Great idea: 52 faces of Bristol University

When we think of societal institutions that are the embodiment of diversity, images of bustling university and college campuses, alive with people from all walks of life, are likely to spring to mind.

The University of Bristol is one such higher education institution; home to over 20,000 students and 4,500 staff, who last year launched a yearlong campaign that sought to celebrate the unique individuals that collectively makes up their university.

The ’52 faces of Bristol’ campaign has been inspired by the acclaimed (and addictive) Humans of New York photo blog that features candid street photos and interviews of people on the streets on New York.

The premise of the University of Bristol's campaign is simple; each week for 52 weeks, a photo and an accompanying interview featuring a person linked to the university will be shared on the university’s facebook page and the #bristol52faces hashtag on twitter.

To date, some of the faces we’ve gotten to meet include a philosophy student and president of the Brizzlepuffs Quidditch team, an alumnus who is behind Wriggle, an app which brings its users daily offers at handpicked independent eateries and events and a law student who also won a silver medal in the long-jump at the Commonwealth games.

Each interview includes questions about the subject’s connection to the university, what they love most about Bristol and what their favorite Bristol memory is. The results are fascinating,  giving you a rare insight into what studying a certain subject involves or what it’s like to work in a particular area in the university.

This is such a great campaign that gives faces to the hustle and bustle of campus life and goes a long way towards highlighting the individuality that makes the University of Bristol really special.

We can’t wait to see next week’s face of Bristol!