Bristol is one in a million. From balloons to boats, street art to cider, there are a lot of things that make this city unique – while many of its quirks can often be surprising to newcomers and tourists. Which is why we asked you (along with adding some of our own): “What skills do you need to learn to survive in Bristol?” So here’s our quick and handy guide to living in Bristol!
1. Strong Legs
As Maria Pomirska said, “no down hills, only up hills” in Bristol. That’s how it feels anyway. Anyone living in Bristol will attest, you need calves of steel to get around the city – like Katie Spencer-Chapman, who said: “Hill walking. So many flipping hills…and to remembering your brolly.” Karl Perkins goes further, however, by suggesting we learn “how to cycle uphill whilst making it look effortless.” We guess Karl’s not been up Vale Street anytime recently.
2. Transport Patience
Patience is a virtue anywhere you go, but especially in Bristol. “Waiting on those shitty buses,” said Zoe Keene. “Bristol public transport is dire.” When Bristol is only just looking at its first dedicated night bus and Severn Beach railway line running trains ‘three times per hour’, you know the situation is pretty sad. If you’re lucky enough to own a car you might not be much better suited, “as you will be sat in lots of traffic,” said Lucy Allen.
3. Kindness To Others
It might take some getting used to, but it is built in every Bristolian to “say ‘Cheers Drive!’ when you exit the bus,” points out Stephen Lindsay. If there’s one phrase everyone living in Bristol should know, it’s this. But kindness across the board will take you far in this city. Zoe Keene is still getting used to “responding to random strangers that engage you in conversation.”
4. Quick Reflexes
Bristol is a busy and bustling city. You’re going to need your wits about you. Polly Anna’s top skill for Bristol is learning “How to dodge every scooter, pedestrian, cyclist, taxi and bus with the speed of a mongoose, because they’re definitely not dodging you! Try not to fall into any potholes while you do it either!”
5. Food Resistance
Whether you’re in St Nicks Market or Wapping Wharf, Gloucester Road or Clifton, there’s the smell of good food to be found everywhere wafting on the air. The only issue is being able to afford it. So Ceiswyn Blake’s skill “Ignoring delicious food smells” is a must for all who want to still pay rent on time. Or as Anna Cat says: “Not blowing all my cash on delicious food.”
6. High Tolerance
Somewhat related is “The skill of not getting stoned walking through castle park in summer,” as pointed out Simon Lewis. We weren’t really sure what to label this one, but you will need to master it to survive in Bristol!
7. Drinking Cider
There are a lot of cider pubs in Bristol, a lot, and if you want to survive here you’re going to have to get used to the taste. In the summer, it’s the ultimate way to cool down, while in the winter, mulled cider far out sells mulled wine.
8. Loving DNB
“Learn to love Drum and Bass,” says Clinton MacRae. If you think this niche dance music genre would be limited to nightclubs, turn around and leave Bristol now. It’s playing from pubs, cafes, shops, boats and houses, it’s even playing from the back of people’s bikes and in all the parks. There’s no escaping DNB, so love it or lump it.