Bristol City Pack - BIMM Institute
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Bristol City Pack 2021/22 bimm.ac.uk
Contents Welcome
Welcome 3 I am so pleased that you are considering joining
our wonderful creative community here at BIMM
About Bristol 4
Institute Bristol.
My Bristol 8
For many of our students, starting at BIMM is a big deal.
About BIMM Institute Bristol 12 It can take some adjustment. You might think that doing
BIMM Institute Bristol Lecturers 14
what you love every day is easy. It’s not.
BIMM Institute Bristol Courses 16 It’s not easy because it matters more. The stakes are
higher. The pressure you put on yourself to do well is
Your City 20
greater. You’ll have days when you feel like a rock star.
Music Resources 22 And you’ll have days when you just can’t get inspired. That
is the life of a creative, and that is why it’s easier to take
Accommodation Guide 26 these next steps together.
Join Us in Bristol 30
I’m a musician, songwriter and performer alongside being
a creative arts educator. In fact, you’d be hard pushed to
find anyone here that isn’t. Our community of incredible
lecturers understand you. They can help you work out who
you are, what you excel at, how to tackle the tough stuff,
and where you should go next on your journey as a creative
professional.
I hope you join us for an Open Day to ask us any questions
you have about life here at BIMM. And more importantly, to
ask our current students about their experiences.
I can’t wait to meet you and find out how we can help you
achieve the career you’ve always dreamed of.
Hannah Phipps
College Principal
BIMM Institute Bristol
3
About Bristol
This West Country city has a fiercely independent spirit Canteen, The Attic, Rough Trade, The Crofters Rights and
and is alive with urban inspiration and culture. Music and many more. Prestigious venues such as The Fleece and
art come together to form a diverse creative community Louisiana are not far away either. The Fleece in particular
particularly well-known for drum & bass (Roni Size), trip- is a three-minute walk from our Passage Street building.
hop (Massive Attack, Portishead) and punk, which is now
enjoying a resurgence due to the success of IDLES. George There are open mic nights and jam sessions most
Ezra also walked through our doors in Bristol and out into evenings. Every night you can find something to watch
the music industry. and listen to. Crack magazine and Bristol in Stereo are two
excellent local publications that will be able to give
Bristol’s emerging names include Phox Jaw, Heavy Lungs, you everything you need to know about the upcoming
Scalping, Gardna, Keir, Giant Swan, Elder Island and Katy musical calendar.
J Pearson. Each artist is supported by a strong network of
live music venues, including The Louisiana and Thekla. Theatre
For theatrical performances, there is the Bristol Old
City festivals are growing too. Just check out Love Saves Vic, the Hippodrome, Wardrobe Assembly and the
The Day, Bristol Sounds, Bristol Harbour Festival, The Tobacco Factory, among others. The Hippodrome hosts
Downs Festival. Of course, the ever-popular 2000trees is pantomimes, musicals, plays, stand up and more. It
growing year on year, and the world-famous Glastonbury is recently hosted the award-winning Disney’s The Lion King.
only a stone’s throw away.
The Bristol Old Vic is the oldest continuously working
This is Bristol: independent, diverse and artistic. theatre in the English-speaking world and is where you’ll
find contemporary takes on the classics, as well as being
Bristol Life the place to host the Bristol Proms. The Tobacco Factory
Bristol is an exciting city with lots to offer. There is a huge boasts an array of features and shows as well. They host
variety of clubs, bars and pubs, many of which run weekly local theatre productions, live music, comedy and lots of
student promotions and offers. There is a great collection other entertainment.
of independent cafés and restaurants too, with lots of
different cuisines to try. Cinema
There are also a few independent cinemas that show
Art is very important to Bristol and you can find pop-up international films, independent films, classic cult films
galleries all over town. You can also find a number of and sometimes host parties and events. The most
theatres, venues, museums and cultural centres to notable of these cinemas is the Watershed (along Bristol’s
visit, including the SS Great Britain and the Arnolfini. Harbourside) and the Cube (also a quirky gig venue); a
Bristol has a reputation for its street art, music scene three-minute walk away from King Square.
and self-sufficiency.
Street Art
Music Stokes Croft is on BIMM’s doorstep and showcases work
Music plays a huge part in maintaining Bristol’s cultural by some of the UK’s most prolific street artists, including
prominence. There are venues everywhere – from dive bars Stik, 3Dom, and of course, Banksy. There is a street art
to swanky concert halls and everything in-between. Within festival held every year by SEE NO EVIL where many artists
a half-mile radius of both BIMM Institute sites, you can find from across the world come to display their art on Bristol’s
Bristol Beacon (Colston Hall), O2 Academy Bristol, The streets, (specifically Nelson Street in the city centre).
