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TSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > University Campus Suffolk

Facilities

Libraries

The Ipswich Campus library and the libraries at the centres in Bury St Edmunds, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Otley provide a wide range of learning resources to meet the needs of their students. The main Ipswich Campus offers a good selection of books and open study places, as well as a quiet study area and seperate computer room and another smaller room that can he hired for presentations and meetings. The library also has an online website, where you can reserve books and search online to see if the book you need is in stock, if not you can request a copy specially.

The libraries hold large collections of books, journals, and audio visual resources, chosen to support the teaching and study of the courses on offer at each location. The libraries also have a significant number of online e-books, databases and other electronic subscriptions, such as full-text journal articles, which provide students with 24-hour access through any web enabled computer.

In all centres there are teams of professional library staff who will help students with their research and with access to resources. Trained staff are also available to offer assistance to students on how to access and utilise e-books and other sources.

The student union shop also features a selection of second hand books that can be bought.

Ipswich town also has a large community library, which stocks a very wide selection of books and resources and books can be ordered from neighbouring libraries also.

IT and computing

Both the main Ipswich Campus and all of the centres provide up-to-date technology to ensure studying is as easy as possible for all students. Common facilities include Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Access), 1GB access to the internet, a personal email address, secure network storage, print and scan facilities, and a collection of multimedia CDs.

The Waterfront Building in Ipswich houses a state-of-the-art Learning Resource Centre which offers students access to over 50 dual platform computers with integrated webcams running both Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac software. These state of the art facilities allow students to use software most appropriate to their studies. There are also around 70 top spec PCs throughout the building which can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Future developments

The second academic building to be located in Ipswich, 300 metres from the current Waterfront Building, is due to be completed by Autumn 2010. The University Quay site will provide state-of-the-art accommodation for Health and Science students, as well as an innovative ‘iLab’, general teaching and study space and UCS Students’ Union facilities. Further modules are planned over the next 5 years, with an extensive library and further student facilities to be included.

A 600 room student halls of residence is also due for completion in Autumn 2010 and is situated opposite the University Quay site.

Students union

UCS Students' Union provides representation, support, services and activities for its members, the students of University Campus Suffolk.

A number of sports clubs are available, including men and women's rugby, football and basketball. The union also have a number of society's available for students to join, including history, media and anime. If you wish to partake in a specific sport or join a society that isn't featured on the list of clubs and societies, you can create your own, in liaison with the students union.

The student bar has many different events on throughout the month; these can be found on their website - http://www.ucsunion.com/ in advance.

The Ipswich campus also has its own student Gym which costs just £20 to join.

Welfare

UCS is very concerned about their student's welfare and features a confidential, drop in counselling service, child-care services on and off campus, Careers and employment advice, Finance advice, Study support and the students union are also on hand to help with any problems you may face, in their office.

Healthcare

There is a dedicated team on site who you can ask for advice about how to register with a local GP / any other services you may need.

Shops

UCS features an on campus student union shop that stocks all kinds of materials for all different courses, and many other things you may need. They also sell food and other essentials and the prices are all very reasonable.

Ipswich itself offers all the usual high street shops, much like many other towns in the UK. There are also quite a few little boutique style shops where you can find lots of interesting little things.

Restaurants

The university itself has many restaurants and cafés on campus, there is a coffee shop, large cafeteria and a few other restaurants run by the students studying cooking.

There are many restaurants in the Ipswich town and you will be able to find something to suit your tastes easily. There are restaurants to suit every budget and they all serve delicious food. There's a whole row of restaurants in Cardinal park, near to the cinema and Liquid nightclub, with many other restaurants scattered throughout the town, with many pubs offering food as well.

Banks

There are many different banks around the town of Ipswich, with all main banks being easy to find and dotted around the high street.

Transport

There are regular buses running from the bus station, near the Buttermarket. These buses will take you all around the surrounding area, and it is only a short 5 minute walk from the university campus. There is also another bus station outside Tower ramparts shopping precinct, which is also a short walk from the campus.

The train station is a 15 minute walk from the university campus, and has frequent trains to and from London and Norwich - both cities are excellent spots for nightlife and shopping. Train tickets are often much cheaper when booked in advance with a young persons railcard.

