New Students Guide 2016

Welcome

Your guide to starting with us in February and March 2016

Contents…

2

Vice Chancellor Welcome

3

What to do before you arrive

4

Term dates and important checklist

5

Welcome

6-7

Social events

8-9

Meet and greet

10-11

Campus maps • Luton • Bedford

12-13

Join our clubs and societies

14

Get involved

15

Student Support

16-17

Learning Resources Centre (LRC)

18

New facilities at your fingertips

19

Fees and finance

20

Accommodation

21

Careers and employability

22-23

Things to do in Luton

24-25

Things to do in Bedford

26-27

Things to do in Milton Keynes

28-29

How to find us

30-31

Welcome to the University of Bedfordshire!

We are delighted you have chosen to study with us – you can be confident you have made a great choice.

New environments can take a little getting used to. So we have prepared this guide, which includes everything you need to know about your first few weeks with us, including handy checklists, key dates and fun activities to get involved in both on campus and in the local area.

You have joined a progressive institution and a diverse community of more than 22,000 students from over 120 countries. Our tutors, world-class professors and student support teams are devoted to supporting you and helping you to reach your full potential.

Here at Bedfordshire, we deal with individuals, asking each and every student the same question: what do you want to be? We believe in delivering the best possible student experience, and in cultivating a student environment that encourages creativity, entrepreneurship and the free exchange of ideas.

Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor

I hope your time at the University is enjoyable. Welcome!

Vice Chancellor

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What to do before you arrive

What to do before you arrive Your first week at the University of Bedfordshire will be packed full of academic and social events as part of your welcome schedule. Before you arrive, you will receive information about the University’s services, your course, and your pre-arrival buddy – so don’t miss out!

Find Your Welcome schedule at: www.beds.ac.uk/welcome2015 plus other useful information about the units you may study, and more.

buddy, please visit: unibeds.info/WelcomeBuddyFeb to see our list of buddies, and you can contact your choice of buddy via our helpline: +44 (0)1582 743022.

Before you arrive on campus, be sure to look up your reading lists via: readinglists.beds.ac.uk, as you may want to purchase some of the core text books before you join us. You can also access your Community Partnership Agreement at: unibeds.info/PartnershipAgreementFeb

You will be sent details of your full welcome scheduled sessions and information about how to register online a few weeks before you arrive. It is important that you attend all of the scheduled sessions, to support you with integration onto your course and into university life.

You will receive a joining instruction email from the University containing important links to all the information you will need. Before you arrive, you will be allocated a pre-arrival buddy to help you through your first week at the University. Your buddy will be a current student who will give you individual support and be available to meet up in your first week. If you have not been contacted by a

Registration

Registration online (e:Vision)

4

Before you arrive at the University, you will need to complete your registration online via e:Vision at: www.beds.ac.uk/sits. Before you start your on-line registration, click on the ‘upload ID’ tab and save your passport style photo. This photo will be used for your student ID card. At the end of your online registration, please print your registration document and bring it with you to your first week – this will speed up your registration on the day. If you have any problems with this, let us know during your first week, and we can help.

On arrival during welcome week, you will be directed to either a welcome desk or a faculty based information area, where members of staff in red t-shirts will assist you. You are expected to attend the registration rooms in person, during your allotted session, to complete your registration and collect your student ID card. When collecting your ID card, please bring a photo ID with you.

Registration locations • Bedford campus – Learning Hub • Luton campus – SiD, Level 1 area, Campus Centre • Milton Keynes campus (UCMK) – main reception When fully registered, you will be issued a University ID card, giving you access to our Learning Resources materials, you will also be able to log in to BREO – your online learning environment – and begin to benefit from lots of student discounts around town.

Term dates: Undergraduate dates: (UK/EU students) Arrival in 13 - 14 February 2016 accommodation:

Postgraduate dates: (UK/EU students) Arrival in 5 - 6 March 2016 accommodation:

Welcome week:

15 - 19 February 2016

Welcome week:

7 - 11 March 2016

Teaching starts:

22 February 2016

Teaching starts:

14 March 2016

Term one:

22 February 2016 - 18 March 2016

Term one:

14 March 2016 - 18 March 2016

Term two:

11 April 2016 - 23 September 2016

Term two:

4 April 2016 - 9 July 2016

Term dates and important checklist

www Visit: .b about eds.ac.uk / us/d for th ates e full l term ist of dates

Important checklist Follow the checklist below for a guide on what you need to do before you arrive, what you need to bring with you in your first week and what you need to do when you arrive.

Have you applied for your student loan/or do you have funding in place?

Have you accepted your offer and sent all papers back to UCAS/admissions?

Have you visited: www.beds.ac.uk/welcome2015 to find your Welcome details?

Have you pre-registered online via: www.beds.ac.uk/sits? And have you printed off your online registration document?

Have you organised and paid for your accommodation? And do you know where to collect your keys from?

Have you been contacted by a pre-arrival buddy? If not please visit: unibeds.info/WelcomeBuddyFeb Have you organised all required items for your accommodation ie bedding, towels etc? For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/accommodation If you have a disability and require support visit: unibeds.info/SupportatBeds

5

Welcome

Welcome When you arrive on campus during your first week there will be help desks on our campuses to help you find your way around. These areas are in place to support you during your first week and can be used as a meeting place and information point as you familiarise yourself with your new surroundings.

If you are studying at our Bedford campus there will be a help desk in our new Gateway building. For students studying at our Luton campus there will be coloured faculty areas in the Carnival Arts Centre, right next to campus. Each faculty has an allocated colour: Health & Social Sciences Creative Arts, Technologies & Science Business School

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Social events These events are run by our Students’ Union and will provide further opportunities to get involved and meet new people.