4 5
Festivals a large indoor mall, a few retail parks, including bowling,
Bristol thrives in the summer and there are festivals nearly cinemas and other entertainment, a number of large
every weekend from late May through to September. supermarkets and restaurants. If you have more expensive
These include St Paul’s Carnival, Harbour Festival, Food taste, you can visit Clifton for a few fancy boutiques with
Connections, Vegfest, Dot To Dot, Love Saves the Day, designer and made-to-measure clothing and accessories.
Brisfest, The Downs Festival, Glastonbury, and many,
many more. The Great Outdoors
Not far from the centre you can find the Clifton Downs.
Shopping Clifton Village itself is a nice place to visit on a sunny day as
Bristol is popular for shopping as it is the only major city in you can sit in the shadow of Clifton Suspension Bridge and
this part of the South West. People flock from all over North enjoy a drink at the White Lion. Opposite Clifton is Leigh
Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to visit the Woods – a very nice patch of greenery and woods to take a
many shops and boutiques Bristol has to offer. walk through.
The town centre is home to Broadmead, the shopping Bristol Harbour is also a nice place to visit and to take a
district, as it were. Upon Broadmead sits a number of banks, walk along the river. There are lots of things to do – and lots
cafés, travel agents, and clothing and goods retailers. At of pubs along the route. You can even tour the city by boat
either end of Broadmead, you will find Cabot Circus and or take a short trip on the tugboat across the water to reach
the Galleries, both indoor shopping centres. Cabot Circus the famous SS Great Britain – our cover star!
boasts a collection of modern and high-end retailers
including Hollister, Vans and Urban Outfitters. There are You can travel out to Cheddar Gorge, Blaise Castle, the
also a number of restaurants, a cinema, indoor crazy golf Mendip Hills and many other beautiful spots around the
and a few other entertainment outlets within the centre. South West with relative ease from Bristol. There are lots
of nice towns to visit nearby too, like Bath and Gloucester
If you venture out of the centre, you can visit Park Street or – home of famous sites such as the Historic Docks and
Gloucester Road. You will find more independent boutiques Gloucester Cathedral.
and charity shops. You will also find some fantastic
independent bars, cafés and restaurants. Nightlife
There is a big dance music scene in Bristol as the UK rave
Gloucester Road has been famed for its self-sustained scene is often considered to have begun here. People
nature and its anti-corporate attitude. There is some would find abandoned warehouses, derelict homes or even
fantastic food to try and a friendly atmosphere to socialise disused sports centres to install a sound system (heavy on
in. They love to accept the Bristol Pound, a local initiative the bass) to throw parties. Lots of Drum & Bass, Breakbeat
encouraging residents to put more into Bristol’s local and House music originated here too. Trip-hop is a Bristol
economy. Check out Wapping Wharf by the Harbourside as invention, and the city takes pride in the success of its
well for an eclectic mix of small independent restaurants artists, such as Massive Attack and Portishead.
housed in refurbished shipping containers.
Bristol nightlife is vast and ever-expanding. There are
There are lots of music retailers around, including Idle a large number of student nights across all different types of
Hands (very near King Square), Rise, and of course HMV and clubs, bars and pubs. Some popular clubs are Thekla,
Fopp. There are a few musical instrument retailers including Bunker, the Lanes and Motion (for the more seasoned
Drum Bank, Mickleburghs, Music Room and PMT. Hardy’s clubber). The O2 Academy also hosts club nights, including
Music, a family-run guitar and musical supplies shop, sits Ramshackle – a weekly rave for the student masses.
right across the street from BIMM’s Passage Street building. Propaganda is held at The Fleece and is regarded as the
Out of the centre, you can get to Cribbs Causeway, a large UK’s biggest student night.
plot with lots of opportunities to spend money. It contains
6 7
My Bristol
Go Explore
Bristol has lots of amazing outdoor spaces to discover. King Street is great if you are a beer enthusiast (Small Bar)
or love 80s arcade games (Kongs). This is probably my
• Clifton Village/Suspension Bridge is the best place to go favourite place to go for a few drinks before continuing the
for cute cafés and amazing views. It’s also very evening somewhere else.
Instagram-friendly!
Right down at the bottom of the street, you’ll find The
• Harbourside has great bars and restaurants. You’ll find Apple, a boat/bar serving all kinds of tasty ciders –
We The Curious and The Aquarium here definitely a must-see!
