, and self-awareness.
Eliana Garcia, Mechanical an Electrical engineering, year 3
How do I manage my work shifts around my studies?
As a student, studying has always been my first priority but sometimes I would also like to do some part-time work to have some extra money. The key is to have some flexibility so that you have room to adjust. For example, I will have 2 days in a week for academic preparation, revision and coursework completion (if necessary). I always arrange my part-time shifts in between my lectures for other weekdays. Most university part-time jobs are flexible so you can arrange shifts that fit your schedule in most of the time. If not, you are always welcomed to email the manager to address that issue.
Ho Wang Adrian Tung, BSc Biomedical Sciences Year 2
Louna Larose
On paper, following a plan works really well, but sometimes, life gets in the way and all you can do to tackle it is flexibility. During busy assessment weeks and times where I feel overwhelmed, asking people for help is always the solution: speaking to my manager to take on less shifts a certain week, asking if anyone can help cover my shifts, or as simple as blurting out everything on my mind to a friend.
Louna Larose, Psychology BSc Year 2
I have two criteria when selecting a part-time work: whether the shifts are flexible and whether it is far from the university. Most of parttime jobs I do are flexible in time: If I have a time conflicts, I contact the team leader as soon as possible, and they can find someone to cover for me. But for some works, I am required to give, for instance, three days’ notice. Therefore, my suggestion is to discuss this with your team leader, know their requirements, and contact them ASAP if your plan changes. Also, I prefer to work near the university to save time. If a work requires me to travel for an hour, generally I will not consider it.
Jiamiao Chen, PhD, Department of English
What are the specific impacts of my course on managing a part-time job?
The most significant impact of a part-time job on my study is losing my revision and free time. However, this can be solved by organized time-management (having flexibility) as mentioned above. Part-time jobs might increase stress as you are bearing more responsibility. Always talk to someone whom you feel comfortable with if you find your stress is affecting your wellbeing. Regarding legal requirements, always check how many hours your visa allows you to work and make sure you commit to it.
Ho Wang Adrian Tung, BSc Biomedical Sciences Year 2
Maansi Gupta
Balancing part-time work and studies isn’t always easy, especially as a final year student, but with some planning and flexibility, it’s definitely doable.
Since I’m in final year, studying is my top priority so I keep everything organised by scheduling my classes, shifts and study sessions on my phone calendar. Having it all in one place helps me stay on top of things and avoid double-booking myself. I always block out at least three full days each week for revision, coursework, and exam prep, while planning my shifts on other days around my other commitments.
When deadlines pile up or my course gets more demanding, I’ve found it really helpful to communicate with my manager. I love the flexibility that part-time university jobs offer because they make it so much easier to fit work around my academic commitments, which is so important during a busy year like this.
Of course, balancing work and study can sometimes feel overwhelming, but having a clear schedule and being able to adjust when needed really helps. Taking breaks and talking to friends when I’m stressed also keeps me feeling grounded.
Maansi Gupta, Economics Year 3
As an international student how do I manage legal requirements, work and study?
Jiamiao Chen
As an international student working on a student visa and restricted to work no more than 20 hours per week, the most important thing to bear in mind is that I should keep my working hours strictly within this limit. Considering how expensive living in Bristol is, I am often tempted to work for 20 hours each week. However, studying should always be prioritised over working, and whenever there are time conflicts between my work and my seminars or lectures, I always choose to attend academic lectures. There will be plenty of time for us to work after graduation, and what you learn now can prepare you to find more suitable work in the future. So, the most significant thing is to resist the temptation to spend too much time on your part-time work!
Jiamiao Chen, PhD, Department of English
Being an international student has many challenges, firstly, coming to a new country, new place, and getting to know new people. It is scary how you can adjust to university life with a blink of an eye. I enjoyed my academic life, assessments, and modules. I loved how interactive and social University of Bristol is, especially when it comes to its diverse schemes for student jobs. Being a student advocate has opened so many doors for me. I loved working with students, interacting with different tutors and mentors, it was a nice change from all the academic studying.
Sarah Al-Shahabi, MSci Cancer Biology and Immunology
As an international student, my legal requirements are to work no more than 20 hours per week during term time, ensuring that enough time is focussed on my studies at the same time. Balancing work and studies can be tricky but it is a learning curve and just takes some practice. And overall, makes my university life just that much more fruitful and fulfilling.
Louna Larose, Psychology BSc Year 2
How does a part-time job impact my wellbeing?
Balancing work, life, and academics is something everyone strives for, and with proper organisation, it can be quite achievable. Managing my time was actually one of my favourite parts. Something as simple as an Outlook planning session each week made a huge difference in keeping my schedule organised. I loved having the flexibility to set my own working hours, report to my managers, and connect with students from different courses and backgrounds. It made balancing everything so much easier and more enjoyable. The people I met through study skills at the university were some of the kindest, most inspiring individuals, and I feel lucky to have been part of that.
