2024/25 New Student Handbook
This is the start of a brand-new chapter of your life, and right here is where your adventure begins.
BSU is more than just studying; it’s about exploring your creativity, being curious and building confidence. We want to support you as best we can so that you can flourish during your time with us.
We’ve created this guide to answer any questions you may have and point you in the direction of the teams and resources that can help you. Be sure to use our handy arrival checklists on pages 5, 6 and 7 to get started!
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is a great way to meet new people, try new things, find your way around our campuses, and most importantly, have fun!
What to expect from your Welcome Week
Each year we schedule lots of fun Welcome Activities to help you settle in and get the most out of your course and university life. You’ll also have course welcome events, where you can meet other people on your course and your course leaders.
Along with the Students’ Union Welcome Activities, you can enjoy activities such as:
• Bulb planting
• Wellbeing run
• Cookery classes
• Board games and crafts
• Film night
• Student support teams fairs
Day 1 Checklist
Get organised
To any students moving into a new place for the first time; you’ll feel much more settled after you’ve unpacked your bags and started to sort out your room.
Connect to Eduroam
After you’ve registered, you can log into our University Wi-fi, Eduroam. Find out how to do this on our IT Services page.
Register online
You will receive an email from the Student Registration Team before the start of your course, inviting you to register. All students must register online and complete their enrolment at the start of each academic year.
You’ll need your six-digit student ID number, a selfie, your bank details, and a photograph of your government-issued ID. Returning students just need to log in using their ID number and password. International students also need to attend an in-person enrolment session.
www.bathspasu.co.uk
Download the BSU app
It’s important that you download the MyBathSpa App as soon as you can, as you will need it to check in your attendance to your lectures. You can also use it to access University news and information. Please contact the Student Engagement Team if you need any help with check-in.
Say hello!
Get to know your new flatmates or neighbours - that first person you say hi to could become a friend for life!
If you’ve just moved to Bath, get some supplies in!
Nearby shops include Lidl (on the U5 Bus route), Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. Check out the Re-use and Recycle fair to buy secondhand kitchen equipment.
Visit the SU
The Bath Spa University Students’ Union (SU) is on Newton Park campus, next to the Gardens accommodation blocks. It has a bar and cafe, gym, and advice centre.
Week 1 Checklist
Check out your Welcome Week schedule
There are timetabled mandatory sessions like your Course Welcome, as well as a whole load of other activities- so it’s a great idea to get organised and plan your week. You can find your Welcome Week schedule in the App.
Pick up your student ID card
This will give you access to the library, printing facilities, and more. Pick it up at the campus your course is based at. You’ll need to show proof of ID. For students based at Newton Park, you’ll need to head to the Vinery (behind the Walled Garden). Students based at Locksbrook should head to the Welcome desk to collect their cards.
Access your
teaching timetable
Log into the MyBathSpa app to see your timetable of lectures and seminars. Contact Timetabling via MyServices if you have any issues; check out the Student Hub page for more information.
Head into Bath city centre
Bath is famous worldwide, and for good reason. Explore for yourself and see what all the fuss is about; for our top tips on where to go, turn to our Getting Around page.
Go for a walk around campus
There are many beautiful spots around Newton Park and Locksbrook. Why not check out the Walled Gardens at Newton Park, walk along the river at Locksbrook, or head into town and visit the Botanical Garden?
Contact Student Wellbeing
Check out pages 20-21 for more information on the advice and support available including mental health, disability, wellbeing and learning support. Check out a fair
Why not check out the Activities and Welcome Fairs and find a society or group to join? Or explore the Part-Time Jobs Fair to look for work? Make sure to keep an eye out for other events throughout the first term, and come say hello to the student support teams.
Register with the University Medical Service
If you didn’t sign up to the University Medical Centre during registration, or haven’t yet registered with a GP, it’s important that you do so. Check out more information on the University Medical Centre on page 21. If you’re living outside of Bath, you can register with a GP on the NHS website.
Recycle your moving boxes
There are many recycling bins around our campuses. If you live off campus in private accommodation, you can check your local council website for their recycling collection days.
Go for a day out in Bristol
We’re just down the road from Bristol, the largest city in the South West. It’s famous for its arts and cultural scene and makes for a great day out!