• The Downs is a gorgeous open field area just outside of Thekla is the host of many different events and gigs, and
the bustling city. Head up here for a walk (or jog) with often puts on student nights with some really good deals.
a view Loads of freshers hang out here in their first year, so this is
a great place to go to meet students from other campuses
• Castle Park is right next to one of the BIMM Institute as well.
Bristol colleges (Passage Street). It’s a perfect place for
picnics and sunbathing. You may find yourself hanging out Eat and Shop
here in between lectures once your course gets going Bristol is the home of some fab restaurants, cafés and
shops. Cabot Circus is a good place to start for all of this
Get Gigging –it’s basically got everything you need. But if you’re like me
There are loads of great venues hosting open mics and jam and prefer the more independent, hidden places, check
nights all around Bristol. Getting involved with these is a these out.
great way to meet other musicians and start networking.
• St Nick’s Market is located in the centre of Bristol. It’s
A few to check out are Mondays at Gallimaufry (Jam where you can find some amazing food and cute little
Night), Tuesdays at Nova (Open Mic Night), Wednesdays shops. Every Saturday, St Nick’s hosts a vintage flea
at Mr Wolfs (Open Mic Night) and Thursdays at LeftBank market as well, which is definitely worth a look.
(Jam Night). You can also find some of the best jam nights
via BIMM Bristol’s Facebook student group, so be sure to • The Bristolian is my absolute favourite coffee shop in
Sally Van Hofsten sign up. Bristol! They serve a delicious coconut latte and their
veggie breakfast is to die for.
Nightlife
There are so many great places to go in Bristol to • Park Street is where to go if you want some new vintage
experience its vibrant nightlife. clothing. It’s got some great shops. Sobeys, The Vintage
We asked Bristol student Sally Van Hofsten to Thrift Store and BS8 are some of my favourites.
take you on a tour of her beautiful city. Stokes Croft/Gloucester Road is probably the liveliest
place to go in Bristol for a night out. Whether it’s a chilled This should keep you busy for starters. Don’t worry if you
weekday drink at Full Moon Bar, enjoying some student can’t fit it all in during Freshers’ Week – you’ll have three
offers at Blue Lagoon on a Thursday, or an all-nighter at years to find your favourite places. Enjoy!
Lakota on a Friday, Stokes Croft/Gloucester Road has got
you covered.
8 9
10 11
About BIMM Institute Bristol BIMM Institute Bristol opened its doors in 2008 and has two buildings in the heart of this West Country city. One is located at Passage Street (just a short walk from the picturesque Castle Park) and one in the student hotspot, King Square. BIMM Institute Bristol Facilities BIMM Institute Bristol benefits from two high specification recording studios with live rooms – kitted out with industry- standard Audient desks and a wide range of bookable recording equipment. Final year students have additional access to a local professional recording studio owned by Jim Barr of Portishead. Here, they can apply the skills they have developed in a real-world setting. Performance students regularly perform at local professional venues, such as Rough Trade, the Fleece and the Thekla. You might see your favourite artists grace the same stage that you play each week in class. In addition to our onsite rehearsal rooms, recording facilities and Mac labs, our ongoing relationship with creative hub Pirate Studios provides 24/7 rehearsal and production spaces. These allow for endless practice and engagement with the thriving local music community. Additionally, Bristol has an excellent selection of bookable resources and unusual equipment that can help you push the boundaries of your musical creation, such as a modular synthesis rig and two vintage tape machines used for experimental composition. Cameras, lights, mics and even green screens are available to book for students interested in media and content creation. 12 13
BIMM Institute Bristol Lecturers
——
Hazel Mills Lee Kiernan James Hester Emily Breeze Andy Rea Jim Coles
Keys Lecturer Visiting Faculty Drums Lecturer Songwriting Lecturer Event Management Lecturer Music Production Lecturer
Hazel Mills is a Bristol-based Lee is a guitarist and co-writer in James has played in bands for Cult rock ‘n’ roll heroine of Bristol’s Andy is a freelance journalist, Jim is a music producer and DJ,
musician/songwriter who has Bristol band IDLES alongside BIMM his entire life and has been lucky underground music scene, event manager and public relations originally from Berkshire. He works
toured the globe across multiple Institute drumming alumni, Jon enough to work for major, minor Emily Breeze is an outstanding professional. In 2007, he founded under the moniker ‘Om Unit’ and
genres, with artists including Beavis. Since releasing their first and indie labels – primarily with songwriter and frontperson. 2000trees festival with five friends, has released music on labels such
Florence + The Machine, album Brutalism in 2017 to critical the band Malachai (Island Records/ Described by the Sunday Times held every year at Upcote Farm as Metalheadz, Civil Music, and
Goldfrapp, Birdy, The Will Gregory acclaim, they’ve been busy touring Domino Records). as ‘the lovechild of P.J Harvey near Cheltenham. Terrorhythm, as well as his own
Moog Ensemble, and The the world and winning fans and and Johnny Cash’, her critically imprint ‘Cosmic Bridge’. Jim has
Paper Cinema. accolades all over the globe. He has recorded sessions for DJs acclaimed recent album The festival has gone from strength several LPs and many EPs/singles
Zane Lowe, Gilles Peterson and Rituals demonstrates her to strength, winning the ‘Grass under his belt.
