Bristol is one of the most attractive large cities in England. Founded over a thousand years ago, it has long been among the most prosperous centres in the country, and this is reflected in its many old and beautiful buildings.

It is about 120 miles from London at the western end of a region which contains many of Britain's high technology industries and financial service institutions. The north of the city houses British Aerospace and Rolls-Royce which together form the largest aerospace complex in Western Europe, while close by other companies, such as Hewlett Packard and Du Pont, have factories and research laboratories. A major British international bank has its headquarters in the centre of the city.

The University is not isolated in a separate campus, but forms part of one of the more attractive areas of central Bristol. This greatly enriches the life of the University and of its students since a wide range of galleries, theatres, concert halls and other cultural and entertainment facilities, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance. Close to the University is the old harbour area which is now used for cultural and recreational purposes; just a little farther away are large areas of public park and woodland bordering the deep and picturesque gorge of the River Avon. Crossing the Gorge by the suspension bridge designed by the famous nineteenth century engineer Brunel, the countryside is accessible within a few minutes.

Other parts of Britain are quickly reached from Bristol. Its position at a major crossing point of the motorway system, its connection by high speed train with London and other major cities, and its airport all make travel easy.