Harper Adams alternative prospectus

Alternative Prospect

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contents

Students’ Union welcome 4 Meet the team 6 What to bring 8 Things to do before coming to university 10 Settling in 12 First day at Harper 14 A typical week 16 Students’ Union 17 What’s on campus? 18 Accommodation 20 Here to learn! 22 Courses 25 Quiz 27

James’ story 28 Fiona’s story 29 Work experience 30 Sports 32 Clubs and societies 34 Money, dosh, cash 35 Health tips 38 Shopping 39 Food on campus 40 Recipes 41 Eating off campus 42 Pubs and drinkies 44 Music scene 46 Visit us 47

Hello from the

n o i n U ’ s Student Welcome to the Alternative Prospectus for the best university college in the UK… official! You’ve pretty much decided that Harper has the course you want to do (or you’ve skim read the “serious” prospectus and decided you want to know a bit more about what Harper has to offer, what actually goes on and can you actually get anything further out of uni than just a qualification?). Marvellous, well here goes…

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Well, I’ve graduated; yes, after four years I’ve finally done it! And now as Harper’s Students’ Union president, with a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture with Animal Science behind my name, it is now part of my job to make sure that you get on as well as I did here (and I don’t want to leave!) So here are some pearls of wisdom…

organising nights out (the legendary themed Wednesday nights in the Main Bar, eventful trips to Stafford and Shrewsbury and renowned 7pm-7am Summer Ball), days out (trips to Alton Towers, point to point races), and not forgetting fundraising (by our awesome RAG team) for both local and national charities.

I’ve always found there are two sides to studying at university – learning about your chosen course, and those times outside lectures when you start to learn about life (AKA have fun!).

The most important message I have for you is to make the most of life at uni, you only get out of Harper what you put in, so lift your head high and get involved – you have nothing to lose! If we don’t currently provide what you enjoy doing, speak to one of the Student Exec about it; as a small uni, we are flexible and always willing to try something at least once.

Well you’ve made the first one easy by considering coming to Harper, an excellent teaching facility.

However, at most you will spend 40 hours a week studying before it becomes mind numbingly boring! That leaves precisely 128 hours (75 percent of the WHOLE week) of spare time … (who said you sleep here?!!!)

Some people find this transition into uni life (and oooodles of spare time) easy, some find it more difficult – which is why the Students’ Union is here.

Run for the students, by the students, we take over the minute you finish lectures – running all the sports clubs (from rugby to ladies football, shooting to archery), societies (the Christian Union to the 4x4 club),

Work hard, play hard and remember, growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional and fancy dress is compulsory!

SUE x

Mo’men Sinokrot has just arrived at Harper from his home in Jerusalem, Palestine. The 17-year-old is taking Harper’s University Access course and wants to go on to take an engineering degree.

“Harper is a good choice for learning and it is the starting point for a new life with new friends.”

Sue Lovatt, from Staffordshire, is in her final year studying BSc (Hons) Agri-food with Marketing and Business Studies.

“Get involved in as much as you can at Harper, the more you put in, the more you will get out! Four years at university seems a long time but I can honestly say it flies by and I would do it all over again.

I have loved every minute of it and have made some friends for life!”

Meet the

Hannah Marshall, 23, from Doncaster, has just graduated with a BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management, and is wondering where the last four years went to. “If you ever have the chance of being a Harper student and joining the Harper family, you should grab it with both hands! It is difficult to understand the Harper Spirit until you feel it, but once you do, it will never leave you and you will be grateful for having that chance!”

team

Who better to tell you all about Harper than students? From first day nerves to study tips, we’ve got great advice from our own experience to give you the inside track on the best rural university college ever!

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Marcus Elsmore, 21, comes from just over the border, in Staffordshire. He started off doing Harper’s Access course. He’s now in his final year of his degree course, BSc (Hons) Rural Leisure Management, and doesn’t want to leave!

“Get stuck into everything you can at Harper, because the more you put into your life as a student, the more you get out of it.”

Abby Blackburn is in her third year at Harper so she’s enjoying her placement year right now.

The 20-year-old from County Durham is studying BSc (Hons) Rural Leisure Management.

“You will never experience anything like Harper Adams; become a student here, and you become Harper! I love being here and wouldn’t change it for the world. You need to come and see it for yourself to believe what you’ve heard!”

Fiona Johnson, 46, from Shropshire, is doing a foundation degree in Animal Welfare and Management and plans to top-up to a full degree.

“I just love being at Harper! For any prospective mature student it has everything you need to achieve success in which ever course you choose. The bonus is a friendly college in a beautiful part of the country!”

Anna Bletcher, 18, has just started at Harper, but like most freshers she’s settled in really quickly. Originally from North Wales, she’s here studying BSc (Hons) Agri-Food Marketing with Business.

“I was unsure about coming to university, and of course you have to take time to settle in but it’s well worth it, to gain experience and meet new people.

Harper staff and students are really helpful so you never feel alone. And bring old clothes for the freshers’ challenge… you won’t want them back, believe me!!”

James Croxford, 20, lives in Shropshire, just a few miles from the campus and is enjoying studying BEng Off Road Vehicle Design.

“I tried a really big university but found it wasn’t right for me. At Harper I have found the right course in the right place.”

What to bring Unless you bring everything you own, it is difficult to remember everything or to know in advance what you need. Obviously if you are staying in self-catering, you’ll need a few extra things than if you’re in catered halls. But generally a few things to consider are –

■ Pillow/s and duvet ■ Clothes (inc coat/waterproofs) ■ Coat hangers ■ Wellies and good footwear ■ Alarm clock ■ Kettle and toaster ■ Toiletries

■ Laundry bag ■ Towels ■ Lamp ■ DJ/Ball gown ■ Stationery ■ Camera ■ Laptop/ PC ■ Doorstop

■ Glasses, plates, etc ■ TV (and a licence!)

■ Music ■ Extension lead ■ Insurance ■ Posters and photos ■ Sports kit ■ Fancy dress

Think we’ve missed something off the list? Then check out www.realuni.com for a bigger one!

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What I brought with me…

A lot in TWO cars! Clothes for all occasions, kettle, cups, plates, TV, laptop, radio, lamp, glasses, teddy, sports equipment, fridge, pens, paper, folders, iron: all the essentials. Abby I brought a TV but I haven’t even used it so it will probably be going home when I next go!

I brought the basics like clothes and few snacks for the weekend, loads of photographs and not forgetting my Welsh flag hung on my wall to make me feel right at home! Anna I brought clothes (obviously), my laptop, bedding, toiletries, a rugby ball, all those boring things like pens and stationery, and of course my teddy (can’t leave home with out him!) Marcus I brought lots of memories of home with me to Harper – photos, mementos and good luck cards and gifts. I also brought most of my clothes, a TV, a stereo, all my music, a kettle and a toaster. Hannah

I bought clothes, books (dictionary), laptop, mobile phone, and camera. You need to buy some things from here and if you are from overseas the uni gives you some of the things you need like bedding and towels. Mo’men Don’t bother bringing a TV, it’s not worth the hassle of getting a TV licence and you don’t have time to watch it anyway. There is always so much going on in the evenings on campus e.g. comedy night on a Tuesday, Harper Forum on a Thursday, quizzes in the lounge bar on a Sunday. Photos and posters are great for making your room more homely. You can guarantee there is something for everyone and you will never be bored. Sue

Set up a student bank account. Important because:

Budget. Important because:

• Interest free overdraft available if needs be • You’ll usually get a freebie • Debit card, cheque book, online banking and telephone banking all available • You must have one to get your student loan paid to you!

• You know how much you can spend each week/term • You know what you can and can’t spend money on • You know when you need to earn some cash!

Room Insurance. Important because:

Pre-plan what you will have to pay to uni in advance/start of term:

• If you lose your laptop you’ll pay unless you’re covered • Repeat above for: mobile, bike and other expensive portable equipment • It covers your room. Your possessions are otherwise not insured. So if your room (worst case scenario) was gutted by fire, you would lose everything unless you had insurance. College has insurance to cover the building only, not your stuff • It is dirt cheap: £20 – 40 for the YEAR

• Your term time rent, includes campus fees, room, food, water, electricity, washing, etc.

• Your Students’ Union Social Surcharge, which goes towards clubs, societies, bands, sport, and also gives you a representative voice to the uni. No SU = No social life • Key deposit • Room deposit • Other hidden costs which are guaranteed to pop up.

They always do • Weekend food?! Budget for that

coming to university

Things to do before

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What I did before starting uni‌ Filling out student loan forms, bank accounts, naming bed sheets and clothes, buying stationery and early packing! Abby Basically sorting out the finance side of things, and then just all the things for my room, bed sheets, kettle etc. Anna Got a student bank account (so I could have my loan money), just bought random stuff, and the usual back to school rubbish. Got personal possession insurance for all my stuff I was going to have at uni with me, and filled in all the forms for registering and for switching my medical records to the doctors in Newport. Marcus I already had a bank account as I had a year out working in practice before I came to Harper. I had to fill in loads of forms for my student loan and also for a scholarship from Harper. I bought lots of new clothes, new bedding and some stationery. Hannah Make sure that you have been accepted and have booked your accommodation and know what you have in it so you will know if you need to bring anything else.

Also make sure that you have got a valid visa if you are from overseas. Mo’men I had to make myself a laundry bag; having two is ideal.

Make sure you’ve got a kettle and plenty of tea bags especially for the weekends. Sue

’ ! h a rg a a a a ‘aaaaaa a Deep breath, hold your nose, we’re going in!

Arriving at university can be a daunting experience. For many it will be the first time they’ve left home, so at first you may feel the added stress of being away from everything that’s familiar and having no family or good friends around to help you through.

