Mature Students Guide

E M O C WEL BU TO SU E M O H YOUR BU AT

IL FE AS E R U T A A M NT E D U T S www.subu.org.uk

CONTENTS Top Tips................................................ 4

QUOTES FROM CURRENT MATURE STUDENTS Coming to university as a mature student was a tough decision, due to financial responsibilities, but with the knowledge and confidence I am, gaining, it has been the best decision I have made in a long time.

Students with children..................... 20 Activities......................................................... 20

SUBU Overview................................... 6

SUBU Advice ....................................... 7 How to get Involved.......................... 8

Talbot Woods Nursery................................ 21 Bournemouth / Poole resources for alternative childcare providers................. 22

Leigh Vaughan

Bournemouth Children’s Information Service..................................... 22

Officer 2015/16

Mature Students

Bournemouth & Poole Children’s Centres....................................... 22

When I arrived at BU I was impressed by the professional multicultural environment and support available to us as mature students. BU exceeded my expectations and created a substantial amount of opportunities for me during my PhD. To any new student I would like to say, that BU definitely has your best interest at the core of their operations and you are in the right hands.

Poole Family Information Service............ 23

SUBU Facilities.................................. 11 Bournemouth / Poole...................... 24 Bournemouth Universtity .............. 14 Study Skills and Workshops....................... 14 ALS Support................................................... 14 Free Software................................................ 15

NHS – Alternative / other healthcare..... 24 Local Gov/Council information............... 25 Beaches information/Tourist.................... 25

Dinuka Herath

Transport........................................................ 26

PhD · Human Resources · Organizational Behaviour & Management

Financial Support......................................... 15 Student Wellbeing....................................... 17 Healthcare on campus............................... 17 Parking Permit Information....................... 17

Studying a degree in Paramedic Science has been challenging; especially coming back to university some years after my first degree.

However, experiencing placement on a front-line Emergency ambulance has not only been an incredible learning experience but throughly rewarding.

Library and Open Access details.............. 18 Accommodation.......................................... 19 Useful Contacts............................................ 19

Clëo Bishop-Bolt 02

BsC (Hons) Paramedic Science

www.subu.org.uk

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BUY AN ACADEMIC DIARY. Use your diary to plan ahead, you’ll need to know when your assignments are due and when your exams are so that you can manage your workload accordingly. You may find the first couple of weeks of University to seem manageable then find that your first few assignments are due in the same week.

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ORGANISATION IS KEY.

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When you attend lectures and seminars you will be writing notes and may be given lots of handouts, organise and file your work for each module into the topics/themes covered. When you come to the end of the year your work will be more accessible meaning you can focus on revising.

USE YOUR STRENGTHS. What time of day do you find it easiest to work?

What environment is best for you? How long can you realistically concentrate without needing a break? Knowing your strengths and planning your work schedule around these will help you work more effectively.

YOU’RE IMPORTANT, TOO. It can be challenging to balance work, university, parenting, home life, social life or any combination of these, plan your time accordingly. Remember to keep some time for yourself.

BUY SECOND HAND. When it comes to buying books for your modules the costs can quickly add up. There are lots of websites you can buy second hand books from making life more cost effective for you and has a positive impact on the environment. Make sure the edition you’re buying matches the edition required by your course.

IT’S NOT JUST YOU. Rest assured in the knowledge that university is a big culture shock, even for those younger students who haven’t had a break from education. Don’t be anxious to engage with your younger course friends, you’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn from each other.

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www.subu.org.uk

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U B U S E C I V AD

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E I V R E V UBU O

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The Students’ Union at Bournemouth University is your union, as a BU student you are automatically a member. We provide support on matters regarding housing, and money as well as your course, but we also offer a whole host of activities to help students develop new skills, enhance your employability and most importantly - have fun.

Whether that's through joining one of our 100 clubs or societies, becoming a student rep and improving the quality of your course or being elected as a part time officer to change BU for the better. You could also host a radio show and write for our student media Nerve, give a helping hand with SUBU Volunteering or Rag... there truly is something for everybody.

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We are run by both students and full-time staff and are headed up by four full time elected officers. Daniel, Brooke, Georgia, Jamie and Charlie were elected by the students of BU in our annual elections, and their sole purpose is to represent the best interest of the student body.

They work on a personal, local and national level to promote Bournemouth students, even holding the university to account on issues that directly affect them.

