University of Suffolk

The downside

Communication (particularly in the events field). Firstly, we were not told when our exams were by our lecturers because even they did not know, luckily, out "head of school" was on our course and was able to find out for us but it caused un-necessary stress and resulted in one of the students having an operation on that day because they had know prior warning. Secondly, when trying to host an event either in the Waterfront building or student bar (which we are encouraged to do) this is a huge communicational break down between staff. I had booked the WFB foyer as a venue 3/4 months in advance and 1 week before my event was due to happen I received an email saying it had been double booked as it hadn't been entered in on the system. Another group attempted to book Kai and once it was confirmed, they were then told there was no record of them booking it and someone else now had. The communication between different sections of the uni seems to be very poor however the communication between staff and students on personal matters is excellent as is the communication from lecturers!

2012, 1st year, Event Management

Facilities

UCS is on the waterfront so in summer, it is nice to sit on the benches and look out over the mariner with friends and catch up however in winter, there is the 1st floor in the WFB which has "sofas" on it where you can chill out with friends also. The library is fantastic as it is split into sections for studying - there is a "quiet zone" and "Study room" for students needing to concentrate, 2 rows of computers where you can talk and do group work, "pods" which have one computer in and are also brilliant for group work, desks for doing the hard task of reading and writing, laptops to take to said desks, and bean bags where you can eat and chat to just unwind a bit before next lecture perhaps. All in all, there is know common room as such but personally, I don't feel one is needed as there are areas to sit in both buildings to chat with friends. The SU shop has everything you need from stationary, to food, to toilet rolls etc and is well stocked and run by friendly staff. Theta the SU cafe has everything you need with a price list for students and a price list for non students. Kai, the SU bar has great deals on drinks and can host some awesome nights (Flirt is a MUST in fresher's week) and the comedy nights can be good also. A little word of warning on the food - it's cheap so don't get your hopes up to high. It's not bad but it's not great, perfect for that cheap meal when you cba to cook for yourself though. I don't personally play sports myself however I know there is a gym called GOALS and astroturf which is new so I'd guess the facilities for that would be really good.

2012, 1st year, Event Management

Everyday expenses

I found it easy to manage my costs by working out how much I could afford to spend per week and trying not to exceed it. In the way of nightsout, we found it was so much cheaper to "pre-drink" so you didn't need to spend any money out - maybe 3 to get into clubs but some are free like Rev's. As for food, it is cheaper to cook with someone else or atleast share the cost of shopping as otherwise you can end up wasting a lot of food and money. The restaurants along the waterfront are good quality but quite pricey (bella napoli - next door to student accommodation). Tesco express is good for the occasional item but far to expensive to do your whole shop - my suggestion? Make friends with someone who has a car and will take you to ASDA etc. Transport is not needed, town is a 10min walk from the uni so you don't need transport at all expect perhaps after those nights where your feet are killing you and in that case I would recommend the taxi company 289 289 - they are the friendliest cab drivers and the cheapest.Part time work is something I have struggled with as many students all apply for jobs its just about being at the right place at the right time. For my course (events) there was an optional additional cost to certain trips like Spain for 4 days, the World Travel Market and other conferences etc. These are not compulsory but are something I would recommend.

2012, 1st year, Event Management

Sport

The Student's Union has started this year a new initiative called "Most Active Students" which allows students access to a huge number of various sports. They are 1 quid per session or 40 quid for a whole year with access to all of them included in this price (except golf, which you need to sort your own transport for). You get to try things like yoga, zumba, pilates, badminton, footbal, basketball, running, cycling, sailing, golf, ping pong, boxing & wall climbing and loads more. They also have professional level teams in footbal, netball, tennis and basketball which you are welcome to try out for of course!

2014, 2nd year, Conservation Ecology

The upside

The Campus itself is modern and easy to navigate round. Facilities on Campus are good and lectures are always undertaken, none are cancelled.

2012, 3rd year, Social Work

The upside

Lecturers are knowledgeable and support students well. The learning support centre has been updated to make it a modern learning environment.

2012, 3rd year, Education Not Elsewhere Classified