The most important thing to remember is that EVERYONE IS IN THE SAME BOAT. You may feel a little nervous or shy, but so will your neighbour, so say hello! It may seem that everyone else is bursting with confidence and have no worries in the world – they’re just good actors! But these worries soon pass – usually within an hour after you arrive! Remember, uni is all about having fun and making lifelong friends. This isn’t going to happen if you lock yourself away in your room!

Finally, live and love your uni experience. Soon it will be gone and you’ll be 99 in a care home and wishing you were back at uni!!

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Tips on settling in Wedge your door open and walk around the corridor and talk to everyone. Abby

Before I came to Harper, I signed up on Facebook on the Internet and joined Harper’s freshers group…it was such a brilliant idea as you get to have discussions with people you will be sharing the same halls or courses with! Some of my really good friends I met on Facebook before I arrived. Also relevant information was posted on there which keep me up to date. Anna I would definitely invest in a door stop! It’s the best way to make new friends and get to know your neighbours. When your door is shut, you miss out on the gossip of your floor and never seen anyone! Sue

Really basic things like putting your name on your door, or leaving you door open when you’re in, so people can pop their head round and say hi, and just generally get involved with as much as you can! Marcus The best way to settle in is to meet your neighbours in halls and they will probably be on a different course to you so that way you can make friends from both your own course and others; ever increasing your circle of friends. I met my best friend as we were moving into halls (she was my neighbour).

She was carrying a giant cardboard cut-out of Yoda and I thought “What am I letting myself in for?” I laughed at her which broke the ice and then asked if I could go to lunch with her as we didn’t know anyone.

We have been best friends ever since! Hannah

What happens on the

first day at Harper?

o

In no exact order: 1. Get in car with all belongings. Drive to Harper. Arrive.

2. Follow directions to registration (nice kind people pointing in the right direction) 3. Register (cheque book ready) for your course, head for the Students’ Union, and student services, where you have a photo taken and a card printed. DO NOT LOSE!!

Our first days…

Such a long time ago, but I can still remember it. I was on such a high and met loads of new people. A girl on my course lived down the corridor so we decided to explore and introduce ourselves to others. Abby

My first day was getting to know my course and course tutors. I found this really helpful. We did some team building tasks, which helped us get to know one another.

A really good idea! Anna Very daunting, I didn’t really know what to expect or where to go, but again the wardens, freshers crew, staff and everybody made life a lot easier as they were so helpful and supportive Marcus

My first day (academically) was very exciting and I didn’t know what to expect. I do have a funny story from the first lecture that we vet nurses had – we were all sat quietly in the lecture room as we were all very nervous. Our lecturer, Erica Martin, was explaining what we would be doing on the course and what to

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4. Get taken to the doctors. Register. Simple.

5. Option to see insurance company and a few banks if you haven’t sorted these already. Take your ID – it’s necessary to open a bank account.

6. You’re taken to your room by a kind current student.

7. Welcome to your room. Now, you can start moving in!

8. Amongst all of this you would have been told 1,000 things to remember.

You’ve now forgotten 999 of them but it’s OK because everyone else has too!

9. You will have a welcome meeting after dinner (which is at 5pm btw) at around 6 to 6.30pm with your Hall Wardens.

10. Cheese & Wine at 8pm. Start meeting people. Disco in the main bar till late!

So, there you go – ten simple steps to a successful arrival here at Harper.

one expect from it. During her speech a pigeon decided to fly straight into the window making a huge bang! Everyone looked towards the window as the pigeon, with wings spread, slid down the window and onto the floor (like a cartoon sketch!) Then everyone started looking at each other as if to ask what we should do – as we were a room full of student

vet nurses! The answer was to break the ice as everyone burst into laughter as nobody made any effort to see if the pigeon was ok! (We did ensure that the pigeon was not hurt afterwards and it did fly off!) Hannah Tiring, but inspiring. Everyone I met was very friendly, encouraging and helpful. Fiona

My first day flew by and so did the whole first year in fact. You spend your first day getting lost but don’t worry you soon get to know your way around. All the lecturers are really friendly and all your first lectures are for getting to know each other and what the exciting year ahead involves. Sue

A typical week Monday Film night – in the lounge bar involving a big screen,

The rest of Freshers’ Week Quite possibly the best time of your life! Basically the whole ‘week’ (actually ten days) is completely jam packed with stuff and you will not have a spare minute to miss anyone. Throughout Freshers' Week all the Halls will be competing to win the Harris Shield. The icing on the cake is the Freshers’ Ball, which is on the last Friday, and is an awesome night of live bands, DJs, drinking, dancing, partying, etc, etc. We warn you now that you will quite simply have the time of your life so take advantage and enjoy!

good beer, bring your own popcorn, and have a chilled out night with a hearty laugh.

Tuesday Comedy or acoustic night – the best from the comedy network and from up and coming acoustic artists.

Wednesday Sports are played mostly on a Wednesday afternoon, followed by the biggest night of the week. With a different fancy dress every week, it’s a GREAT night.

(And then check out the SU website to see if your photo is online – you may have won a prize!)

Thursday Lounge bar socials – a quieter, relaxed evening after the previous night's antics...

Friday Varies from week to week, but generally it’s a night on Newport’s tiles or an in-hall party (they are wild!)

Saturday Was normally a day of rest, but every other Saturday is now a big one, with different bands and DJs. We’ve had visits from the likes of Sara Cox, Edith Bowman and Scott Mills. On the rest weekends it might be appropriate to remember those assignments...

Sunday Your day to do whatever. Whether it’s shopping, relaxing, work or coming back after going home for the weekend, the RAG Quiz is waiting for you at 8pm. Basically, it’s the week’s gossip, rolled into an entertaining quiz raising money for charity.

Want to know more? Check out www.haucsu.co.uk for the official Students’ Union website!

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Students’ Union (SU) The SU is a group of students who are elected by other students to work on their behalf and represent them within the university and beyond. From the bar to the shop, from sports to charity; all entertainments and the social calendar are run by the SU so we will be very much involved in your life at Harper.

The SU President, who is a Harper graduate working in a paid, fulltime position for one year, lives on campus, and heads the team.

This year’s team started in February, and ends next February, when you will have a chance to run for the various positions, such as Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sports Secretary, Publicity and Communications Officer, Website Officer, Bar Manager, Technical Manager, Shop Manager, Academic Rep, RAG Chairman, RAG Treasurer and RAG Secretary.

Club Dinners: Often incorporated into the new Club Executive changeover, the formal dinner will be your club’s night out.

Just some of the events the SU organizes are: Christmas Ball: Bigger than the Freshers Ball, and organized by the Fourth Years.

SU AGMs: A general meeting – raise your opinions with the SU. Beer Festival: Erm, beer and more beers for your tasting.

Sports events, including a big interuniversity festival of sports.

Bonfire night: Always a good effort and a praised display.

SU Elections: Two nights on which to elect your new SU. Some fine speeches and campaigns.

Paddy’s Ball: The spirit of the Irish.

Get that Guinness down your neck.

Summer Ball: The biggest, most extravagant, humungous end to the year. Marquees, fairground rides, awesome bands and the whole thing ends at 7am. Can you make it for the Survivors Photo?

From The Wurzels to Scott Mills, the SU do a fine job in giving you your year’s entertainment. Excited? You should be! Think of something new and exciting that we should be doing? Suggest it to the SU!

What’s on

Harper Adams is a fairly small campus, but this has its advantages. For a start everything is on campus, and everywhere in Harper is within five minutes walking distance (fact!).

Campus?

All first years, generally, live on campus, which is great as you can get up at ten to 9 and go to bed... well, whenever, as you don’t need to worry about getting lifts or taxis.

There are two bars on campus.

Firstly the lounge bar, which is open every night, serving all drinks from coffee to cognac. Various events happen in here such as RAG quizzes, comedy nights, acoustic nights, film nights and much, much more. It’s ideal for a quiet drink any night with its modern design and luxury leather sofas. It also has a pool table, darts board and huge screen!

Next door is the main bar, which is where all the big functions are held. It is believed to be the most profitable SU bar in the country (yet drinks are still dirt cheap!)

It is open every Wednesday, when a band and DJ play, and it is used, along with various marquees, to host the balls.

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campus including; an indoor gym, astro-turf, numerous rugby and football pitches, squash courts, tennis courts, offroading vehicle track, shooting ground, pool tables, dart boards and much more.

Food wise…there are three main stops for food on campus, that’s the Kaldi café (in the library), the KAK (SU building) and the canteen (for catered students), all of which offer a variety of snacks, meals, and drinks.

Students staying on campus also benefit from a cleaner every day and a weekly laundry service (yes they do all your washing!) but there is also a self-service launderette on campus and I guess if you wanted to do your own cleaning we could sort you out with a vacuum!

Harper prides itself on its sports teams and the huge involvement that all students have supporting them.

There is an array of facilities on

Away from partying and onto studying, the Bamford Library is a fantastic facility with everything from books (dur!) to computers, scanners, printers, study rooms, wireless Internet, and very cool windows (check them out!). There are lots of teaching rooms and

workshops – well, we wouldn’t be much of a university otherwise!

Harper is really unique amongst land-based university/colleges because it has its own farm. It is HUGE and is getting even bigger and better this year, has all the main livestock (cows, pigs, sheep, poultry, etc) and is an amazing resource.

Finally there is the SU shop, which sells all sorts, from Harper memorabilia, Harper clothing range, sweets, drinks, magazines, etc.

Accommodation NICE DIGS! First Years get to live on campus – this is great! No driving, a fry up every morning, cooked lunch and dinner, a daily cleaner (how posh is that?) as well as someone to do your laundry. You can’t complain about that!

