University of Plymouth

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Introduction

The University of Plymouth is the largest university in the southwest of England, with over 30,000 students and is the fifth largest UK university based on student population. (Larger universities are Open, London, Manchester, and Manchester Metropolitan respectively). It has almost 3,000 staff (one of the largest employers in the southwest), and an annual income of around £160 million.

It was formed out of the former Polytechnic South West in 1992. In addition to the main Plymouth Campus there are smaller partner colleges all over the South-West of England and also on the Channel Islands. The Peninsula Medical School is also jointly run by Plymouth and Exeter Universities.

Plymouth is a modern university that has undergone a great deal of development, including several new buildings. On the basis of the results of the 2008 RAE Plymouth has leapt 15 places to join the top 50 universities, showing the greatest improvement in the UK in research performance since the last RAE, in 2001. The university jumped 33 places in The Guardian's national university league tables published in May 2006, from 73rd place in 2005 to 40th place in 2006. It is settled at 35th place in the 2007 publication; The Times table, which unlike The Guardian takes research performance into account, places it 55th and bills it as one of the top two modern universities in the UK.

The Guardian describes the University as "forward thinking", as well as placing Plymouth in the "top 20" for ten subjects including social work (5th), architecture, fine art and drama. In conjunction with the current restructuring, the university's aim is to become the enterprise university. Pivotal in a city acknowledged as the enterprise capital of the south west.

Professor Roland Levinsky was the University's vice-chancellor (VC) up until his death on 1 January 2007, when he walked into live electrical cables brought down during a storm. He was temporarily replaced by Professor Mark Cleary (now VC of the University of Bradford), and then by Professor Steve Newstead. Professor Wendy Purcell became VC on 1 December 2007.

History and Building Relocation

The university was originally a Polytechnic College, with its constituent bodies being Plymouth Polytechnic, Rolle College, and Seale-Hayne College. It was renamed Polytechnic South West in 1989 and remained as this until gaining university status in 1992 along with the other polytechnics. The new university absorbed the Plymouth School of Maritime Studies and Tavistock College.

Under then Vice-Chancellor Roland Levinsky, the university began a policy of centralising its campus activities in Plymouth. The Faculty of Arts based in Exeter moved to the new Roland Levinsky arts building in August 2007, bringing subjects including Fine Art, History of Art, Photography and 3-D Design to Plymouth. Theatre & Performance, based in Exmouth also moved at this time.

The Exmouth campus - Rolle College - housed the Faculty of Education and relocated to the new Rolle Building in August 2008. The decision was unpopular with students and the town of Exmouth itself, there were several protest marches and a campaign to keep the campus open.

An exception to the trend of centralising activities are the University's extensive activities in education for the health professions. In addition many of its students are taught at Further Education Colleges throughout Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, such as Dartington College of Arts. A new building which opened in 2008 is shared between the Peninsula Medical School and the Faculty of Health and Social Work, highlighting some movement towards Plymouth.

Recently completed developments include Portland Square, a library extension, refurbished and new laboratory and teaching facilities in many of the campus buildings, halls of residence near the Business School and a new £16 million Peninsula Medical School headquarters at Derriford, in the north of the city.

Jointly with the University of Exeter and the National Health Service in the region, the University runs the recently founded Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. A new £13 million building on the University of Plymouth's main campus provides teaching rooms, office space, a clinical skills laboratory and research facilities for the Plymouth-based activities of the School, along with the Faculty of Health and Social work.

In 2006 part of the remains of the World War II Portland Square air-raid shelter were rediscovered on the Plymouth campus. On the night of 22 April 1941, during the the Blitz, a bomb fell here killing over 70 civilians, including a mother and her six children. The bomb blast was so violent that human remains were found in the tops of trees. In 2006, an appeal was made to raise money for a public sculpture to honour those who lost their lives.