If you're interested in getting involved with SUBU, and want to find out what we can do for you, get in contact via our website www.subu.org.uk or come visit us at Talbot or Lansdowne campus and we'll help you out.

www.subu.org.uk

SUBU Advice is here to support you in every aspect of your student experience whether it is personal, financial, academic or housing. Coming to university at any age has its challenges but we can understand you might have been out of education for a lot longer than a typical student and we want to make sure you are treated exactly the same while at BU. If you have children we can help support you with finding out about any additional funding you might be entitled to or if you are entering education after a long break we can make sure you settle back into student life with ease. We are here to give you options of what you can do in situations that could affect your university life and empower you to decide what is best for you.

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If you need to speak to one of our advisors you are welcome to come and see us in SC202 in the Talbot student centre between 10 and 4pm Monday to Friday , we have a drop in session between 2 and 4pm which does not need an appointment. We also run advice at Lansdowne term time only 9.30 until 2pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

If you just need to ask a quick question then give us a call on 01202965779 or email us on subuadvice@bournemouth.ac.uk

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REP T N E D STU

We have 1 Student Rep to every 20 students, they work in partnership with BU to make the student experience better for all students. They are elected by their peers and collect feedback throughout the academic year, taking that feedback to the university and creating change.

T E G O T W HO VED L O V IN S

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During the 2015/16 academic year over 50% of the Reps were mature students. It’s a great opportunity to quickly get to know all the students in their cohort; it also gives you the opportunity to build connections as Reps are a point of contact for both students and staff. We train Reps at the start of the year and support continues throughout the year from both us and your Faculty. As it’s the Reps job to represent the views of their students, you’ll have the ability to make sure that the needs of mature students are fairly represented, a great way to have a positive influence and make tangible change!

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N I R E E T VOLUN

We currently have five SUBU councils, Activities, Education, Community, Lansdowne and Welfare, made up of a range of parttime officer roles. If you want a bigger say about your student experience and want to change things for the better, then you should consider running for election. The roles are voluntary positions, giving you the chance to have a real impact on the student experience by addressing issues faced by BU students. We’ll give you training and support you to address these issues by talking to the relevant people or running campaigns.

The councils and SUBU democratic processes are supported by Sophie Bradfield, Democracy and Campaigns Coordinator, who is located on the fourth floor of the Student Centre at Talbot Campus.

You can contact Sophie at sbradfield@bournemouth.ac.uk or give her a call on 01202 966761.

www.subu.org.uk

Our Representation team are based on the first floor of the Student Centre at Talbot Campus. If you’d like any more information contact: Our SUBU Community team specialise in reps@bournemouth.ac.uk community volunteering and green. We’re here or visit http://www.subu.org.uk/representation to help students give back. You can volunteer for as much or as little time as you can spare, helping organisations in the countryside and coast or help with local charities and organisations supporting people in the Bournemouth community. We aim to help students understand their green impact now, and in the future, by getting them to better understand about the environment and sustainability.

Gillian Lewis and Hannah Wiseman work in the Volunteering & Green Impact team, they’re located on the second floor of the Student Centre at Talbot Campus.

Contact subuvolunteering@bournemouth.ac.uk for any questions or if you’d like to get involved!

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ND A S B U CL TIES SOCIE

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Our facilities include a range of venues to cater to all tastes; the 5 storey Student Centre hosts the SUBU cafe Ground Up, serving Starbucks coffee as well as a number of spaces to do work including two beach hits that can be booked out. If you fancy a burger and a beer then head to Dylan’s, or if you need some essentials then the Student Shop is the place to go.

Clubs and Societies are a great way of meeting people with similar interests to you, we have a range of Academic, Arts & Performance, Cultural, Faith, Political, Special Interest and Sports Clubs & Societies. There is something for everyone and if you can’t find one that interests you, why not start your own? We can help you get established. If you would like any information on our Clubs & Societies, contact: suclubs@bournemouth.ac.uk or take a look at www.subu.org.uk/groups. You can also visit us on the 2nd floor of the student centre.

RAG is the fundraising arm of SUBU, offering you the opportunity to raise money for local, national, and international charities. RAG run community events, legendary hitch hikes and even overseas expeditions – all in the name of charity!

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ITIE L I C A F BU

The Lansdowne campus is home to the Boho Lounge and a common room on the 1st floor in Bournemouth house, they’re great spots to meet with your friends. There’s also The Engine Room café, which serves food and drinks all day, and as well as all of this you can watch live music at your Students’ Union venue The Old Fire Station.

