Building Maintenance & Services degrees in Southern England

I attend UOG Francis Close Hall campus and it's so incredibly inspiring. It's a great oldy-worldy historical site and it was really the deal-breaker for me choosing UOG; although my course mates and I were severely let down when we were told we would have to move to Oxstalls campus in Gloucester... we managed to get the union involved but only managed to get it pushed back a year for us, all new students in September for social science will be in Oxstalls and won't get to experience the beauty of FCH. Such a shame. Despite this, the facilities are amazing, staff are equipped with great knowledge and are all incredibly friendly. All students are friendly and light-minded, it's a great environment to study in and socialise. I commute so I cannot speak on the social side of student accommodation and/or going out, but as a commuter it meets all my needs! I really recommend studying here, the lecturers know what they're talking about, and are amazing at illustrating theories and concepts in ways that make sense.

My experience at London South Bank University has been overwhelmingly positive, and I truly believe it is a great place to study and grow as a student. One of the best aspects of LSBU is the supportive and approachable staff. Lecturers and academic advisors are always willing to help, whether it’s explaining difficult coursework, giving career advice, or providing guidance during assignments. Their friendly attitude creates a learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and developing confidence in their studies. Another major strength of LSBU is its focus on practical, career-oriented learning. The university provides modern labs, well-equipped classrooms, and industry-standard facilities that help students gain real-world experience. For many courses, practical sessions, workshops, and hands-on projects make learning more engaging and directly relevant to future careers. This practical approach is one of the main reasons LSBU graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. The location is also a huge advantage. Being in Central London means students have easy access to internships, part-time jobs, networking events, and professional opportunities. Public transport links around the campus are excellent, which makes commuting simple and convenient. Additionally, studying in such a vibrant, diverse city exposes you to many cultures and experiences that broaden your perspective and personal growth. LSBU is also known for its diversity. Students come from many different backgrounds and countries, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Interacting with a wide range of people enriches both academic and social life, and helps build strong communication skills and global awareness. The Students’ Union plays an important role in making campus life enjoyable. They organise events, clubs, and societies that help students socialise, develop hobbies, and take breaks from academic pressure. From cultural celebrations to academic workshops and sports activities, the SU offers something for everyone. It also supports student welfare and actively listens to student concerns. While my experience has been largely positive, there are a few areas that could be improved to make the university experience even better. Administrative processes, such as timetabling or enrollment updates, can sometimes be slow or unclear. Improved communication and faster responses would make things easier for students, especially during busy periods like the start of term. Additionally, although the accommodations are comfortable and close to campus, they can be quite expensive because of the London location. More affordable housing options would be very helpful for students on a tight budget. Lastly, while LSBU already hosts a number of events, increasing the number of career-oriented workshops, industry meetups, and networking sessions would make a big difference. These events help students make valuable connections and understand the professional world more deeply. Overall, London South Bank University offers a strong combination of academic support, practical teaching, modern facilities, and an excellent central London location. The friendly atmosphere, diversity, and active student life create a positive and motivating environment for learning. With a few improvements in communication and affordability, the university could provide an even better experience. Despite those small areas for development, LSBU remains a great place to study, grow, and prepare for future opportunities

The campus is beautiful with lots of nature and scenery. There are lots of support options for students and opportunities to get involved in a few things on site. Unfortunately there is not a lot of nightlife/things to do in Gloucester. I am from a big city so Gloucester is boring in comparison. Gloucester is also quite a 'rough' area and it does not feel particularly safe at night. The campus location isn't ideal if you do not drive as shuttles don't run regularly enough if you have a job. They aren't the most convenient to bring shopping onto either.

Overall a lovely place, with great facilities and people, though it is hard to use all of them without proper explanation sometimes, eg. I took nearly a month to understand SOL and where to find my assessment and briefs.

More vegan food on campus would be appreciated but there are options. Changes to the way wellbeing works has made things difficult, for me. Support from PAT has been great but Support from studentzone/wellbeing less so. Easy access location, on a unesco site, which is such a privilege.

Studying at University of the West of England is a good experience overall. One of the best aspects is the focus on practical learning and employability, with many courses offering projects and placement opportunities that prepare students for real jobs. The campus facilities, including the library and study spaces, are modern and comfortable. Bristol is also a lively student city with plenty of things to do. However, accommodation in Bristol can be quite expensive, and communication from some departments could be improved, especially regarding deadlines and feedback. Overall, it’s a supportive and diverse environment, particularly welcoming for international students.