The days will be packed full of fun activities, so don’t miss out. See pages 8-9 for more information.

Community and faith offer a range of alcohol free social activities in their centres based at our Luton and Bedford campuses, and also at UCMK. Their activities offer you opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds and different countries. For a list of events and activities that you can participate in visit: www.beds.ac.uk/faiths The Vice Chancellor welcome talks will take place on:

Undergraduate 15 February 2016 11.30am C419, Luton campus

Education & Sport

Postgraduate

Staff will be on hand to direct you to faculty based events and help areas.

7 March 2016

The University has arranged a number of exciting events to assist you with integration into life at Bedfordshire and to support you with making new friends.

11.30am Ground floor, Postgraduate Centre, Luton campus

4 May 2016

11.30am PM06, Luton campus

7

Welcome

Welcome events

Welcome events February – March 2016 Luton campus Date

Event

Time

Location

Cost

Vice Chancellor welcome

11.30am

C419, Park Sq Luton

Free

Official Monday club night in Yates’

11pm – 3am

Yates’

£4

Coffee House Sessions (Live music performance)

11am – 3pm

The Lounge

Free

1pm

JOO1

Free

Why Not Wednesday (club night)

11pm – 3am

sub2

£3 before 12, £4 after

Sunday 21 February

Smarty Pints Quiz Night

7.30pm – 10.30pm

The Lounge

Free

Saturday 27 February

Trip to British Museum

8.30am – 5pm

International Office

£8

Vice Chancellor welcome

11.30am

Postgraduate Centre

Free

Welcome Key Information (with refreshments)

12 noon

Postgraduate Centre

Free

Visit faculty stands and meet staff

12.15pm

Postgraduate Centre

Free

Students’ Union welcome and activities

12.45pm

Postgraduate Centre

Free

Accommodation support

1.30pm

Postgraduate Centre

Free

Community & Faith support

1.45pm

Postgraduate Centre

Free

Doctors registration

2pm

Postgraduate Centre

Free

Official Monday club night

11pm – 3am

Yates’

£4

Tuesday 8 March

Coffee House Sessions (live music performance)

12pm – 1pm

The Lounge

Free

Wednesday 9 March

Wed Holi Festival Celebration

1pm

J001

Free

Why Not Wednesday (club night)

11pm – 3am

sub2

£3 before 12, £4 after

Sunday 13 March

Smarty Pints Quiz Night

7.30pm – 10.30pm

The Lounge

Free

Saturday 26 March

Trip to London Eye and Thames River Cruise

8.30am – 5pm

International Office

£36PP

Undergraduate Monday 15 February Tuesday 16 February

Wednesday 17 February Fair-Trade Hunger lunch

Postgraduate Monday 7 March

8

Welcome events

Welcome events February – March 2016 Bedford campus Date

Event

Time

Location

Cost

Mix It Up Mondays

9pm – 12am

The Hub

Free

Official Monday club night in Yates’

11pm – 3am

Yates’

£4

Global Lunch

12 noon

SeedBeds

Free

Karaoke Night

7pm – 3am

The Hub

Free

9pm – 12am

The Hub

Free

Déjà vu (club night)

11pm – 3am

Vibe

£4

Thursday 18 February

John Bunyan town walk, including lunch

12 noon

Meet at University Bus Stop

Free

Saturday 27 February

Trip to British Museum

8.30am – 5pm

International Office

£8

Mix It Up Mondays

9pm – 12am

The Hub

Free

Official Monday club night

11pm – 3am

Yates’

£4

Tuesday 8 March

Karaoke Night

7pm – 11pm

The Hub

Free

Wednesday 9 March

Go Hard Go Hub in The Hub

9pm – 12am

The Hub

Free

Déjà vu (club night)

11pm – 3am

Vibe

£4

Sunday 13 March

Smarty Pints Quiz Night

7.30pm – 10.30pm

The Hub

Free

Saturday 26 March

Trip to London Eye and Thames River Cruise

8.30am – 5pm

International Office

£36

Undergraduate Monday 15 February Tuesday 16 February

Wednesday 17 February Go Hard Go Hub in The Hub

Postgraduate Monday 7 March

9

Meet and greet

Meet and greet

1

Name: Charlie Hughes Title: Beds SU President

2

Where is your favourite place to go out? I’m a big fan of my food so I like to branch out of Luton as much as I can to find new places to eat. The transport links in Bedfordshire are great for getting around and exploring new areas. If you catch the right train in Luton you can be in London in 20 minutes… who doesn’t like a day/night out in the big city?!

What is the “must do” experience during your first term? Get involved in Beds SU! It’s the quickest way to make new friends, have new experiences, find out about clubs and societies, find work or volunteering opportunities, find out about events, develop yourself as a person – the possibilities are endless!

And also – get to know your Executive Officer Team – the four of us are recent graduates and we can or will know who can help you out with anything you need answering!

Name: Heather Ivatt Title: Buddy Course: Research degree in Media

What are your words of wisdom for new, first year students? Starting university can be a nervous time, so I think it’s important that you go out and experience as much as possible. Join a sport, be part of a society, pop in to the Students’ Union quiz night – all these are great ways to make friends. You only have three years so make the most of them, because I promise you it will be worth it.

Where is your favourite place to go out? The Brewery Tap; I met some of my best friends there and had the best nights out!

What is your favourite memory from when you started university? Taking a chance and meeting the football girls for a welcome drink at the Brewery Tap. I went by myself so I was petrified! But I’ve made lifelong friends and have a great team picture from that first night to remember my amazing three years.

4

10

Our staff and students share their words of wisdom and favourite social hot spots with you.

