International photo competition
News
International Photo Competition winners announced
Wednesday, 14 May, 2025Last week saw the winners of Bath’s International Photo Competition announced at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI). In front of The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Bath and other esteemed guests, the celebration was a rare collaboration between both universities in the city, with entrants from BSU and The University of Bath.
With the premise of bringing people together, the competition celebrates the diversity of student life and offers entrants a chance to reflect on what it means to them to be an international student here.
Student Experience Manager (International) Jessica Biddle, who was organising the event for BSU said:
“I wanted students to be able to reflect on their international experience or identity through the creative means of photography. Exhibiting winning photos at BRLSI) allows people to be curious and see a glimpse into another life, developing empathy and understanding, ultimately fostering an inclusive and supportive campus culture.
By partnering with the University of Bath we celebrate the richness that students from both our institutions bring to our wider community and the city of Bath. These photos and reflections are powerful testaments to the vibrant tapestry of cultures that bestow our city. By celebrating this with senior leadership from both institutions and the Mayor of Bath, we hope to instil confidence in students in their ability to make an impact on their world."
Although running adjacently to each other, BSU and The University of Bath both had their own judges and winners for each category. There were over 40 entries from BSU alone, undoubtedly making the judges task a difficult one. The winners in each category each received £100, and a certificate presented by the Mayor of Bath.
Photos were submitted under a range of different themes: Our Sustainable World, The Power of Curiosity and My Hidden Bath. Each photo was put before a panel of hand-picked judges from across the University. The judging criteria followed a set of prompts and then was ranked accordingly on a scale of 1-5.
One of BSU’s winners, first year Creative Writing and Publishing student Jade Thompson (South Africa), secured top spot in the Power of Curiosity category alongside the two other winners Maria Eralinna (Finland) and Alfie Topham (UK). Her photo titled ‘When I grow up’ depicts a small child stood in front of a local busker, an ode to childlike curiosity. Talking about the inspiration behind her winning photo, she said:
“The story behind my photo is so wholesome. On the day it was taken I wandered into Kingsmead Square and saw this busker playing the guitar for this little girl while her parent sat and watched. I've never seen a kid so enraptured by something; she honestly didn't even take her eyes off him for a second. I couldn't get over her little pink tutu and those pigtails - the absolute essence of childlike wonder and curiosity. “
Jade went on to describe how important the win was to her:
“I haven't won many things in my life so what an honour it was to win this! There were so many amazing photos in every category, I don't even know how the judges chose because I would be so torn. And to have the Mayor and the University's support and recognition was unreal, I don't think it's even hit me properly yet.”
If you are looking to study at BSU as an international student, we would love for you to be a part of our community. You can find more information here.
The winning photos from left to right: Jade Thompson, Alfie Topham and Maria Eralinna.