Bradford The only single-sex hall. A boyzone(!) with 60 luscious lads (if you’re lucky, girls!)

Nearest to the bar and dining hall. Bradford normally forms some great groups of guys and has churned out some legends in the past. The rooms are fairly large with several communal shower blocks; never an issue between blokes. We get on with it.

Harris Harris is the largest hall. With 100 rooms, this block houses both sexes in the lap of luxury. All rooms are ensuite (for those who can’t do with sharing showers!) This Hall is often another good source of SU hopefuls and Realmys, and is handily situated right next to the car park. Bravo Harris!

Ward Small and intimate, Ward is a mixed hall, and often joins up with Flatt Road for the Harris Shield competitions. These rooms are similar to Bradford in size and shape, and communal bathrooms are on each floor.

It is next to the car park – very handy!

A great hall where you will get to know everyone living with you very quickly.

Gloucester This is the second largest hall here at Harper. Like Harris, it is three-storey and has all en-suite rooms. Eighty guys and gals share this hall, and it has great views of the

1st team rugby pitch when it’s too wet or cold to stand on the sideline (a must for the girls). What else can be said? A great hall.

Boughey Boughey consists of five individual blocks in one building.

This hall is home to any under18s Harper may have on the Access Course, and anyone else who chooses to be there. It’s located near the Library and Foulkes-Crowther building, so it’s great if you’re lazy when it comes to getting to lectures! And there are five rooms on each floor so it’s very easy to make friends.

Flatt Road These are a group of shared houses along Flatt Road leading to the B-Block teaching areas and wider farm. Furthest away from the main campus, but a bit quieter. But let’s face it, nowhere in Harper is more than a four minute walk away anyway. A great place to live especially if you’re too grown up for halls!

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Self Catering Halls These are the newest halls and are the only self-catering halls on campus. It overlooks the astro-turf as well as being near the Foulkes-Crowther teaching block and car park. An extremely nice set of buildings, set out in four blocks. Kitchens are shared between six to eight students and are spacious. You also get a common room, unlike the other halls.

Off-Campus Accommodation Second years and up (if not on placement) live in houses in Newport or around. We recommend you start looking for houses and housemates just before Christmas in your first term – sounds bonkers but we wouldn’t want you to get left out. Also, sooner done, sooner you can rest your mind. Don’t want to leave campus? If there’s room, you can apply to live in halls (probably self catering) in both your second and fourth years. However, priority goes to first years and then fourth years (dissertations!).

Student Services can give you help finding private accommodation.

tlyy entl endden epen inddep ingg in Ti on lilivvin Tippss on ms at all. d if you have any proble 1. Be relaxed. There is help on han sometimes scary experience, it is 2. Enjoy. Despite being a new and also a great one. to do this for you. Think of the 3. Think ahead – Mum isn’t around need each day? By this we week ahead; what are you going to . mean, money, clothing, workload, etc . Take it easy on the accounts.

4. Independent living = budgeting y in your house/flat/hall. Stand 5. Don’t be pushed around unfairl dent Services. your ground and if needs be, see Stu r time in your room unless 6. Be active – don’t spend all you your room and begin you’re working; you may get sick of to hate living there.

Don’t work in your room! Use 7. Too noisy? Can’t concentrate? r room as a social space. the Bamford Library and keep you you’re in halls especially, there 8. A car is a great help but, when the shops, so just ask. is always someone who is going to comes around.

9. Be thoughtful: What goes around ediately, it is FREE. 10. If you’re ill, see the doctor imm k with your social life.

11. Learn the art of balancing wor

What was it like moving into Halls?

Great fun, arranging my room to look its best! Meeting new people from all over the country Abby Quite scary to start with but after a week or two it became home Marcus

Unfortunately True –

Here to l re to learn… Amongst al Don’t forget, you are he ld ing new people, you shou et me d an ng yi rt pa e th with e end of your first year hopefully go home at th . nments and exam results sig as e ad gr Aof ll fu g a ba in is feat, Harper has put To help you achieve th ms such as the Bamford place lots of helpful ite ly ce Centre as it is formal ur so Re ng ni ea (L ry ra Lib ts known amongst studen called – more commonly ntre). as the Early Learning Ce

Learning Support Also in the library are multiple quiet group study rooms, as well as the language suite and Learning Support Room. Help with dyslexia and other learning disabilities are available here. When applying to Harper, you will complete a form to acknowledge whether you have any learning difficulties.

If you are unsure whether you have dyslexia or any other learning issue, then you will be picked up in a screening test, undertaken in Freshers Week. This is a quick simple test, which will highlight signs of learning

Learn!

The library also plays host to a plethora of computers, on-line with ‘Hotmail’ already in its memory. These are available with an internal mail system, available for use with assignments and any other computer-related piece of work or entertainment you may need… Harper’ Social Network, Facebook, Bebo, MySpace, YouTube or the photos on the SU website!

difficulties (many dyslexics go unnoticed at school and struggle on until they get to Harper and realise that with support they can achieve great things.)

If you do have dyslexia, then guidance and support is available. After an initial assessment at Harper (free of charge), students can be assessed by a qualified dyslexia assessor. The student’s needs and course requirements are all looked at, and application to the Disabled Students Allowance can be made. In many cases a laptop with specialist programmes and/or

photocopying allowance is given to help.

One-on-one help is offered to improve individual study skills, while other help can include sign language interpreters, note takers, personal care workers, and extra time in examinations.

If there is one thing that is made clear at Harper it’s that the staff are there to help.

And they really do. They’re an excellent bunch. It’s why we’re considered the best at what we do.

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Lecture? What’s that when it’s at home?

At school you have classes, and we all understand what they are. But when you get to uni they suddenly start talking about lectures, seminars and who knows what else … so we thought we’d give you an easy guide to what’s what in and out of the classroom.

Lectures You sit in a big room with lots of other students, with your pad out, pen poised to record the pearls of wisdom the lecturer at the front of the room is pouring out. They talk a lot, you don’t – just take it all in, nod wisely, file your notes in a big folder at the end, make sure you understand it, go see the lecturer if you don’t, then make sure you remember it all. Easy peasy!!

Seminars/tutorials Smaller classroom, less people. Lecturer talks … so do you, hurrah! Seminars are basically more interactive sessions to talk about the subjects covered in lectures, maybe do some projects in groups, and learn how all that theory really does work in the real world, and why it’s worth remembering even after you’ve passed your exams!

Field trips Sometimes, quite literally, a trip to a field (especially if you’re an agric!) In a nutshell you get out of the classroom, sometimes off

the campus altogether, and see how things happen in the real world. It might be a trip to a vet’s practice or a canal, a supermarket or country estate – it all depends what course and which modules you’re doing but they’re nearly always great fun, you get to talk to some interesting people and come back thinking “Wow, I can’t wait to get stuck in to that job when I graduate!”

Experimental work Probably most people’s favourite – the bit where you take your newfound knowledge and see what you can do with it. So engineers build vehicles in the workshops, vet nurses feed and tend to animals, realmys survey things … you get the idea.

Exams Just like every exam you’ve taken in your life. You learn it, you revise it, you sit in a big hall with lots of people and realize, actually, you’re really do know rather a lot.

Coursework Again, very similar to coursework you’ve done at school or college. It could be an essay, a group or individual project, a research report …. anything really that lets you show you’re taking in what the lecturers teach you and understand it.

Study tips 1.

Study outside of your room. Why? Too many distractions! Pop over to the library and do an hour and you will get more revision/work done than in four hours in your room.

2. Try to keep academic life 9-5 only, and before and after that your social life. If you can do that, you will always have your evenings free from assignments!

Remember you’re not always in lectures, there are plenty of free periods in the day to study. You’ll have to put more hours in during exams, and especially when you’re completing your dissertation though.

3. Too quiet? But Radio One is too loud?

Try Classic fm. It really does work. And if you’re embarrassed, lock your door!

4. Lock your door and keep it locked – if you need to work – you need to work!

Our study tips Do background research before you start an assignment, and even though it’s hard but try not to be on Facebook all the time (it’s addictive!)

Anna

5. Agree with your friends to work for a few hours so none of you interrupt each other, then go out afterwards.

This is a great approach as you work harder when you’re looking forward to the after bit!

6. Never ever start assignments the week they are due in. Start at least four weeks before, simply because the hardest bit of the assignment is starting it. Do the front page early, do a bit at a time and by the time the deadline is close, you’re over half way and finishing it is a breeze, not a chore.

7. No matter what day and time your assignment is due, set yourself an earlier deadline. Then if your printer plays up, or a cow eats your essay (hey, it could happen!) you have ample time to find another or to solve the problem.

Use highlighters and coloured pens to make important notes stand out. Rewrite your notes onto A3 paper and pin up on your room wall, above your kettle, in your bathroom, etc. Sue

I found it much easier to study with a friend, that way we could answer each others questions and didn’t have to keep stopping to have a break or a chat as we were already chatting even if it was about studying.

Hannah

8. Time management is everything. You can go out, have fun, see your friends, go to all your lectures, get a job, be on the SU, be an ambassador and still get a high 2:1 at the end of your year as long as you’re organized. Heck, get a First if you push a little harder!

9. There is a famous quote, (by who we don’t know) which states: “Bite off as much as you can chew. Then chew like mad.” The point is to learn how much you can bite off. You might choke on it if you bite off too much… so build your workload up, and then build it down to a point you’re comfortable with.

10. Remember you are here to get a great qualification. The social life, friends and other packaging will come either way.

Alt.prospectus 2009 p25

Courses As well as the agriculture courses we’re renowned for, Harper offers a diverse range of land and non-land based courses, attracting students from all backgrounds, male and female (roughly 55:45 ratio male to female). The following is just a brief outline of the typical courses on offer here at Harper.

students for the real world of work.