Sign up for student discounts
It’s worth exploring your options and seeing what discounts you can get as a BSU student. A TOTUM card can get you money off a wide range of places, and a 16-25 railcard can get you 25% off travel.
Make sure your funding and finances are all set up
Check to see if you qualify for any extra funding or scholarships on our funding pages (www.bathspa.ac.uk/funding). Our Finance team can offer guidance, and our Disability Advisors can help with setting up your Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Month 1 Checklist
Check out the careers service
BSU’s Careers Team is here to help you find a job whilst you study if you feel you need one. You can read more about them on page 27.
Join a club or society
BSU’s clubs and societies are completely free to join for all students, so you can try out as many as you want. Don’t see a society you like? Check with the SU on how to start one!
Scope out the Library
The Library is the go-to spot at BSU for books, study support and advice, but it also has a whole wealth of other resources beyond academia. It’s based at Newton Park, right next to Main House. You can find out more about what our library can offer you on the BSU website, or on page 24.
Activate your Adobe Creative Cloud
Did you know that you have access to the full Adobe suite at BSU? All you need to do is log in to Adobe using your BSU email address and password.
Campus Life
Our campuses are the heart of our community. You’ll find everything you need to study, socialise and make the most of student life right on your doorstep.
Newton Park and Locksbrook Campus
Newton Park is BSU’s largest campus; you’ll find the Commons building here, which houses our specialist classrooms, study spaces, studios, and the Commons cafe. The lake on campus is a popular spot for many students, especially on a hot summer day. Newton Park is home to the University Theatre and the SU, which houses the Bar and SU Gym. You’ll also find the Campus Shop next to the Refectory.
Locksbrook is our state-of-the-art design space with specialist studios, workshops, and open workspaces all throughout the building. It’s located along the River Avon, which makes for a lovely walk, and Locksbrook also houses the BSU art shop.
Beyond the city of Bath, we also have a campus in central London: Bath Spa University London, or BSUL for short. Located in the vibrant and bustling borough of Hackney, near the Hoxton tube station, BSUL extends our flourishing community beyond the rolling hills of Bath.
Living in Halls
Living in student accommodation can be an exciting experience and great way to meet new people. Our Lakeside and Garden halls are located at Newton Park and within easy distance of the SU, Campus Shop, and Commons. Twerton Mill, Charlton and Waterside Court are closer to Locksbrook and city centre, with a Lidl and several pubs close by.
You can explore both our campuses through our handy interactive living map. Scan the QR
to check it out!
Food and Drink
At Newton Park campus, you’ll find the Refectory, our largest cafeteria with a wide selection of hot, vegan, and gluten-free food choices. Cafe Commons can be found at Newton Park campus, where we serve Costa coffee, as well as sandwiches, paninis, toasties and pastries. At the SU, you’ll find the SU Bar, which offers a mix of hot and cold drinks, homecooked food and snacks.
At Locksbrook campus, you can enjoy delicious hot food at the Locksbrook cafe, located at the end of “The Street”. There’s also locally supplied coffee, pastries, cakes, and cold food options!
BSU also has its own takeaway service! Just search ‘Bath Spa Catering’ on your app store to get delicious food delivered to your accommodation at budget prices.
You’ll also find drinking water refill points scattered across both campuses, so be sure to bring your reusable water bottle around with you. Make sure you also check out BSU’s catering Instagram, @meetdrinkeatbsu, to see our weekly themed menus.
Student Voice
We always want to hear from you with suggestions about improvements to your university experience and any new ideas. Check out Unitu, our student feedback platform, look out for quick polls on the MyBathSpa app, and, keep an eye out for surveys where you can share your thoughts on your learning experience throughout the year.
Want to keep up with all things BSU?
Be sure to follow @bathspastudentlife on Instagram for what’s on, University news, announcements and more.
We’d also recommend following the SU’s socials, so you can be the first to see all the fun events they’ll be hosting for Welcome! Check out their Instagram at @bathspasu.
Student Life
BSU London
Remembertobring yourStudentIDtogeta student discount!
You can also get the 5 bus from Bath city centre to Locksbrook campus. This does not go all the way to Newton Park, however!
WALK THROUGH HISTORY
The entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; everywhere you step, you’re following the footsteps of thousands of past Bathonians. The city walking trail takes you past all the very best sights of the city, like the Abbey, the Assembly Rooms, and the Royal Crescent.
