Starting uni in COVID, I haven’t really had much experience of the student life/SU - plus going out isn’t really my thing. But despite that, I’ve been able to make such a great group of friends of likeminded people and there’s spaces on campus where we can catch up between lectures and do work together - so I’ve never felt like I’m missing THAT much. In my first year I had a really bad experience in halls, due to the people I was with, but the support I received from uni was amazing. The pastoral care for people in halls was so helpful and so proactive in checking up on myself and others in a way that I really really needed towards the end of last year. Most of my lecturers are super helpful and reply quickly to emails and any questions, providing as much support as possible for assignments and other areas. None of my “bad” uni experiences have been the unis fault, and in these situations I’ve never felt like I couldn’t contact the uni for help. For me, Cheltenham is a great place to study. I’m such a home bird and despite the journey taking an hour and a half, it’s all motorway so it’s so easy to get home when I feel like I need to. There’s also a great combo of countryside and urban life with town having loads of shops and places to eat but also massive green spaces being within walking distance!

I mentioned in my previous comment that I felt like there was always support available from lecturers. Personally, I do feel like the course could benefit from more talk about career paths and how to get into that. There’s a lot of pushing to do volunteering but I feel like the area lacks options, all that I’ve been directed toward is work with sex offenders which isn’t what I’m interested in

The rooms are all different sizes, despite everyone paying the same. I had a room half the size of another person in my flat. We had an issue with security during my time here but it was quickly sorted by the university. Hardwick is kind of looked down on due to being the older accommodation and I’ve had comments made about that since I started but in comparison to the student village you pay considerably less and are only 2 minutes away from campus

The university is such a friendly environment, staff are always helpful and there for support if needed and resources are easy to access! Thoroughly enjoying my experience at the University of Gloucestershire, both socially and academically! The campus’ are quite spread out from each other but there are great transport links between them so is not too much of an issue. Overall, highly recommended studying here if you want a fun uni experience in a smaller uni environment!

My course has high contact hours (in person 4 days a week), no online lectures like other universities! This means that I feel confident in my studies, feel like the support is there if needed and makes the uni experience enjoyable. Lecturers are always just an email away, as well as your personal tutor for any issues.

Living in halls means that you really get the most of your uni experience, from meeting a variety of new people to having modern and clean facilities to live in. It’s a great opportunity for anyone looking to live away from home, with a range of different accommodation options, from ensuites to shared townhouses, with affordable prices! As well as that, the onsite facilities are outstanding, with laundry rooms, study areas, free gym and restaurant, meaning everything is in one place and staff are always friendly and helpful! I thoroughly recommend pitville student village to any potential student looking to study at the university of Gloucestershire!