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YOUR OpEN DaY gUIDE Bedford campus 2017
WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE Choosing where and what to study is a life-changing decision – that’s why the more information you have, the better. To make sure you get the most out of your day with us, we’ve put together this booklet. Inside, you’ll find details on the University’s Open Day, including campus information, how to find us and campus maps, so you can find your way around once you arrive. When you arrive on the day we’ll provide you with a programme of the days activities; which shows the times and locations of general talks, presentations and subject specific sessions. We have organised a wide range of talks and opportunities for you to meet with academics, support staff and students. We hope you get all your questions answered to help you make an informed decision about your future. Enjoy your day!
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Contents Our campus Bedford What you can do on the day Why Bedfordshire? Getting here – Bedford Bedford campus map Take yourself on a tour Plan your Open Day We’re committed to student satisfaction Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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3 4 5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12 13 14-15
OUR CAMPUS Bedford The county town of Bedford is in one of England’s smallest counties, flanked east and west by tourist hotspots like Oxford and Cambridge. Bedford is also close to Milton Keynes, a city with the fastest growing ‘after 6pm’ culture outside of London. River Great Ouse, Bedford
If you have time during your visit, explore Bedford and its surrounding areas – location is a big factor in choosing where to study.
Bedford is located approximately 35 miles from London and lies along the picturesque banks of the River Great Ouse. It boasts a wealth of parks and green open space, as well as leisure and entertainment facilities.
Campus The Bedford campus is close to Bedford town centre and
Our new teaching building, Gateway
can be reached by bus in around five minutes. It is also a few minutes’ walk from the Aspects Leisure Centre, which is home to a cinema, gym and restaurants.
Fantastic Facilities New teaching space In 2015 we opened Gateway, a three-storey building that
offers a number of high-quality teaching spaces, as well as informal learning spaces, lecture theatres, a new student services centre and boardroom facilities.
Dedicated subject facilities Bedford is also home to a 280-seat professional theatre
to aid the learning of our Dance, Theatre and Performing Arts students, and it also has its own performance seasons and regularly holds workshops and conferences. There is also a suite of industry-standard dance studios as well as a Physical Education and Sport Science Centre, which was used to train athletes in the 2012 Olympics, and provides you with access to the latest sport and exercise science technology. We have also refurbished our sports hall, and upgraded our changing rooms, allowing our Bedford campus to offer facilities that meet national championship standards.
280-seat professional theatre
Sports hall
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WHAT YOU CAN DO ON THE DAY General talks and presentations Welcome talks Our welcome talks provide you with an
introduction to the University’s courses, facilities, future plans and visions. It is recommended that attendees and guests try to attend one of the welcome talks. These are run throughout the morning of the Open Day and are delivered by a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Team.
TOURS Campus tours Campus tours are a great way to get a real
feel for the University, and experience the environments that you will be studying and socialising in. You will visit the likes of our Campus Centre, our sports hall and social spaces. Tours will run throughout the day, so you can view our campus at your leisure.
Accommodation tours General talks Accommodation tours will run throughout the Our talks provide you with detailed information day, and will give you an opportunity to see our on how to make your application through UCAS, important advice on how to write an impressive personal statement and all money matters relating to university.
Academic hubs We also have academic hubs which provide
an opportunity to have an informal chat with academic staff from your chosen subject areas. They will be on hand to provide detailed course information and answer questions you may have.
Support services Representatives from our support services will be available throughout the day to offer advice in their area of expertise. Have an informal chat and find out about services such as careers; admissions; welfare and disability support, money advice and the Go Global team.
Subject sessions* Subject sessions allow you to get a real taste
for the course you are interested in and allow you to see and use the facilities and equipment that you would be using whilst studying at Bedfordshire. These are invaluable sessions and aim to give a true reflection of the course you are interested in. *Subject specific programmes will be handed out upon arrival to the Open Day. Check out your reminder email for a sneak peak – you’ll receive this the week of the event.
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halls of residence. The tours offer you the chance to see the kind of rooms you can expect to live in whilst studying with us. Our accommodation representatives will also be able to provide you with information such as living costs and how to apply for your place in halls.
General information Catering Complimentary refreshments of tea and coffee
will be available for all attendees and guests throughout the day. You can also purchase lunch from our refectory on campus, which can be found in Block D.
Parking There is plenty of on-site parking at our Bedford campus.
Why Bedfordshire? Although a new university, Bedfordshire is an institution with a rich heritage, and academic roots across the county dating back to 1882. We have over 22,000 students, from more than 120 countries, giving our students a truly global experience. We nurture talent and encourage creativity, and provide a simulating learning environment where you can flourish and reach your full potential.
Based on 2016 figures.
GETTING HERE: Bedford Bedford campus 46 miles north of London on
Car parking At our Bedford campus we
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For further travel information and directions please visit: www.beds.ac.uk/directions
the main A6 route and offers easy access from both the north and the south. From the north, leave the M1 at junction 14 and take the A422 From the south, leave the M1 at junction 13 and then follow the A421 Frequent train links to and from London Close to London Luton Airport Direct rail services from Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield
Alexander Sports Hall
offer plenty of on-site parking.
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Northampton/ Milton Keynes M1 Jn 13/14
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Bedford Station
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Bedford Park
Bedford campus
Bus Station Harpur Shopping Centre
River Great Ouse
= Student Accommodation
Luton & M1 Jn 13/14 London 46 miles/74km
See pages 8 and 9 for full campus map.