5
THINGS
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
Bath might be bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars, but it’s also home to many peaceful green spaces. Hike up to the Bath Skyline, or laze in front of the Royal Crescent at Victoria Park and take in the views.
SPOT THE FILMING LOCATION
Bath has become renowned as a sought-after film location and hosts its own Film Festival every year. Why not go on a tour of your favourite Bridgerton spots, or see where Timothee Chalamet danced in Wonka?
MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, MANORS AND MORE
Did you know that BSU students have free access to almost all the heritage sites in Bath? With your BSU student ID card, you can tour the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, and Holburne Museum for free, and get student discount at other iconic sites.
TO DO IN BATH
COZY CAFE CULTURE
There are so many picturesque spots in the city centre to grab the perfect cuppa, coffee, chai, smoothie, milkshake... whatever takes your fancy! Treat yourself to a tasty pastry and delicious drink and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
Illustration
International students
If you’re joining BSU as an international student, our teams are here to support you.
Our International Student Guidebook is a great starting point to help you along your journey including specific advice for student visa holders around the following:
• What to do before you get to the UK
• What to expect at registration and inperson enrolment
• Settling into life in the UK, including guidance around healthcare, banking, parttime work, accommodation and transport.
• Cultural information and expectations of the UK academic environment
• Your rights and responsibilities on a Student visa
• Post-study work options.
Scan to see more information for International Students online
We know that as an international student, you may have additional questions about your life at BSU. We really recommend making use of the great resources below to help you find the answers you need:
• The Student Hub is a great first stop for any questions you have regarding your studies.
• Immigration Advice Service (immigrationadvice@ bathspa.ac.uk) provides free and impartial immigration advice on study visas.
• The Immigration Compliance Team helps to ensure students fulfil the responsibilities of their Student Route visa. You can contact them at immigrationcompliance@bathspa.ac.uk.
• The English Language Unit (ELU) offers support in developing your English Language skills. Contact them at ELU@bathspa.ac.uk for more information.
Student Hub
The Student Hubs are drop-in spaces that offer all our students the opportunity to speak to our friendly and experienced Student Information team. There is a Student Hub space at both Newton Park campus, in the Twiverton building (opposite the Refectory), and at Locksbrook, in room G.18.
Look out for international events that celebrate international diversity such as Diwali, Holi, and Lunar New Year. Or, learn more about UK cultural traditions through events at Christmas and Easter and other smaller events throughout the year.
If you’re interested in meeting other international students, join the International Student Network with the SU!
Our Chaplaincy team are also here to support International Students. They have representatives from many different faiths and backgrounds, and are a great listening ear for you.
You
can go to the Student Hub to talk about:
• General queries and questions
• Proof of student status letters
• Timetabling
• Making an application for exceptional circumstances
• Taking a break from your studies
• Transferring to another course
• Changing your modules
• Changing to part-time or full-time study
• Withdrawing from your course
You can download your student status letter from MyServices. This document proves your student status in the eyes of the UK government and is especially useful for things like applying for jobs, bank accounts, and discounted services like student gym memberships. Your student status letter is good for one year, and we'd recommend downloading it as soon as possible!
The Student Information team can also be contacted via MyServices. Other teams available at the Student Hub include Student Wellbeing Services, Accommodation, Finance, the Immigration Advice Service, and the IT Service Desk Team. They’re here to answer your questions as best they can, give you the support you need, or point you in the right direction of who to speak to next. Come say hello!
For opening times during term time, please check the BSU website, or at the Student Hub itself.
MyServices
MyServices is BSU’s self-service portal where you can find support for most queries, including issues with your course, assessments, timetables, finance, Wi-Fi, and more. You can access it through the BSU website or on the Bath Spa App.
To use MyServices, enter keywords for the topic you need help with into the search bar, and then see if there’s already an answer to your query. If there isn’t, or you need further help, look for a ‘log a call’ button on the page related to your topic to submit a request for support.
The Student Finance team are here to help with any financial matters that you may be concerned with. They can advise you on budgeting, figuring out your loan payments, or paying for accommodation; all you have to do is ask.