Her classical background, pop Their second album, Joy as Annie Mac. He’s also played live on particular gift for storytelling Roots Festival’ gong at the UK
sensibilities and passion for an Act of Resistance, entered BBC TV for Lily Allen, and live on and timeless songwriting. Festival Awards 2010, 2013 and He relocated to Bristol in 2015
1960s American minimalism and the UK charts at No. 5, and in radio for Tom Robinson. 2017 and the Best Medium-Sized after spending 15 years in
analog synths feed into both her 2019 the band were nominated Emily is also an experienced UK Festival in 2018. Andy also runs London learning the art of DJing,
performance and her writing. She for Best Breakthrough Act at James has toured the UK with lecturer, teaching across higher ArcTanGent festival near Bristol. collaborating with vocalists, and
has had the privilege of performing the BRIT Awards and won the Mr Hudson, Groove Armada and and further education courses. She honing his studio skills. Jim’s
at esteemed venues such as the Kerrang! Award for Best British Doves, and has played alongside also holds a Masters degree By day, Andy runs his own 2013 album Threads is widely
Hollywood Bowl, The Royal Breakthrough Act. They were fellow drummers Chad Smith, Jojo in Songwriting. company, Redtarn PR & Events, regarded as a ‘bass-music’ classic
Albert Hall and the London also nominated for the Mercury Mayer, Ian Matthews and Steve and lectures at BIMM Institute – an umbrella term suitable for
Olympic Stadium. Prize 2019. White. He’s written for Drummer Bristol in Event Management and his output, which often cross-
and Rhythm magazines and is the Music Business. pollinates elements of jungle,
Alongside her touring When Lee is not touring, he is part author of the drum tuition book, footwork, dub/downtempo and
commitments, Hazel has been of our visiting faculty across BIMM Mind Over Meter. even ambient elements.
writing material for her own Institute Bristol’s performance
project, Violaine, with long-term modules and offers artist
collaborator and producer/ development tutorial support for
musician TJ Allen (who has worked bands and songwriters.
with the likes of Bat For Lashes,
Portishead and Anna Calvi).
14 15
BIMM Institute Bristol Courses —— Further Education Courses: • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Songwriting • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance - (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals) Undergraduate Courses: Single Honours Degrees: • BA (Hons) Music and Sound Production • BA (Hons) Electronic Music Production • BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Keyboards) • BMus (Hons) Songwriting • BA (Hons) Event Management • BA (Hons) Music Business • BA (Hons) Music Marketing, Media and Communication Joint Honours Degrees: • BA (Hons) Music Production & Music Business • BA (Hons) Music Business & Event Management • BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Music Business • BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Music Production • BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Event Management • BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Songwriting • BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Business • BA (Hons) Songwriting & Music Production Postgraduate Courses: • MA Popular Music Practice 16 17
BIMM Institute Bristol Resources
Bristol’s Passage Street college is home to a well-stocked • LGBTQ+ - A regular inclusive meetup for LGBTQ+
library of core texts and a large back catalogue of music identifying students to socialise and get more involved in
publications and magazines, ideal for the budding music the local queer scene
marketer or keen researcher. There is a quiet study area
with computers and open access to the Mac labs with a BIMM Extra
range of musical and creative software, such as Ableton, The BIMM Extra programme of free evening and weekend
Logic, Pro Tools and the full Adobe Creative Suite, workshops is determined by student feedback and
available during evenings and weekends. suggestions. Popular classes include:
The local Bristol Central Library houses a well-stocked • Piano Skills – Delivered by Hazel Mills, the keys player
music and business section, and its Harry Potter-style for Florence + the Machine, this very popular class helps
architecture makes it a special place for quiet study. students of varying abilities progress with their keyboard
and synth skills.
The BIMM VLE is the digital hub for all learning resources.