Name: Phoebe Toms Title: Fresher’s Angel Course: BA (Hons) Events Management What are your words of wisdom for new, first year students? Have fun, make the most of your three years at university and try not to leave revision to the last minute.

3

Name: Charis Goodnews Lue Course: BSc (Hons) Accounting & Finance

What are your words of wisdom for new, first year students? I have a lot of things to say in this regard. Understand that learning is your responsibility. Push yourself from the beginning. Make time for reflection at the end of the day. Think like a professional/practitioner already.

The goal is to learn, not just to make good grades, so nurture a habit of learning something you didn’t know. You will have countless opportunities for new experiences, and for some of us, it will be the only time we will ever have such opportunities. In this regard, maintain an open heart and open eyes.

Where is your favourite place to go out? I like to go to the cinema for entertainment and for food, I like Nando’s. Also, because I’m a Christian, I go to church weekly and honestly, it’s a great place to be as I get to make friends with likeminded people of the same faith.

Where is your favourite place to go out?

Sub2 on a Wednesday night.

What is the “must do” experience during your first term? Join a sports team, it makes you feel more involved in the University and you’ll always have a laugh with them.

Meet and greet

Meet and greet

5

Name: Susan Bartrop Title: Peer-Assisted Learning

(PAL) Leader Course: BSc (Hons) Psychology

What are your words of wisdom for new, first year students? Take full advantage of all that this University has to offer especially with regards to volunteering. PAL is excellent; as a mature, part-time student I encountered PAL in my first year as a participant.

My weekly sessions helped with SPSS (statistical analysis programme) and all aspects of my assessments; this was invaluable to my progress. In my second year I became a PAL Leader which opened up avenues of opportunities for me, learning new skills and reinforcing my own learning through facilitation to others. It improved my confidence and I also found a new dynamic group of friends.

Where is your favourite place to go out? My favourite place to go is the Lounge. You can listen to music on a Tuesday lunchtime or just have a coffee with friends.

6

Name: Diana Coman Title: Peer-Assisted Learning

(PAL) Leader Course: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

What are your words of wisdom for new, first year students? Make friends, have fun and don’t forget to actually attend the lectures! That is why you came here.

What is your favourite memory from when you started uni? My very first lab practical. I enjoyed it very much and it made me realise that choosing this course was the right decision.

What is the “must do” experience during your first term? Attend all of the events organised by the student union – this way you will get to meet a lot of new people and have fun and also don’t forget to attend your PAL sessions (the PAL leaders will help you with anything uni related or not).

7

Name: Kathrine Laurier Title: Peer-Assisted Learning

(PAL) Leader Course: BA (Hons) Health & Social Care

What are your words of wisdom for new, first year students? The University of Bedfordshire holds great opportunities for you to enhance your life as a student - get involved and have fun.

Where is your favourite place to go out? The Herm in Hitchin (Hermitage Rd bar and restaurant). It’s a great place to grab something to eat or have a few drinks!

What is your favourite memory from when you started uni? Meeting lots of friendly students and staff members whilst trying to find my way around. It’s a big place, I kept getting lost.

11 PAL sessions

Campus map 12

Campus map Luton

Campus map

Campus map Bedford

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Join our club

Join our club Whether you want to take up a hobby here, or pursue something entirely new, we offer a wide variety of activities, clubs and societies. Not only is this a great way to meet new people and make new friends, but it’s an opportunity to do something fun at the same time as enhancing your CV. The University of Bedfordshire Students’ Union (Beds SU) offers more than 50 cultural, religious, arts and sports-based societies. Here are just a few that you can get involved in across our campuses: Academic • Law Association • Peer-Assisted Learning

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Sport • Athletics • Badminton • Basketball • Cheerleading • Football • Hockey • Kick boxing • Netball • Rugby • Ultimate Frisbee

Cultural • LGBT • Nigerian • Women’s Awareness • Afro-Caribbean Society

Bedfordshire Bulls For those who are competitive, you can also join the Bedfordshire Bulls – which comprises of 1,000 student members across all of our campuses, which compete nationally in the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS ) league. And, since the Bedfordshire Bulls was set up in 2012, our students have enjoyed lots of success, with 11 League winners and six Cup Finalists to date.

Faith • Christian Union • Islamic • Gospel Arts and Production

However, if competition is not really your thing, you can still get involved in many of the sporting activities at a recreational level, or cheer from the side lines.

The choice is yours!

Recreation • Anime and Manga • Bedfordshire Entrepreneurs • Mature and Part-time • The Writers Guild • Theatre • Grub Club

For the full list visit: unibeds.info/Beds-SU-Clubs.

If you can’t find a club or society that interests you, then speak to Beds SU when you join us, as they can help you to set up your own team; whatever your interest may be.

Get involved

Get involved Here at the University of Bedfordshire we believe that Higher Education is not just about acquiring new knowledge. What you do in addition to your studies will distinguish you when it comes to securing those all-important graduate jobs. And that’s why we offer you more than a degree during your time with us. Here are some of the opportunities we offer:

Take over the airwaves Radio LaB is the University’s very own community radio station. Broadcasting from 97.1FM throughout Luton and Bedfordshire, you can get involved in presenting and producing your own shows. Listen online: radiolab.beds.ac.uk

Become a course rep Become a course or faculty representative to be the voice for fellow students on your course, and help solve or raise issues on behalf of your peers. You get access to full student rep training run by the Students’ Union.

Volunteer your time The Beds SU volunteering service enables you to get hands-on experience and make a real difference. We can even help you find volunteer work related to your studies. In 2014, our students invested 42,000 hours into volunteering opportunities.

Take on an internship Through our Student Internship Scheme you can develop your skills, enhance your CV and gain real-world experience. The Internship Scheme provides workplace opportunities within local and national businesses, many of which are paid.