The placement year offered in most of the courses is invaluable. As well as making your CV far better than graduates without experience, it gives most students a chance to earn some money in the middle of their course.

One of the best elements about Harper Adams is its strong focus on preparing

There are lots of different agriculture course available at Harper, all offering something

Agriculture

slightly different, though essentially all ag’ based. Options to be taken with the course include marketing, mechanisation, crop management, animal science, environmental management‌

Food/Agri-Food These newly established agri-food courses offer fantastic industrial placements with companies such as Tesco, British Sugar, Kepak UK and Banks Cargill and are

becoming increasingly popular both here at Harper and with employers.

The food industry is one of the UK’s biggest employers.

of skills and knowledge from Agricultural Engineering to Off-Road Vehicle Design, and from foundation degrees to Masters’.

Animal related

Commonly known as REALM, the Rural Enterprise and Land Management course is one of the largest at Harper. It offers a great head start to students who wish to go on to qualify as Rural Practice Chartered Surveyors with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). And, like most Harper graduates, these guys are always snapped up for good jobs. There’s a new Rural Property degree too.

a a a b

The university college has invested in a small animals unit in addition to its small animals project house, and veterinary nursing unit. It is primarily based on the Flatt Road site. These courses have proven a huge success and demand is high. Perfect for students from a rural background who are interested in animals!

Business

Adventure, Leisure and Tourism

The business courses at Harper cover a wide range of modules, including marketing and preparing students for every eventuality in the world of work, and all develop management skills to help you get those good jobs! Lots of students go on to develop their own businesses too. The year-long industrial placement helps to put theory learned in tutorials into practice in the real world.

Engineering and Design Harper has a very strong engineering department with close links to big companies like JCB, McConnell, CLAAS, John Deere and New Holland. Using the latest technology and design programmes available, Harper engineers learn a variety

Land and Estate Management

Countryside and Environment Courses

These courses teach students the importance of, and abilities to, manage land to achieve financial, social, environmental and aesthetic objectives. A very popular course area, especially as global environmental issues continue to increase.

These have rapidly expanded over the last couple of years, and are really popular. The aim of these courses is to develop dynamic and versatile graduates who have a sound knowledge and practical understanding of tourism, combined with business and enterprise skills. Roll in both outdoor recreation and environmental sectors; this is certainly a growing course area.

Access

The Harper University Access Course is available to students who wish to access Higher Education but do not have A-Levels or equivalent. Very useful! The one-year course includes of compulsory key and core skills such as IT and numeracy, with the option to select modules in the second half of the year depending on your career/HE ambitions.

And remember, if you think you’ve chosen the wrong course, and would like to transfer to another, it’s not the end of the world. Just be sure to let your course tutor/manager know – sooner is better! The wide variety of courses at Harper means no-one has an excuse not to be here!

Alt.prospectus 2009 p27

Mostly ☛ Pull up your wellies, grab the Barbour and shout it loud and proud: “I’m an Agric!” Harper is your spiritual home and if we don’t have a course to suit you we’ll eat our hats (and they taste GROSS so you know we must be serious).

Mostly ♠ Snakes, cows, puppies and hamsters – if it’s feathered, furred or sitting on a log looking – well, a bit like a stuffed toy really – you’re an animal person and will thrive on one of Harper’s many animal related courses.

Mostly ✈ You’re a Foodie! For you food isn’t just something you chew to keep you alive – it’s your passion. So what if a five minute supermarket dash turns into an afternoon’s entertainment as you plan how they could market the potatoes better? And if Harper were a restaurant it would have a Michelin Star, AA Rosette and Egon Ronay panting at the door, so come in, sit down and enjoy learning all there is to know about food production.

Mostly ♦ You’re hired! You’re a natural entrepreneur brimming with enterprising ideas and with a Business course from Harper there’ll be no stopping you – watch out Alan Sugar!

Mostly ❄ When you can build a truck with a biscuit tin, some Jammy Dodgers and an elastic band, you know you’re a natural born engineer. You seize on mechanical problems like

a fasting Rottweiler on a juicy bone, and spend your days taking engines apart and your nights dreaming of creating a windpowered tractor. You’ll never be happier than roaring around Harper’s off-road test track or tinkering in the workshops.

Mostly ★ You’re a Realmy. You work hard, play hard and like the finer things in life. Students on the Rural Enterprise and Land Management course take some stick for their reputation as toffs, but are some of the most popular lads and lasses on campus.

Mostly ✿ Apply for a countryside course now! Swampy is your hero, you spend happy weekends chained to a tree as you protest that new motorway, and you are determined to improve this world for all of us.

Congratulations, you are a champion of the countryside and will feel perfectly at home in the rural idyll we like to call Harper.

Mostly ✝ Where others see a run down country pile you see a future theme park. Using an ironing board to press your clothes would be a waste when you could backpack to the Andes and use it as a snowboard.

Leisure and Tourism floats your boat so jump aboard the good ship Harper and get sailing.

Mostly ☎ You’re a hairdresser! Sorry, you’ve picked up the wrong prospectus… but if you’ve got time to give us a quick trim that’d be great!

Are you the next Alan Sugar or a mini Jeremy Clarkson? Take our light hearted quiz and find out if you’re a business boffin, animals expert or a natural agric…

1. You spot a cow in a field.

You think:

h) Holiday? You’re kidding aren’t you – it’s the middle of harvest season! ☛ i) Building dry-stone walls in the Cotswolds ✿

g) Conditioner, gel, shine serum and extra volume shampoo ☎ h) Moet & Chandon champers and lobster ★ i) I’m banned from the supermarket.

They got fed up with me analyzing shopper’s baskets and rearranging the displays ✈

?

a) I wonder how much milk yield she gives ☛ b) Ah, the poor thing’s limping, I’ll get my first aid kit ♠ c) Mmm, tasty, fetch me the frying pan ✈ d) I know a man who needs a cow, wonder if I could negotiate a price with the farmer? ♦ e) Ooh, it’s all muddy, someone fetch some shampoo ☎ f) I bet she couldn’t outrun my 4x4 ❄ g) One cow in a field? What a waste of land, you could develop a luxury timeshare on there! ★ h) Cow? What cow? I was admiring that woodland over there ✿ i) Nice field, I’ll fetch my tent ✝

2. It’s holiday season. Your dream destination is…

a) A weekend break in a luxury mansion in the Dales ★ b) Checking out a B&B that’s up for sale – could be a nice little earner ♦ c) Volunteering at a monkey sanctuary in exchange for free bed and board ♠ d) A gourmet food and wine tasting weekend in the South of France ✈ e) White water rafting in Wales ✝ f) A masterclass with stylist to the stars, Nicky Clarke ☎ g) Driving from Dover to Dubai in the diesel powered go-kart you’ve built from an old shopping trolley and a ride-on lawnmower ❄

3. You travel to college:

a) In the chauffer-driven Bentley ★ b) By bus – public transport’s so much better for the environment ✿ c) On my horse – nothing like a hack first thing in the morning ♠ d) In my Barbie-pink Micra ☎ e) In my souped up Landy – it’s got a fitted loo and mobile office in the back ❄ f) On the trusty John Deere ☛ g) In my butty van – I set up a roadside stall on the way and sell a few bacon baps so I’m already in profit by 9am! ♦ h) The quickest way possible – I always take so long cooking up a four-course breakfast I’m usually late ✈ i) By mountain bike ✝

4. You’re going shopping, what’s on your list?

a) Shopping? Isn’t that what mums are for? I’ll happily drive her there though ❄ b) A new wetsuit, laces for my walking boots, a Lonely Planet travel guide ✝ c) I’m too busy running the store to spend any of my hard-earned wages ♦ d) RSPCA Monthly mag and an ultraviolet light for my snake house ♠ e) Some bulbs for the garden ✿ f) Nothing – I get it for free at Mum’s farm shop ☛

5. It’s Clubs and Societies night at Harper. Which one will you join? a) I’ll head for the YFC stand – I’m already a member so I know everyone anyway ☛ b) I’m guessing that trail of mud leads to the Off Road Club… ❄ c) Any that’ll let me manage them – I’ve got some brilliant ideas for expanding ♦ d) I’ve been practicing my shooting on the estate all summer, so it’s got to be the clay pigeon club ★ e) Wow, apparently the Conservation Society is planning a hedge laying trip along the canal, that sounds brilliant ✿ f) Why aren’t there any classes on perfect perms and brilliant blowdrying? ☎ g) Extreme fishing? Rowing club? A climbing society? Aagh! How am I going to fit in lectures around my social life? ✝ h) Equine club ♠ i) I’m going to set up a cocktail society for all the mixers and shakers at Harper ✈

A

f di

Sometimes we find our route to university isn’t as straightforward as we might have imagined. Far from leaving college and instantly knowing which university and which course to study, sometimes life has different ideas, as James Croxford discovered.

fe rent path

I did A-Levels in 2005 and did really well, but then I was very ill for the next two years, so I was 20 before I began my course at Harper Adams. I knew a bit about it because it’s near my home and school, but hadn’t really considered studying there till I had a chance conversation with someone who works at Harper. After telling him I was interested in engineering, and was looking for a practical course with both theoretical and technical elements, he told me about the Off Road Vehicle Design degree. He also explained about Harper’s strong links with the engineering industry, and the engineering scholarships I could apply for.

It sounded as if it had the perfect balance.

Although the first term had already started he advised me to come along for a few days and see what I thought. As I was so late I didn’t register in normal way but the registry staff bent over backwards to help me fill in the forms and get everything sorted.

