Students Stories
Chris
Hello! I'm Chris, sometimes called Poppers. :)
I first came to Ebe a LONG time ago, to the weekly kids & youth clubs, after some friends from school invited me.
Fast forward to 2019… I finished my University undergraduate studies in Environmental Science and Geography. I thought that I would try doing the New Wine Discipleship Year with Ebe, in doing that I got involved with support our work with seniors, some student work, and helped out with North Bristol Foodbank and The Noise, amongst other things!
Everyone at Ebe is friendly and there are many who ask how I am doing even after a couple of quiet weeks. The moment you walk in, people greet you with a smile and even when you're having a bad day, you cheer right up. There are times when I find encouragement and have been challenged. If there is one thing I would say; I would say try something new.
I have grown up in Bristol and love it! Whilst some suggest that you go to sites like Bristol Harbourside and Clifton Suspension Bridge, I would suggest gems like Purdown in Lockleaze. Purdown has some great views over the city on very clear days, and it’s great if you love to walk.
Back at Christmas 2021, I finished my Master's at UWE in Urban Planning. I was particularly interested in thinking about communities and how that runs through everything we do.
I'm now currently working in Chippenham working as a graduate town planner. Now you may think of housing estates, but I have helped people get permission for barns as well as stables and ménages for horses. One of the more novel projects includes helping farmers own alpacas including in Essex, Derbyshire, Wiltshire and Devon! There's even a British Alpaca Society🤣.
Nadine
Hi everyone. My name is Nadine and I’m a transfer student from Malaysia.
When I got to the UK, the first thing I did was to look for a church. I’ve always wanted to join a “younger” church back then because I thought I could meet more university students, and hang out with them more often as we can relate better. I started to search on google “church near me” and Ebe was the closest ones I could get to.
The first thought when I first got to Ebe was, “Gosh, there’s only a few young adults.”, “Is this going to work for me?”, “Should I go for church hopping?”. I continued praying to God about it, and I just felt like God just led me back to Ebe.
In terms of church, I have zero experience in family church, and Ebe happened to be the first one. It was kind of awkward for me at first because of the culture difference and how everyone talks to everyone literally like their own family, and back then, I only knew a few of the members. But slowly, everyone treated me like their own child and has been taking care of me like their own as well. During my hardships and happiness, Ebe was here for me when my family physically couldn’t be. I am really thankful for Ebe and the small group that I was placed in.
Students who come to Bristol should definitely come to Ebe! Because they are your home away from home. Their love is unconditional and indescribable.
The first few months of being in the UK, my homesickness really tore me down and had me wanting to go back to my home country after graduation. But Ebe’s love, has given me a second thought of staying in the UK!
Naomi
When and how long have you been at Ebe?
I started to attend Ebe in September 2018 when I started Uni.
What attracted you to Ebe?
A friend had sent of list of recommended churches to look around and I tried Ebe out one Sunday the summer before I started Uni and it instantly felt like home. I felt really welcomed by everyone and it was quite similar to my home church but with some differences that I liked.Was introduced to so many people on the first Sunday who ended up helping me so much through the first year.
If you came to Ebe as a Student, what did you study and where?
I am in my second year of Children’s Nursing at UWE.
What memories do you have of being a Student/Young Adult at Ebe?
We have had some really good social events including; games nights, fireworks night, film nights, pub lunches and lots of others. I’ve also enjoyed the bible studies after church some Sundays and it’s just been really nice to get to know other students and young people from all over the place; I’ve made some really special friendships through Ebe.
What advice do you have for new students?
I would definitely advise to get involved with a church as soon as you can. Look around a few and go with your gut. It may not be the same church that everyone else is going to it has to be right for you. There is no right or wrong answer with which church to attend and there are many great churches out there. Try and get involved with small groups and extra bits and bobs when you can as it makes it easier when becoming integrated into the church family. I’ve also found having a mentor at church really helpful. Having someone to ask all my questions to, read through the Bible with and generally support and pray for me through all the ups and downs of Uni life.
What are you up to now?
Currently finishing my first term of second year and am on placement at Bristol Children’s Hospital for 7 weeks before heading back into Uni to do lots of coursework in January!