Careers service

University Campus Suffolk is always on hand to offer Careers advice and help you get the best from your education and see all your options and possibilities. The staff are very helpful and always do their best to make sure you know where you can go from here.

Part-time jobs

Part-time jobs are always advertised about the campus by local businesses, the university will also help you find part-time employment should you ask them for advice. There is also a wide selection of bar work around Ipswich that is advertised on local listing pages.

Religious facilities

On campus there is a multi-faith chaplaincy that welcomes students from all religious backgrounds.

Social

Nightlife

The Ipswich Campus has its own student bar, which often puts on events for students, such as live bands, drinking competitions, pool tournaments and comedy nights. The prices are cheap and it's a lovely place to go have a few drinks with your coursemates.

Ipswich itself has numerous pubs and bars to suit the tastes of everyone, whether you're looking for live music and chilled out atmosphere or a lively bar to kick start your night. Some of the most popular include:

The Swan- A diverse pub with a friendly atmosphere, The Swan is a must for any music lover. Hosting a mixture of live music and DJ sets to the ever popular Uprock events, The Swan is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink with friends.

Cock and Pye- A great pub that offers reasonably priced drinks and food throughout the day in the centre of town. With DJ sets and live sports, the Cock and Pye is a popular and lively venue.

Issacs- Probably the best loved bar in Ipswich, Issacs is a stylish bar located on the beautiful Waterfront with views that add a relaxing ambience. With large outdoor areas and numerous bars and seating areas, Issacs is considered one of the best bars in Ipswich.

Zing- If you are after creative cocktails and experimental beverages then Zing is the place to be. A very modern and chic bar where you will be sure to have a great night out.

Liquid- Ipswich's biggest nightclub now holds the official student nights on Mondays, with themed nights and drink promotions. A huge venue with a mixture of nights to suit everybody's needs, from electro to R&B.

Events and clubs

Ipswich itself has a vibrant list of events. The main one would be the annual music in the park, which is completely free and happens in Christchurch park during the summer. This day of music features all kinds of local bands and caters to every taste of music. It's normally a brilliant day to relax with a few beers in the sun.

DanceEast has recently opened a multi-million pound dance studio which holds classes for everyone in Suffolk to enjoy. Classes range from Hip Hop to Jazz and anybody can get involved, whether your a novice or an advanced dancer.

Suffolk in general has a wide range of events and clubs which explore art and culture.

Accommodation

Halls of residence

A brand new 600 room halls of residence is due for completion in autumn 2010. The accommodation offers contemporary living for students and features 24 hour security, a washing room and a games room for all residents to use. The accomodation will also feature retail units and a UCS managed car park, giving students all they require within walking distance.

Accredited accommodation

The university has an accommodation office that will help you to find budget friendly accommodation near to the Ipswich Campus or any of the centres where courses are based. Each building to be used for accommodation is checked by the university, to make sure it is safe, clean and comfortable for living in.

Accommodation policy

The cheapest option is to live with other people and the university will do their best to make sure you're matched with people who you are likely to get along with. If you don't want to house share, then you can specify you want to live alone and the university will find you suitable accommodation.

Environment

Local area

Around Suffolk there are many beautiful villages and a lot of stunning, untouched countryside that can be visited via bus. The historic town of Lavenham is exceptionally beautiful and well worth a visit, to see all the old buildings and architecture and do some shopping in the little boutique shops.

There are many different country pubs around Suffolk that all offer a good variety of real ales and a lovely countryside atmosphere, where you can go to relax.

Suffolk is a beautiful rural county and deserves to be known as such.

Teaching quality

The teaching quality at UCS is high, as it is in partnership with The University of Essex and The University of East Anglia (UEA). As UCS is a new university, they're striving to make a name for themselves, and therefore are working hard to make sure their students get a high level of teaching in order to get a good degree. The deadlines for work are final, although you can appeal for an extension, but UCS is just like any other university in that respect, slackers won't be tolerated.

Applying to University Campus Suffolk

Thinking of applying to University Campus Suffolk? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here?

Links

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• University Campus Suffolk Homepage
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