Your tuition
Finance Cost-of-living support
The amount that you pay for your course each year is subject to annual review, and can vary depending on whether you’re a home, international, postgraduate, or part-time student.
If you’ve applied for a tuition fee loan through a funding body (i.e. Student Finance England), this will be paid directly to the University in three instalments. Your tuition loan won’t ever enter your personal bank account. Please be aware, you need to reapply for funding at the start of every new year of your course, even if your circumstances haven’t changed.
With all financial matters, we strongly encourage our students to check the BSU webpages, and your relevant funding body’s website, for further information.
If you have not set up Student Finance yet and need a loan to pay your tuition, please contact our finance team immediately via fees@bathspa.ac.uk.
Your maintenance loans
If you qualify and have applied for a maintenance loan, this gets sent to you in three separate instalments throughout the year. You’ll need to register and enrol with BSU before you receive your first payment, so make sure you do this as soon as you can!
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
Bath Spa University has many different awards in place to help support you financially throughout your studies. If you haven’t already, it’s worth reading through the scholarships webpage (www.bathspa.ac.uk/students/student-finance/ scholarships-and-bursaries) and applying to any you feel may relate to your situation.
If you have successfully qualified for the Undergraduate Scholarship, you’ll receive your payment in January 2025. You’ll hear if you’ve qualified for the award within the first four weeks of enrolling for the 24/25 academic year.
The Laptop Fund
Receive up to £500 to purchase a laptop to support your studies once you've registered. Head to our website for more information and the application form.
Here to support you
We’ve implemented a number of savings for BSU students:
The Student Finance maintenance loan instalment payment dates for 2024/2025 are:
• September 2024
• January 2025
• April 2025
Contact Finance:
Student funding: studentawards@bathspa.ac.uk
Student fees: fees@bathspa.ac.uk
Payments: income@bathspa.ac.uk
If you’re in student accommodation at BSU, you can choose to pay your fees in either 3 or 8 instalments. You’ll have until 18 October to pay your license fee.
We encourage you to set up a budget to manage your loan payments. For budgeting tips, check out the finance pages on the BSU website, or come chat to the finance team at the Student Hub.
The Access Fund
The Bath Spa University Access Fund provides limited discretionary financial support to any full-time home UK students struggling to accrue the funds to meet their basic needs. You can apply six weeks after your course start date via the BSU website.
Accommodation Bursary
BSU offers the Accommodation Bursary (£500) to eligible students to help towards paying their rent. Students will qualify for this one-off bursary if their annual household income equates to £20,000 or less. Please check out the accommodation support page on the BSU website for more information.
• Student Eats offers a hot meal and drink at the Refectory for under £5
• Free tea and coffee available at stations around the uni
• Free sustainable period products in most women’s and gender-neutral toilets across the university
• Laundry prices capped at £2.50 for a wash and £1.80 for a dry for two years
• Food larders with non-perishable goods in the Sophia laundry rooms and Langton on Newton Park Campus
We’re always here to support you and endeavour to help in any way that we can.
You can check out our cost-ofliving hub on the BSU website for more tips and information, and our Student Wellbeing Team are here to help alleviate any money anxiety.
Students’ Union
Your Students’ Union (SU) is all about you! The SU is here to represent and champion all BSU students and to help you to make the most of your university experience.
They run a year-round programme of events and opportunities for everyone to get involved with, so there’s always something to do. You could become a course rep, lead a club, society or network, run an event or campaign or do some fundraising – the choice is yours!
STUDENTS’ UNION ADVICE CENTRE
The SU Advice Centre can help you with a variety of issues including housing, sexual health, your course, and your general wellbeing. They provide free, confidential, impartial, and independent advice to all Bath Spa students. To book a phone, video or in-person appointment, email su-advice@bathspa. ac.uk or visit bathspasu.co.uk/advice.
You can read more about the SU on their website www.bathspasu.co.uk, and make sure to give them a follow @bathspasu on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok!
and
Your Sabbatical Officers for 2024/2025 are:
Students’ Union President: Jas Raymond-Barker su-president@bathspa.ac.uk
Vice President Welfare and Community: Poppy Laycock vpcommunity@bathspa.ac.uk
YOUR SABBATICAL OFFICERS
The Sabbatical Officers (or Sabbs, for short) work to support your interests at university. They’re elected by vote every year, and act as the leading representative body for student concerns at BSU.