ND A G N I RAIS (RAG) GIVING

DYLAN’S BAR:

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T C A T N O EFUL C

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Venue Manager – Richard Gerrard 01202 965781

If you would like any information on RAG, contact rag@bournemouth.ac.uk or visit www.subu.org.uk/main-menu/ activities/rag

rgerrard@bournemouth.ac.uk

THE OLD FIRE STATION:

Venue Manager - Sam Cox 01202 963889 scox@bournemouth.ac.uk

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www.subu.org.uk

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EVENTS

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ON

MATURE STUDENTS BEACH WALK

19/09/2016 . 11.30-12.30 – Meet at The Engine Room

MATURE STUDENTS DRINKS SOCIAL

20/09/2016 . 18.30-20.30 – Dylan’s Bar

MATURE STUDENTS COMEDY CENTRAL The Old Firestation - 21/09/2016

MATURE STUDENTS DINE-OUT

22/09/2016 . 18.00-19.30 – Bournemouth Pizza co.

MATURE STUDENTS BEACH WALK

23/09/2016 . 16.30-17.30 – Meet at The Engine Room

FRESHER’S FAIR FAMILY ZONE

24/09/2016 . 10.00-16.00 - K101

MUM, DAD AND MONKEY

25/09/2016 . 10.00-16.00 minibus from BU, or meet us at monkey world.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE!

WWW.SUBU.ORG.UK/EVENTS

CUPPA, CAKE, CHAT ENGINE ROOMS: Monday 19th Sept – 12:30 - 13:30 Tuesday 20th Sept – 08:30 - 09:30 & 12:30 - 13:30 Wednesday 21st Sept – 12:30 - 13:30 Thursday 22nd Sept – 08:30 - 09:30 & 12:30 - 13:30 Friday 23rd Sept – 12:30 - 13:30

TALBOT CAMPUS: Monday 19th Sept – 08:30 - 09:30 & 12:30 - 13:30 Tuesday 20th Sept –12:30 - 13:30 Wednesday 21st Sept – 08:30 - 09:30 & 12:30 - 13:30 Thursday 22nd Sept –12:30 - 13:30 Friday 23rd Sept –08:30 - 09:30 & 12:30 - 13:30

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H T U O M E N R U O B Y T I S R E V I UN ND A S L L I SK S Y D U T S HOP S K R O W If you’re concerned about your return to education, or just want to brush up on some study skills, then BU’s library service is there to help.

They can help with a wide range of skills including:

. . . . . .

Academic writing

Critical analysis

Exam and revision techniques

Presentations Referencing

Avoiding plagiarism

Pop along to the library or access the Study Skills tab on myBU to ask questions, sign up to any workshops or arrange a meeting with an adviser for one-to-one help. studyskills@bournemouth.ac.uk

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OR P P U S L A I C N A IN

RE A W T F EE SO

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OR P P U S ALS

While you are a BU student you’re able to have Office 365 ProPlus for free, thanks to the licensing partnership between BU and Microsoft. Office 365 ProPlus includes all the familiar and full Office applications and allows for these to be installed on up to five devices.

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The BU Maintenance Bursary is available to students who are registered on an undergraduate degree course at BU, excluding NHS-funded courses. If your household income is below £16,000 you could receive a £3,500 bursary to support your learning and living costs. This is paid £1,300 in your first year, and £1,100 in your second and final years of study. If your household income is more than £16,000 but less £25,000 you could receive a £3,000 bursary. This is paid £1,000 in your first, second and final years of study.

The BU Hardship Fund is available to UK students having financial difficulties during their degree.

The funds can help you with costs of childcare, travel, accommodation, as well as books and equipment. The maximum you can receive is £3,500 but finance is allocated on a case by case basis.

SUBU Advice Small Emergency Grants are available to all BU students, the typical award is £15. You can apply for this grant through our SUBU Advice advisors.

The Additional Learning Support (ALS) team at BU offer support to any student, whether full or parttime, undergraduate or postgraduate the main thing to remember when accessing ALS support is not your condition, but how it impacts on your learning and assessment. ALS offer support to students with:

. . . . .

Specific learning differences

Physical/sensory impairments

Medical conditions

Mental health issues

Temporary injuries

If you have a condition which is likely to affect your learning, or if you think you have a learning difficulty that has not been identified yet, get in touch with ALS. als@bournemouth.ac.uk

01202 965663

www.subu.org.uk

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T STUDEN

N O E R A C HEALTHMPUS CA

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Support from a Wellbeing Advisor

Support from a Counsellor

Drop-in support – Monday 12:301:30pm & Wednesday 3:30-4:30pm

Workshops – covering topics like exam stress and mindfulness

Information and links to other service

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There is currently no student parking at the Lansdowne Campus and a limited number of parking spaces are available for students at Talbot Campus. Applications for parking permits are only considered for those students:

The Student Medical Centre, in partnership with Talbot Medical Centre, offers a range of medical services, it is open to all students and daily appointments are available. You’ll be a fully registered patient with a named GP and access to provisions for out of hours and emergency support. Registration forms are available in the medical centre located in Talbot House, Talbot Campus, or you can download the NHS Family Doctor Services Registration form from the BU website.

