Social events guide 2013 -2014

Social Events Guide 2013/14

Welcome to Bedfordshire At Bedfordshire every year we run a fantastic social programme that includes visits to many famous sights and locations, so that your experience is cultural as well as academic.

We know that moving to another country to live and study is hugely exciting. There is so much to discover and explore! Our social events programme will take you all over the country and even beyond to give you a real taste of local and national heritage.

There are weekend trips and visits every month during term time and longer trips abroad during Easter break. So whether it is a day at the seaside in Bournemouth, thrill-seeking on the roller coaster at Thorpe Park or Christmas shopping in London, you will never be short of exciting things to do when you are not studying!

You can get tickets to all the trips in this guide at the International Office or in the Student Union.

Got any questions about the trips? Email us at io-events@beds.ac.uk.

Please note that unless stated otherwise, the trip tickets only cover the return coach fare.

September 2013 Tour of Bedfordshire & Chiltern Hills Saturday, 21 September 2013 Walk up the beautiful Chiltern Hills, relax in Bedford’s Riverside Garden and visit the home of the Duke of Bedfordshire – Woburn Abbey & Deer Park.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Day trip to Bournemouth Beach Saturday, 28 September 2013 With seven miles of golden sand, sparkling sea and one of the UK’s most famous piers, Bournemouth is a must-see traditional British seaside resort.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

October 2013 Day trip to Cambridge Saturday, 5 October 2013 On this trip you will see one of the world’s most famous universities, its beautiful college buildings and cobbled streets.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Eid-al-Adha Celebration Party Friday, 18 October 2013 Join us for a delicious lunch buffet to celebrate the Muslim holiday in Jimmy’s World Grill in Luton.

Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm in Jimmy’s World Grill Cost: Buffet lunch menu costs £5 per student

Day trip to Bicester Shopping Village Saturday, 26 October 2013 With more than 130 stores, Bicester Village is a leading designer outlet - a real shopping heaven!

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

November 2013 Diwali Celebration Party Friday, 1 November 2013 Join us to celebrate Diwali, Hindu festival of lights. Enjoy the delicious food and entertainment prepared by students.

Time: To be confirmed Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Day trip to Oxford Saturday, 9 November 2013 Explore this beautiful city, stroll along its historic alleys and visit another of the worlds’ most famous universities.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

November 2013 Day trip to Bath Saturday, 23 November 2013 One of Britain’s ancient cities, first founded by the Romans, Bath is home to one of the UK’s natural spas.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Welcome Party Friday, 29 November 2013 This party is a great opportunity to make new friends and try food from all over the world.

Time: 5pm - 9pm at Carnival Arts Centre Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

December 2013 Westfield Shopping Centre Saturday, 7 December 2013 Enjoy a day in Westfield - the shoppers’ paradise in London, which is one of the Europe’s largest shopping centres.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Christmas Party Friday, 13 December 2013 Celebrate the festive season and enjoy the Christmas spirit at the annual Christmas Party.

Time: 8pm till late at Student Union Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

January 2014 The Tower of London Saturday, 11 January 2014 Discover the history of a royal palace that has also been a prison. Explore the dungeons, see the crown jewels and spectacular armoury.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Price to be confirmed

Warwick Castle & the Dungeons Saturday, 25 January 2014 Explore the medieval castle at Warwick and see the great halls, with spectacular views from the tower and the dark dungeons.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs ÂŁ20 per student

Chinese New Year Celebration Friday, 31 January 2014 Join us to celebrate Chinese New Year with dance, food and fun and kick off the Year of the Horse.

Time: 5pm - 9pm at Carnival Arts Centre Cost: Ticket costs ÂŁ5 per student

February 2014 Day trip to London Saturday, 15 February 2014 See the sights of London and take the opportunity to visit Trafalgar Square, the British Museum and National Gallery.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Welcome Party Friday, 21 February 2014 This party is a great opportunity to make new friends, try food from all over the world and enjoy an evening full of great entertainment.