These include an expansive e-library, bespoke course • Photoshop and Filmmaking – Using our top of the range
reference books, peer-reviewed journals, online courses film and editing equipment, students learn how to create
especially developed for our students and the full high-quality visuals for use in a variety of creative projects.
Microsoft Office suite.
• Yoga – A weekly class of gentle beginners’ yoga to help
The Careers and Industry Hub is Bristol’s very own A&R students de-stress and stay healthy.
room. Here, you can get some expert feedback on your
latest demo, some professional advice on your CV and • Drawing with Sound – Students create abstract art
hear about industry placement opportunities. pieces, inspired by music and the sonic arts, and exhibit
these at the college.
BIMM Institute Bristol Student Associations and Clubs
The BIMM Student Association launched in 2019 with BIMM Institute Bristol Location
elections each January to appoint a Student Association BIMM Institute Bristol has a site at 25 King Square, Bristol,
President from the student body. The Student Association BS2 8JN, and another about a ten-minute walk away at 1
President works with the students and staff team to Passage Street, Bristol, BS2 0JF. You will have the majority
ensure student voices are heard and feedback acted of your lessons in these two buildings.
on quickly.
However, depending on your course, some classes are held
The president also manages a wide range of student-led off-site across the city. Nevertheless, it will still be within a
societies at the college. All students can propose societies short distance of the Passage Street site.
and access funding for events and activities. Popular
societies this year include:
• DJ society - Students get together each week to eat
pizza, perform on open decks and learn skills in mixing on
CDJs and vinyl decks
• Football society – BIMM Institute provides a pitch for
students to arrange friendly local matches
18 19Your City
——
Transport complicated one-way systems. If you cycle, you will find If you are at home for the holidays, you can still see your • 4-bed shared flat/house - £68
BIMM Institute Bristol is well connected to the rest of the that you are not alone and there are initiatives laid out by family GP if needed – they can see you as a visitor or an
city via public transport. Bristol City Council to get people out on their bikes. emergency patient. • B&B (5 nights) - £160
Bus The Yo!Bike app allows you to ride a bike for just £1 with There are also GP services near our college locations. The It’s important to remember that as a full-time student, you
Both BIMM Institute Bristol sites are very close to the city the first journey free - these are the yellow bikes seen Compass Centre is nearest our King Square college while are not liable to pay council tax if you are house sharing
centre and the King Square building is approximately three around town. Broadmead Medical Centre and BS1 Surgery are a short with other students. The local Council Tax Office will be
minutes’ walk from the central bus station. From the Bear 5-minute walk from our college at Passage Street. notified of students who are exempt after enrolment.
Pit (Barton Roundabout) you can catch buses to areas in Train However, you can also request a letter to confirm your
both North and South Bristol. Temple Meads is Bristol’s central station. It is If you feel unwell and want some advice on what to do, student status from reception.
approximately a 20-minute walk from King Square and please call NHS Direct (111). This is a 24-hour confidential
You can purchase a ‘Three Stop Hop’ ticket for just £1 to only ten minutes from Passage Street and connects you service that also offers information on your nearest Students are responsible for setting up and paying for
get you between both BIMM colleges cheaply and quickly. the rest of the country via First Great Western, Cross GP, dentist, pharmacist or out of hours service. For an their utility bills, including water, electricity, gas and
Students can show their BIMM ID to get a 30% discount on Country and Stagecoach. emergency, please dial 999. internet access.
bus journeys.
Take a look at the other stations around the city: You can also register for an NHS dentist. To find your Council Information
Take a look at the most popular buses and their routes: nearest dentist, head to the NHS website: nhs.uk To find out about Bristol City Council services including
• Parkway – A large station connecting Bristol to Wales, Even though it’s an NHS service, there are normally recycling, bins, leisure and parking, head to bristol.gov.uk
• 70 – Bristol Temple Meads – Centre – Ashley Down – UWE surrounding Bristol towns, London and the Midlands charges for dental treatments and check-ups.
• 73 – Harbour – Bear Pit – Gloucester Road – Filton • Montpelier – King Square’s nearest platform. This is an Living Costs
Avenue – Bristol Parkway Rail Station inner-city station which connects you to other parts of It’s thought that the monthly rent for students living
Bristol, including Bristol Temple Meads, Clifton, Lawrence in Bristol is approximately £489.50 (according to the
• 75/76 – Harbour – Bear Pit – Gloucester Road – Hill and Stapleton Road NatWest Student Living Index 2019). However, your
Cribbs Causeway average living costs when in Bristol can depend on where
• Redland – Another platform near King Square connecting you live, where you shop and what your hobbies include.
