2023 Welcome Guide

2023

WELCOME GUIDE

WELCOME

Congratulations on receiving an offer to study at Buckinghamshire New University!

Welcome from Jay Blades MBE, Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University

Buckinghamshire New University gave me the confidence to make the most of every opportunity and become the best version of myself, and I’m excited to see the university continue to do the same for its students today.

‘I’m proud to be the first Chancellor of the university and welcome you in building your future career here at BNU’.

Jay Blades MBE Chancellor

YOUR JOURNEY

Your Buckinghamshire New University journey starts here with your step-by-step guide to the next few exciting months.

FEBRUARY/MARCH APPLICANT VISIT

Have you booked your Applicant Visit yet? This is your chance to meet fellow applicants and your course leader and get an in-depth view of BNU. See bnu .ac.uk/ book-your-applicant-visit

MARCH STUDENT FINANCE

Apply for Student Finance at gov.uk . If you’re a new student, you need to apply before late May to get your money in time for the start of your course.

APRIL YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Our accommodation applications open for firm offer holders. We will contact you by email if you have BNU as your first choice so don’t worry about missing your deadlines.

APRIL LAST QUESTIONS

Any last questions about your course or studying at BNU? You can chat to students and staff online at bnu.ac.uk

SEPTEMBER AND YOU’RE OFF

Find out when you can move in and what we suggest you’ll need to pack.

Commuting from home? Try out your journey to University and work out the best route.

17 AUGUST

RESULTS DAY!

Check UCAS Track to see if your University place has been confirmed. Even if you haven’t got your predicted grades, give us a call and we can discuss your options.

MAY YOUR CHOICES

Have you made BNU your first choice yet? If you have got all your offers on UCAS you can select your firm and insurance choices on UCAS Track.

8

JUNE YOUR OFFERS

Reply to your university offers today * or UCAS will decline them automatically.

JULY RELAX

Enjoy the summer and get ready for your results.

*If you receive your last decision on or before 18 May 2023, your reply date is 8 June 2023 (except if you’re using Extra to find a place). If you receive your last decision on or before 12 July 2023, your reply date is 17 July 2023 (including Extra choices).

WHY BUCKINGHAMSHIRE NEW UNIVERSITY

Buckinghamshire New University’s main campus is slap-bang in the middle of High Wycombe – a studentcentred town offering the whole package to make your university years memorable. From amazing shopping to buzzing nightlife, vibrant culture to rolling hills and countryside, High Wycombe has everything you could need right on your doorstep.

GREAT PLACES TO SHOP

The Eden Centre is right next to the University campus, with over 100 shops including high-end & high-street fashion and a growing number of funky independents. Plus a host of dining and leisure experiences including a multiplex cinema and bowling centre.

High Wycombe also has the old town quarter which hosts a lively street market three times a week with a whole array of small street food vendors catering for every possible taste and budget.

And of course, High Wycombe is only a short train ride away from London and Bicester Village, so the sky is your limit for shopping.

Bicester

Restaurants, bars & cafés

As well as the usual big chains – Wagamama’s, Pizza Express, Bill’s – High Wycombe boasts a whole host of smaller artisan restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

Mad Squirrel combines a local brewery and tap room with the best wood fired pizzas in town. Merletto Lounge, in the High Street, is the place to go for brunch, cocktails and a laid-back vibe.

Fancy something spicy? Kapaad is renowned for it’s amazing southern Indian cuisine but there is no shortage of alternatives serving late into the night.

The American Smoke House Blue Grass serves huge portions of BBQ, burgers and dirty fries all day for really low prices.

If coffee is your thing then High Wycombe really is your town – and it’s not just the high street chains. Local independents have a strong presence from Hatch Coffee, The Vanilla Pod Café Patisserie and The Front Room all getting our vote. Great relaxed places to hang out for lunch and a smoothie.

LONDON

ON YOUR DOORSTEP

The hustle and bustle of one of the world’s greatest cities is only a train ride away from High Wycombe. You will be able to experience all the best bits of city life and discover what the capital has to offer.

With London on your doorstep, you’ll be spoilt with a jam-packed calendar. From theme parks and zoos to marathons and carnivals, there’s a whole host of days out and attractions to enjoy in your spare time.

You’ll find lots of things to do to fit a student budget. We recommend making the most of free attractions and your student discount.

UNDER 27 MINUTES AWAY FROM LONDON BY

TRAIN

Southbank London

Soho London

Trafalgar Square London

V&A Museum London

Convent Garden

FANCY A NIGHT OUT?