I didn’t have a UCAS application so it could have been very difficult but in fact it was made very easy. I had missed Freshers’ Week, so on the first day I was thrown in at the deep end, straight into lectures,

but I found it very good fun. Everyone was sticking together as nobody had any idea what was going on, which made for a good atmosphere.

I enjoy the course, particularly the balance between theory and computer modelling and practical elements. It is useful going into the workshops and seeing what you’ve been told about in the lectures put into practice. I’ve also received a £750 merit scholarship, which I found I could apply for when I arrived here and I also have a scholarship with McConnel.

I wanted a degree and the opportunities it gives, getting a better job and a step into industry. I’m glad I’m here, even if it was more through chance than planning – sometimes it’s better that way.

Alt.prospectus 2009 p29

Being a mature student at Harper…

By Fiona Johnson Hi, my name is Fiona Johnson, I’m 46 and studying FdSc Animal Welfare and Management.

I was looking for a new direction in life and a new challenge. Harper offered the perfect opportunity for me to do both by studying animals, my lifelong passion!

I was extremely apprehensive about returning to full time education as a mature student: would I be ‘clever enough’ to cope academically, and how I would fit in with the (much) younger students. Most importantly could I manage the workload alongside home life?

However Harper is a great place to study, with the friendly and approachable lecturers and support staff giving mature students lots of help and encouragement.

And I’ve found the workplace and life skills that mature students have developed transfer well to the classroom.

My father is in his 70s and thinks it’s great that he has both a daughter and granddaughter (my niece) in college! He likes to know I’ve done my homework!

I’d advise other older students to be well organized and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are also plenty of

extra workshops to help mature stu dent regain study skills. I’ve also received a merit sch olarship from Harper of £250.

I’m so glad I did this course. It’s tak en my understanding of animals to a deeper level, challen ged my thinking, increased my knowledge, and helped me gain practical handling skills in a wide range of spe cies. Plus the social life is great and my young friends encourage me in this area! As a mature student you can join in as much or as little as you wish. The Christmas and Summer Balls are fantastic and are legendary locally!

Work it, baby!

If you’re going to get a part-time job after leaving school it makes sense to choose one that gives you valuable work experience as well as some cash in your back pocket.

Our lecturers are a wise lot so we asked for their advice on the best jobs to help you get ahead.

REALM “If you want to be a REALM student work shadowing an agricultural valuer or estate manager is an excellent introduction to the type of work undertaken by REALM graduates when they go on to qualify as chartered surveyors. But at this stage practical work on farms or other rural businesses is equally important for learning about the realities of the lives of your future clients. This really helps you to stand out from the crowd on your CV and job applications later on. If you don't know where to start, approach your local chartered surveyors or use the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors website, www.rics.org, to find a local surveyor who specialises in rural work. Young Farmers'

Clubs can also be an excellent networking opportunity to find practical experience, or you could approach the local secretary of the National Farmers' Union.”

Animal-related “If you are thinking of applying for any of the ‘Animal’ courses you could work with any sort of animals (companion, farm, equine, wildlife or zoo) but do try to get some real hands-on experience with as many different types as you can. It's better to have a week with each of four different types than a month with the same. For those interested in the Vet Nursing courses you MUST have experience in a vet practice.

Veterinary nursing is such a vocational career that you really need to understand the role of a vet nurse before committing yourself, otherwise you could be very unhappy!”

Agriculture “As Agriculture courses are vocational you’ll need a minimum of 10 weeks practical experience to enable you to put theory into

a practical context. Experience on a mixed farm is ideal as it will give you an appreciation of a range of crop and livestock enterprises. Students who have previously worked at home are encouraged to gain some experience working away from the home business as this provides a valuable reference for you when seeking placements.”

“Working on a farm you will also get used to the terminology and have a basic idea of systems before you start at university.”

Engineering “Prior work experience is less important for Engineering students but if you are going to study Agricultural Engineering then a farm job over the summer months (if you haven't worked on a farm before) would be invaluable. But generally there will be lots of practice in the workshops and specialist vehicle instruction on the Ag Eng and ORVD courses so don't worry too much if you don’t have much practical experience.”

Alt.prospectus 2009 p31

Business “Whatever avenue of life you want to go into it’s important to understand business in the context of your potential job role. It’s important to have a part time job (not just for the money) but so that you start to realise how important it is to turn up for work and have jobs finished at the right time. This all translates into turning up for lectures at uni and finishing your assignments on time!! But remember Harper is a great place for students to work hard and play hard, and there is a lot of support for you from the academic staff to guide you on your route to success.”

Countryside “Volunteering for a local woodland trust or water/canal restoration society would be useful. It is also worth speaking to park rangers / the environment department at your local council. Work on a farm would be helpful but, as with all countryside courses, work experience is by no means essential. It would be just as useful to read up on Government initiatives on planning and land use (especially any proposal to reduce the green belt) and environmental policies.”

Adventure, Leisure and Tourism “As with countryside courses, work experience isn’t essential but it you are interested in studying Tourism and Business management or Rural Leisure Management work at any tourist attraction, or volunteering for the National

Trust or English Heritage would be useful. For Outdoor Recreation courses we’d recommend participation in extreme sports, especially at outdoor recreation centres. Any experience of planning, organising, running or participating in any kind of event such as village fete, school or youth club, charity fundraising, school or college prom/ball would be good, as would conferences such as YFC regional or national shows or AGMs. Or you could get some experience in any sector of the holiday industry from travel agents to airports or as a holiday rep (fancy being a Butlins Red Coat?)

All of these jobs would give you an insight to the business of tourism and leisure industry that should be helpful for your course.”

Food “It is always helpful to have an awareness of the industry and the different occupations you could access with a food qualification.

So experience of any food business outlet from the retailer to the producer, such as supermarkets, farm shops, wholesalers, or a manufacturer such as a dairy or bakers would be ideal. Also good for your CV would be experience of running a business such as the young enterprise scheme while at school or college, or any kind of science or lab experience from product development to an interest in design and advertising. Or maybe you could get involved with any food initiatives locally such as a food fair or farmers market.”

l l ’ u o y : s t Spor d e r o b e b r e v e n There is a wealth of successful clubs and societies for you to join.

One evening during Freshers’ Week will be Clubs and Societies Night, where you can find out what’s on offer and join what you wish. The SU has a dedicated sports and societies officer, who’s full of enthusiasm, and always welcomes new ideas.

Harper has a fantastic reputation for sport, topping the BUSA (British Universities Sporting Alliance) leagues for many.

Football Harper’s football team is managed by local landlord, Quinny (legend) who runs the popular Phez pub. There are three men’s teams. Harper also now has a female football team.

Hockey Harper has its own brand new floodlit astro-turf. Hockey is one of the largest clubs at Harper; there are two male and female teams, with a cracking club dinner at the end of the year!

Netball Mainly a girly club, with two teams, which play on and off campus and perform in the BUSA league. Practices are frequent and fun so get involved – every now and again a boys team appears – where from we don’t know, but worth watching – it can be extremely physical!

Rugby Club Harper has a very successful rugby contingent, with three male teams and a female team too. Practice is taken very seriously as with all clubs, which ensures Harper keep their winning record. Oh yes… we win alright!

And whether you are playing rugby or not, you can still get the same buzz! The first team rugby pitch is regularly adorned by supporters supping port to keep out the cold. For the more important of matches, the RAG guys will often get out the barby, with burgers, hot dogs and beers on sale. Music pumping out from the loud speakers just adds to the electrifying atmosphere. An afternoon’s rugby is unmissable, whether you are going for the sport, the atmosphere or just the legs!

Alt.prospectus 2009 p33

Sports facilitie on and off cam s – pus

Shooting One of the most successful teams at Harper Adams is the Clay Pigeon Shooting Club. They have their own shooting range just half a mile off campus, an infamous end-of-year dinner, success upon success and they are open to anyone, regardless of experience. The captains will soon get you shooting straight.

Equestrian/Eventing Club The team competes in the BUSA league against other universities.

Its good fun and you don’t need your own horse! This relatively new club has jumped from strength to strength.

Polo club The polo team practices at Rugby polo club once or twice a week.

It’s great fun and you don’t need your own pony or to have played before. Again, more students than ever have shown an interest in polo this year. Join the crowd!

Others: Ladies’ Running Club, Rowing, Gaelic Football, Ultimate Frisbee, and Pool Club to mention just a few…

Harper has lots of sporting faci lities. There ar tennis courts op e two en to anyone w ho wishes to us (particularly in e them demand during Wimbledon!) Th a multi gym an ere is also d two squash co urts. The outdoo pool is open al r swimming l summer and is immense fun le your exams. Re ading up to vise or play wat er polo with yo Hmm, no contes ur mates? t really. There is a large sports and football pi hall, rugby tches, floodlit astro-turf, cric a pool for fishi ket pavilion, ng and loads of country lanes to run along.

There are also private and co uncil-run gyms or Telford offers in Newport, Cannons, JJB an d Fitness First cl offer large gym ubs. All nasiums with a multitude of cl swimming (exc asses, and ept Fitness Firs t). Prices start £25 per month at about , and benefits ca n be bartered a no joining fee, lot (i.e. freebies and no charge for mem suspension). Th bership ere are also la rge gyms in Shre and Stafford. wsbury Newport has it s own public po ol where you ca classes or just n go for for a swim. Aq ua fit is a good reasonably pric laugh, and all ed at about £2 when you sign discount ‘FLEX’ up for their card. “Ooooh” w e hear you cry!

The countrysid e is littered wit h golf courses to what floats yo o if this is ur boat, with tw o courses no mor couple of miles e than a from Newport , and a whole lo Telford, Shrewsb t more in ury and beyond .