• 8/9 – Bristol Temple Meads – Bear Pit – Clifton – Redland you to other parts of Bristol, including Shirehampton,
Avonmouth and Severn Tunnel Junction To give you more of an idea, we’ve broken down
The Passage Street building is a couple minutes’ walk from the average cost of rent in terms of the different
Victoria Street in the centre of Bristol. The buses that stop Hospitals, GPs and Dentists accommodation options available.
there are: While living in Bristol, it’s really important that you register
with a GP. It’s easy to do and means that you can access Average Price Guide Per Week:
• 1 – Bristol Temple Meads – Victoria Street – Broadmead – medical care if and when you need it.
Centre – Whiteladies Road –Cribbs Causeway • Student halls - £140
You’ll have to visit your chosen practice to register with
• 2 – Bristol Temple Meads – Victoria Street – Broadmead – them (often via showing proof of your address). To find • 1-bed studio/flat/house - £146
Centre – Whiteladies Road – Cribbs Causeway your local GP or hospital while in Bristol, you can head to
the NHS website: nhs.uk • 2-bed shared flat/house - £109
Bike
Bristol is a very popular cycling city. It is a more efficient • 3-bed shared flat/house- £85
way of navigating the very congested roads and
20 21Music Resources —— The Bristol music industry is thriving in this culturally rich and diverse city. With a reputation for being edgy, out there and innovative, Bristol’s industry network is constantly evolving and growing. Here are some of the exciting businesses who have chosen Bristol as their home. Record Stores: Friendly Records Rough Trade Idle Hands Studios: Brunel Studios Factory Studios J&J Studios Invada Studios Record Labels: Invada Records Breakfast Records Art is Hard Saffron Music Stolen Body Records Music Agencies: Red Light Management Crosstown Concerts/ Management PR & Communications Agencies: Infectious PR Konichiwa Music Magazines & Blogs: Bristol in Stereo Tap The Feed Event Management Companies: Team Love Arcadia The MJR Group Music Venues: Bristol Beacon (Colston Hall) Rough Trade Thekla (DHP Family) Motion/The Marble Factory The Fleece 02 Academy 22 23
24 25
Accommodation Guide House Shares
It is always worth checking out the local newspapers and
Bristolbackpackers.co.uk does deals on short and long term
stays in shared dorms. There are other hostels which offer
—— accommodation websites for any accommodation that is on shared dorms and private rooms, such as:
the market.
One essential thing you must ensure you have arranged of accommodation, which are all-inclusive of utility bills, • YHA Bristol, Narrow Quay
prior to your studies at BIMM Institute Bristol is your contents insurance and broadband. For further information, Main Newspapers/Magazines • The Full Moon Backpackers Hostel, Stokes Croft
accommodation. Your living arrangements can be an please visit loveiq.co.uk or call 0117 927 7498. • Bristol Evening Post (Tuesdays and Fridays) • Rock ‘n’ Bowl Hostel, Nelson Street
important factor in your success as a student, and the • The Mercury
Student Services team is on hand to help you when Studios 58 House Viewings
arranging this if required. Studios 58 offers a range of contemporary studio Letting Agencies
apartments, just along the street from King Square. Studios In regards to letting agencies, you will more than likely be Tips for Viewing Properties
We do not have halls of residence at BIMM Institute Bristol, 58 has 99 apartments, a common room and a communal asked for an admin fee, rent in advance, a deposit and a • We recommend viewing a property at least twice. You’ll be
which means you must find housing privately. However, we courtyard. To book, arrange a viewing or find out more, guarantor upfront, so be prepared for this. more likely to notice problems the second time around. Be
have various resources available to help you with every step please visit crm-students.com aware, however, that student properties in Bristol are in high
of the process. Shelter Advice demand and can be let very quickly!