BU’s Student Wellbeing team have a range of options to meet the needs of students, their service is confidential and completely free. Student Wellbeing offers:

. . . . .

IT M R E P G PARKIN MATION INFOR

Living at a term-time address more than 10 miles from Talbot campus, by road

Students registered for a part-time course

Students with at least one child aged 12 or under at the time of application

Registered disabled students with a blue badge

Students without a blue badge but with a medical condition that means not parking at Talbot Campus would affect their studies. Medical evidence will be required for this application.

Applications are made online and you’ll be able to apply once your online Bournemouth University registration has been completed.

Student wellbeing: studentwellbeing@bournemouth.ac.uk 01202 965020

www.subu.org.uk

. . . . .

parkingenquiries@bournemouth.ac.uk

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EN P O D N A IL BRARY DETAILS ACCESS

N O I T A D OMMO

ACC

BU RESIDENTIAL SERVICE Has very limited accommodation suitable for families and couples, currently there is two compact bungalows in the ‘Student Village’. These are available on a first-come, first served basis and can be taken on for the entire length of a student’s course so are not always available at the beginning of each academic year.

BU has two libraries, The Sir Michael Cobham Library, located at Talbot Campus, and Bournemouth House Library, located at Lansdowne Campus.

BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY LETTING SERVICE

In October the new Open Access Centre will be opening in Poole House and it offers 24/7 computers and printing. Until that time the Sir Michael Cobham library will temporarily be open 24/7.

BU’s in-house agency that helps students find suitable accommodation in the private rented sector. Many of the properties advertised are aimed at house-sharing groups, but there are some properties that are suitable for families and couples. BU Lettings may also be able to support you with securing a property that isn’t on their books.

SIR MICHAEL COBHAM LIBRARY

Mon – Thurs: 8am – Midnight

Friday: 8am – 6pm

If you have any accommodation questions or need support SUBU Advice is always available to support students with this.

Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm

USEFUL CONTACTS SUBU Advice:

subuadvice@bournemouth.ac.uk main office: 01202 967369 BU Residential Services: (new and current students) accommodation@ bournemouth.ac.uk

(prospective students) askBUenquiries@ bournemouth.ac.uk 01202 961671 lettingservice@bournemouth.ac.uk 01202 961678

BOURNEMOUTH HOUSE LIBRARY Mon – Thurs: 8am – Midnight Friday: 8am – 6pm Sat: 10am – 6pm / Sun: 10am – 10pm

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www.subu.org.uk

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DS O O W T TALBO SERY NUR

H T I W S T N E D U ST LDREN CHI SUBU run a number of activities and events for student parents and their children throughout the year, including a family Christmas party complete with a bouncy castle as well as a visit from Santa! Activities change each year and will be advertised on our website and around campus.

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E I T I V I T AC

SportBU run popular sports camps over the Easter and Summer holidays. The camps are for children aged 8 to 14 years old, they’re great for all interests and abilities, activities include basketball, badminton, football, lacrosse, table tennis, volleyball, tag rugby, dodge ball and more. The camps are held at Talbot Campus using facilities on site. What better way to get them active, playing and meeting new friends?

For more information call SportBU on 01202 965012 or visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/sportbu.

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www.subu.org.uk

Talbot Woods Day Nursery and Nursery School is operated by ‘Bright Horizons’ from Talbot Campus in purpose-built premises offering your child, or children, a firm grounding in pre-school education. The nursery is open 8am – 6pm, 51 weeks a year. Talbot Woods operates across two rooms with one for children under two years old and the other for children over two years old, all children receive a morning snack, cooked lunch and afternoon tea.

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D ENT AN TE AN M E G N A A ONAL MOF STAFF CRE AND I T P E C “EX ED TEAM GANISED AT OR G A DEDICREMELY WELL TIVE LEARNIN N” T E C EX ILDR EFFE HIGHLY NMENT FOR CH ENVIRO 2013 LY

PORT JU

RE OFSTED

For further information contact talbotwoods@brighthorizons.com or phone 01202 965576.

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/ H T U O EM BOURN ESOURCES R POOLE

TH U O M E BOURN REN’S CHILD N SERVICE IO T A M R INFO

E V I T A N TER IDERS L A R O F OV R P E R A CHILDC

There are lots of options for childcare in Bournemouth and Poole, make sure you spend time picking the right setting for you and your child, or children. Both Bournemouth and Poole local authorities have a responsibility for the wellbeing and care of children.