FACILITIES
The SU building is the perfect place to spend an afternoon studying with your course-mates or unwind in the evening with friends, and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Upstairs, you’ll find the SU Gym, which offers over 40 stations with free weights, cardio machines and training zones, and has affordable memberships.
Vice President Opportunities: Elise Booth vpopportunities@bathspa.ac.uk
Vice President Education: Arran Feltham vpeducation@bathspa.ac.uk
You can contact your Sabbs via email or on Instagram @bathspasabbs
The SU supports over 70 sports, academic, interest and faith clubs and societies. From American Football to Musical Theatre, Dungeons and Dragons and Cheerleading, there really is something for everyone. Can’t find the society for you? Talk to the SU about how to start one!
Clubs Societies
Clubs and societies are completely free to join and the SU also has a Participation Fund you can apply to if there are any costs stopping you from getting involved.
To check out what’s on at the SU and look through our list of societies, just scan the QR code.
The SU also supports student networks which enable you to find community and campaign on issues that matter to you:
• Disabled Students’ Network
• Commuter Students’ Network
• International Students’ Network
• LGBTQ+ Students’ Network
• Afro-Caribbean Society
• Asian Students’ Network
• Mature Students’ Network
• Women+ Students’ Network
• Postgraduate Network
Personal
Safety
At BSU Safeguarding is everybody's business and includes children, adults at risk (sometimes referred to as 'vulnerable adults'), radicalisation, gender-based violence, harassment and hate crime. If you have a concern about a member of our University community, even if you are not sure the concern constitutes safeguarding, please email safeguarding@bathspa.ac.uk.
Bath is one of the safest cities in the country for students, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be vigilant. There are several things you can do to help ensure that you and your friends continue to stay safe whilst you’re out:
is seriously
Student Need Help Now?
Wellbeing Services
Student Wellbeing Services (SWS) offers a wide range of effective solutions for any issues you may have including mental health, wellbeing concerns, finance, disability support, and much more. Connect with SWS through MyWellbeing to book appointments, sign up for events and send queries.
Mental health support
University is an exciting place to be, but it can sometimes manifest stress or upset. Our team of professional Mental Health Advisors are available to provide advice, guidance and support to help you with your mental health whilst you’re here with us.
Disability Service
Our dedicated Disability Advisors are here to provide information and practical support to any students who identify as disabled or neurodivergent. They can help with accessing grants, coordinating screenings for dyslexia and ADHD, securing accessible accommodation, setting up Academic Access Plans (AAPs), and much more.
Wellbeing advice
Our Wellbeing Advisors offer non-clinical support to suit your needs, with guidance on anything from finance to homesickness to housing concerns. Check out the SWS website for more information, or come to their pop-in service at the Student Hub.
Students are also welcome to use the Sitting Room, a quiet and welcoming space in Main House. Here, you’ll find Wellbeing Facilitators who can offer advice and provide a range of activities designed to improve your wellbeing.
Trans* and non-binary support
BSU are committed to creating a fair and inclusive environment for all our students, including anyone who identifies as transgender, non-binary, or as questioning their gender identity. We can help with practical aspects like changing your name on University systems and talking to staff about your pronouns, as well as supporting you through treatments and providing a safe space to discuss any questions that you may have.
The Student Wellbeing Helpline is a confidential telephone service that gives BSU students immediate access to support 24/7. Just call 0800 028 3766. Always call 999 if someone’s life is at risk.
Have a crisis that you cannot explain in English? The Helpline is available in over 200 languages, so when calling, if you need to speak to someone in a certain language, just ask the advisor.
Report and Support
Report and Support is an online reporting tool for staff and students at BSU. If you see or experience something that is not OK, you can submit a named or anonymous report, and request support from one of our advisors.
If you have experienced any form of sexual violence and/or abusive relationship, our Gender-Based Violence Caseworker/ Sexual Violence Liaison Officer can help you via MyWellbeing.
The Wisdom App can help you track your wellness and improve your mental health, among other things. Use code MHA173635 to get the app.
Care dogs
BSU are lucky enough to have registered care dogs! All our lovely pups are available for drop-in sessions and wellbeing walks. You can find out more on how to hang out with BSU’s furry friends on the care dogs webpage, or via MyWellbeing.