The University was selected by the Royal Statistical Society in October 2008 to home its Centre for Statistical Education

Faculties and courses

The University of Plymouth has a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes which are currently taught at its main city campus in Plymouth. The University scores well in law, psychology, geographical sciences, computing (including digital media) and computer science, fine art and art history. The Planetary Collegium, the international centre for research in art, technology and consciousness is based at Plymouth, with nodes in Milan and Zurich.

Faculty of Arts

This faculty is host to the School of Architecture & Design, School of Art & Media and the School of Humanities. Arts subjects are usually held in the Roland Levinsky building. The faculty offers degrees in Architecture, English, History, Art History, 3D Design, Photography, Media Arts and Dance Theatre.

Faculty of Education

Home to the School of Early Years and Primary Education Studies, the School of Partnership, Enterprise and Professional Studies and the School of Secondary and Further Education Studies. As well as PGCE programmes, the school can offer degrees in Early Childhood Studies and Education Studies.

Faculty of Health and Social Work

This faculty is home to the School of Applied Psychosocial Studies, the School of Health Professions and the School of Nursing and Community Studies. The school offers courses in Adult Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Dietetics, Paramedicine and Health and Social Care Studies.

Faculty of Science

Home to the School of Biological Sciences, the School of Geography, the School of Earth, Ocean & Environmental Sciences and the School of Psychology. The faculty offers courses in Animal Science, Applied Biosciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Biology, Human Biosciences, Human Biology with Psychology, Marine Biology and Wildlife Conservation.

The University of Plymouth is particularly renowned for its courses in maritime business, marine engineering, marine biology and Earth, ocean & environmental sciences. The University is also globally renowned for its courses in international shipping and logistics.

The University provides professional diving qualifications on a numbers of its courses, the only university in the country provide this. This is provided by the University's own diving centre based next to Queen Anne's Battery Marina, with its full time team of instructors and dedicated boats and equipment.

In October 2005, The Sun newspaper voted the University of Plymouth as having the most bizarre degree course in the country, the BSc (Hons) in Surf Science & Technology. Commonly known as "surfing", this course is actually centred on coastal/ocean sciences, surfing equipment/clothing design and surfing-related business, which has its popularity increased by the geographical location of the University.

Faculty of Social Science and Business

The faculty is home to the Plymouth Business School and the School of Law and Social Science. Courses on offer include in the areas of: Accounting Banking and Finance, Business, Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, Economics, English as a Foreign Language, Hospitality, International Relations, Law, Management and Leadership, Marketing, Modern Languages, Politics, Public Services, Shipping and Logistics, Social Research, Sociology, Sports Management, Tourism.

Plymouth University also has strong links with the cruising industry; the Plymouth Business School, located within the grounds of the campus, offers courses in the Maritime and Cruising sector. The school offers BSc (Hons) in Cruise Management, where students can opt to take a year out to work with P&O Cruises or Princess Cruises for a period of two, four month periods.

Faculty of Technology

Home to the School of Computing, Communications & Electronics, the School of Engineering and the School of Mathematics & Statistics. Courses include: Composite materials, Electronics, Robotics, Civil, Coastal & Structural Engineering, Building & Construction Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics.

The University offers a course in "Digital Art and Technology" - a new media and computer science hybrid course, as well as postgraduate music study in an interdisciplinary group of musicians, scientists and technologists (the "ICCMR"). Another possibly unique course is the BA in Business & Perfumery, and there is also an MSc in E-Commerce on offer.

Peninsula Medical School

Main Article: Peninsula Medical School

The Peninsula Medical School was established in 2000, and operates as a partnership between Plymouth and the University of Exeter.

Colleges

The University of Plymouth Colleges (UPC) network is a partnership between the University of Plymouth and local colleges that brings degrees to local doorsteps. There are hundreds of higher education courses available. UPC also provides many opportunities for progression on to other qualifications. For example, someone who has spent two years studying for a foundation degree at their local college – and who has successfully passed their exams – can, if they wish, move on to the final year of a full honours degree at the University of Plymouth.

