University rating
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
My university experience has been great so far. Although the biggest problem in my opinion is the moderate value of the accommodation, I understand that University is an institution which needs to aims at profits, I do believe that the money invested should be distributed differently. Starting from the details. Enhancing small things. Building new building will definately increase the number of students applying to the university, but primarily I would suggest taking care of small things. Even re-paiting walls for a different colour might be a dealbreaker. For all the money they receive from students I am sure they have enough budget to introduce changes from time to time :) . Overall thats the only issues. Anything else is awesome!
Facilities
How good are your university's facilities?
The facilities have improved drastically over the 3 year period that I have been here. Sports facilities are very good, as well as coursewise- for example the Media building is opened 24/7 which is very convinient, especially for students who enjoy working after 4pm. The card grants me access to the building which is extremely beneficial in terms of work done and it keeps me at ease, that I can access the facility and edit videos/photos - work on my projects even at 10pm if I want to.
Student support
How good is the support offered by the uni? Think both academic (tutors/feedback) and personal (counselling, etc).
The support at Uni is outstanding. Especially in first-year tutors reach out to you, in case you need any help. It is not invasive and appreciated if you are fine with the course and modules you are doing. In my opinion, all it takes is just ask, tutors will be more than willing to help you with whatever issues you have. Your personal tutor (although this might not his job) will support you with issues on your behalf which might help you focus on what's important. Student Services are great because they work closely with a professional team of qualified members who know how to solve your problems. Even if it's an issue that they have never heard before, they will do as much as they possibly can to resolve the issue. Very often I would be very shy to ask for help, but once I said even a small piece of information they would try to understand and ask me about the issue to get to the essence of the problem. Great Job! Keele!
Students' union
What do you think of your Students' Union in terms of student representation and facilities?
Students Union is great. Especially in my first year, it was so important, coming from a non-partying background, I think having the Students Union on campus, and being able to walk safely to your accomodation is a dealbreaker. As well, partying with only students is an amazing addition as well. Usually in big cities, you either party with normal people, or creeps that want to get girls. Although at University you also have boys that might be a little pushy, it is far less observable at campus based university.
Apart from the party life, I think students union is a great place to socialise, not including the nights out. There are so many societies you can get involved in, all it takes is signing up and pushing your attendence to the maximum :)
Local life
Is your university in a good location in terms of distance to accommodation and local amenities?
The city is life is probably very poor. Living on campus hardly urges you to travel toward the city. Anything you want you can get while staying on campus. Tesco delivery enables you to get unlimited amounts of food which is great. Definately while staying on campus, don't bother to shop in the city. It is way more expensive to travel back and forth, and aditionally it doesn't put your back at risk. The campus shop is great for alcohols, but for everyday food I must say it is quite expensive to supply in. Tesco delivery is way cheaper and you will get it delivered right to block's door. There are a few options in the city, mainly restaurants, I would not consider clubs, as Students Union is the best place to go to while staying at Keele. Being able to walk back home with your favourite curly fries with gravy back to the accommodation is a great advantage, plus your parents are not worries :)
Societies and Sports
How would you rate the variety of societies/sports?
Clubs are very welcoming, having been a member in more than 6 societies in the past 3 years, I must say it is definitely one of the best decision you can ever make. If you have a problem with meeting new people, joining a society will guarantee your friends for life. It is very simple. You might not like drinking, it's perfectly fine. Socials are not always about that. Societies let you experience new things and meet like-minded people, discuss ongoing issues and much more. Personally, I think societies at Keele are GREAT! Being in a community helps you share your passions with other students while making awesome fun at the same time.
Lecturers and teaching quality
What do you like most and least about the way your course(s) are taught?
Especially in relation to Media modules, I love the availability of interacting with the tutors after the lectures. They are very friendly and because the classes are not enourmous, they are actually able to give you an insight in relation to the questions you might have. Personally, it is very important to me, as being an international student, I value this option so much. Sometimes I might not be willing to ask infront of the general public or class, but their extensive office hours enable to engage with the lectures in order clarify certain topics:)
How many contact hours per week do you have?
12
Career prospects
How does your uni make efforts to increase your employability (careers department, work placements, transferable skills)?
The university organises fairs, which really help support our development. I honestly have to say that there are so many opportunities even on campus, you can become a student ambassador, digital ambassador, student services ambassador, barister at the local coffee shop, you can work in the local restaurant, be a bartender in the Students Union and so much more. Keele offers also loads of opportunities - paid internships, which usually last for 70 hours. This is great, because they pay you more than the minimum wage, but the experience you receive is far more important that the money.
University halls
What do you think about the safety, condition, location and cost of your accommodation?
My accomodation is of moderate value when it comes to money vs the standard of the room, kitchen in the building and in general feeling of the living experience. However, the memories and friends that I have met in my accomodation, greatly enhanced my student experience. Although, being in my final year, it seems that living in for example freshers, might be a little frustrating. The best option would be to put people with similar courses or interests and even years or levels of study in the same accomodation. The reason for that is very simple, priorities. Being a freshers, parties, meeting new people and "general" having fun, is of course the priority of the person who comes to uni (speaking from experience). As the years go by, especially in 3rd year, you have more work, which might be hard to manage when all your friends are partying everyweek. Of course you don't want to call security, just because you understand that you had been this person once ( and you would want to come back again) however, due to amount of work you have, it is just impossible.
Overall experience has been great, when it doubt you can always put ear plugs in :) the work great