SWS events
SWS runs events throughout the year and all students are welcome to attend. There are a mix of workshops, drop-in sessions, awareness days and more. You can visit MyWellbeing for more information.
Chaplaincy
Our Chaplaincy team is here to ensure a culture of spiritual curiosity and inclusion for students at Bath Spa University, whatever your faith or world view. Our chaplains are always happy to meet new people, and are always around for a chat. Check out the Chaplaincy website for a timetable of events. You can visit the chaplaincy in Main House or get in touch via email: chaplains@bathspa.ac.uk
Your health
University Medical Service
We encourage all our students to register with a medical service whilst living in Bath. Fairfield Park Health Centre provides the University Medical Service at Newton Park Campus. They have appointments available during term-time in the Sophia building at Newton Park, and all year round at the Fairfield Park Health Centre.
You can register directly with Fairfield on their website, you can also register during your registration with BSU.
www.fairfieldparkhc.co.uk
Measles, Mumps and Meningitis (MMR)
If you have not had the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination, especially if you are from outside the UK, we strongly advise to book an appointment at your local surgery and get it.
Meningitis is a serious illness and can be life-threatening. If you have not had the Men ACWY vaccination, we advise you to make an appointment to get it as soon as possible. Both vaccinations are offered by the University Medical Service.
Gender-affirming care
The University Medical Service is committed to providing non-judgemental and confidential medical care to all our patients, including those seeking gender-affirming treatment through our trans*-friendly practitioners. We can change your gender on your patient record and assist you with transferring your medical records if needed.
Scan to access the Student Wellbeing Services MyWellbeing
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A AMBASSADOR? STUDENT
Are you looking for a paid part-time job on campus?
Do you need flexible hours that fit around your lectures?
Are you friendly, outgoing, and love talking to people?
Become a student ambassador!
Our Student Ambassadors show the world what our University is all about.
You’ll act as a representative of BSU at Open Days, Offer Holder Days, through blogs and answering questions on our Unibuddy forum, at UCAS events, schools and colleges and so on. As one of the many faces of BSU, you’ll play a key role in telling prospective students all about what it’s really like to be at university.
Beyond being a Student Ambassador, we have a whole host of student opportunities available at BSU. You could become a:
• Student Wellbeing Navigator- support your fellow students with their wellbeing, and help redirect them to the services they need.
• Student Communities Admin Assistant- provide admin support to BSU students to help them build communities.
• Student Community Leader- represent your peers and help create a greater sense of unity in your course.
• Sustainability Ambassador- help promote sustainability at BSU through engaging students in various campaigns and projects.
• Campus Life Ambassador- helps with student accommodation, student communications, and events on campus.
• Student Outreach Ambassador- works with schools and colleges to educate students about what it’s like to go to University and why it might be a good option for them.
2.5 MILLION we’re on a mission to lower that number.
Look out for these roles throughout the year on their associated web pages. takeaway coffee cups are used and thrown away each year in the UK,
Check the SU website and MyCareer for more opportunities throughout the year. If you’re interested in becoming a Student Ambassador, email us for more information and an application form.
BSU doesn’t use single-use plastic or paper cups across any of its catering outlets (beside the large cups at Costa in Commons). So you’ll have to bring your own mug to get a coffee and a 30p discount!
Download the Refill app to your phone and loan a City to Sea reusable takeaway cup. You can borrow a reusable cup for free, provided you return the cup when you finish your drink, or by the end of the 2-week borrowing period. You won’t get charged any money unless you don’t return your cup.
With your help, we’re taking a significant step towards a single-use plastic free future.
Thank you!
> studentambassadors@bathspa.ac.uk
The
Library
The University Library, based at Newton Park, can support you throughout your student journey and offers advice and guidance about your studies.
The Library team are on hand year-round to help with any queries you may have, by email, telephone, and their 24/7 online chat service, as well as in person at Newton Park and the Locksbrook Student Hub.
Study
Resources to help you
The Library provides access to over 350,000 e-books, 100 databases and more than 30,000 academic e-journals via our webpages so you can study anywhere, any time. You’ll also find over 150,000 print books, journals, DVDs and music scores available to borrow from Newton Park; all you need is your student ID card.