Luke
How long have you been at Ebe?
I have been at Ebe for around 10 to 12 Years.
What attracted you to Ebe?
It started with my parents taking me to Ebe. Although I never disliked going to church it wasn’t something I specifically wanted to do. I believed in God but I didn’t really identify myself as a Christian. But overtime I began to feel that God loves everyone including myself and decided to become a Christian.
What do you do during the week?
I’m currently studying media at College. I also work as a play-worker for a charity called Incredible Kids and do Karate as a hobby.
What stories have you got about your time at Ebe?
The biggest highlight of Ebe for me is the Noise. What really excites me about the Noise is that you come to a project with a group and you work on it throughout the morning, afternoon or possibly all day. Then when it’s done you look back see the positive impact the project had. To realize that this is just one of many projects to have had a positive impact around the city that bank holiday weekend. I feel a wide sense of unity of people coming together to make something good happen which I think is something special.
What advice do you have for those thinking about becoming more involved with Ebe?
If your feeling nervous, don’t worry. The people here are very welcoming to others who want to get involved in church activities.
Antonia
English language & Linguistics at UWE 2010-2013
Memories of being a student in Ebe...
Feeling so welcomed by the people in Ebe. It was so nice for me to have families (not just students) and also students around me. I also remember how easy it was to settle in at Ebe, people did not ask too many nosy questions whether I am Christian or not And if they did ask me about this, they just accepted me as I was in that time of my life.
Studying in the UK was a life changing experience for me - culture, language, how the university approaches their students both in terms of studies and also other areas.
I started attending a church (Ebe) for the first time in my life simply because I WANTED to go every Sunday, not because my parents would tell me I have to. And I met such nice people, with many of them I still keep in touch today.
I think of Bristol and Ebe quite often. Home away from home.
Advice to new students?
It’s good to realize why you came to uni/Bristol, what are your wishes and hopes, and create your new life around that.
Now I work for a company that runs 7 ho(s)tels - 6 in the Czech Republic, one in Ghana.
My job is quite versatile and I enjoy that.
Also my husband and I are getting ready for our first baby around Christmas time
Andrew
I started UWE in 1999, which makes me feel very old, as it doesn't feel more than a few years ago! I studied Architecture and Planning.
The student lunches at Ebe were amazing! People were so generous and loving, which I appreciated as I really missed my family when I first left home. I have particularly fond memories of the bread and butter pudding! These events were a great way to get to know other students as well.
It sounds a bit of a cliche but leaving home for Uni and settling in a great Church like Ebe really changed everything for me. I found my own faith, made great friends and grew in my walk with God.
If you’re a new student in Bristol... Get stuck into a local Church. Get to know all the people in that Church, not just the students! Let the Church bless you and look after you when you first arrive, and once you settle find ways to serve and get stuck in.
I now live in rural town in Somerset with my wife and three children. I enjoy working as a Conservation and Design Specialist for a Local Authority - yes, I actually have a job that is related to my degree!
Julia
I was in Bristol from Sept 2005 to summer 2008. I studied Product Design & Innovation.
I loved being a student at Ebe! There was a good 18-30's group which was great to get to know other young people who weren't necessarily students at UWE. I also loved all the work that Ebe did in the local community. I found it such a welcoming church; I really felt part of the family. A lot of people from Ebe touched and impacted my life in different ways which I'll never forget.
I loved my time at Uni, and made lots of lifelong friends. I'll also always look back at Ebe with a lot of love and I still miss it so much!
I would say my advice to new students is to make lots of different friends from different backgrounds and cultures. It's such a great chance to open your mind. And just enjoy yourself!!
Probably similar to a lot of people I'm not doing anything to do with my Uni course! I'm now a Quantity Surveyor working for an international civil engineering company, and currently working on a framework project doing work down in Antarctica!
Dominic
I was in Bristol from 2011 until 2013 doing my final year LL.B law degree, and after that the Barrister Professional training course.