Sarah Al-Shahabi, MSci Cancer Biology and Immunology
A big part of university is the experiences you gain alongside your studies. For me, that’s balancing academics with social life, sports and a part-time job. I plan my day by time-blocking hours dedicated to each activity and prioritising. This challenges me to work more efficiently and effectively in the time period I give myself. At the same time, having a range of activities helps motivate me to work harder during my study blocks.
In this part of our series on balancing part-time work and study, final year French and Italian student Dylan Webster-Deakin discusses the stigma and mental health pressures around working part-time and offers some practical tips on how to deal with those and the work itself.
As someone who had to balance a part-time job and full-time studies at the University of Bristol for the majority of their time here, and someone who is also a keen writer, I jumped at the opportunity to share my experiences and offer some advice. Balancing work, studies, leisure and a social life is tricky, and is often regarded by many as a ‘taboo’ due to its perceived connotations and the stigma surrounding it. In this blog I will offer as much advice as I can on topics such as time management, mental health and study techniques for students who work part-time.
To give a very brief overview of my personal experiences working part-time while in education – I’ve been working part time since I turned 16, with my first job coming in the form of a sales assistant at the local greengrocer’s. I stacked shelves, served customers, and performed endless mental arithmetic. Then at the start of University I started working as a lifeguard at a leisure centre in Stoke Gifford, which came with it’s own challenges, particularly with regards to commuting (45 minutes by bike!). Since my year abroad I’ve been doing some agency work and also worked in a pub over the summer. Now, onto the advice!
The first thing to realise is: you are not alone. Over 50% of students in the UK have part-time jobs, so it’s not an uncommon situation to be in. A lot of people are embarrassed by the fact that they have to work to finance their studies, but in reality, it’s more uncommon to not be employed while at University than the other way around. The University itself employs students in a variety of ambassadorial roles precisely because they recognise how normal and common it has become. While the University itself recommends no more than 15 hours work per week during term time for Undergraduates (20 for PG), it is not uncommon to work more, especially with rising living costs. Why is this the first thing to realise? Because mental health matters. If you feel isolated, stressed or low, then that will impact your productivity – at work and at Uni.
You can find links to various support services for students from the University of Bristol here. These include support for mental health and wellbeing, financial advice, and general student queries.
Don’t let work ruin your social life. As mentioned, staying happy and healthy are vital when it comes to keeping on top of your studies. Make sure to meet up with your friends, go to social events – continue to do the things that make you happy. It may require a bit more planning than it did pre-job (which we will tackle shortly), but it’ll be worth it.
But how do you manage it? It’s hard enough balancing uni work, a social life, exercise etc. adding a part time job into the equation can be a daunting thought! Time management is key. Trying to make sure that you’re at Uni, be it in a lecture or in a study space, from 9-5 every day will make this so much easier. Most employers will take into account your availability during the selection process for the job, so would not (and should not) be hiring students if they’re unwilling to be flexible in terms of weekly hours and shift start/end times. Try to be vocal and let your manager(s) know when, where, and for how long you can work each week. You’ll accrue payed holiday and are entitled to unpaid holiday, so if you need a week off because you have lots of deadlines then take one. It’s likely that if they’ve employed you, then they may well employ other students so talk to each other and work together – offer to cover a shift for them if something comes up at late notice, then ask for them to return the favour.
Try to prioritise the most important and urgent pieces of work. A technique that really helped me was making a tier list of importance for my Uni work – and allocating my time accordingly. You will have opportunities to catch up, or do extra work, throughout the academic year (reading weeks, Christmas / easter holidays) so don’t worry if you feel like you’re struggling in the moment. Prioritise the most pressing pieces of work, and make a note of what you were unable to do, or need to revise, and go back to it when you have time.
In this part of our series on balancing part-time work and study, final year economics student Maansi Gupta shares how she uses her phone calendar to help her stay in control of balancing work, social life and staying focussed on study.
Throughout my three years at university I have worked several part-time jobs, but balancing these jobs alongside academics, sport, extra-curriculars and a social life isn’t easy. While I try to find a middle ground, there are times when it feels overwhelming, so the only way I manage everything is being very organised with my scheduling.
My phone calendar is my lifeline – every lecture, shift, sports session and social plan is logged to ensure I don’t double-book myself or forget something important. That being said, even the best organisation doesn’t make more hours appear in the day.