The Mansion Group – Hotwells House Shelter is a registered charity that campaigns to end • Take someone with you or let someone else know exactly
Bristol has various different types of accommodation Hotwells House is in a great location on the Bristol homelessness and bad housing in England and Scotland. where you are when you visit a property, just to err on the
available, such as: waterfront. All flats have a large communal lounge and Email: info@shelter.org.uk side of caution
• Flats contemporary open plan kitchen/ lounge area with a flat- • It’s also a good idea to visit the area at night. If you do
• Shared houses screen TV. The property has bike storage and there is also Telephone our Supporter Helpdesk on 0300 330 1234 from this, please ensure you stick to the point above and take
• Bedsits secure car parking available. Contact 0117 927 7783 or visit Monday to Friday 9 am - 6 pm. someone with you
• Part-board with a host family mansionstudent.co.uk to find out more. • Make sure you and all your other housemates view the
House Shares property. Don’t take someone else’s word that the property
However, as Bristol is a university city, there is a heavy If students are experiencing housing difficulties, they can Please be aware that the agents listed have not been visited is right for you
demand for student accommodation. We advise you to look join the housing and tenancy union ACORN for support and or vetted in any way by BIMM Institute Bristol and you • Compare a range of different landlords and properties
as early as possible to find a place that suits your needs. advice. For more information, visit acorntheunion.org.uk should, therefore, use them at your own risk. • Take your time and don’t let landlords pressure you – there
is a surplus of good properties in the area and you will find
Private Student Accommodation Bristol SU Lettings Ask what charges you will have to pay before you enter into somewhere you like
BIMM Institute has a close relationship with the following 5 Tundall Avenue an agreement with them. If you do have any concerns about • When you go to view, take notes and photos and use
student housing agents: Bristol BS8 1UD the agency, contact the National Association of Estate our checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.
T: 0117 331 8266 Agents at naea.co.uk Photographic evidence of existing issues when you move
King Square Studios E: bristolsu-lettings@bristol.ac.uk into a property can also help when it comes time to reclaim
King Square Studios is a fairly recent development located bristolsulettings.co.uk You could also find a number of existing house shares in your deposit
in the very same square as BIMM Institute Bristol’s King Bristol, where you could join an established group of people. • Get informed – knowing your rights will help you view
Square building – in fact, it’s next door! Anthony James And Co properties more critically and put you in a stronger
The Coach House These can be found on the following websites: negotiating position
Offering fully furnished apartments with competitive rent 38 Cotham Hill • gumtree.com/bristol
rates, broadband internet, contents insurance and TV, the Bristol BS6 6LA • accommodationforstudents.com Finding Housemates
buildings also house common areas, a games room, a home T: 01179 237 316 • spareroom.co.uk
cinema and a gym. For further information, visit antjam.com BIMM Bristol Accommodation Facebook Group
host-students.com or call 0844 371 5612. Temporary Housing Facebook is a good way to link up with people who are
Jackson Property Lettings If you are looking for temporary accommodation during the already at BIMM Institute or who are starting at the same
IQ Letting Property Partnership 141a St. Michael’s Hill week whilst studying, there are many hostels offering cheap time as you. Some students set up groups prior to starting
IQ has developed student accommodation on Marlborough Bristol BS2 8DB rooms in the Bristol area. Please check out the following BIMM in order to find housemates. Using this facility is a
Street in Bristol – just a five-minute walk from BIMM’s T: 0117 974 4121 information for more details: great way to post information about yourself, the type of
King Square site. The development offers various types housing you are looking for and also any rooms that you or
26 27others may know about, which are available for rent. It’s the or held to unreasonable penalty clauses (for example, that if solely full-time students occupy a property, then they a guarantor, but not all do. So, there are still plenty of
perfect place for students to acquaint themselves with their extortionate charges for late payment of rent). are exempt from Council Tax. properties to choose from if you don’t have someone who
fellow course friends and find appropriate housemates. will be a guarantor for you.
Search for group names such as “BIMM Freshers 2020”. Get a tenancy agreement checked first by an informed If one professional lives in a house with students, council
person, such as an advisor from the Citizens Advice Bureau. tax requirements are reduced to 75% of the standard A guarantor is taking on quite a large responsibility,
Frequently Asked Questions If the landlord/agent won’t let you take the contract away payment. Make sure to verify your council tax requirements particularly if you are signing a joint contract. For example, if
to get it checked first, think twice about signing it. Spend a in advance if you live with any non-students. your housemate hasn’t paid their rent, your guarantor could
How do I know what to look for when viewing little extra time in getting your contract checked out to save be made to pay.
a property? time, money and stress later in the year. You can obtain a council tax exemption letter from
We have checklists and tools to help when you’re viewing reception or a member of Student Services. Once you have Do not sign a contract that requires a guarantor form until
properties. Use the checklist below to make sure you ask What Is the landlord responsible for? this, you will need to contact the council to tell them that you and your guarantors have read the form and agreed to
the right questions and look into all the key areas: • Heating and hot water installation you are exempt or eligible for a discount. sign. If you have already signed a contract, but a guarantor
• Baths, sinks, basins and other sanitary installations refuses to sign, you might not get the keys to the property. A
• Does the place look well maintained? • The structure of the exterior of the property What is a deposit? good landlord will give you copies of the forms and time to
• Will you be warm enough in winter? Are the windows • Repairs and safety of gas and electrical appliances The deposit is generally equivalent to one and a half check them through.