I treasured those times I had during the fellowship sessions, after the Sunday service. I got to know more local people and also got to have some hot meals, which was super nice given that we international students have to cook for ourselves most the times. The discussion about issues of Christianity helped me to unwind and escape from my studies for a while.
The experience thought me to help and be friendly to people who are strangers to the land. Bristol was a nice and friendly city, and churches like Ebe really welcome the students who are studying in Bristol. I will help to share this spirit of helping/inspiring with others back in my home country.
Studies are important but always remember to also put time aside to mingle and join student or Church events. You are only in UK for a specific amount of time. Make the most of it. - I would suggest joining BISC. That place is just awesome.
I'm now practicing solicitor in the field of property law in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Rachael
I was in Bristol from 2010-2013 studying midwifery.
I have so many great memories of being a student at Ebe, being welcomed into the church family with many meals in lovely people's homes, time spent meeting one to one with a mentor who understood the pressures of my degree and was so supportive. It felt like home in a new city.
My time in Bristol was a huge time of growth for me as I learnt to live independently of parents, studied for a vocation and made my way in the city. Ebe's role in this was invaluable, providing a wonderful 'refuge' when it was hard but also a place of challenge and encouragement to get to know God more and serve Him.
A piece of advice for a new student in Bristol would be to get stuck in wherever you can and invest in friendships with students but also those who are beyond the student years! Being a part of Ebe helped me to maintain a level of reality and perspective outside of the 'student bubble'!
I got married when I left Uni and we moved to Exeter where I worked as a midwife for a couple of years. I am now a full time Mum to two little people!
Rob
I studied Business Administration with Marketing, from 2000 - 2003.
Ebe was a place of support, encouragement, and opportunity for me - there was a real inclusion to the church family.
It was an amazing time to grow, learn and just experience all God had for me in that season. Coming from a small town to such a large city, Ebe was a solid foundation for discovering ministry gifts and generally serving Jesus and enjoying life.
As a new student, find a church you feel supported, valued and part of as soon as possible. Do not be afraid to visit several churches until you find this place and then commit to the people there. University is amazing, but also a vulnerable time. You need to be part of a local family for support during the highs and lows of life, while also having the opportunity to use your talents to bless the church. The CU at UWE was also a very important part of my growth and I made some amazing friends.
I'm now enjoying God's provision as a husband and father, serving a local church in North Devon along while managing my family furniture business and studying a part time MA in Applied Theology through Moorlands!
Louise
I was at UWE from Sept 2006 - July 2009, studying Primary Education.
I came across Ebe through the churches fair at the CU and was given a lift in the first time by Julie and Alex. It was a week when there was a student lunch, during which I met a couple of others on my course who went on to become great friends. From that point onwards I went to Ebe every week, joined the kids club team, was mentored, and went to a fair few more student meals! At the end of my second year got married and we continued to attend Ebe together. Whenever family or friends visited they were brought along too. It really was the most warm and wonderful church experience, I wish I could have taken the whole church with me when I left Bristol!
Ebe had a lasting impact on my faith and my view of church and what church can be when it is working really well. My student years were a time when my faith was really strong and that has helped enormously through tougher times since.
After leaving Bristol my husband and I moved first to Brighton and then down to Devon where we live now. I spent 7 years as a teacher before finally making the switch to working at an animal rescue charity where I am loving my role as a welfare assistant.
Kevin
I was in Bristol from 1997-2000, studying Psychology.
Ebe was great. My initial memories are about how welcoming everyone was. I didn't start at Ebe until I was in my second year but having heard a lot about it from friends who lived more locally, I soon realised why they raved about it.
I think as a student who was for the first time trying to stand on my own 2 feet and find out what my faith meant for myself, it was so important to find somewhere I not only felt at home, but felt accepted and had the space to explore biblical matters for myself. It was great that while living away from home I was able to feel part of a church family.
Finding Ebe when I did gave me such a secure base. My confidence grew vastly and I became comfortable in who I was and how God had made me. I learnt to have my own faith based on choice and not the expectations of my family, youth worker or anyone else.
Life is now somewhat different! I am married and a dad to three adorable but very cheeky children. I work within safeguarding children and desperately try to hold onto God during the general chaos that I refer to as my life!