Time: 5pm - 9pm at Carnival Arts Centre Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon Saturday, 22 February 2014 Visit Stratford-upon-Avon, a charming town which was the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

March 2014 tripoftoLondon Cambridge TheDay Tower Saturday, 8 March 2014 On this trip you will see one of the world’s most famous universities, its beautiful college buildings and cobbled streets.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Day trip to Oxford Saturday, 22 March 2014 Explore this beautiful city, stroll along its historic alleys and visit another of the worlds’ most famous universities.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

April 2014 Tower of London EuropeThe Trips Easter break Details are yet to be confimed but watch out for this amazing opportunity to travel a bit further to explore some of the most famous places in Europe!

Time: To be confirmed Cost: To be confirmed

London Eye and River Thames Cruise Saturday, 26 April 2014 Explore the heart of the capital where you can take a boat trip on the River Thames or admire London’s panorama from the London Eye high above.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Price to be confirmed

May 2014 Day trip to Brighton Saturday, 10 May 2014 Explore Brighton - a treasure trove for things to do - from relaxing on the pebbly beach to exploring the famous pier.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Lunch for New Students Thursday, 15 May 2014 Join us for lunch in Jimmy’s World Grill and make new friends over a delicious meal.

Time: 12.30pm - 2.30pm at Jimmy’s World Grill Cost: Buffet lunch menu costs £5 per student

Day in Birmingham shopping Saturday, 24 May 2014 Enjoy a day of shopping in a visually stunning Bull Ring shopping centre - a great example of modern architecture.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

June 2014 Day trip to Thorpe Park Saturday, 7 June 2014 Visit one of Europe’s most exciting theme parks and enjoy an exhilarating day out with rollercoasters, rides and attractions.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves back at 4:30pm Cost: To be confirmed

Day trip to Cadbury World Saturday, 21 June 2014 Visit Cadbury World - one of Birmingham’s largest leisure attractions. Discover chocolate’s history and learn about the origins of one of the world’s largest confectionery manufacturers.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: To be confirmed

July 2014 Day trip to Windsor Castle Saturday, 19 July 2014 Come and explore one of the residences of the Queen! See the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and tour the charming old town next door.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: To be confirmed

August 2014 Eid ul fitr Celebration Friday, 1 August 2014 Join us for Eid ul fitr - a Muslim celebration.

Enjoy the delicious food and entertainment prepared by students.

Time: To be confirmed Cost: Ticket costs ÂŁ5 per student

Chessington World of Adventures Saturday, 16 August 2014 Join to discover all that Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers. Explore wildlife at the zoo and enjoy the rides at the theme park.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm Cost: To be confirmed

Social events Booking tickets Most of the events we organise have limited spaces so it’s important that you book your place in advance to avoid disappointment.

You can buy tickets for all the events at the International Office or in the Student Union.

Keep an eye on our social media sites where we publish pictures from the trips: Facebook: unibedsinternational Twitter: @uobintl

Disclaimer We have tried our best to give out accurate information regarding dates and costs for these trips. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, these may have to be altered.

University of Bedfordshire will endeavour to administer all of these events but due to any unforeseen circumstances should these events not take place University of Bedfordshire will not be held responsible.

Dates for your diary 2013 7 September 2013 Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year 23 September 2013 Saudi Arabia Independence Day 1 October 2013 Nigerian Independence Day 15 October 2013 Eid-ul-Adha (depends on the Moon) 3 November 2013 Diwali 17 November 2013 Birthday of Guru Nanak 28 November 2013 Hanukkah Begins 24 December 2013 Christmas Eve 25 December 2013 Christmas Day 26 December 2013 Boxing Day 31 December 2013 New Year’s Eve

Dates for your diary 2014 1 January 2014 New Year’s Day 31 January 2014 Chinese New Year 25 & 26 February 2014 Kuwait Independence Day 26 March 2014 Bangladesh Independence Day 18 April 2014 Good Friday 19 April 2014 Easter Saturday 20 April 2014 Easter Sunday 28 July 2014 Eid-ul-Fitr (depends on the Moon) 14 August 2014 Pakistan Independence Day 15 August 2014 India Independence Day

For more information about the events in this booklet please contact: Shahzad Bhatti International Events Co-oridnator +44 (0)1582 743711 io-events@beds.ac.uk Stay connected unibedsinternational @uobintl