• Bicton College
• Bridgwater College
• City of Bristol College
• Cornwall College
• East Devon College
• Exeter College
• North Devon College
• Penwith College
• City College Plymouth
• Somerset College of Arts and Technology (SCAT)
• South Devon College
• Truro College

UPC Associates:

• Estover Community College
• Highlands College Jersey
• John Kitto Community College
• Strode College
• Weymouth College
• Moustraining Ltd
• Plymouth Devon International College (PDIC)

Facilities

Libraries

The uni has three libraries - in Plymouth, Taunton and Exeter and have over half a million books between them. You can use the library for loads of things - obviously reading and checking out books, but you'll also fine study spaces too and can book areas for group work. There are a load of computer terminals too in each library and if you have your own laptop, you can make use of the wireless connections too.

If you want to do a long study session you can get basic snacks and drinks in the little cafes at the Plymouth library.

Computing Services

The uni has about 5000 networked computers across the campuses. These are in the 'open access' areas, teaching rooms and in the libraries, so you should be able to find one to use if you need it. Each campus also has some wireless areas for you to connect to with your own laptop.

In addition to the computers you will be able to get IT help from staff members in many locations. There are also lots of printing facilities, but you are charged for everything you print.

Sports

There is a squash and fitness centre in Plymouth with loads of machines and three squash courts. The membership is currently £46 for 12 months which is not bad if you use the place regularly - though the squash courts cost extra to hire out.

The Mount Batten Watersports Centre is a partnership between the uni and the local council. The can use the facilities there or go through one of the student societies like the Dinghy Sailing and Powerboat, the Yachting, the Canoeing, the Wakeboarding and the Sub Aqua Clubs.

The uni also has pitched, basketball, netball, badminton and tennis courts and a sports hall for hire.

There are a huge number of sports clubs too - these are attached the student union.

Welfare

Healthcare

The uni has it's own medical centre in Plymouth, at Endsleigh House which all students are advised to join. If you don't join here, register at another medical centre of GP surgery so you can easily get to see a doctor when you need one. The centre has good opening times 8.30 to 5.30 5 days a week during term time.

As well as GPs the centre offers the services of a nurse. Other facilities include sexual health screening, travel information, minor operations and counseling.

Shops

The city of Plymouth has a variety of shops to choose from. Drake Circus Shopping Centre has all the high-street retail outlets including Topshop, Marks and Spencer, Burger King, River Island and Primark. There is also an outside shopping complex, with many more shops to choose from.

If it is supermarkets that you are looking for, there is a medium-sized Sainsbury's and a Tesco Metro in the city centre, but from my point of view, these are limited on the range of stock that they have. However, the bigger supermarkets are only reachable by Car, Bus or Taxi, but there is a very large Sainsbury's, Tesco's, Asda's and Morrison's.

If you are living to the North of Plymouth (Mutley area), the high street should cater to your everyday needs as there is are banks and supermarkets there, including pubs and bars.

Restaurants

• Franky and Bennys - located in the Barbican. "Has average prices, yummy food, really nice atmosphere."
• Beefeater - located in Marshmills. "Is scrummy."
• Baba Indian restaurant - located in City Centre . "Without a doubt the best food in Plymouth."
• Jakes - located in the City Centre and outside Robbins/Pilgrim (Block 6) Halls of Residence. "Is legendary - fast food heaven!"
• Big Wigs - located in the Barbican . "Is great! It has the best atmosphere ever, especially on the nights where they have the 'half quartet' in!"
• Cuisine Spontinee - located in the Barbican. "Is amazing! Pretty much anything you want, bit different and special. Ooo and you don't have to buy drinks, take your own wine. £20 on Friday and Saturday £15 weekdays. Make sure you book!"
• The Blues Bar and Grill - located in the Barbican. "Monstrous racks of ribs - had many a competition to eat them fastest/finish them off - not just big mind, but juicy and tasty."

The historic Barbican is lovely any time day or night - plenty of eateries offering extensive lunch and evening menus. You will also find a food court in the shopping centre, as well as plently of places to eat in the city centre.