The Bournemouth children’s information service provides free, impartial information and advice on childcare, children’s centre, early education, funding and family support within Bournemouth.

Their helpline is open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.15pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.45pm on 01202 456222.

For more information on childcare providers in Bournemouth visit: www.bournemouth.gov.uk/ChildrenEducation/ Childcare or for Poole visit: www.poolefamilyinformationdirectory.com

& H T U O EM EN’S N R U O B R D L I H C POOLE NTRES CE

There are number of Children’s Centre in Bournemouth and Poole.

Bournemouth has eight children’s centre that provide a warm welcome and a range of services and support for local families and children from birth until they start Primary School.

Poole has six Children's Centres offering a warm welcome and a wealth of fun activities and services that support families with children under five years old.

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For more information on children’s centres visit: www.bournemouth.gov.uk/ChildrenEducation/ ChildrensCentres

They are open Monday to Thursday 8.30am and 5.15pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.45pm on 01202 261999, or visit their website: www.boroughofpoole.com/familyinformation

or for Poole visit: www.poolefamilyinformationdirectory.com

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www.subu.org.uk

Poole’s family information service can help with anything and everything around family life. It is a free, confidential and impartial information service providing comprehensive and up-to-date information on local organisations, services, childcare, activities and events relating to children and young people.

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H T U O M E N R BOU OOLE /P

/ E V I T A ERN ARE T L A – NHS HEALTHC OTHER 24

S BEACHE/TOURIST ATION M R O F IN

There are a range of NHS healthcare option in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset including A&E departments at both Poole and Bournemouth hospital’s. The NHS Choices website has lots of resourses and information on healthcare services, including searching for local services based on postcode – www.nhs.uk

www.subu.org.uk

Bournemouth is home to seven miles of awardwining beaches complete with great views of The Isle Of Wight and The Purbecks. This section of the Jurassic Coast offers a number of water sports, as well as the opportunity to hire a bike and ride around the 2,000 acres of glorious gardens and park. The shops in the area range from high street favourites to independent boutiques plus the Open Air Market. There are a number of festivals that take place throughout the year from Arts by the Sea to the Air festival.

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IL C N U O C GOV/ LOCAL ORMATION INF For more help and information about services in your area, visit your local council’s website.

If you don’t know which one you belong to you can find out on this website: www.gov.uk/find-local-council

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TAXI

T R O P S N A

There are a number of different taxi services in Bournemouth and Poole, including: United Taxis 01202 556677 Streamline 01202 373737 Mobile Radio Cars 01202 518000

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TRAIN Bournemouth train station is located approximately 2 miles North of the city centre, on Holdenhurst Road, by the big Asda. There are regular routes to cities around the United Kingdom.

BU operates a dedicated bus service in conjunction with More, a local bus company, that operates as the ‘Uni’ service across Bournemouth and Poole. New to this year is the number 17 bus route introduced between Poole and Bournemouth via Sea View - Alderney - Rossmore - Wallisdown Talbot Campus - Winton - Bournemouth Rail Station – Lansdowne. It will run half-hourly during Monday - Saturday daytimes and hourly evenings & Sundays.

Further details can be accessed at www.unibuses.co.uk. BU students also benefit from accessing child fares across the More network by producing their student card, exclusions apply on night buses.

BUS Other services are run by ‘Yellow Buses’ and BU students can now get child fares on all Yellow Bus routes, if they show their student card.

Further information can be access on the Yellow Buses website www.bybus.co.uk.

Poole is well served by its centrally placed railway station adjacent to the High Street and Dolphin Shopping Centre. London Waterloo is just two hours away on the express service from Poole.

This runs twice an hour throughout the day.

FLY Bournemouth Airport is located in Christchurch and serves over 600,000 passengers and 25 destinations each year from Tenerife to Ibiza.

Visit their website for more information: www.bournemouthairport.com

CYCLE Bournemouth and Poole are great places to ride a bike. Whether you are new to cycling or an accomplished rider there is something for everyone.

A map of cycle routes in the local area can be found at www.gettingabout.co.uk/ Cycling

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T I A W T ’ N A WE C EE YOU! TO S

FOLLOW THE BUILD-UP! /SUBUMATURESTUDENTS /SUBUBOURNEMOUTH @SUBUBOURNEMOUTH WEAREFRESHERS BELONGATBU

WE ARE STUDENTS www.subu.org.uk www.wearefreshers.com