Supporting Learning foundation degrees

I am an international student on distance mode, therefore I do not get the opportunity to use the physical infrastructures of the university. This is the reason why I could not rate higher for some areas. However, although online, I am well supported by the virtual learning platform and my research supervisors.

i love the facilities at this uni, the library and the teaching is great. there are many places for all types of students ,quiet or not, to go and the nightlife in the city is prety decent. it is quite affordable compared to other universitys close by. the societies are fantastic aswell. the university could improve on certain teaching aspects in the first year to ease us into how very independant it all is

Best experiences are working within the kitchens amongst other culinary driven peers. The student support is good too. Things that could be better are the resources provided for culinary students as it seems to be a reoccurring issue where the isn’t enough produce to make a dish and this can be understandable at times however in order to work to the best possible ability we need the best resources and quantity too.

The lectures in my course are very helpful and always get back to you when you have questions. We have good weeks timetabling where we have online lessons and in person and we start at a nice time as well which gives people time to travel. Our lectures give us PowerPoints which we can also look at when at home for more revision. The university is big and is a couple bus stops from train stations which is helpful as well. There is lots of places to get food and they have a wide variety of things.

The lecturers I have I cannot fault! The English and Education studies departments are wonderful. However, being a commuter and a 3rd year student, I don’t feel a part of the community. I feel that commuters are not as supported as we could be by the university as we are not always kept in the loop. Since the name change it has felt very hollow. I’m not sure how the places to eat on campus are expected to stay where they are considering the prices of food and drinks! Should be more budget friendly - in year 1 it used to be full most lunchtimes, now it’s extremely quiet when I have been in (even at peak times). Thankfully there is a volunteer based event in the chaplaincy every Wednesday where staff and students can get something to eat and a warm drink. What is now called ‘The Hub’ (learning development centre) used to be situated in the centre of campus, everyone knew where it was and despite being a small team, the space was utilised, now they are in one area of the cornerstone building and it is open plan - not ideal if your not a confident learner. As a group of people, this university is extraordinary for knowing who you are and what you need - I feel some of the business decisions have dimmed a lot of the sparkle this place has had in previously years.