The Click and Collect service transports books between Newton Park, Locksbrook, and Sion Hill, so you can borrow and return print items to where’s most convenient for you.
As well as academic texts, the Library has a wide range of resources for you to use and enjoy outside of your studies.
Why not check out their Reading for Pleasure collection, or their Wellbeing collection? Your BSU login can also give you access to many online databases, including Box of Broadcasts (BoB), Kanopy and the National Theatre Collection (NTL). Check out the Library website for more information.
The library is open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week during term time. There are over 300 study spaces, and rooms that can be booked for societies and groups.
Subject Librarians
Each School has a dedicated Subject Librarian to support you throughout your time at BSU. They can:
• Offer 1:1 in person or online appointments for guidance with learning resources
• Help you to identify and find good quality information for assignments, dissertations and research projects
• Provide guidance on using subject-specific databases, journals and resources
• Show you how to make the most of your module resource lists.
If you would like to contact your Subject Librarian or book an appointment, you will find their details on the Library’s ‘Subject Resources A-Z’ webpages.
Your learning support
Supporting you throughout your studies is our top priority. Our professional services offer information, advice and guidance and have a range of support mechanisms depending on what you need.
Academic Access Plans (AAPs)
An AAP is a plan that we share, with your consent, with information about your requirements for learning with lecturers and tutors to allow equal access to education. This can include recommendations for study in class, timed examinations (including in-class tests), tutorials, other assessments, placements, and fieldtrips. We’ll talk to you about any specific adjustments that you need so that the plan is right for you. This plan stays confidential and strictly between yourself, SWS, and any academic staff who are directly involved with your learning support. Please contact SWS if you have access requirements and would like to set up an AAP.
The English Language Unit (ELU)
If English is not your first language and you feel worried about your ability to communicate or your academic writing, the ELU are here for you. Our teaching and support focuses on developing your English language skills through individual tutorials, short courses, and language surgeries at our offices in the Gatehouse at Newton Park. If you’d like to know more, please email elu@bathspa.ac.uk, or come see us in our office at GH.101.
Disability Advisors
Our Disability Advisors help coordinate additional academic support throughout your time at university. They can give advice on how to access helpful sources, services, and software, getting a screening for dyslexia and ADHD, liaising with useful internal and external services, and help with setting up an AAP. They’re here to listen to you and help you take the right steps to ensure you have a positive experience here with us. You can get in touch with one of our Disability Advisors via MyWellbeing.
Academic Advice and ASk
The Academic Skills service (ASk) is a resource for the whole University. They’re here to support you in your academic work, at any stage of your academic career.
Based in Commons, the ASk team is here to help students to excel. Whether you’d like some feedback on your writing or help with maths and statistics, they offer a range of support, both inperson and online. These include:
• 1:1 feedback on your written assignments
• Academic and digital skills workshops
• Advice on referencing
• Help with maths and statistics tools such as SPSS or Jasp.
You can book an appointment with a member of the ASk team either online or in person, both at Newton Park and Locksbrook. You can also come to a drop-in session in Commons, room G06, during term-time from 9am-12pm, Monday-Friday. Get in touch at: academicskills@bathspa.ac.uk
Creative Campus
BSU is an Adobe Creative Campus, giving students free access to the entire suite of Adobe Creative Cloud and
Becoming part of our creative community means access to a vault of elite industry-leading apps, including Photoshop, InDesign, Adobe Express and more. And with access to millions of royaltyfree Adobe Stock images, you’ll never have to scour the web for the
Adobe Careers and employability at BSU
Learn to communicate more effectively, build your personal brand, prepare for the challenges of an increasingly digital world, and achieve your goals as a student here and beyond. Stand out with video, podcasts, webpages, data visualization, and more, and get started quickly with the latest generative AI features from Adobe
Whether you’ve got a clear idea about what you want to do, or are unsure as to the next steps, BSU’s Careers service is here to help support you, highlight your skills and get you to where you want to be!
How can I get involved more and work with Adobe?
Sign up to be an Adobe Ambassador, keep up to date with our Adobe events via My Profile on the MyBathSpa app and keep an eye out for Adobe on your campus.
Every student on our campus can take courses and earn certified badges from Adobe, showing future employers that you have essential skills in communicating visually, establishing a social media presence, and understanding generative AI.