We also have th e use of facilitie s at the Nation Centre in Lillesh al Sports all (10 minutes in the car). Keep peeled, some of your eyes England’s nati onal teams (mm gymnasts!) trai m, n here.

for all As the name suggests, this is a club er and Harp at y entl curr ents stud the Irish of the one this there are a fair few, making nd. arou s club e ctiv proa liveliest and most likewith t mee to nce cha a ents It gives stud al. soci ole minded people, and have a good is The Harper Ireland annual dinner ’re they and , club the ngst legendary amo Ball. dy’s Pad the for ble onsi resp also

Harper Cymry

lar to Another wild bunch of students simi hers brot h Wels our for but Harper Ireland, as e thes of few fair a in (aga rs and siste er). The we’re only 30 minutes from the bord ng and alisi soci time its club spends most of lves a invo lly usua h whic ts, even g organisin tipple!

4x4 Club

rience This club offers the chance to expe offown our e hav We e. styl er 4x4ing, Harp tank!) and a g ludin (inc pus cam on k trac road trekking organise plenty of weekends away ialised spec of hunt in eys into the Welsh vall e, we hom at dy Lan a e hav you If ks.

4x4 trac ed as push been e can guarantee it won’t hav ! club this join far as it will if you

Harper Outdoor Pursuits Society (HOPS)

t the This is a club set up for exactly wha re are The . uits purs oor name suggests – outd

the more plenty of weekends away to enjoy has a ury extreme pleasures of life. Shrewsb ng is arti go-k and , new indoor climbing wall e. urit always a favo

Conservation Society

at Harper, One of the most popular societies courses. rent diffe their members span all the the erve cons They basically help ’re countryside by laying hedges – they to canal currently arranging a trip tending ow side hedgerows whilst living on a narr d!

Gran k. wee boat for the

Ski Trip

is This trip happens every year and er bett be d coul t exceptional value. Wha of 40 with ch coa a on g than travellin your mates to spend a cheap week skiing/boarding?

Alternatively, if you have a burning ething ambition to set up a club or do som SU. the h roac app , rent radically diffe up With enough support you could set your own club. t in TIP: watch out on club/societies nigh sure be will team RAG the Freshers Week as i.e. ey, mon your get to club s bogu a to set up or p’... grou n the ‘roadwork’s appreciatio ting the ‘cruelty against clay pigeon shoo you! n war ’t didn we say ’t society’! Don

Clubs and Societies

Harper Ireland

Alt.prospectus 2009 p35

Money, dosh, cash…

It’s a tricky one this. Going to uni doesn’t come for free and, unless your numbers have come up on the lottery, you’ll need to be very careful with your cash. But you certainly shouldn’t be worrying so much about your finances that you’re missing out on having a great time and letting your studies suffer. It’s probably best to accept you’re going to run up some debts, live life to the full, but budget carefully to minimize them. Check out Harper’s financial advice booklet for lots of up to date info on finance. You can get it by calling the Admissions office on 01952 815000.

Income Student loan

£

Expenditure

£

Rent (inc bills and accommodation costs)

Scholarship

SU surcharge

Maintenance grant

Key deposit

Parent or partner contribution

Telephone

Wages or salary

Mobile phone

Dependents’ allowance

Contents insurance

Tax credits

Life insurance

Child benefit

Housekeeping (if you’re in self-catering or living off campus) includes food, toiletries and household goods Tuition fees, if you are liable to pay them

$£$£ It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your cash and the best way is to fill in a budget sheet. We’re not talking Chancellor of the Exchequer figures, but something simple that lets you see what money’s coming in and what’s going out. We recommend doing an annual budget sheet but, because you receive and pay out cash at different times of the year, it’s best to create a monthly, weekly or term-long cash flow sheet, so you always know how much you have to spend and don’t get stuck with a fat bill to pay and no readies. Just divide the figures by 12 to see your monthly income/expenditure, 52 if you’d rather budget weekly, or by three for terms.

Other benefits

Birthday/Christmas money

Field trip costs

Trust fund

Printing and photocopying

Savings

Books and equipment

Snacks and drinks

Public transport

Car costs

MOT

Tax

Insurance

Annual service

Petrol

Parking

Visits home

Holidays

Clothes and footwear

Gifts

Sports clubs and hobbies Entertainment and socializing

Childcare

Haircuts

We’ve put this budget sheet together for you to photocopy and use as often as you need.

TV licence

Sports match fees

Other

long and Jobs: As long as you don’t work so are life al soci and hard that your studies g. thin good a be can job a ing suffering, hav t mee ll you’ , cash ome welc the from Apart have other people, learn new skills, and CV. your on put to something extra on and There are lots of part time jobs both ays. holid the in and time term off campus, king in the wor de inclu ms Ada er Harp at Jobs out the bar, catering or on the farm. Check n or tow in erts adv , rnet inte Careers office, s. ncie vaca for er spap new l the loca

Earning a bit

extra

Be an entrepreneur

Become an Ambassador

Harper students are notoriously entrepreneurial so have confidence in your skills and think creatively. Can you play the guitar or keyboards? Why not teach others, either at Harper, in the local community or even ask your local FE college about teaching opportunities. They run loads of night classes in everything from embroidery and photography to car mechanics and sports. From hand made jewellery, to cookies or car repairs, someone out there is willing to pay for your expertise and the Internet has made small trading even easier. Plus it’ll look great on your CV and may help with your studies, especially if you are on a business course. Just make sure you talk to Harper’s business experts or BusinessLink to make sure you’re doing everything legally.

If you are well organized, confident and like dealing with people, you could become a student ambassador. Ambassadors (aka “Harper blueshirts”) represent the university, assist with school visits, run workshops, and help out at Open Days and HEC. It helps you develop key employment skills, looks great on your CV, you’ll make new friends and GET PAID! What’s not to like?

Can you afford to say no to free cash?

Well that’s what you’ll be doing if you don’t find out if you’re entitled to help from Harper Adams. There are loads of scholarships available for students which, in a nutshell, give you a helping hand in the wallet department. And

the best thing is, unlike a loan from the Government or your bank, you don’t have to pay these back … ever!

If you want to know all the ins and outs ask Harper’s Admissions office for their finance booklet which has loads of helpful details and advice on what you have to fork out, what help you can get and where from. But basically there are:

Means tested scholarships Basically, you could get between £500 and £1,000 a year from Harper, which you don’t have to pay back, depending on your household income (what you and/or your parents bring in each year). Your local authority (council) has to confirm your income is what you say it is (and they can’t be bribed!) but basically it’s free cash for filling in a few forms. Even better, as long as

Alt.prospectus 2009 p37

you don’t suddenly become rich overnight and start earning over the limit (it changes, so check out Harper’s website for the latest, or ask for our free finance booklet), and you pass all your modules, you’ll get the scholarship every year you’re a student here. Job’s a good ‘un!

Merit scholarships These are for students whose household income is above the Government limit but can , in the official words, “ enrich the learning community”. Basically, if you’re great at sport or music, or do voluntary work or have any special skills, tell Harper about it and you might get up to £750 a year (again, as long as you don’t become Baron Rothschild or fail all your exams!)

Access scholarships These are for people who’ve passed the Harper Adams Access Course and choose to stay on at Harper to study a higher qualification such as a HND or degree. It’s just for one year and you can’t have it as well as a merit scholarship but it’s well worth while as it could be as much as £1,500.

And let’s face it, it’s not going to be a hardship to stay at Harper for a few more years!

Industry scholarships Heard of JCB? Course you have! They not only make big yellow diggers and lots of big shiny kit, they also have a soft spot for Harper students. Every year they help out a few engineering with some cash, paid work in the holidays, placements and after graduating, and help with tuition fees.

It’s called an Industry Scholarship and it’s been such a success that other well known companies are doing it too, and every year we’re getting more and more opportunities that, frankly, you’d be mad not to apply for. Some are only available to people studying certain courses or living in particular areas but there are plenty to go around and more and more companies are coming on board all the time.

I got a scholarship of £1,000 and it helped me massively. Abby I received a maintenance grant from my local education authority which helps with fees, etc. Anna I received a scholarship of £750.

I found out about this when Harper sent me the registration details and forms that I needed to send back once I had got my offer. It helped me a lot as it enabled me to buy the expensive books to help me with my course.

Hannah Harper Adams’ Student Financial Aid Officer is very up-to-date with emailing all the students about all the scholarships available and offers you a lot of help and advice throughout the process of filling in application forms and interviews. Sue

Take good care of yourself Doctor The university expects you to register with the College Doctor. This is important as it ensures you receive prompt treatment as and when you need it. Your own doctor at home will still see you as a temporary resident patient if necessary. Surgeries are held on campus every day, or you can visit Newport’s surgery, Linden Hall.

Dentistry It is advised that you stay registered with your home dentist (dental records don’t travel quite like normal medical ones) and make your appointments for when you are home. As a student, you receive five months holiday per year, so there’s sure to be a spare moment there somewhere! Should you

have a problem while at Harper (fillings/wisdom tooth trouble) the Newport Dental Practice will sort you out.

It would be advisable to get a HC1 form from a pharmacy or such place – and take the time to fill it out. This certificate will entitle you to free dentistry (NHS) and so forth, and can save you a lot of money!

Complementary Medicine Sustain an injury during rugby? A chiropractor practices locally, as do several complementary therapists. In addition, we have a Physio on site Wednesday afternoons for your aches and pains.

Mental Health, Support, and Counselling.

We all have problems and could do with someone trustworthy to talk to from time to time. If you are away from home for the first time there may be times when this is a welcome service.

Specialist help and confidential counselling is available to students experiencing practical, welfare, emotional/psychological or educational problems.

Contact Student Services or your personal tutor when you need to talk about personal problems, or other matters affecting your performance. Student Services will be pleased to discuss problems and can make appointments to the most suitable sources of help. All

matters are dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

The university college also offers a drop-in counselling session. You will be advised of times and phone numbers again for all health and medical services when you start uni.