Head for the craft beer selection at Heidrun, cocktails of all persuasions at Bar Botanic, live music and an even livelier atmosphere at The Antelope. High Wycombe is renowned for independent bars with real character, and, of course, we have a couple of ‘Spoons and chain pubs to cater for those of you who like a full English to go with your pint. All within a couple of minutes’ walk of BNU campus and our accommodation.

NIGHTLIFE?

Just saying, easily the best nightclub in town is our very own The Venue in the Bucks Students’ Union with the infamous Frat Night Friday, regular live bands, theme nights, live appearances and the monthly Saturday Crash night. But if you want to try somewhere different, there are plenty of other bars and clubs in the town centre, many with all night licenses.

The Old Town Hall is your place for alternative comedy nights and up and coming artists plus Bingo Revolution, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. It is Bingo, but not as you know it!

High Wycombe also has a vibrant Arts centre with live music, art classes and drama easily accessible by BNU students and local artists.

Whatever you are looking for, High Wycombe will have something for you.

OR LIVE MUSIC?

The brilliant PennFest music festival is right on your doorstep! Now in its 11th year, it gets bigger and better each time, and now has a top name line up. It’s easy to get to from High Wycombe and you can camp for the weekend to enjoy the two stages, bars and food venues. They even do a VIP toilet pass!

As well as the larger music venues there are many more intimate settings in local pubs and clubs that stage bands at all levels, adding to the vibrant music scene in High Wycombe.

A BIT OF CULTURE YOU SAY?

The Swan Theatre is right on the doorstep of the University and attracts famous names for a variety of comedy, music, opera, dance and cultural events (and it is where we hold our graduation ceremony so you can get a bit of practice in).

OUT AND ABOUT

High Wycombe nestles in the valley of the River Wye and is surrounded by the beautiful Chiltern Hills. Whilst the University campus and our accommodation is all on the flat, High Wycombe is very much a land of hills. Within walking distance of the University is the Wycombe Lido, with its heated outdoor main pool, plus grass and terraced sunbathing areas. Open all year for swimming followed by a stroll around the sprawling Rye, a huge open green space for picnics, sport, games or just hanging out with your mates.

How about a spot of heritage for when the folks come to visit? Look no further than the National Trust’s Hughenden Manor, the family home of Disraeli, or the elegance of West Wycombe park. And the Bradenham Estate and the scenic village of Bradenham is just a stone’s throw away with its flint cottages, village green and cricket pitch.

WITH ALL THIS GOING ON, WHY WOULD YOU EVER WANT TO LEAVE?

Well London is just a 27-minute train journey away, meaning you can take in the culture and sights of the capital and return home to High Wycombe at the end of the day (or night).

If you fancy a bit of high-end shopping then a train ride of 30 mins in the opposite direction to Bicester Shopping Village with its 160+ luxury fashion, lifestyle, beauty & homeware outlet boutiques. Or stay on the train a few more stops, and experience the dreaming spires of Oxford.

MESSING ABOUT ON THE RIVER

The picturesque water-side towns of Henley and Marlow are just a short distance from High Wycombe and offer their world-famous rowing regattas, rowing clubs and opportunities for sailing and open water swimming. Or how about a day trip to the historic town of Windsor, which has been one of the homes of the British Royal Family for centuries.

River Wye Oxford

simulated NHS wards, music recording suites, psychology labs and amazing art and design studios and workshops.

But what about the rest of campus – the places you will spend time relaxing, socialising and working?

Well, we have our own thriving campus community that our students enjoy and, because we are all on one campus, everything is close and easy to find.

OUR CAFÉS

We have two cafés and one café/bar, giving you plenty of choice whether you need a quick coffee, a healthy sandwich or a big fat burger and chips!

Beats is our biggest café, right in the middle of campus, and is buzzing all day long. It is next to the study lounge where many of our students hang out between lectures, so is a great space for

Beats serves a wide selection of meat, vegetarian and vegan options and does some cracking meal deals for a student budget. It serves Costa Coffee too for when you need your coffee fix.

And very importantly it has great free Wi-Fi, lots of phone charging points, microwaves to warm up your own food and plenty of seating. You could stay there all day if you wanted – it

RUSTY’S

Rusty’s is our small, but perfectly formed, café in the Gateway building. Serving Grumpy Mule coffee, sandwiches and soft drinks, it is a comfy spot to settle down for a rest between lectures, meet with friends or even to do your work!