Whilst at BSU, you’ll continually learn how to express yourself creatively in a professional environment, and explore different career path options. The Careers Service offer lots of ways into the world of work, but for concerns right now, they can also help you earn whilst you learn through part-time jobs and esteemed internships.
Any time you need CV help, interview tips or need help looking for a job, you can stop by the Skills and Careers Space on the ground floor of Commons at Newton Park, or log on to MyCareer (mycareer.bathspa.ac.uk) with your BSU ID.
How do I access my Adobe Creative Suite?
Go to the Creative Cloud website and sign in with your Bath Spa University email, username and password. Download the Creative Cloud application, and then install whichever applications you want to use.
Go Global
Our Go Global Team provides opportunities to study, work and undertake research worldwide throughout your time at BSU.
Certificate in Global Citizenship
Gain an international, interdisciplinary perspective with a guaranteed grant of up to £1000 for a placement abroad. Meet new people and make friends by taking Global Citizenship alongside your undergraduate course
Apply by midday on Wednesday 2 October to join the course.
Check out the QR code for more information.
What do we do?
• Semester Abroad
• Summer Schools
• Work placements abroad
• International research placement
Semester Abroad
BSU is partnered with over 40 different universities worldwide. In your second year, you can spend a semester studying abroad with one of your choosing!
If you’re in the first year of your undergraduate degree, you have until midday on Friday 21 February 2025 to apply to study abroad.
Funding
There are several grants and scholarships available to help cover the costs of your international experience. Some of these are:
• Turing funding
• Global Horizons Award
• Other BSU awards
Find out more at www.bathspa.ac.uk/go-global
Get in touch with the Go Global Team to learn more.
Spa speak glossary
Academic Advisor:
Your Academic Advisor will be a member of the teaching team from your course and will be available to help and advise you throughout your studies at Bath Spa University.
ASk:
The Academic Skills service (ASk) are here to support you in your academic work, at any stage of your academic career.
Course Rep:
Course Reps are your first point of contact when it comes to raising issues about your course and for passing on what is going well on your course.
Student Life Instagram:
The Student Life Instagram is an Instagram account aimed at current students sharing day-to-day updates, events and information. Check it out at @bathspastudentlife
SISO:
SiSo is where students can book equipment, workshops and studio bookings.
Ultra:
Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is where you’ll find all the information you need for the academic side of university. Find out about modules, course notices and interact with your course leaders and other academics.
Unitu:
Our student feedback platform, where students can raise ideas, issues, praise and ask questions. Staff members can respond in real time with comments and solutions.
Your Uni News:
The place to go for all student news, events, updates and more. Access it via the Bath Spa App.
Key Contacts and Room names
Academic Skills (ASk): academicskills@bathspa.ac.uk
Accommodation: accommodation@bathspa.ac.uk
IT Service Desk Team: contact via MyServices or 01225 876500
Library
library@bathspa.ac.uk
Student Engagement Team myengagement@bathspa.ac.uk
Student fees (Tuition fees, tuition loans, sponsorship and accommodation payment queries): fees@bathspa.ac.uk
Student funding (Funding, bursaries and scholarships, and international funding): studentawards@bathspa.ac.uk
Student Information Team:
log a call via MyServices, or you can call via 01225 876115 between 9:30-3:30 Monday to Friday.
Student payments (How to pay fees, instalment dates, payment options and how to update card details): cashier@bathspa.ac.uk
Students’ Union: bathspasu@bathspa.ac.uk
Student Wellbeing Services: access MyWellbeing to speak to our advisors
Security emergency line: 01225 875555
As you explore our campuses and get ready to study, you’ll come across many room name codes. Use the Living Maps to find your way around. It will even give you directions to the room you’re looking for!
What do you think of this booklet?
Scan this QR code to answer a few questions.
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Need Help Now?
The Student Wellbeing Helpline is a confidential telephone service that gives BSU students immediate access to support 24/7. Just call 0800 028 3766.
Campus addresses
Newton Park:
Bath Spa University, Newton Park, Newton St Loe, Bath, BA2 9BN
Locksbrook:
Bath School of Art, Film and Media and Bath School of Design, Locksbrook Rd, Bath, BA1 3EL