Go Global Do you know what it’s like to really do business in China? Our students do! As part of the University’s Go Global programme, you have the un-missable chance to take part in the largest summer school programme with China of any UK university; with opportunities to visit countries all over the world, including China, India and Vietnam. Whether you want to learn a new language, build networks, simply have the travel bug, or want to develop new skills and life experiences, the Go Global programme offers the opportunity to get a truly international experience.

Forward planning and future thinking Once you’ve settled in to life at Bedfordshire, why not get involved in the many on-campus events which the University runs. From graduations and registration, we’re always in need of some student helpers. You can also become a Freshers’ Angel and help next year’s new students settle in to university life. What’s more, you could also take on the role of a PAL leader after your first year. PAL leaders are experienced students who have ‘been there, and done that’, and can provide important advice, guidance and assistance to new students.

Find out more about these exciting opportunities and ways to get involved during your Welcome Week by speaking to the Students’ Union.

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Student support

Student Support

Student Support offers practical and confidential advice and support. We have several teams who can help you during your studies.

Student Engagement The Student Engagement team can advise you on complex problems including academic, personal and health issues that may impact on your studies.

The Engagement Team works closely with all support teams at the University and your academic department to ensure your needs are fully met.

Email: student.engagement@beds.ac.uk Disability Support Disability Support helps students whose learning may be affected by a disability, a long-term medical condition or a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia.

We offer support with: • Applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances (UK students only) • Access on campus • Accessing non-medical helper support • Screening for specific learning difficulties • Examination access arrangements Email: disability@beds.ac.uk

16

Counselling Service Our Counselling Service can help if you are experiencing any problems of a personal or emotional nature that may be interfering with your academic work and your life. Counselling offers you the opportunity to talk in

confidence with someone who is impartial and separate from work, social and family life. Our aim is to help you find and activate your own resources to resolve your difficulties. A telephone service is offered to students studying at the Buckinghamshire campuses.

Email: counselling@beds.ac.uk (Luton and other sites) counsellingbedford@beds.ac.uk (Bedford) Mental Well-being One in four people experience some sort of mental health difficulty in their life, particularly during stressful times. Personal support is offered to students experiencing mental health difficulties.

What support can be offered?

• An initial assessment to determine the most beneficial support for your individual needs • One-to-one support • Liaison with mental health services and GP • Support during absence caused by ill health and facilitation of a planned return to study Email: jill.gale@beds.ac.uk Registering with a Doctor’s Surgery You will need to register with a local doctor when you come to University – do not leave this until you are unwell. There are several near our University campuses and we recommend you do this during your induction week. For information about local surgeries, please contact one of our Student Support Receptions.

Student Money Advice The Student Money Advice team offers confidential advice and support from experienced advisers. If you have money worries the advisers are able to give you general advice on budgeting and will point you toward alternative sources of funding that may be available.

Email: studentmoney@beds.ac.uk

Mitigation Can’t hand in work on time or sit an exam? Apply for mitigating circumstances if serious and exceptional factors outside your control prevent you from carrying out academic work. Applications for mitigation should be made before or on the day of submission.

Email: mitigation@beds.ac.uk

Student support

Community and Faith Our Community and Faith teams welcome students of all faiths and beliefs. We offer confidential personal support and advice on faith matters, and also offer a range of social activities and events often based in the Community and Faith centres on campus. Prayer and quiet rooms for world faiths and beliefs are provided, along with information about local places of worship.

Email: chaplaincy@beds.ac.uk Web: www.beds.ac.uk/faiths

Visit the Student Support Reception on the second floor of the Campus Centre in Luton, in H building in Bedford, or you can call one of our Student Support Receptions on 01234 793333 (Bedford) or 01582 489622 (Luton and other sites). Further information can be found at: www.beds.ac.uk/student-support

Student Information Desk (SiD) All of our support services can be accessed through the Student Information Desk (or SiD as we like to call it). SiD desks are located across all our campuses where you can speak to someone face-to-face. SiD can also be accessed online 24/7, so no matter how big or small the problem, or whether you are on or off campus, we are always here to help.

The SiD team has been trained to know about all the services available, and will make sure we put you in touch with the right person. SiD can also pass the enquiry to the relevant specialist and you will be able to track the progress of the enquiry, and be kept up-to-date with progress, enabling you to spend your time on your studies. Visit: www.beds.ac.uk/sid for more information.

Study Hub To get help and advice, you can also visit the StudyHub. From computer skills workshops to specialist help and support in your subject from one of our expert Academic Liaison Librarians there is a plethora of support on hand to support your studies, in addition to the vast digital resources on hand. Visit: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/help for more details.

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Your Learning Resources

Your Learning Resources We look forward to working with you during your time at the University of Bedfordshire. We’re not just a collection of amazing materials relevant to your studies; we have a wealth of help and expertise at your disposal. If you’ve got a question please come and ask; we’d love to talk to you.

Full details of our resources and services are on our website: lrweb.beds.ac.uk The University sees the Library as central to your learning experience and continues to invest to improve the range of information you can read, access to that reading, and creative learning spaces.