THE LOUNGE

The Lounge, run by Bucks Students’ Union, is a café and a bar and does the best breakfast bun on campus at student friendly prices.

Open daily from 9.30am Monday to Friday for a range of breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers, hot and cold drinks, and Starbucks Coffee. The café transforms into a cosy 300-capacity bar and home for our comedy, quiz, cabaret, after-show parties and acoustic nights, as well as the second room to our bigger club nights.

What about keeping fit?

The Gateway Gym at BNU is huge and fully equipped with the very latest training equipment so you will never be fighting over the treadmills or rowing machines.

Whether you love the weights or like to get sweaty in a spin class, we have something to suit you.

There are fully qualified, experienced Fitness Coaches always on hand, who are happy to work with you to develop a personalised training programme, based exclusively around your goals.

Our dedicated group cycling studio is complete with a MyRide+™ system with disco lights so you can get fully immersed in the ride.

There are also group exercise classes ranging from yoga to cardio funk, HiiT to Pilates, taking place in one of our two large studios all day long.

Once you’ve been offered a place to study at Buckinghamshire New University, The Fitness Team would like to start the celebrations early by offering you the opportunity to join the Gateway Gym right away at our current student membership rates.

AND, OF COURSE, THE STUDY SPACES

Without wishing to brag – our library is a thing of beauty! Located over 3 floors, with some of the best views of High Wycombe and the surrounding hills, we have 1000s of books, 100s of computers, laptop loans, Mac suites, loads of private study spaces and even some drinking water fountains.

For those night owls amongst you, our library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – so if you fancy writing an essay at 3am on a rainy Tuesday night we are there for you. Don’t worry we have 24-hour security, so the library is always a safe space no matter when you choose to study.

We have an extensive collection of eBooks to make your studying even easier, self-checkouts and returns, access to printing facilities and super friendly librarians who won’t shush you.

Having a great time at university is about creating the right balance between social and study, and at BNU we have everything you need in our vibrant on-campus community.

WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ?

A GOOD QUESTION. THE BIG DEAL MEANS;

BNU IS THE ONLY UNIVERSITY IN THE UK TO OFFER FREE ACCESS TO A HUGE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO ENRICH YOUR TIME WITH US.

5,500 opportunities to participate in FREE recreational activities.

200 fully trained and supported student representatives.

50+ different active societies that are FREE to join. 30+ different competitive and recreational sporting opportunities.

5,000 hours of FREE additional skills training offered.

250 FREE events in a diverse programme of entertainments.

BUCKS STUDENTS’ UNION

Did you know that Bucks Students’ Union has been voted in the top 5 SUs in the country for the last 5 years?

It is no surprise to us because our Students’ Union hosts a huge range of FREE daytime and evening entertainment from the famous Freshers Week to guitar lessons, to quiz nights and movie nights. All hosted in the amazing Lounge Bar and Café and The Venue, our nightclub and live music venue and all FREE to our students.

But it is so much more than just a place to get a cheap pint and have a laugh (although that is, of course, very important!) As a BNU student you automatically become a member of our Students’ Union and access to all it can offer.

Bucks Students’ Union believe in putting their members first, and as part of our exclusive Big Deal package, we are the only University in the UK to offer members free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities.

Have you accepted your offer at BNU?

If you have already accepted your offer from BNU then well done, we can’t wait to meet you in September. If you are still making your mind up there are a few things to do and deadlines to be aware of.

Who do you want to make your first (firm) choice University? Is it BNU? Good choice!

Who do you want to make your second (insurance) choice?

Have you got all your offers from the universities you have applied to? If not, you need to wait until you have them all through. 1 2 3

Now you can go to your UCAS Track and reply to your offers.

If your first-choice offer is unconditional, UCAS will automatically decline all your other offers if you accept this one.

If you have conditional offers, then you will be able to make firm and insurance choices and your other offers will be declined.

How your offers work When

UNCONDITIONAL FIRM (UF)

You’re in!

CONDITIONAL FIRM (CF)

You’re in if you meet the conditions (usually this is getting the grades/UCAS points asked for)

Conditional firm (CF) and conditional insurance (CI) – If you get the grades/UCAS points, you’ll be accepted by your firm choice. If not, you might have met the conditions of your second choice and be accepted by them.

do I have to decide by?

If you receive your last decision on or before 18 May 2023, your reply date is 8 June 2023.

If you receive your last decision on or before 12 July 2023, your reply date is 17 July 2023 (including Extra choices).

If you do not reply by these dates, UCAS will automatically decline all your offers.