There are weeks when deadlines pile up, so it is a constant balancing act. However, I always make a conscious effort to set aside time to socialise with friends. University isn’t just about studying and working, it’s also about enjoying the experience, and I don’t want to look back and regret missing out on making memories with friends. Even if it’s just a quick coffee catch-up or a study session together, those moments help keep me sane. At the same time, guilt creeps in. If I spend too much time socialising, I feel like I should be working or studying. If I spend all my time working or studying, I feel like I’m missing out on the university experience. The mental tug-of-war between responsibilities and actually enjoying university life can get exhausting.
Being in final year, my academic work is definitely a main focus. There are weeks when I need to cut back on work to focus on assignments, but thankfully, my university jobs as a Student Assisted Guidance in Economics (SAGE) Leader, Bristol Futures advocate and a School of Economics Student Ambassador, allow for that flexibility. I’m able to adjust my shifts alongside my studies in a way that feels manageable. Whether it’s working a few hours between classes or picking up extra shifts during quieter academic periods, these roles have always fit seamlessly into my schedule.
University-based jobs are normally very flexible, conveniently located, and run by people who understand student life. So if you’re thinking about getting a part-time job, my biggest piece of advice is to find one that fits around your studies, not the other way round. Also, finding the right balance is an ongoing process (one which I’m still figuring out!). There will always be weeks when one aspect takes precedence over another. What’s important is learning how to adapt, set boundaries, and make time for both responsibilities and enjoyment!
In this part of our series on balancing part-time work and study, English Literature PhD student Jiamiao Chen discusses the limitations but also the skills development opportunities that working part-time can bring.
As an international student working on a student visa and restricted to work no more than 20 hours per week, the mostimportant thing to bear in mind is that I should keep my working hours strictly within this limit. Considering how expensive living in Bristol is, I am often tempted to work for 20 hours each week. However, there will be plenty of time to work after graduation, hence the most significant thing is to resist the temptation to spend too much time on the part-time work!
Therefore, I am very selective about what types of part-time work I do. I usually choose part-time work which aligns with my current research interests and will contribute to my personal development. For instance, I work as a study skills student advocate and deliver workshops to help students improve their study skills. I was an introvert before, and I know that after graduating from the University, I want to teach English Literature. Communicating with people and having some teaching experiences are the core skills I need to become a qualified lecturer in the near future, and my work experience provides me with an opportunity to practice and develop these skills. This work experience also improves my teamwork skills, and although I am not yet a team leader, I can observe from my team leaders very good leadership skills, which I can learn and apply to my future work. Most importantly, I get some extra income! This greatly eases my financial burden and boosts my self-confidence, as I know that I can use what I learn to help other people, and I am confident to find a job I am interested in with my current work experience.
I achieve a nice balance between studying and working, and my part-time work also helps to improve my wellbeing and makes me feel a deeper sense of belonging to the community of the University.
This month’s book club meeting took us on a journey through time, language, and personal growth—proving once again that books are more than just words on a page. Here are some highlights from our chat!
Want to join us? Book here for our next meeting on the 5th of March!
Re-reading: A Different Book Every Time?
Ever picked up a book you read years ago and felt like you were reading something completely new? Turns out, re-reading isn’t just revisiting a story—it’s seeing it through a new lens. One of us went back to The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford after nearly a decade and found details they had completely missed the first time. Others noticed this in academic books too—especially with subjects like mathematics, where experience changes how we process information. It’s like books grow with us. Or maybe we grow with them?
Lost (and Found) in Translation
Translation is tricky business. One reader had a bilingual reading experience—switching between Spanish and English versions of the same book—and realized just how much gets altered in translation. Another pointed out how Trainspotting and A Clockwork Orange had to invent entirely new slang in translations to capture the same rebellious energy. And then there was the realization that subtitles in movies can strip away humor and nuance—like when a Catalan film’s clever wordplay was turned into something… well, kind of bland in English. The takeaway? If you can, reading in the original language might be worth the effort!
Shakespeare: Marriage, Morality, and Mystery
We had a deep dive into Measure for Measure, one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known plays, which left us with more questions than answers. Is marriage a legal contract, or does mutual agreement make it valid? What happens when a seemingly virtuous leader abuses power? And why does Isabella stay silent at the end when the Duke proposes? Silence as consent? Or resistance? We also discovered a great hack—watching performances instead of just reading the text. Shakespeare is meant to be seen, not just read!
The Weight of Loneliness in Literature
One of the most moving discussions was about The Heart is a Lonely Hunter—a book filled with characters seeking connection but failing to truly understand each other. The main character, Singer, is mute, yet everyone around him treats him as their personal confidant, assuming he understands them completely. But does he? And who really understands him? The novel paints a heartbreaking picture of isolation, and while it’s not exactly a light read, it made us think deeply about how we perceive relationships and communication.