• 24/7 availability: when you arrive take advantage of our long opening hours; we’re open 24 hours a day, every day of the week, at our Luton and Bedford library • Digital Library: giving access to 72,000 ejournals, 16,000 ebooks, 100+ databases, open access research repository • Print Resources: 300,000 printed items, 800 print journals across all sites • Reading lists: course specific print and digital reading your tutors want you to read, all in one place • DISCOVER: the research discovery tool to help you find information to read for your assignments

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•

Study Hub: workshops, online support, drop-ins and individual appointments for you to develop your academic and information literacy skills that will help you complete your assignments and enhance your employability lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhub

•

Friendly, helpful staff: ask any of our staff for help; they will show you how to use the library, find books, how to use our multifunction printers, trouble shoot IT queries eg formatting your assignment, and help you log into your IT accounts

Artist's impression of the new library, ready 2016

Alexon building

Postgraduate Centre

Luton developments

Top of our game

Brand-new Library

Our Physical Education and Sport Science Centre, which was used to train athletes in the 2012 Olympics, provides you with access to the latest sport and exercise science technology to help assess and develop your sport performance. Additional work has included refurbishment of our sports halls and changing rooms, allowing our Bedford campus to offer facilities that meet national championship standards.

At our Luton campus, work is underway on a brand-new, seven-storey library that will offer state-of-the-art IT equipment, in addition to increased space for study either individually or as a group, ready in 2016.

Exhibiting the best Located just off-campus, we’ve opened brand-new facilities for our School of Art and Design. The Alexon building provides students with dedicated studio and exhibition space, and replicates the kind of creative space you’d expect to see in industry.

Professional Postgraduate Centre Our Postgraduate students can benefit from access to our new Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Centre which opened in spring 2013.

Built specifically for Postgraduate students, this bespoke facility includes two Harvard-style lecture theatres, teaching spaces and individual study spaces, as well as a Postgraduate lounge and games room.

New facilities at your fingertips

New facilities at your fingertips

We provide you with the best possible environment in which to succeed. Take a look below to get a snap shot of some of the latest additions and developments on campus which you can make use of during your time with us.

Brand-new on-campus gyms In June 2015, we opened our brand-new Aspire Gyms at our Luton and Bedford campuses, offering a range of flexible membership options, and giving you exclusive use of a convenient, on campus, exercise facility. Find out more: unibeds.info/AspireGyms Apire Gym, Luton campus

Bedford developments Brand-new teaching space

Gateway, a brand-new, three-storey building, opened its doors to students at our Bedford campus in 2015.

Gateway features high-quality teaching spaces, lecture theatres, informal study areas and a new student services centre – everything you could need under one roof.

Milton Keynes developments In September 2015 a range of new facilities and resources, including a new Learning Resource Centre (LRC), an on-site cafe and two specialist journalism and graphic design laboratories, opened at our UCMK campus. For more information visit: unibeds.info/developmentsatUCMK

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Student fees and finance – what to do next

Student fees and finance – what to do next If you have come to us via the standard UCAS application process please bring your Student Finance England paperwork with you to registration.

Our Student Money team will be available during registration. Student money run drop ins at our Bedford and Luton campuses. The team can also assist when an enquiry has been logged online via our Student Information Desk (SiD), so there will always be an expert on hand if you need help.

Support from us for you We value your education as much as you do. And that’s why we offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to help support your studies – and that’s money you don’t pay back! Take a look below to see the many scholarships available at the University of Bedfordshire: • Welcome Package – Students will receive this if they are a new UK/EU student at the University and are enrolling on to a three year degree, with a £9,000 tuition fee *Please note, the welcome package is inclusive of any other

•

•

•

Care Leavers Bursary – Available to students who are being supported by their local authority leaving care service. Care leavers will receive £3,000 in year one, and £1,350 in both years two and three Sports Scholarship – We offer a range of dedicated sports scholarships for students who have a record of performance in sport and who aspire to train and compete at the highest levels Disabled Students’ Allowance – Additional support is available to students with a disability.

The monetary amount is based on individual needs.

To find out more, please visit: unibeds.info/StudentFeesAndFinance

scholarship/bursary.

•

•

•

•

Enhanced Welcome Package – Students joining us from one of our partner colleges can receive £150 worth of additional ‘Aspire’ credit to support their studies Bedfordshire Excellence Scholarship – Worth £2,400 (or £800 per year) for students who choose the University as their firm choice via UCAS and achieve ABB at A Level or equivalent Access Bursary – Worth £1,200 over three years of study, this bursary is available to new first year students Academic Scholarship – Worth £900 to students who achieve at least 280 UCAS points, with at least 200 at A2 Level, and select Bedfordshire as their firm choice

20 Disclaimer: This information was correct at the time of print. Please visit our website www.beds.ac.uk for the latest information and eligibility details.

Living on campus and in halls whilst at university is not only a really great way to meet new people, but it offers you support when you transition into living away from home.

Luton campus We have more than 1,800 rooms available for students at our Luton campus. Our new, ultra-modern and contemporary accommodation, Fitzroy and Wenlock Court, offer fully furnished en-suite flats.

Each flat has a spacious kitchen/lounge area, in addition to fantastic social lounges for study as well as socialising and a free on-site gym.

The Student Village also provides accommodation with standard rooms, with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, social lounges and everything you’ll need to really call this place home. We also have dedicated buildings for our Postgraduate and over 25’s students enabling you to have a more quiet, residential life at the heart of the town centre. All of our rooms come fully equipped for student life and include a bed, desk with chair, free Wi-Fi and the added benefit of all inclusive bills – there’s nothing extra you need to pay!

Bedford campus Students at our Bedford campus can live at the Student Village or Liberty Park, which are located directly on campus. The Student Village offers 168 rooms with different rooming options; from en-suite rooms to large standard rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens. If your budget stretches further, Liberty Park offers 430 en-suite study bedrooms grouped into flats, with fantastic communal areas and an on-site gym.

UCMK, Milton Keynes campus Accommodation for UCMK is available at our nearby campus in Bedford. Located 36 minutes away, you’ll have access to transport which has been arranged for all students with academic classes at our UCMK campus. There are also a limited number of private-rented accommodation options available to students.