double-glazed? This will also help reduce heating costs • Ensuring that any furniture that he or she supplies meets month’s rent. Your landlord or agent must, under the 2004
throughout the winter fire resistant requirements Housing Act, protect your deposit within 14 days of receiving Ask the landlord to accept a limited guarantee from your
• Will it be safe and secure? it as part of the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and guarantor, e.g. just covering your rent/damages. Tell your
• Does it have the space and facilities you need (i.e. washing What is the tenant responsible for? provide you with certain information relating to this. guarantor not to give too much personal information on the
machine, heating, fridge/freezer)? • Water and sewage charges form, e.g. Nl number, bank details or passport details should
• Are the current tenants happy with the landlord? • Utility bills – gas, electricity, telephone and internet This scheme ensures that deposits paid to the landlords not be necessary.
• Is the property affordable and good value? connection (if any) are kept safe and that tenants get their deposits back at the
• Is the area suitable for your needs? • Taking care of the property end of the tenancy, so long as there hasn’t been a breach of I am leaving the house a few weeks early - can I get my
• Using the property in a responsible way the tenancy agreement, such as unpaid rent. deposit back early?
Will I need to sign a contract to rent a room? • Paying the rent as agreed It may be possible for you to come to an arrangement for
Most landlords/agents will ask you to sign a tenancy • Keeping to the terms and conditions of the agreement Remember that the money held as a deposit remains yours the early return of the deposit, but the landlord/agent will
agreement. This is a legally binding document setting out at all times and not the landlord’s, and only by mutual obviously want to inspect the house and check all rent
each party’s rights and responsibilities. By signing it, both What rights do both the landlord and tenant have? agreement should any money be deducted. is paid.
you and the landlord have certain rights protected in law The landlord or his agents have the right to access the
which can’t be overwritten by the contract. property at reasonable times during the day to carry out Your deposit, or part of it, will be withheld if you: We cannot afford to pay the final utility bills. Can we
repairs for which they are responsible for and • Fail to return ALL keys at the end of the tenancy leave our deposit or the landlord/agent to pay
Before you sign, make sure you understand all the clauses, inspect the condition of the property. 24 hours’ written • Are responsible for any damage to the property, either for them?
so there can be no nasty surprises after you’ve signed. notice to inspect the property must be given. Arrangement wilful or negligent No, not if the bills are in the name of the tenants. The utility
If asked to sign an agreement, it is likely to be an Assured for access to the property must be written into the contract. • Have not cleaned the property adequately companies will chase the named persons and not the
Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and will normally last for • Have left rubbish which needs removing from landlord/agent. Your deposit will be protected as part of the
at least six months, after which the tenancy will run on a Tenants have the right to possess and enjoy the property the property Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and therefore cannot
monthly basis. However, many tenancies run for a fixed during the tenancy without any interruption from the be used by the landlord or agent.
term, i.e. July 1st, 2020 to June 30th, 2021. landlord. This clause does not limit any of the rights made Can I deduct my deposit from my last month’s rent?
under this agreement that the tenant has allowed the No, because to do so would be a breach of your contract. It Further Questions
In this case, make sure that you are happy with the length landlord/landlady to exercise. Neither does it prevent the is important that rent and deposits are separate. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate
of the contract as it is very unlikely that you will be able to landlord from taking lawful steps to enforce these rights if to contact the Student Services team on 0117 980 7060 or
end the tenancy early. The terms of the agreement must be the tenant should break any of the terms of the agreement. What is a guarantor, and will I need to sign studentsupportbristol@bimm.ac.uk
in plain, intelligible language and not be unfair. For example, a guarantor form?
the tenant should not be restricted from breaking a fixed What bills can I expect to pay? A guarantor is someone who signs an agreement to pay
term agreement if the landlord is not in the same way, nor Depending on your own personal consumption, you can for any rent or damages if the tenant fails to pay up. The
should they be subject to unreasonable rent increases expect to pay £10 – £15 per week for utility bills. Remember guarantor must reside in the UK. Some landlords ask for
28 29Join Us in Bristol
To apply to BIMM Institute Bristol, book an audition
or ask us a question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We can’t wait for you to join us in this incredible city –
and start your career (and life) in music.
BIMM Institute Bristol
25 King Square
Bristol
BS2 8JN
BIMM Institute Bristol
1 Passage St
Bristol
BS2 0JF
Tel (UK): 0844 264 6666
Email: admissions@bimm.ac.uk
Web: bimm.ac.uk
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