*If you receive your last decision on or before 18 May 2023, your reply date is 8 June 2023 (except if you’re using Extra to find a place). If you receive your last decision on or before 12 July 2023, your reply date is 17 July 2023 (including Extra choices).

OUR FUTURE PLANS...

In development

At BNU we are about to enter an exciting time of new development with an investment of £16.4 million at our main High Wycombe campus and a further £3 million across our other sites.

This development aims to give the best possible environment for our students to study, relax and socialise. Work started last year to introduce more open green spaces via a roof top garden, a huge new student restaurant and a vibrant atrium area which will provide more space for students and include our student support hub.

Accommodation at BNU

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Deciding where you are going to be living at university is a big choice. You may decide to stay living at home and commute – many of our students do, so you won’t be alone.

But for others, moving away from home is a big part of their university experience, and you’ll want the certainty of knowing where you are going to live.

At BNU, we have a range of accommodation options to suit your

budget, your lifestyle and your social life and somewhere you will feel at home.

All of our accommodation is walking distance to the University, shops, supermarkets and the town centre, making it easy (and cheap) to get around.

If you’re a full-time, first year student, and you apply for accommodation, we can guarantee you a place in one of our High Wycombe halls for September. You will be able to apply for accommodation from April if we are your FIRM choice.

NO DEPOSITS CHARGED

What we offer

24 HOUR SECURITY AND ON-SITE PASTORAL CARE

RENT INCLUDES BILLS, WIFI AND CONTENTS INSURANCE

APPLY FROM APRIL FOR FIRM OFFER HOLDERS

** BNU’s Brook Street Halls offers the second cheapest accommodation out of all the universities in the south-east. BNU own research, accurate as of October 2022

ACCOMMODATION GUARANTEED FOR ALL FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS *

ACCOMMODATION IN THE SOUTH-EAST **

SOUNDS GREAT – HOW DO I APPLY?

We will contact you from April if you have put BNU as your firm choice.

Make sure UCAS have your correct email address, as that’s the one we’ll use for new applicants.

Simply follow the link we send you, and then the on-screen instructions to complete your application. It might take a couple of weeks to get your accommodation offer due to the number of applications we receive – but don’t worry you will get a place.

High Wycombe accommodation

BROOK STREET

Only a five-minute walk away from the University, Brook Street has flats of between six and ten bedrooms, sharing a kitchen-diner, two shower rooms and two toilets. Each room has its own washbasin and, of course, great internet access. It is our basic level accommodation but has everything you need.

Brook Street is generally agreed to be our friendliest accommodation. Whilst some students are worried about the shared facilities initially, after a couple of days the great atmosphere on site more than makes up for it.

The big kitchen diners provide a great spot to gather, cook and socialise. To quote a current student “to have family time, watch a film and share a pizza”.

If that isn't enough Brook Street Halls is also the second cheapest accommodation out of all the universities in the south-east.*

* BNU’s Brook Street Halls offers the second cheapest accommodation out of all the universities in the southeast. BNU own research, accurate as of October 2022

HUGHENDEN PARK STUDENT VILLAGE

Hughenden Park Student Village is about 15 to 20 minutes’ walk away from campus, The rooms are en suite rooms with small double beds, and there is a shared kitchen diner per flat.

Hughenden is our biggest halls of residence and our students love the atmosphere and social nature.

Kettles, fridges, ovens and microwaves are provided in all the halls, but you will need to bring your own cups, plates, cutlery, utensils, etc.

And with 24 hour security, controlled access and our staff always on site, you will always be safe and secure in your university accommodation.

WINDSOR HOUSE

Windsor House is right in the centre of High Wycombe and again just a five-minute walk from campus.

The rooms in Windsor House have small double beds, are en suite, and share a kitchen-diner. There are 6 bedrooms per flat and the kitchen-diners have soft seating areas and tables and chairs to sit down and eat together.

What do our students like about Windsor House? Apart from the social nature of the halls it is basically next door to a huge Primark and opposite a KFC, Pepes’ Piri Piri and Subway so you can save a fortune on Deliveroo.

What about the money?

Financing your University journey is pretty straightforward and a lot less scary than it first sounds.

Firstly there is your Tuition Fees – for Buckinghamshire New University the majority of our full-time undergraduate courses for UK nationals are charged at £9250.

This can be borrowed via the Student Loans scheme and is paid directly to your university each term.