For more information email: bedsadmin@clvuk.com or visit: unibeds.info/accommUCMK For more details on accommodation, check us out online: Student Village for Luton and Bedford t: +44 (0)1582 405000 e: info@studentvillagebeds.com www.studentvillagebeds.com Liberty Park in Bedford t: +44 (0)1234 359332 e: libertypark-bedford@libertyliving.co.uk www.libertyliving.co.uk

Fitzroy Court, Luton

Accommodation

Accommodation

Liberty Park, Bedford

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Careers and Employability

Careers and Employability Here at the University of Bedfordshire we take your career very seriously. We have high graduate employability, with 92% of our graduates going into employment or further study (DLHE 2014) and we are passionate about encouraging you to reach your professional potential.

We provide you with a whole range of opportunities to gain work experience and develop your employability skills. Make sure you take full advantage of everything we offer whilst you’re studying with us, as this will help you to distinguish yourself from other graduates when it comes to applying for a job. Don’t forget to join our clubs and societies. For more information see page 14.

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Jodie Lockwood, BA (Hons) Television Production graduate Now Production Co-ordinator, ITV

Careers and Employment Service Once you have registered, drop in to see us on campus so that we can start to help you achieve your career goals straight away. We provide you with: • Dedicated employability advisers for each course and department • Access to a wealth of careers information and resources online • Help with securing internships and part-time jobs • Events and careers fairs where you can meet employers face-to-face • The chance to enter competitions and win awards, such as ‘Bedfordshire Edge’, and our Employability Award enabling you to stand out from other students

Mario Louis, BA (Hons) Television Production graduate Now Freelance TV Researcher, Maverick TV

Our internships provide a great way to gain valuable practical experience to complement your theoretical knowledge; helps you build an attractive CV to make you stand out when it comes to applying for graduate jobs, and enables you to test out potential career pathways and professions.

But most importantly, our internships provide an unrivalled way to network with employers; many of our students who have completed internships have gone on to secure positions within the companies, once they’ve graduated.

So there are many benefits to undertaking internships during your studies, beyond the obvious financial incentive.

Find out more, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/sis

Careers and Employability

Internships Our Student Internship Scheme (SIS) helps students gain valuable experience whilst studying with us here at Bedfordshire. Internships can range from two weeks to two months, and can be voluntary or paid placements.

Lyzgeo Yoshi, BSc (Hons) Software Engineering graduate. Now Capacity & Performing Planning Analyst, Vocalink

Volunteering Through our Students’ Union, we’re able to offer a volunteer placement service, enabling students to develop themselves through voluntary and project work. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, build confidence and gain highly sought after work experience through projects that really make a difference to people’s lives. For more information see page 15.

Fungisayi Sasa, BA (Hons) Creative Writing graduate Now Freelance Writer

Through Bedfordshire Edge, you’re able to gain formal recognition for the learning you have gained through a range of activities undertaken whilst at University, like those listed above. This is a great way to show prospective employers what you’ve achieved during your time at University, and gives you that something extra when it comes to impressing in the interviews, aside from your degree qualification. Find out more about Bedfordshire Edge, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/edge

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Things to do in Luton

Things to do in Luton Interest and cultural 1 University of Bedfordshire

Luton campus University Square, LU1 3JU This is where you’ll be based for three or more years. And situated in the Campus Centre is the Students’ Union (Beds SU), and Beds SU bar.

2 The Mall Arndale

LU1 2LJ Home to more than 120 high street shops including TK MAXX, Primark and Topshop, right on your doorstep.

3 The Galaxy

Bridge Street, LU1 2NB This entertainment complex offers 11 cinema screens, 16 bowling lanes, American pool tables, air hockey and arcades, as well as a number of restaurants and pubs.

4 The hat Factory

Bute Street, LU1 2EY Playing host to everything from jazz to comedy nights, this is Luton’s premier entertainment venue.

5 Train Station

Station Road, LU1 2LT You can be in central London within 30 minutes, as well as a host of other exciting places you can visit.

6 London Luton Airport

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Airport Way, LU2 9LY This airport is only three miles from our Luton campus, so you can benefit from cheap flights to Rome, Madrid and many more destinations.

Bars 7 The Lounge

Park Street, LU1 3JU Situated in the Campus Centre, it serves delicious coffee at one of the two student bars, whilst the other is well stocked for a stiffer drink. By night it hosts games and quiz nights, as well as live comedy and music events.

8 The California Inn

Chapel Street, LU1 5DD A popular gay pub in the heart of Luton with DJs, cabaret nights, a pool table and beer gardens.

9 The London Hatter

46 Park Street, LU1 3ET Located opposite the Luton campus is a newly opened Wetherspoon pub, serving a wide range of cheap eats right on our doorstep.

10 Brewery Tap

Park Street, LU1 3ET This popular haunt is just a hop, skip and jump from campus and is where you will find many current and former students. Offering real ales, delicious dishes and a beer garden this is one place you’ll want to visit.

11 Flame Bar and Nightclub

Wellington Street, LU1 2QH This friendly gay bar and club is in the centre of town and offers great entertainment, including cabaret singers and quiz nights.

12 Edge

Park Street, LU1 3EY This is known as one of Luton’s best indie and rock nightclubs and plays everything from Hardcore, Pop Punk, Thrash, Emo, Heavy Metal, Trash and much more.

13 sub2

Park Street, LU1 3JX sub2 is your student venue. Home to the official student Wednesday night, Why Not Wednesday, the venue also hosts live music events and a variety of student led activities.

Sport

Restaurants

14 Venue 360

17 Nakorn Thai

18 Nando’s

Gipsy Lane, LU1 3JH Venue 360 is the official home for all University Sports, Leisure and Fitness in Luton, so if you are a University of Bedfordshire student then look no further. It also includes six outdoor and two indoor tennis courts. And, with a University ID card you can also get great discounts!

