OVERALL UNIVERSITY RATING
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
I love this University so much. It is in a lovely place in the country, with plenty of opportunities for part-time work while your...
University rating
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
I love this University so much. It is in a lovely place in the country, with plenty of opportunities for part-time work while your studying. I went to FCH campus, doing Early Childhood Studies. I really like the campus because it is small and friendly.
Facilities
How good are your university's facilities?
I cannot fault the facilities on offer. Personally, there is no special equipment needed for my course, however, there is usually plenty of ICT space available, although sometimes it can get very full!! The library is really easy to navigate round, with self-service tills to take out and return your books.
Student support
How good is the support offered by the uni? Think both academic (tutors/feedback) and personal (counselling, etc).
There is ample amounts of student support on offer here. There are your tutors, the library service (specific to your course), ICT technicians. We have a helpzone which includes support for job applications, career choices, studying at a post-graduate level.
Students' union
What do you think of your Students' Union in terms of student representation and facilities?
The Student Union offer plenty of opportunities to meet new people, which is great for first year students. However, I found I did not enjoy this aspect of it quite so much. The SU Bar is really nice to meet up with friends, the drinks are really cheap, its a nice place to go if you want to watch sport!
Local life
Is your university in a good location in terms of distance to accommodation and local amenities?
I have really enjoyed living in Cheltenham. It is not what I had expected, but it has been lovely. There are plenty of opportunities to get around, with easy transport access to Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham and London!
Societies and Sports
How would you rate the variety of societies/sports?
There are plenty of opportunities to join any clubs or societies at Freshers Fayre. Most clubs and societies go out clubbing every Wednesday evening, either in fancy dress or not, to socialise. It is a great way to meet new people, but only for those who like to drink!!
Lecturers and teaching quality
What do you like most and least about the way your course(s) are taught?
The course, Early Childhood Studies, was really good for me. It opened many doors to career choices I never thought would have existed. The course is mainly run well, although some aspects, as a student, I feel it has been slightly disorganised. Having said that, I do feel we have been supported and everything has been arranged and organised on time.
Career prospects
How does your uni make efforts to increase your employability (careers department, work placements, transferable skills)?
In the career choice I am interested in, there are limited jobs around. However, due to the nature of the course, with placements, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know people in the business, hopefully gaining a job. I have recently finished my final year placement and have applied for a supply job.
University halls
What do you think about the safety, condition, location and cost of your accommodation?
I stayed in off-campus halls in my first year. They were serviceable, but not ideal. There were no windows in the bathrooms or the kitchens. The walls were really thin, so you could hear a conversation in the next room. There was not anywhere communal for everyone to get together, except outside in the back yard, but when it gets cold, its no fun!
Student housing however has been much better. I stayed in a 3 bed house for 2 years and preferred living this way. I felt more comfortable, not being kept awake at night.