I've been reading on this forum for over a year, but this is the first time I am actually starting a thread. I think it is time to set the record straight on London Metropolitan University from someone that studies there! Frankly, some of the rubbish that gets spouted on this forum is absolutely ridiculous. I have just finished my first year studying Aviation Management at Moorgate.
Teaching
Pretty good. Teachers have bags full of relevant experience and enthusiasm. Overall though, I have had better in college. The exception is one visiting lecturer who has been fantastic. Absolutely top drawer. Superbly organised, simple presentations with working diagrams. He also takes it personally when the class as a whole for one part of the module has done poorly on something.
Facilities
Not the best, but adequate. The city campus is located right in the middle of the financial district. At the Tower Building there is a working aircraft simulator (Beechcraft King Air B200), although whether or not that will still be there in October remains to be seen with the universities' financial problems. Some of the buildings seem quiet tired on the inside; this is unlikely to improve due to finance.
Although there has been some investment in new equipemtn, some of the computers are painfully slow. This could be the norm in most unis though?
The library is well stocked with decent amounts of useful text. Bloomberg is also available for banking/finance students.
Student Experience
Non-existant from what I've seen. Don't get involved in it to be honest.
Accomodation
Not applicable for me. Commute every day. Mostly a commuter university with most students coming from suburbs and surrounding towns.
Perception
Whilst the protracted dispute with the previous management was going on, there was real fear from the students and staff that they would be blacklisted because of London Met. My course is probably the highest in the university; no other course had higher UCAS requirements. With only a few exceptions, the students in my class are not just going there to stay out of work and to improve government employment figures, they have a real passion and a desire to do well.
The new regime that have taken over seem pretty good, although there still is a long, long way to go. I went to an open day at the new VCs previous university. He seems exactly what this university needs, someone that cares for the student! The first of his changes has been to include the uni in newspaper league tables from next year.
Would I recommend it?
To people considering this university: don't listen to the morons and WUMs on this messageboard that have never set foot in the university. Yes, the uni caters for a particular niche of taking on students from disadvantaged backgrounds, but give it a chance!
At times I felt why did I pick this university?! How do I transfer!? However as the months wore on, it definitely got better. My department has been excellent anyway. Obviously I cannot say for the other departments.