Spiritual Guidance The university has a Chaplaincy with a team of chaplains representing various faiths on hand, to offer guidance, friendship or answer any spiritual, moral or ethical questions you may have.

Shropshire has representatives of most faiths available for guidance.

Sexual Health There is an abundance of services available to people suffering from

any mental health or sexual issues. For any sexual health problems, the college surgery or Linden Hall is always on hand to help you out. For more serious concerns, the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford is only 15 minutes away.

And if you do think you have a problem, shelve your pride – see a doctor; they’ve seen it all before and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Do remember if you’re not happy please please talk to someone, anyone whether it’s a mate you trust, your wardens, student services or a counsellor at Harper.

Don’t be embarrassed – they’ve heard it all before and we really just want everyone to have the best time here and be as happy as happy can be!

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Shopping , Newport is only a market town, but for a population of around 10,000 it’s not too bad for shops. It has everything you immediately need, and if it doesn’t Telford is only 15 minutes away with its huge indoor shopping centre.

Clothes Newport does have a few clothes stores, Essentials including Countrywide, Go Outdoors and Newport has supermarkets to suit each Panik.

Your SU calendar ensures you will pocket i.e. Waitrose and Somerfield! There is have a lot of dressing up to do – this is also a Woolworth’s, Boots, Gregg’s, Orange, where you will become good friends with travel agents, banks, Post Office, charity charity shops, such shops galore and various Newport is great for nearly everything as Oxfam, Sue other little stores. you need it has a Boots, Woolworth’s, Ryder and Help the A little further afield supermarkets and lots more. But for Aged. Castle Telford and its suburbs Capers on Stafford clothes I would recommend Telford – it can offer you Tesco, has everything under one roof and is Road caters for all Sainsbury’s, Asda, Netto, things fancy dress, Farmfoods, Lidl and Aldi. great for a shopping trip with friends. Sue usually know in advance of Wednesday night events, and Need petrol? There are Shell and BP garages order in the relevant stock. in Newport, Asda (10 minutes away) and lots of other service stations in Telford. These all For a proper shop-till-you-drop excursion, have long opening hours. Lea Brothers it’s got to be Telford or Shrewsbury. Both are Garage in Edgmond, a minute’s drive from good though Telford’s probably better on a Harper, will also fill you up during weekday cold day as it’s all indoors, and working hours.

Shrewsbury’s better in the summer when

you can take a break by the river and watch the world drift by. Telford has Debenhams, House of Fraser, BHS, JJB, Next, Zara, Primark, Millets, Scotts, River Island, Monsoon, H&M, Ann Summers (!), and soooo many more…oh we could go on and on!

Throw in the park, a library, market, ice rink, bowling, bingo and all the major eateries and you could spend a good day here easily.

Shrewsbury has loads of big name stores such as Marks & Spencer, WHSmiths and House of Fraser, but lots of independent shops too. Stafford and Wolverhampton are also worth a day’s retail therapy, or Birmingham’s Bullring is only an hour away and has EVERYTHING!

Mmm, our favourite bit… food glorious food! This is the ultimate Harper Eating Guide, and quite simply what we don’t know about food is not worth touching let alone eating!

On Campus.

Unlike many universities, you are trea ted seriously well here at Harper in the eating department.

Not only are you blessed with a cleaner every day (ah, the luxury!) and a free weekly laundry service, but students in catered hall s are also fed three times a day. For breakfast a full fry-up awa its you Monday to Thursday, with a slice of continental on a Frid ay.

Lunch offers a selection of soup and sandwiches, along with a hot meal including goodies such as pizz a, lasagne, and spag bol. There’s always fruit, yoghurts and salad ava ilable too.

Dinner is by far the most popular mea l (stands to reason) and is usually a wholesome dish (e.g. mea t and veg). Usually a choice of fruit yoghurt and two desserts are also on offer.

At weekends, when the canteen is not open, or during the week to self-catering or non-resident stud ents, the KAK canteen is a cheap and tasty source of food. A KAK brea kfast at the weekend sorts out any hangover prob lems you may be suffering from.

The word

F

The Kaldi is a small cafe within the new Bamford Library – like Starbucks but a frac tion of the price. It serves a selection of spec iality coffees, teas and cold drinks and is a good communal spot for when you’re fed up with being quiet in the library. There are also scrumptious toasted paninis, cakes, chocolate, crisps, and sand wiches available and much of the produce is locally sourced.

Best meal we’ve had on campus …

Hot pork bap with curly fries and gravy! Marcus Every day there are different kinds of food and all of them are delicious but the best meal I’ve had here is a chicken pie! Mo’men I had a really nice broccoli bake, was lush!

You will never starve (good portions!) Anna

Cheesey chips from the Kak! Sue I would always recommend lunch: a choice of sandwich and soup or a hot meal such as burger and chips or lasagne and salad. Abby Probably the VIP dinner before the summer ball 2007. And the Kaldi does pretty good snacks. Hannah

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Ready, steady cook!

With 150 self-catering rooms now on campus, by the end of Freshers’ Week you’ll be rustling up an omelette like an expert. You don’t need to be Gordon Ramsey (thankfully!) to whip up something tasty, cheap and good for you.

These are tried and tested but, if you want to extend your menu just type “quick easy recipe” into Google for zillions of dinners you can make in a flash.

Easy Veggie Soup (for two hungry people or four on a diet!)

1 carrot, peeled and diced 1 parsnip, peeled and diced 2 celery sticks, chopped 2 onions, chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp butter 30g plain flour 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 litre of hot vegetable stock (use stock cubes or a teaspoon of Marmite dissolved in hot water) 1. Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan on a low heat. Add the chopped carrot, parsnip, celery and onion and fry gently for about 10 minutes or until soft.

2. Add the tomatoes and mix in the flour. Gradually add the

stock and mustard, stir well.

3. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer gently for 35-45 minutes.

4. Serve with garlic bread, yummy!

(PS. If you like your soup smooth just give it a quick whizz with one of those hand-held blenders, or mash it.)

Latkes (potato pancake – serves one) 3–4 small potatoes 1 egg 1 tbsp plain flour 1 tbsp milk Oil Pinch of salt and pepper 1. Peel and grate the potatoes.

Grab a handful and squeeze as much liquid out as possible then wrap up in some kitchen paper while

you mix the egg and milk together.

2. Add the potatoes and mix, then add flour, salt and pepper and mix again.

3. Heat the oil in a frying pan, when it’s hot add some of the potato mixture and flatten down with a spatula. Let it cook, turning every once in a while till both sides are golden brown. Take out of pan, leave to drain on some kitchen paper for a minute.

4. Nice with ketchup.

Easy tuna pasta (for two) Some pasta Small can of tuna Can of sweetcorn Mayonnaise Salt and pepper 1. Boil pasta, drain and put back in pan.

2. Add all the other ingredients.

3. Eat! (PS. It tastes better if you take the tuna out of the can, d’oh!)

Even easier easy pasta (for four) As much pasta as you need One jar of pesto 1. Boil pasta. Drain and put

back in pan.

2. Add the pesto (a jar should be enough for four people).

3. Enjoy!

Chicken and Apple Balls (for four) This recipe is intended for babies and, hey, if a one-year-old can manage it, you’ve got no excuse!

Two large chicken breasts, cut into chunks 1 onion, finely chopped 50g fresh white breadcrumbs A large Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated One chicken stock cube dissolved in one tbsp boiling water Plain flour vegetable oil 1. Grate the apple then, using your hands, squeeze out some of the excess liquid.

2. Mix together the first five ingredients and chop in a food processor for a few seconds. Season with a little salt and pepper.

3. Form into about 20 balls, roll in flour and fry in a little oil for about 10 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.

Eating Off-Campus Your choice of eatery is most likely going to be governed by the amount of readies in your wallet, or if your parents are coming for a visit. Either way, there’s something for all tastes and budgets.

Indian Food Shimla’s is located down a back ally near Ozzy’s. Don’t let the bizarre setting put you off, all the best places are awkward to find. If you wanted to set up an Indian restaurant and bought an ‘Indian Restaurant Design for Beginners’ book and followed it to the letter, you’d end up with Shimla’s. It has everything you’d expect.

Plinky plonky music, Indian chefs and waiters, ‘authentic’ pictures/furniture/ wallpaper and cuisine. The food is average in quality and price. Quick to come out to the table, quicker to go down the hatch.

They also do takeaways and deliveries.

For an increase in class but not price pay The Royal Bengal in Shifnal a visit, around a 15-minute drive away. It’s a large bustling restaurant, authentic and reasonably priced. The food is exquisite, and worth the wait and drive. A good place to take the folks if they pay an impromptu visit.

Remember to book at the weekend though!

Shifnal’s got two other Indian restaurants, the Shifnal Balti and the East End Balti – both are good.

Chinese if you want to head a bit further East than India, then the Hong Kong Kitchen is an ideal Chinese restaurant to visit.. Quick to arrive and not too expensive, this restaurant will certainly satisfy your Oriental taste buds. Also in Newport is the China Palace which offers a takeaway service as well as restaurant service, they also put on a reasonably priced all-youcan-eat buffet. A little closer to Harper (about a five minute walk) is The Lion, in Edgmond. It is a traditional pub with a Chinese restaurant tacked on. A bit further away is Minh’s in Shifnal – technically a Cantonese restaurant – that has the yummiest food ever!

Italian/American On the outskirts of Telford is Frankie and Benny’s. No different from any other F&B you may have visited: large, uniform memorabilia inside and wholesome American-style Italian food. Lots of pizza, pasta, and spaghetti on hand.