The university also have a number of different refectories to eat and at reasonable prices. These can be found inside the student union, in different faculty's/buildings and in reference/computer areas.

Banks

You will find every single bank you ever need in the centre of Plymouth. Mutley also has its own fair share of them too. If your looking for cash points - there are many around the shopping centre and two HSBC machines on the campus itself - next door to the student union.

Transport

If your on the main campus in Plymouth you'll be unlikely to need much transport around the city on a daily basis as the uni isn't far from the city centre. If you live further away you might want to use a bus sometimes or get a taxi on nights out, but most will not need to do this too often.

The train station is just a little walk from the main campus, and the line in on a major intercity network so there are good connections to right up the country from the train line. On a good run, it can take just 3 hours to get from Plymouth to London by train. Train services to London call into London Paddington. You can also get services dirrect to Manchester/Birmingham/Midlands.

The Office of the Dean of Students

ODS is responsible for the development and provision of specialist services to students and staff. Below shows what they offer:

Student Funding Unit

The friendly staff in the Student Funding Unit are familiar with all of the financial issues facing mature students and can provide you with specialist financial advice. This includes:

• Where and how to apply for support with tuition fees and living costs
• Additional funding you may be entitled to if you have dependants or are have a disability.
• Discretionary support available from the Access to Learning (Hardship) Fund.
• Benefits and tax credit advice
• Existing Debts
• It is not uncommon for students to arrive at university with existing debts. It is important not to suffer in silence and seek advice. UPSU:advice is a complete advice and information service delivered by the University of Plymouth Students' Union is open to all students and prospective students of the university. They can offer advice on all aspects of student life and have a dedicated student money adviser who can provide debt counselling.

UPSU:advice can be contacted by telephone on 01752 232281 or via email at advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk .

Media workshops

As well as the collection of audio-visual materials in the libraries, Plymouth offer a wide range of facilities designed to help you present your work in the most appropriate format. They include:

• Binding
• Colour copying and printing
• Video Editing
• Equipment loan (camcorders, digital cameras etc

The staff can give you all of the support and advice that you need to make use of the facilities.

Learning skills

Students who have been out of the education system for a while may have some concerns about returning to study. The Learning Development team offers free support and advice to all students on all aspects of study-related issues. As well as offering one-to-one tutorials, an e-mail service is also on offer for specific study-related questions. This is all supported by a comprehensive study skills library and excellent study guides covering areas from note-taking and presentations to adapting to university life.

SUM: UP

..or Support for Undergraduate Mathematics at the University of Plymouth or SUM:UP welcomes students of all levels and all courses into its drop-in centre for one-to-one assistance in a relaxed environment. This assistance is offered in conjunction with a diagnostic testing facility and paper-based follow-up support to address any weaknesses that have been identified to ensure that students can work effectively in an analytical way.

Your career

An experienced and professional Careers Service staff offer information, advice and guidance to help mature students manage their future career and make effective applications for employment. Students are encouraged to recognise, develop and effectively market their skills and experience to ensure employers are aware of the benefits of employing mature graduates.

The careers service with offer you a range of help from discussing career options, finding out about job adverts, providing help to improve your key skills and in making your applications - from CV help right through to interview tips. Make sure you make the best use of this facility as it can be a great help. It's also available to you as a graduate for up to three years too!

As well as jobs and careers, the service also has loads of information on further courses, gap years and volunteering, so there is probably something to help you whatever you go on to do after graduating or while a student there.

Accommodation service

Many mature students already live in the local area. If however, your plans include relocating; a friendly team in the Accommodation Service will be able to provide you with any advice and guidance that you may need ahead of your move to the area.

Health care and well-being services

University nurses work on all sites and are able to offer advice, support and information about any health concerns you might have.

The Student Counselling Service

Whether you are returning to study after being in employment or resuming your education after taking a career break to have a family, your life as a student will require some adjustment.

