University of Gloucestershire

Students' Union

The Students’ Union at University of Gloucestershire exists to ensure an incredible student experience! It’s a registered charity led by students for students and offers plenty of opportunities to get involved in student life. Students automatically become a member when they join the university and there’s no membership fee.

From an award-winning Freshers’ Fayre, to events and over 80 societies and sports clubs, the SU has something for everyone. There’s also a JobShop to help students find part-time work and earn some extra cash, as well as add valuable employability skills to their CV.

University of Gloucestershire students on Whatuni say:

 “The Student Union is beneficial, especially for freshers. They provide the information you need and direct towards success.”

“The student union is great, they really take on the advice they are giving and try to improve the uni as much as possible. There are a lot of facilities in the student union, it is easy to access all of it and get in contact with them about advice and help.”

“I found the freshers fayre very useful as you get to see all the societies the University has to offer. There is a huge range of sports, academic and social groups you can join and if there is not one you fancy they even let you create your own.”

Clubs and Societies

There are over 80 clubs and societies to get involved with, which offer a great way to meet others who share similar interests and hobbies and make firm friends!

Societies include many related to subject areas – like the Creative Writing Society, History Society and BioSciences Society – as well as many others covering a diverse range of hobbies and interests, such as the Disney Society, the Warhammer Society and the Yoga Society. There’s also a student-run radio station, Tone, for aspiring DJs and presenters. Plus, if there’s not a current society that suits them, students are always able to start their own.

Sports clubs give the chance to compete, play for fun or just keep fit. Ranging from athletics to trampolining, table tennis to cricket, volleyball to rock climbing and much more in between – there’s something for everyone, whether they have a long-standing interest in an activity or fancy trying something new.

University of Gloucestershire students on Whatuni say:

“There is an incredibly large variety of societies and sports at this University, in fact I would say you could try pretty much everything whilst you were there. The social side of this is also very good.”

 “Freshers fare showed the enormous variety of clubs and societies available, very well attended with great party vibes. Whatever your interest there is likely to be something for you to get engaged with and meet your kind of people. There are plenty of options. All the societies I approached were so enthusiastic, welcoming and supportive. Thanks. Highly rated!”

“The variety of societies is simply amazing and a great way to make new friends that share the same/similar interests to you.”

City life

Gloucestershire is urban and rural, vibrant and innovative, historic and beautiful. The county has plenty of outdoor activities across the Cotswold Hills along with world-famous festivals, excellent shopping and eating options, international-standard sports facilities and an eclectic mix of music, venues and nightlife.

There are over 45 festivals every year including Cheltenham’s Jazz, Literature, Science and Music Festivals, the Food and Drink Festival, Cricket Festival and Wychwood. As well as enjoying them from the front, many of the university’s students can be found working or gaining experience behind the scenes too.

There’s a great range of over 500 clubs, pubs and bars – from live music venues, retro diners and gin houses, to secret bars and 3-floor clubrooms – with plenty of student nights to keep student budgets happy! Gloucester and Cheltenham both hold Purple Flag status, which means that they have been formally assessed as providing a diverse, safe and enjoyable night-time environment. There are also plenty of restaurants and independent cafes in both – Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter and Gloucester Quays are packed with choice.

Gloucestershire is also known for its sport and is home to the famous Cheltenham Racecourse and Gloucester Rugby’s Kingsholm Stadium. Outdoor activities are here by the bucketful, such as paintballing, horse riding, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, mountain biking and rock climbing.

For retail therapy, there are plenty of shopping centres, boutiques and markets spread around the area, while Gloucester Quays is a favourite spot for discount designer brands.

University of Gloucestershire students on Whatuni say:

 “I like the size of the city - not too big or too small. I feel safe here.”

“Good shops, nice places to eat, love the brewery, good transport links.”

“If you enjoy nightlife there are a number of nightclubs to choose from and if that isn't your scene there are numerous bars all in walking distance from one another that give you different atmospheres from wine bars to cocktails bars to alternative bars with live music at the weekends.”

Cost of a pint This is the average cost of a pint.

Source: IDP Connect 2019

£3.00 - £3.50

per pint