You read all the way until here? You might be RSBC material! Join us for our next meeting on the 5th of March! Or if you are looking for a book to pick up, check out the list of book that were discussed last session.
*Please note that the deadline for applications for the Student Advocate roles for the 2025/26 academic year has now passed.*
Be part of a dynamic team promoting and delivering Study Skills support in the 2025/26 academic year.
As a Study Skills Student Advocate you’ll be an ambassador for Study Skills, promoting the service to members of the University and public alike. You’ll also support fellow students by running Study Skills drop-ins and workshops, staffing pop-up stands, attending events and having input into online learning resources and more. You’ll develop skills in organisation, teaching, support, public speaking and team working, all of which will be valuable for your future career development.
We’re looking for applications from any student at the University of Bristol to join our Advocate team for the 2025/26 academic year, whether you’re undergraduate or postgraduate, home or international, as long as you’ll be a registered student in 2025/26. We’ll train you in all the skills you need and work with you throughout the year to ensure you develop and gain the best experience possible from working with us. We are also seeking students with skills in coding to assist at our weekly Coding Clubs.
Core duties of the Advocate Role:
Act as an ambassador within your faculty to promote the Study Skills service.
Deliver one-to-one peer support sessions to students for Study Skills. These may take the form of drop-in sessions at the Study Skills Hub in Senate House, or peer support in regular study groups.
Facilitate workshops on Study Skills. Workshops may run face-to-face or online.
Advocates with skills in coding may assist with our weekly Coding Clubs.
Attend and assist in organizing promotional activities (such as pop up stands and lecture ‘shout-outs’).
Assist in gathering feedback from students and academics in your faculty to help develop and shape Study Skills.
Meet regularly with your Study Skills faculty tutor.
Work collaboratively with Study Skills staff to help further develop the Study Skills service.
Additional activities will be required as the role continues to develop.
Benefits of the role:
This is a paid role (see wage details below).
You will be provided with comprehensive training that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to carry out this role. Ongoing training will be provided throughout the duration of your contract as the role develops.
Work experience to enhance your CV i.e. marketing, group-work delivery, time management, leading and influencing.
An opportunity to shape the development of an ambitious, innovative university-wide project.
The source of a reference for future employment / LinkedIn recommendations.
This role can provide evidence that will contribute to the Bristol PLUS Award / Bristol PLUS Outstanding Award. (All team members are encouraged to participate in this award).
Wage:
Advocates are paid the Real Living Wage, which will be £12.60 per hour in September 2025. This role attracts a holiday increment of 12.07% per hour (so total paid per hour is £14.12). Workshop delivery (expected to start in the autumn after training) is paid at £16.76 per hour (plus 12.07% holiday pay). Wages are paid monthly in arrears via the Temporary Staffing Service (TSS).
Hours / Contract:
Working hours will be discussed at interview, but will range from 0 – 6 hours per week (you will not be expected to work during University holidays or assessment periods)
Training will begin in September 2025 and continue throughout the year. Contracts will begin in September 2025.
Please note that to be eligible for this role you must be a registered student at the University of Bristol in the 2025/26 academic year.
A list of all the books talked about in our last sesh!
The Pursuit of Love – A novel by Nancy Mitford that explores the romantic adventures of the Radlett family in 20th-century England.
Love in a Cold Climate – Another of Nancy Mitford’s novels, this book continues the story of the Radletts, focusing on the enigmatic Polly Hampton.
Measure for Measure – A play by William Shakespeare that delves into themes of justice, morality, and mercy in Vienna.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter – Carson McCullers’ debut novel portrays the profound isolation and longing of various inhabitants in a small Southern town.
A Biography of John von Neumann – This biography delves into the life of John von Neumann, a pioneering mathematician and physicist known for his contributions to quantum mechanics and computer science.
Earth Eater – Written by Dolores Reyes, this novel tells the story of a woman with the supernatural ability to find missing persons by consuming earth.
The Great Gatsby (Japanese Edition) – F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, translated into Japanese, capturing the decadence and tragedy of the Jazz Age.
Trainspotting – Irvine Welsh’s gritty portrayal of a group of friends navigating life and addiction in Edinburgh.
A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess’ dystopian novel explores themes of free will and the nature of evil through its delinquent protagonist.
Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding’s humorous account of a single woman in London, chronicling her personal and professional misadventures.
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen’s classic novel delves into issues of class, marriage, and morality through the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Short Stories by M.R. James – A collection of horror stories by M.R. James, renowned for their atmospheric tension and supernatural elements.
A Book by Truman Capote – While the exact title isn’t specified, Truman Capote’s works range from true crime narratives like ‘In Cold Blood’ to novellas like ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’