15 Inspire: Luton Sports Village

Hitchin Road, LU2 8DD This state-of-the-art, multi-sport facility has a 50m, 8 lane swimming pool and a 10m, world class diving facility. In addition Inspire houses a 100 station gym that is pay as you go as well as running a wide range of fitness classes.

16 Luton Town Football Club

Kenilworth Road Stadium, LU4 8AW Cheer on the local football team, The Hatters, at the 10,000-seat stadium, which is only a few minutes walk from the town centre.

Wellington Street, LU1 2QH Get the taste of Thailand in Luton and take advantage of a three course lunch for as little as £6.

Things to do in Luton

Clubs

Bridge Street, LU1 2NB Nando’s now has a takeaway service, so you can savour the Portuguese flavours at home as well as in the restaurant.

19 Red Chilli

Wellington Street, LU1 5AF A short walk from campus brings you to Red Chilli’s, a popular restaurant in the town, offering all of your favourite Curries and Indian dishes.

20 La Dolce Vita

Park Street, LU1 3ET Enjoy Italian food in the setting of a 17th century former coach house or in the courtyard garden with fine Italian wines, traditional pastas and homemade pizzas.

To find out more, please visit:

www.beds.ac.uk/

studentlife

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Things to do in Bedford

Things to do in Bedford Interest and cultural Alexander Sports Centre

1 University of Bedfordshire

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Bedford campus Polhill Avenue, MK41 9EA Check out our professional 280-seat theatre, state-of-the-art PE and Sport Science Centre and en-suite halls of residence, all located on campus.

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2 Harpur Shopping Centre

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Home Lane, MK40 1TJ Shop ‘til you drop at Topshop, Primark, Argos, Boots, WHSmith and many more outstanding retail outlets.

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Newnham Avenue, MK41 9LN This entertainment complex houses Bedford’s Cineworld cinema, a bingo hall, Fitness First gym, plus fast food restaurants including Pizza Hut and McDonald’s.

4 Bedford River Fesitval

River Great Ouse The River Great Ouse plays host to the Bedford River Festival every other July, and features a fair, fireworks, music and hot air balloons.

5 Priory Country Park

MK41, 9SK With 68 acres of stunning countryside and woodland, plus a beautiful lake, Priory Country Park is the perfect place to escape for a picnic.

6 St Paul’s and Harpur Square

MK40 1TN Bedford has hosted thriving markets for more than 800 years and they trade on Wednesdays and Saturdays in St Paul’s and Harpur Square.

7 Train Station

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Ashburnham Road, MK40 1DR Travel to London’s St Pancras International in just 40 minutes, or you can treat yourself to a day out and explore Brighton, Nottingham and Leicester using Bedford’s rail links.

Bars 8 Yates

53-55 High Street, MK40 1RZ DJs, drinks and dishes that won’t break the bank, this bar, club and restaurant has got your entertainment covered.

9 The Banker’s Draft

115-117 High Street, MK40 1NU With all the great offers you’d expect in a Wetherspoon pub, this is a great place to start your night out.

10 The Rose

45 High Street, MK40 1RY Open until 2am, this bar and club is home to Bedford’s finest up-and-coming DJs and MCs.

11 Chameleon Bar

14-15 Saint Paul’s Square, MK40 1SL A great bar for drinks deals and party anthems throughout the weekend, it’s a very popular place to start your night out. There’s also a decent menu and drink promotions every day!

12 Barley Mow

Loyes Street, MK40 1EZ An intimate venue, open till late, this friendly gay pub won the People’s Choice award at the 2014 Best Bar None awards.

13 The Hub

Bedford campus, Polhill Avenue, MK41 9EA Your Students’ Union bar. Famous for its cocktails, karaoke and live music nights. Now with Sky Sports!

14 Vogue Nightclub

55 High Street, MK40 1RZ Open until late and being right in the centre of the high street, means this is the perfect place to dance the night away with friends.

15 The Pad

2 Lurke Street, MK40 3HY Run by and for music lovers, The Pad hosts the best ‘n’ busiest Indie nights on Saturdays and welcomes various special guests on Fridays, so don’t miss out!

16 Esquires

60a Bromham Road, MK42 2QG Bedford’s premier live music venue has played host to a number of the UK’s biggest bands, including Coldplay (twice!), Franz Ferdinand, Muse, Bloc Party, and many more.

17 Vibe

St. Peters Street, MK40 2PN With two rooms, three floors and a huge sound system this official Beds SU club guarantees a raucous night out.

18 Bedford Corn Exchange

St Paul’s Square, MK40 1SL From Kylie tribute nights to performances from its resident Philharmonia Orchestra, this music, theatre and comedy venue has it all.

Sport

Restaurants

19 Bedford Blues Rugby Club

23 Dragon Restaurant

20 Alexander Sports Centre

24 Indiya Restaurant

Goldington Road, MK40 3NF Cheer the mighty Bedford Blues at their 7,000-seat stadium, and look out for special student discounts.

Sidney Road, MK40 2BQ This sport centre has outdoor playing fields, a climbing wall, indoor badminton courts and a gym. Special membership rates are available for University of Bedfordshire students.

21 Bedford International Athletics Stadium

Barkers Lane, MK41 9SB Be a winner with the eight-lane athletics track, an American football pitch, two rugby pitches and a weights room. Full-time students can get concessions too!

River Street, MK40 1PX Make sure you’re hungry before heading here as it has an all-you-caneat Chinese and Thai buffet.

1-2 The Broadway, MK40 2TE Spice up your life and satisfy your craving for curry at Indiya with a terrific tikka or a brilliant biryani.