A confidential counselling service is available to all students. When required, personal counsellors seek to help students focus clearly on their problems and to work towards an outcome which the individual student feels to be appropriate: be it personal difficulties, family issues or exam stress.

Disability Assist Services

The Disability Assist Service (DAS) supports students with disabilities by providing: + Support for students who are applying for the Disabled Students' Allowance and a specialist assessment serviceh + Special examination arrangements + Dyslexia and work place assessments + Initial training and support in the use of specialist technical equipment + Study skills support + Information in alternative format

This is just an outline of the ways in which they can support our mature students with disabilities. You are encouraged to contact Disability Assist Services if you are affected by a disability, whether it is visible or unseen and they will work with you to identify possible support arrangements with you.

Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy works alongside the other support services to ensure students feel comfortable, supported and a part of the university community. They provide practical help and friendship regardless of religious background or belief, or indeed lack of it!

The chaplaincy service can be used by anyone from any religion. You can use it for somewhere to chat about things, to get advice; maybe on personal problems, to find information out about various religions or get contact details for local religious groups.

The Chaplaincy has staff and helpers from a range of different Christian denominations. They have regular worshiping sessions and other events like luncheons and walks. They also host talks about other religions and hold lectures on various topics.

You can always drop into Chaplaincy House just to read the paper, or to be totally undisturbed in the quiet room, or to see a chaplain in confidence. Alternatively there are social and thoughtful events organised - anything from walks on the moor to discussion groups. Use the chaplaincy service at any level that suits you.

There are student groups for many religions. These include the Cath Soc, Christian Union, Sherwell Student Group, Chinese student group, the Hindu Society and the Islamic Society.

Childcare Freshlings Nursery

If you have young children you may need help caring for them while you are studying. The 'Freshlings' nursery is well- equipped providing children aged between 0-5 years with every opportunity for development and stimulation. Run by a team of dedicated and qualified staff, your child is guaranteed a safe and caring environment.

Part-time jobs

The uni has an online job service 'Gradsouthwest'. While it can be used to search for graduate jobs, it's also used to advertises loads of part time and temporary work and volunteering opportunities that you can do while doing your study.

Social

Bars, Pubs and clubs

Plenty of clubs, pubs and bars, a different student night every day of the week. Not too expensive, it's a nice place to be!