It is slightly more complicated for your Maintenance Loan which is to help cover your living costs. This is paid directly to you three times a year but what you can borrow is based on:

1. Whether you study from home or live away

2. What your household income is

3. If you are studying in London

There is an easy to use calculator on www.gov.uk/ student-finance for you to work out how much you could borrow.

It is quick and easy to apply online – it should only take you around 30 minutes. New students just need their passport and National Insurance number to hand and they are all set.

If you’re a new student, you need to apply before late May 2023 to guarantee your money in time for the start of your course.

It can take up to 6 weeks for Student Finance to process your application, so be sure to apply as soon as you can. If your application is late, then your money might be too.

Extra help?

Thrive Bursary

Money should never be a barrier to education. If you are from a low-income family, an area with high levels of deprivation or an area where very few students go to university, then we will offer you up to £1,100 each year of your course to support you with your studies and living costs.

To apply for this bursary, you must be a UK student and:

• Have a combined household income of less than £25000; or

• Live in a low participation postcode (check online) or

• Live in high deprivation area (check online)

We will give priority to students from the following backgrounds:

• First in the family to go to university

• Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority students

• Young carers

• Students from military families

You can apply by filling in a form and email it to bursary@bnu.ac.uk . Check out our information on fees and funding on our website for more information about the bursary.

Jay Blades MBE Chancellor

How we can support you at BNU

Throughout your studies, it is important to care for your mental health and wellbeing as well as your physical health.

University can be an amazing time of change in your life and there may be times where you feel that you need support to help you get the most out of your time at BNU.

We run a range of services that can help to support your health and wellbeing. The services are confidential and are delivered on all our campuses.

The Counselling Service can provide support for any emotional or personal issue you may be facing. We can offer professional therapy and help, away from your day-to-day environment. It’s all confidential, and completely free too.

The Disability Service and Mental Health Support are here to help ensure that you get the most from your experience in an inclusive learning environment.

We are happy to discuss individual needs at any stage of your application or during your studies.

Our team also assists with applications for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) and can provide dyslexia screening. If you have a disability, it is essential that you register with us so that you can get the reasonable adjustments to which you are entitled.

THE STUDENT HUB

We have a team of really friendly staff trained to deal with a wide range of enquiries from our students. We provide key information and help on many University services and are always happy to talk to students – face-to-face or by email or phone. Independent Advice and guidance are also available from the Students’ Union Advice Centre.

MULTI-FAITH CHAPLAINCY

Whatever your faith, or even if you have none, if you are looking for spiritual guidance or want to find a place to worship, our multi-faith team should be your first port of call. We offer pastoral support and act as a point of contact for local faith communities.

In 2019, we became the first UK University to achieve a Gold award in a scheme which recognises sustainable and ethical organisations for their excellence in corporate social responsibility. The University’s activities were rigorously assessed across four areas: environment; philanthropy; community and workplace.

The University works in partnership with BNU Students’ Union to continue building on our CSR achievements, by making a positive impact on the environment and within our communities. Find out more about our CSR activities on our website bnu.ac.uk

We’ve always taken our environmental responsibilities seriously and are proud of our track record.

We know that sustainability is as important to our students, people and stakeholders as it is to us. That’s why we are redoubling our efforts in the fight against climate change.

In February 2020, Buckinghamshire New University pledged to go carbon net zero by 2030 – 20 years ahead of the Government’s target – declared a climate emergency and joined the Climate Commission Council.

The University also signed up to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Accord, a collective response by education institutions to help the environment.

Global environmental research on conservation and sustainability

Our carbon footprint for 2020 has reduced by at least 55% since 2011

150

Bin bags upcycled reused and recycled from student donations (2020/21)

YOUR MOVE?

So that is what Buckinghamshire New University is all about – the students, the people, the place, the life, the fun, the BIG DEAL and so much more.

It is a really exciting place to be at the moment and we would love to have you along for the journey.

WHAT TO DO NEXT?

BF1779

High Wycombe Campus

Queen Alexandra Road

High Wycombe

Buckinghamshire HP11 2JZ

Aylesbury Campus

59 Walton Street

Aylesbury

Buckinghamshire

HP21 7QG

Uxbridge Campus 106 Oxford Road

Uxbridge

Middlesex

UB8 1NA

Telephone: 01494 522 141

Email: advice@bucks.ac.uk

BNU based at Pinewood Studios

Pinewood Studios

Pinewood Road

Iver Heath

Buckinghamshire SL1 0NH

Missenden Abbey London Road

Great Missenden

Buckinghamshire HP16 0BD

This publication was produced by Buckinghamshire New University. © Buckinghamshire New University.