Things to do in Bedford

Clubs

25 Riverside Grill

19 Castle Lane, MK40 3NT Gaze out at the river as you enjoy great grilled food in the contemporary and stylish Riverside Grill. The burgers are not to be missed!

22 Priory Marina

Barkers Lane, MK41 9DJ Just two miles from Bedford, this beautiful country park marina offers canoeing lessons, boat hire, sailing, cycle hire, as well as nature reserve and riverside walks.

To find out more, please visit:

www.beds.ac.uk/

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Interest and cultural

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500 Marlborough Gate, MK9 3NZ In the heart of MK’s Theatre District, this is the most successful theatre outside of London’s West End.

6 The National Bowl

Watling Street (V4), MK5 8AA This huge, open air venue has a capacity of 65,000 and hosts some of the UK’s largest mega-concerts.

7 Bletchley Park Sherwood Drive, MK3 6EB 28

Britain’s best kept secret during World War II, Bletchley Park saw the code breaking process lead to the world’s first electronic computer, Colossus.

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8 Milton Keynes Central Train Station

302 Eldergate, MK9 1LA Milton Keynes Central provides train links across the UK and direct routes to London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street.

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Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street, MK15 0DS Every year, up to 60 crews battle it out watched by several thousand spectators.

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This massive complex includes a 16-screen cinema, restaurants, bars and a wide range of sporting facilities (see Sport section).

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Silbury Blvd, MK9 3EP and 67 Midsummer Place, MK9 3GB Combined these two shopping centres make one of the largest covered shopping areas in Europe, boasting more than 400 shops.

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University Campus Milton Keynes Avebury Boulevard, MK9 3HS Check out our new campus in Milton Keynes.

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Things to do in Milton Keynes (MK)

Things to do in Milton Keynes (MK)

Bars 9 Lloyds No 1 Bar 7 Savoy Crescent, MK9 3PU

This pub offers great value, is open seven days a week and until 3am at the weekends.

10 Moon Under Water Xscape complex, MK9 3XS

This pub provides a good selection of local ales.

11 Revolution

Xscape complex, MK9 3XS This popular chain has over 90 different types of vodka and is open until 2am.

12 Snobar

Xscape complex, MK9 3XS The perfect après ski venue, overlooking the slopes.

13 SLVR

3 Savoy Crescent, MK9 3PU From early evening cocktails to dancing and DJ sets, this club is right in the heart of the Theatre district.

14 Wonderworld MK

Xscape complex, MK9 3XS Offering a range of cocktails, shots and pitchers this venue has three main rooms the Secret Garden, Yesterday and Tomorrow.

Beds SU Quiz Night every Monday at the Slug & Lettuce, MK9 3PU, right next to the theatre district

Sport 15 Xscape Milton Keynes

602 Marlborough Gate, MK9 3XS Home to Europe’s largest indoor snozone for skiing and snowboarding.

It also includes indoor skydiving, rock climbing, bowling, a casino and gym.

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MK1 1ST This 22,000 capacity stadium is home to the city’s League 1 football team.

17 Campbell Park

Along Silbury Boulevard and Avebury Boulevard Take a walk or put on your skates to explore MK’s green oasis in the heart of the city.

18 Willen Lake

V10 Brickhill Street, MK15 0DS Open seven days a week, water sports include windsurfing, power boating, paddle sports and sailing.

Restaurants 21 hub:mk

MK9 2HP Offering a selection of sophisticated dining options including: Brasserie Blanc, Brown’s Bar and Brasserie, Loch Fyne, Las Iguanas, and a Turtle Bay - offering a mix of spicy Caribbean treats.

22 thecentre:mk

24 Silbury Blvd, MK9 3EP Here’s a taster of the huge range of restaurants offered in thecentre:mk Café Rouge, Carluccio’s, Giraffe, Jamie’s Italian, Nandos, Pizza Express, Wagamama and YoSushi.

Things to do in Milton Keynes (MK)

Clubs

23 Theatre District

MK9 3PU There’s a great mix of restaurants to suit all tastes; including TGI Friday, Bella Italia, and Zizzi, as well as Red Hot offering global buffet-style dining.

19 Silverstone

Towcester, NN12 8TN The iconic motor race course is just 15 minutes drive from Milton Keynes.

20 National Badminton Centre

To find out more, please visit:

www.beds.ac.uk/

Bradwell Road, MK8 9LA Open to the public and the training centre for England’s world-class squad.

studentlife

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How to find us

How to find us Our campuses are easy to get to by road, rail or air. So, wherever you are coming from, just follow these simple directions:

Luton

Luton campus Situated 30 miles north of London, the University’s Luton campus boasts superb road, rail and air links.

• Luton is just off the M1 at junction 10 northbound, and junction 11 southbound • Luton railway station is a five-minute walk from the Luton campus and is served by First Capital Connect trains from London St Pancras International and Bedford • London Luton Airport is three miles away and has easy access by taxi or airport bus

Bedford Bedford campus Bedford lies 46 miles north of London on the main A6 route and offers easy access from both the north and south.

• From the north, leave the M1 at junction 14 and take the A422 • From the south, leave the M1 at junction 13 and then follow the A421 • Bedford railway station is served by First Capital Connect trains from London St Pancras International

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How to find us

Milton Keynes University Campus Milton Keynes campus Our new Milton Keynes campus is situated 54 miles from London and is served by great road and rail links.

• Located on the M1 at junction 13 northbound, and junction 14 southbound • Rail connections maintained by Virgin and London Midland • Coach services to many cities can be accessed via the train station, town centre or Coachway

For more information please visit:

www.beds.ac.uk/

directions

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