Student nights-
Monday: Oceana
Tuesday: Roundabout (poundabout)/Walkabout
Wednesday: C103/free haircuts at revolutions
Thursday: Revolutions/Mousetrap
Friday:SU
Other places to go: Cuba/Ride/Ride2/The Hub/The White Rabbit/Maggies/The Voodoo Lounge/Bac Bar/Fresher and Professor
Oceana-On Monday's it's literally where every student who's going out is, free entry before 10 or a free shot if you dress to the theme. It's a popular night especially early on in the year and very packed, plays Rnb, Pop, Indie and some DnB later on. On Wednesday's it's Marjon's student night so you can attend another student night then if you wish, the locals are there on Saturdays and it's definitely a lets say different atmosphere.
Walkabout-Quite a popular venue again, pretty similar to every other Walkabout in the country, plays a selection of music and quite often listen to requests which is nice.
Roundabout-A scream pub which is good for a cheap meal and invest in a yellowcard for only a pound to get cheaper drinks every time you buy one. Really good atmosphere, always a lot of people and there is a dancefloor upstairs (which took me half the year to actually find...) and of course lovely cheap pints for a pound, although not on the best beers/cider.
C103-Probably the second most popular night after Oceana, attracts a lot of people with cheap drinks, make sure to check the £1 bar outside in the smoking area for some complete bargains on drinks! Nice selection of cocktails too :) Have a very Indie orientated room which tends to take a while to fill up, the main dancefloor is quite small and always packed and hot and sweaty but there is a very good music selection with more dancey music than other clubs in the area. There is also a RnB room which sees a lot of dancing people and I believe an area with more chilled out music where you can sit but I may be making that up as I was quite drunk and have only vague memories of it :P C103 is definitely my favourite club though, only been on a student night but have had a lot of fun there.
Revolutions-Very cramped on Freshers week, very expensive constantly! Really nice place but generally not as popular due to expense, the free haircuts on weds are a genious idea as professional hairdressers come in and do a very good job actually. Other than that I have rarely been here.
Mousetrap-Definitely the cheap alternative to Revs on a Thursday. A pound a pint for decent beers and ciders (fosters, guinness, strongbow etc) and a very friendly atmosphere, probably a bit more laidback than a lot of nights as it isn't as popular but again there's good music and everyone there is up for fun.
SU-The place which will become your new home. During weekday mornings they serve cheap and yummy breakfasts. The Televisions which are ALL OVER the place show the news and the pool tables are always there to be used, as well as the foozball table in the lounge. The hive area also has the option for you to use the computers in there or you could take your laptop and make use of the superspeedy wireless internet. I'm pretty sure the bars open at 10:30, I seem to remember being looked at funny for asking for anything before then anyway!! Nights when a big football match or rugby match are on are extremely popular (if you a girl prepare to be shocked at the amount of attractive males in one room, despite them only being transfixed on the television!!) they're quite fun nights though as everyones cheering and jeering and getting steadily drunk! Another night is bar footsy which is usually on a Thursday, the most popular drinks become more expensive so it's up to you to beat the system and order some obscure drink to enjoy, or just wait for your favourite to drop in price and buy a load of them at once!! The Friday night is the most popular, prepare to see the SU completely full, it's cheese night. Even if the idea of that theme puts you off completely don't worry, it is a lot of fun, everyone's there to just have a good time despite the music that might well be very very awful! There is always the illusion room as well which plays indie/dance music that gets pretty packed later on. Other than that the lounge stays chilled out and quiet all night, but they do sometimes serve some delicious food :) and the snug as you enter is probably the easiest bar to get served at the quickest, or the one between that and sublime ;)
Cuba-very popular place to go, the SU closes at 3 on Fri and Sat and Cuba is the place to go if you're still in the dancing mood!! Open till 6am and then they start serving breakfast :D It's a pretty small place so expect to be squished up against some very sweaty people and to see some er unattractive people trying to have a go on the poles, dear me! The drinks are really good though, especially the cocktails and 5-9 every night it's 2for1 which is definitely worth it because they are LUSH!
Ride-right nextdoor to cuba with the same sort of vibe and atmosphere, stays open to quite early also.
Ride 2-Similar to ride, live music during the week (on a wednesday I think) which is really good, also have 2for1 cocktail deals but beware their cocktails do not taste good they seem to make them extremely alcoholic for some reason! Also there's a little bar off to the right when you go in that not many people use which you can get more generic beers and ciders at. Also able to request shisha to smoke in the outside area which is heated :)
The Hub/The White Rabbit&Maggies-This is where to go for live music, bands and djs, if you're into dubstep I know maggies is particularly good and there's always posters all over the city advertising music in the area.
The Voodoo Lounge-Like two steps from uni, really nice atmosphere to sit outside if it's sunny, and there's always some good music playing, sometimes live music here also.
Bac Bar-Pretty stupidly expensive for some reason, nice place though and if you go on a social get the leader to ring ahead and you can get some very good cheap deals!
Fresher and Professor-The Terminator! Order this drink, 'nuff said.

Events

Clubs and societies

Some of the socities available at Plymouth include:

sports

Accommodation

Accommodation policy

Fantastic accommodation office on campus, with friendly staff eager to help in whatever way they can. In your first year, you are welcome to take the option of living in one of the university's halls or residence, but in your second and third year, you must live in a house off-campus.

For first year students, halls of residence and cluster flats are approved by the university. About 50% of first year students can gain a room in these facilities; unsuccessful applicants have to search for alternative accommodation. A 'Find a Home Event' has been introduced in order for first year students as well as other returning students to help find accommodation.