Cheap and cheerful.

Traditional English The Lamb at Edgmond You’ll pass it a dozen times a week; it has just undergone a big refurbishment and now offers ‘relaxed, village dining’ whatever that may mean! It’s now your typical gastro pub serving super wines and excellent food but the price tag is one for the parents or the boyfriend as a treat. But don’t be too put off as there’s a lovely bar for a quiet drink and it’s only walking distance from Harper.

The Swan at Forton A pleasant and warm pub restaurant. Famed for its Sunday lunch (a carvery), the Swan has an abundance of choice. Sometimes it’s easier when you only have six things to choose from, yet here the wall is covered in the menu (on a chalk board obviously). So plenty to choose from, fairly quick service and not over-priced. Traditional food and a few lagers available. A great little pub suitable for all occasions whether a romantic dinner for two or a carvery for 30 rugby players!!

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The Red Lion at Great Chatwell Slightly upmarket, this pub serves fantastic food all week and superb Sunday lunches.

You do pay for the privilege though, so perhaps a place to visit when Mum and Dad are paying.

The Red House.

A traditional family restaurant. Here you get the usual mixture of burgers, lasagnes, curries, and pizza/pasta dishes. In other words, something for everyone. If you can’t be satisfied by this menu, there’s no pleasing you.

Mischas Subtly situated on the High Street on the edge of Newport (near the Shell garage) Mischas is perhaps the best restaurant in the town, offering traditional English meals in a pleasant surrounding, with a slightly higher price. The increase in price is compensated by the quality of the food though, so worth a trip on a birthday/anniversary.

The Fox at Chetwynd Aston This is a five minute drive from Harper and the food is lush! We’re working our way through the desserts – haven’t found a rotten one yet, and the ice cream is out of this world! The Ploughman’s Lunch is immense.

Failing all of the above, McDonalds is only 10 minutes down the A518, and KFC and Pizza Hut await you in Telford.

Alternatively, Shrewsbury is around 30 minutes away and as well as the obligatory McDonalds, there’s also a Wetherspoons, Pizza Express, Yates and a gazillion other restaurants ranging from mega cheap to break-the-bank.

I love the Fox in Chetwynd Aston! Always take my family there. Abby The Lion in Edgmond does fantastic Sunday roasts.

Marcus Takeaways Newport has no shortage of these: Raja’s – A beehive of activity after a large night; burgers, kebabs and pizza a-plenty.

They deliver too.

Newport Kebabs – The underdog of the town, a little too far up the high street to grab everyone’s attention, though rumour has it their kebabs are better. But when Raja’s is next to a bank, the taxi rank and Ozzy’s who cares?

Stars – Specialising in pizza. And plenty of them. Stars is a light, airy, and friendly takeaway/diner, with dozens of pizzas to choose from, and plenty of special offers to tempt you to buy their 14”er.

They also deliver.

Fish and Chips – You have the choice of Jones’ Fish Shop on Audley Road or the originally named ‘Zach’s Plaice’ on the high street (Wonder how many chippies have used that old chestnut?!?) Either way, they both offer pretty much the same thing – fish and chips. Unless you’re a connoisseur, you’ll not know the difference. Zach’s Plaice does have a sit down restaurant to the rear though, so this may sway you…

A design-your-own-sandwich bar is also available. Opposite Ozzy’s lies Combinations, a small shop with everything from bread, buns and baguettes with fillings of your choice, or ones already designed for you (the all day breakfast bap is scrumptious). In fact, everything they offer is mouth wateringly good!!

Newport also has two bakeries. Gregg’s and the Three Cooks offer all the usual bakery goodies (iced buns, pies, sausage rolls, etc.)

Mmm – the Harper Arse is coming!!

!

Harper Adams University College advocates a sensible approach to drinking.

Please treat alcohol with respect. Don’t become a statistic.

Pubs and Drinkies Fancy a pint off campus? There are more pubs in Newport than you might think, they all love the students because we all spend our money in them, and all the owners are pretty friendly people.

Ozzy’s Wine Bar Once owned by the one and only Ozzy Osbourne! The bar is long and narrow, often full with Harper students and is plastered in 60’s American memorabilia.

Good place to start off on a night out. Can get a bit crowded – but that’s the sign of a good night!

The Swan Perhaps not so often frequented by the students but we’ve crowded it out before now! Always included in the pub crawls, it is however a place for a quieter drink with the locals.

The Bridge At the far end of the high street, the Shakespeare is a good pub. Always visited by students on a crawl, but mostly left to the locals if you just want a casual pint.

serves Refurbished not so long ago, the pub e som with bar fine a has and l a good mea pub The nice ales… cracking service too! for has a relaxed atmosphere to it – nice h. lunc ay a quiet Sund

The Pheasant Inn

The Kings Head

The Shakespeare

Next door to the Shakespeare, the Phez has a good reputation – mainly because the landlord, Quinny, coaches the Harper footy team, and provides a free mini bus. Always frequented by Harper students, TVs, a pool table and courtyard give the Phez a great atmosphere. Definitely the place to be on a Wednesday night before heading back to Harper.

street, A lot bigger than it looks from the ed out, chill , pub the Head is a pretty cool good a and e, ther in ls always a few loca mates the with h laug a for pe esca pub to in private.

The Barley

s in Probably the most modern of the pub With p. cha nice a is er own the , Newport cers good sofas, a dance floor, nice boun ys rsda Thu (3am s and great opening time t nigh the ce dan can you s), to Saturday ks away. A full bar provides all the drin you could wish for.

Alt.prospectus 2009 p45

If you are still begging for more than Newport and Harper can offer we suggest getting a group together and hiring a minibus to either Stafford or Shrewsbury.

Both towns offer more pubs and a few clubs such as Liquid, Flares and Zanzibar.

They’re only 25 minutes away and Stafford is a fellow university town, so has plenty of student to mingle with (i.e. pull).

Wolverhampton is a good 30 minutes away but the metropolitan style and abundance of bars and clubs may attract you. Failing that, a night on Broad Street in Birmingham is unbeatable – pubs, clubs, restaurants, café bars, cinema, entertainment – it’s got the lot.

A taxi or minibus will take you and pick you up (just be prepared to pay for it).

Alternatively, the SU RAG Team will run a RAG trip for a small fee, covering coach and will often blag us all free entry into the biggest club available – result!

Our fave local…

you’re looking for.

Oh tough questions. Depends what ing sport! Everyone The Phez most definitely for watch a sing-a-long, plus crowds round the big screen and has house! Abby you get half-time chip butties on the legend!) Marcus The Phez (the landlord, Quinny, is a xing with friends The Barley in Newport, ideal for rela and dancing at the weekends Sue

The SU Bar Fosters San Miguel Pedigree Strongbow Guinness Marstons Smooth Oyster Stout Plus more guest ales Spirits with mixer Magners J20 Soft drinks Smirnoff Ice Blue WKD Shark Aftershock Diesel

£2 per pint £2 per pint £2 per pint £2 per pint £2 per pint £2 per pint £2 £1.50 £1.70 £2.30 £1 £1 pint £2 £2 £1.40 £1.60 £2

The Music Scene The music scene surrounding Harper reflects our individuality, and most tastes can be catered for whether by radio, nightclubs or gig venues. If you want a break from Harper, then Stafford, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and Birmingham are worth a bit of exploring.

The Wolverhampton Civic Hall hosts all music types. The Civic, Little Civic and nearby Wulfrun are the main places for gigs in the area with the likes of The Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks, Embrace, Lost Prophets

and other big name bands holding shows there. Tickets tend not to be too expensive; the most you’re going to fork out is probably £15 for the biggest of bands that play here, and you’re almost guaranteed some sort of hearing problems afterwards. Check out information about the Civic Hall at www.wolvescivic.co.uk Stafford offers some great nightclubs such as the Moles Club and Zanzibar which stage live acts and personality DJs. See www.zanzibarnightclub.co.uk

In Shrewsbury there’s Liquid, The Buttermarket, Diva and Flares. Cracking night out to be had!

If you’re into your rock Wolverhampton is your best bet, but if you prefer dance then Stafford and Shrewsbury offer more in the way of clubs. And Birmingham has absolutely everything! There’s the NEC, NIA and Carling Academy for live gigs, and loads of clubs.

Whatever you fancy, there’s plenty of it round here!

Visit us!

per before you We highly recommend visiting Har ’t know if it’s decide which uni to study at. We don pretty campus, the famous Harper Spirit, or just the ve you get a but when you come up the front dri hug and won’t feeling that grabs you, gives you a s was the let go. Most people who visit say thi lly happy here. moment they decided they’d be rea en you can We have two open days a year wh ff and students. explore the campus and talk to sta g your family We also have visit afternoons. Brin me. or a friend if you like, all are welco te of uni life If you are 16–18 and fancya real tas ices event in the two-day Higher Education Cho t in lectures July is perfect. You get to take par staff, party and seminars, talk to students and Union. Everyone the night away with the Students’ join Harper makes friends at HEC – so if you do ple. for real you already know lots of peo

Want to know more?

Tick everything you’re interested in (below) and we’ll send you some info. Easy peasy.

■ Open day 10 may 2008 ■ Open day 12 October 2008 ■ HEC 7–8 July 2008 ■ Visit afternoons 17 September and 26 November 2008 Name Address

Postcode Email Tel Email

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DoB

Best University College Best Teaching Best for jobs Freepost (TF334) Harper Adams University College Newport Shropshire TF10 8NB

Shortlisted for

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Harper Adams University College Newport Shropshire TF10 8NB T: 01952 815000 W: www.harper-adams.ac.uk The information in this publication was correct at the time of going to press. However, Harper Adams reserves the right to implement changes without prior notification.

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