Bradford: At Glance

If you haven’t already visited Bradford, then you’re really missing out. If you have, then you’ll understand why it’s one of the best cities in the UK. Bradford is a city for everyone, catering for all lifestyles, tastes and cultures. It’s an absolute student heaven, with so much to see and do, no matter how large or small your budget is.

A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

The diversity of the city means you will never be at a loss for activities. Much of Bradford can be enjoyed for surprisingly little amount of cash.

Bradford is home to the National Media Museum, the UK’s most visited museum outside London. One of the museum’s ‘must see’ features is the huge 52ft by 64ft IMAX screen which shows an exciting selection of 3D films.

For movie buffs the museum cinema ‘Pictureville’ screens new and classic films and hosts the annual Bradford Film Festival which is one of the most significant events on the European film festival circuit.

Other museums in the area include Bradford’s Museum of Colour which is dedicated to the history, development and technology of colour. The only one of its kind in the country, it is very informative and well worth a visit.

If you enjoy the theatre, the world-famous Alhambra Theatre is just few minutes walk from the College and features everything from the Royal Shakespeare Company to ballet, pantomime modern dance and poetry. Nearby St George’s Hall, the second home of the Hallé Orchestra, gives you all the benefits of a major live music concert venue.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The surrounding areas offer some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. Close to some of England’s most beautiful countryside, the Yorkshire Dales and the Pennines are just 20 minutes away by road. There are also regular trains from the city centre to transport you to the heart of the Dales.

A short train or bus ride can lead to historic World Heritage site Saltaire or Ilkley where you can walk over the famous moors and visit the Cow and Calf rocks. Take a canal trip through Bingley’s Five Rise Locks or travel by steam train from Keighley through to Oxenhope on the scenic Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

From the Haworth station it is only a short walk to the Parsonage Museum, home of the Brontë family or to the moors that inspired some of English literature’s most famous authors.

As the former ‘Wool Capital’ of the World, Bradford was once famed for its industrial excellence within the textiles sector. The Wool Exchange and ‘Little Germany’, the former wool merchants’ area of the city, reflect this industrial heritage. Whilst retaining many of its unique features, Bradford is now a very international city with a diverse cultural mix. The city is currently being revitalised through an ongoing programme of investment and renewal.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

The city offers an extreme choice of places to eat and drink whatever your budget is. All culinary tastes are catered for and many restaurants and cafes have early bird menus ideal for a student budget.

Annual events include the Bradford Festival, now one of the biggest outdoor events in the country and the Bradford Mela, a weekend-long celebration of Bradford’s multi-cultural diversity held in one of the city’s 34 urban parks.

The city also boasts an International Chamber Music Concert Season, which is held in the magnificent setting of the Bradford Cathedral. Nearby, in Ilkley the annual Literary Festival is one of the largest in the country and attracts writers of national and international acclaim.

The lively night life is prominent in the city’s ‘West End’. A vibrant array of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, are close to the College campus at the heart of the city.

No matter what is your taste in entertainment, it will be well catered for in Bradford. There are student bars, cafés, a wealth of clubs, many offering student nights and discounts, and an abundance of live music venues.

Our richly diverse city blends heritage with a lively night scene, international cuisine and breathtaking countryside on our doorstep.

Bradford is internationally renowned for its Asian restaurants and is often referred to as the ‘curry capital’ of Britain. However, the choice of world food does not stop there; you’ll find Thai, Mexican, Italian, Turkish, Greek and several cuisines from China.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES

The city of Bradford has a proud sporting tradition and is home to famous teams such as Bradford City Football Club, Bradford Bulls and Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Located throughout the city are a number of gyms and health clubs for those who want to keep fit or unwind and there are lots of opportunities to participate in sports at all levels within the city.

Rich in history, with a diverse economy, thriving cultural scene and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Bradford stands praised as a city of regional, national and international importance.

The college aims to develop specialised support services to foster the integration of international students into the local student community. These are coordinated by both Student Services and the International Office.