Halls of Residence

The University Partnership Programme (UPP) supplies and manages the student halls of residence at the university. The halls are split up and placed together in a 'student village'. All halls of residence come complete connected to the University of Plymouth's computer network free of charge, students can access internet and email facilities both internal and external. Different halls of residence offer different facilities:

Cluster Flats

Cluster flat developments close to the university which are owned and managed by Unite plc. This are known as 'Central Park Towers'. CPT is good because you have the best of all the other student accommodation types, if you want to socialise just head to the common room if you want your space you have your own individual flat with kitchen, bathroom and washing machine.

Places are allocated exclusively to first year students by the University of Plymouth and rents are collected by the university as authorised agents of Unite. The university is not involved in the day to day management of these buildings.

There are a variety of rooms available, from standard rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities to en suite rooms with private bathrooms but still with shared kitchens. There are also a few self-contained studio flats with private kitchens and bathrooms. There are also a few specially adapted studio flats. Both blocks are self-catered and of mixed gender.

Approved Accommodation

The University of Plymouth provides an approved accommodation database. Approximately half of all first year students and virtually all second and third years choose their accommodation from the approved database. All properties are visited and graded by Student Accommodation staff to check standards of safety and suitability. The database lists rooms in a variety of different properties:

• student share houses ranging in size from 1 to 31 bedrooms;
• rooms in cluster flat developments;
• studio flats;
• homestay accommodation

The database includes over 1000 student share houses ranging in size from one to 31 bedrooms, over 700 rooms in cluster flat developments (like CPT), over 400 studio flats; over 90 rooms in homestay accommodation.

Facilities

Laundry facilities are provided for Halls of Residence. The machines take most types of change and costs about £2 for a wash and £1 for a dry. You need all your own washing powder and other things. If it's busy, you can always come back late at night.

Student Union

The University of Plymouth's Student Union (UPSU) is located in the Drake Circus area of Plymouth, within the University of Plymouth campus.

It is one of the largest student union's in the UK (third largest in the UK, according to some reports) hosting a wide array of events and offering services to all students.

Management

The University of Plymouth Students' Union is run by students for students. The Executive Officers or 'Sabbatical Officers' are elected in February and are the leaders of the UPSU, deciding on how UPSU runs day to day. The team consists of 5 Full Time officers that have recently graduated as students from the University, and collectively make up the Union Executive Committee (UEC). Each of them have their own remits, for example Campaigns, Media, Partner Colleges and Sports. They also provide academic and national representation for Plymouth students.

Facilities

The UPSU building caters for a range of events and night-life activities. It also provides advice services as well as shopping.

Main building

The main building of the union has many different areas. The building is designed to be 'underground' and has many different rooms and services available to students. Inside, there is a small bar with bench seating for students who wish to watch football matches. Across from the bar is a lounge area where students can either sit on tables provided or sofas; also a new fast-food bar has opened in this area for students and can offer eat in as well as take away.

Across from the small bar area is a room with a dance floor and pool tables, sometimes used for private events. The UPSU have entitled this room 'Illusion'.

Down from Illusion, the main bar can be found, known as 'Sub-Lime', this is where most of the union's events take place. In this area is a dance floor equipped with DJ booth and projectors.

Advice centre

Attached to the main building is an an advice centre, where students can go with any problems. Advice is free and the centre is open to all students.

Shops

The union has two shops on campus, one selling day-to-day goods such as milk, chocolate and general snack food items and the other (named 'shop2') sells university merchandise such as university hoodies as well as pens and academic diarys.

Partner colleges

Over 10,000 students do not study at the main Plymouth campus but at local, partner colleges. All students at these colleges are automatically members of the UPSU and representatives are available at each college. Colleges currently represented include:

• City College Plymouth
• City of Bristol College
• Cornwall College (Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School)
• North Devon College
• Somerset College of Arts and Technology
• South Devon College
• Truro College

Events

The union holds special events weekly and monthly but also hold special events throughout the year.

Weekly events

Monthly events

• Other events throughout the year include on the first Monday of every month - Drum & Bass in the newly refurbished main room of the union. This event usually included drink deals all night.

• Other events include Comedy Night, which occurs on the second Tuesday of every month and features some of the best stand-up acts from around the country.

Special Guests

• These have included Radio One DJ, Chris Moyles and his breakfast show team, staging a Karaoke competition on 10 December 2008.

• On 19 December 2008, TV presenters from CBBC and radio DJ's, JK and Joel hosted a Christmas party in the student union to celebrate the end of the academic term.

• In January 2009, the Hair Priory Student Model Search team and the judging panel attended the student union (or 'SU' as it is also known), as competition finalists showcased the latest collections from Cult Clothing. Entertainment included, a catwalk show, dancers, burlesque performances and special guest DJ Michael Fielding, who is famous for playing 'Naboo' in BBC Three's 'The Mighty Boosh'. The final saw the winners crowned – one male and one female model won and receive outfits from Cult Clothing, the chance to star in a fashion shoot in 24/7 Magazine, free hair cuts for a year at The Hair Priory, professional portfolio shots with Tom Hargreaves, and they’ll become the 'face' of The Hair Priory.

• The Wurzels performed on Valentine's Day in 2009 with the return of their music.

Summer Ball

A summer ball is held each year, in 2009, the union are aimed to turn the 'Summer Ball' into a 'summer event' with a number of stages and guest acts, which included:

• The Automatic
• Scott Mills & DJ Nihal from BBC Radio 1

As well as a traditional 'ball', other events included an outside stage as well as food stalls, a market, a midnight cinema and a 'saviours breakfast'.

Celebrity Appearances

There have been some 'star appearances' in 2009 at the SU which have included:

• Robert Kazinsky – ‘Sean Slater’ from EastEnders
• Stefan Dennis - ‘Paul Robinson’ from Neighbours
• Katherine Kelly - 'Becky Granger' from Coronation Street

Most of the guests have worked as a PA at the union from 10pm on Saturday's.

Technological Developments

In 2009, UPSU launched their own Twitter page. According to reports, UPSU are setting up thier own internet radio station.

Sports Clubs and Societies

The union plays host to many sports clubs and societies. The general consensus about sports clubs and societies is that anyone can join, provided they have an National Union of Students card with the UPSU Sport Stamp on the back.

Sports Clubs

Societies

Sports Teams

All teams are supported by the union and the university. All sports team members, just like the sports clubs and societies, need an NUS card with the official 'Sports Stamp' from the union placed on it to join the teams.

• Motorsport - UoP Motorsport club
• American Football - Plymouth Blitz
• Clay Pigeon Shooting
• Sailing - University of Plymouth Yacht Club
• UPSAC University of Plymouth Sub aqua club
• Triathlon - University of Plymouth Triathlon Club
• Ultimate
• Beach Volleyball
• Volleyball - University of Plymouth Volleyball Club
• Octopush/Underwater Hockey
• JuJitsu
• Pool - University of Plymouth Pool Society
• Fencing
• Men's Hockey Club
• Rugby union
• Windsurf and Kitesurfing Club
• Rolle Rockets - Ladies' Football
• Rolle Rhinos - Floorball
• Rolle Stars - Cheerleaders
• Rolle Rangers - Men's Football
• Rolle Rats - Men's Rugby
• Rolle Rascals - Mixed Hockey
• Rolle Rogues - Netball
• Boardriders
• Canoe and Kayaking

Environment

Always clean around the university - perhaps due to a good number of bins on campus - now all complete with colour coded recycling sections.

Applying to Plymouth

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

Other Plymouth Articles/External Links

External links

• University of Plymouth
• University of Plymouth Student Union
• UPSU Twitter Page
• Adventure and Expo - University of Plymouth Climbing, Caving and Mountaineering
• Termisoc - University of Plymouth Computing Society

Other Articles and Links

• General Wikipedia information about the University
• UoP News Page
• Times University Guide
• Our Plymouth Discussion Forum
• University of Plymouth Homepage
• A-Z of Universities

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