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BEDFORD CAMPUS Your arrival On arrival, please go to our Gateway building to register. Once registered you will receive a coloured wristband, which signifies the subject area you are interested in. Health & Social Sciences Education & Sport: • Sport Science & Physical Activity • Teacher Education • Education Studies • English Language Business School Creative Arts, Technologies & Science: • Media & Performance – Performing Arts • Culture & Communication – English Literature
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•
•
Gateway
••
Registration Academic Hubs: Health & Social Sciences • Social Sciences Education & Sport • Education & English Language • Teacher Education • Sport Science & Physical Activity Business School • Strategy & Management • Law & Finance Creative Arts, Technologies & Science • Performing Arts • English Literature Support Services Campus Tours Accommodation Tours
D Block – Campus Centre Welcome to Bedfordshire talk Refectory Floor level guidance The room letter relates to the block which you are in, ie D1.01 will be in block D (Campus Centre). The number which follows the first letter signifies the level of the building the room sits on, ie D1.01 will be Block D, level 1. Ground floor: 0 Level 1: 1 Level 2: 2
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4D Campus Centre and Theatre 4G Gateway - Student Support and SiD 4J Teaching Education Centre 4K Teaching Education Centre
S2
Open Day registration 4L Teaching Education Centre 4 Student Accommodation Studios, Sports facilities The Tower – Student 4P DandanceStudent 4 Accommodation Support services 4Q Library 4 Student Accommodation R2 R3
(Community & Faith) 4T SeedBeds Classrooms 4 S2
R4
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TAKE YOURSELF ON A TOUR Our Open Days are designed so that you can tailor the day to suit you. We’ll have student-led campus tours available throughout the day, but if you’d rather go solo, you can use this section to go on a self-guided tour and navigate your
way around campus based on what you would like to see. Each of the facilities listed are numbered in accordance to the map, so it’s easy for you to find your way around.
47 43b 4 9
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43a
48
42 41
44
45 46
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1 Learning Resources Centre/library The Learning Resources Centre (LRC) offers a vast array of facilities which our students use extensively to support their studies. Not only is the LRC open 24/7, but it also offers 110,000 printed books, 30,000 e-journals and 4,000 e-books. The LRC also offers PCs, and spaces for silent or group study.
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2 Learning Hub The Learning Hub is based in P block at our Bedford campus, and features informal creative space and PCs for individual or group working.
43a Student Information Desk (SiD)/Careers
The Student Information Desk, or SiD as we like to call it, is the gateway to student services in one convenient location. SiD desks are located in our new Gateway building at our Bedford campus. SiD is also available online as a 24/7 support tool, which enables you to view and update enquiries, log new enquiries and search a database of over 500 Frequently Asked Questions via the internet. Located close by is our Careers team, which is made up of qualified and experienced advisers, information and guidance experts, as well as industry experts who offer a drop-in service and bookable guidance appointments to help you shape your career options. The team also helps students secure internships and placements, as well as part-time or volunteer work. Be sure to ask them about our EmployAble initiative, and find out more about the many extra-curricular activities you could get involved in to build up your skills and experience, ready for when you graduate.
43b Student Support
Student Support is available to offer practical and confidential advice and support for all students at the University; such as disability support, welfare and community and faith.
44 Students’ Union
P Block is home to Beds SU. You can check out The Pub in the Hub, which offers reasonably priced drink and runs a variety of events, including quizzes, open-mic nights and the latest society events. The SU also offers support if you have any questions or concerns about your studies or general welfare during your time as a student, and you can seek free, confidential advice from the Beds SU’s Advice Centre.
45 SeedBeds
Our Community and Faith team based in SeedBeds at Bedford welcomes students of all faiths and beliefs. The team offers confidential personal support and a range of social activities and events. The team can give you information and link you with local faith communities and places of worship. Prayer and Quiet Rooms are also available at our Luton and Putteridge Bury campuses.
46 Student Village: Campus Living
Take a look around our student accommodation. Meet the team and find out more about what campus living is really like. The accommodation team assists you in many ways: from greeting you and making you feel welcome, to planning social events and activities throughout the year. Speak to the team today, and find out about the Vplus membership, which provides some great free activities and discounts to enjoy around town.
47 Liberty Park
Liberty Park offers 400 single, and 113 double, en-suite study bedrooms grouped in flats with fantastic communal areas, including a gym and on-site laundry facilities. This accommodation is our newest student accommodation based over at Bedford, and includes free internet access – go check it out!
48 Gateway
Gateway, a brand new, three-storey building situated at our Bedford campus, opened its doors to students in 2015. It boasts a number of high-quality teaching spaces, as well as informal learning spaces, lecture theatres and a new student services centre – everything you could need, all under one roof.
49 Shuttle bus stop
The University runs a shuttle bus service, connecting the Bedford campus with the town centre, and everything in between. The service runs Monday-Friday during term time, and is a great way to get out and about around Bedford town. And, best of all, it’s free! Any questions? Feel free to join our main campus tours, which are held throughout the day. Or if you have any questions, please do ask any member of staff or our student ambassadors who are all on hand to help.
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PLAN YOUR OPEN DAY Time: General talks and presentations
Subject sessions
Tours
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Location:
We’re committed to student satisfaction At Bedfordshire we have made enhancing the student experience our top priority over the last four years, which was reflected in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2016 results. Our students continue to have a positive and satisfying experience at the University of Bedfordshire and we remain one of the top 20 universities in the country for improving the student experience. We also continue to be one of the leading universities in the country for career prospects and career choices.
“These results will show to students considering the University of Bedfordshire that we are wholly committed to ensuring our students have the best possible student and learning experience. This is reflected in our high-quality teaching, our outstanding facilities and the great student support we provide. “We offer our students a truly lifechanging, life-enhancing experience that will inspire them to become employable and entrepreneurial global citizens.” Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor University of Bedfordshire
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) Q A
Q A
Q A
Where should I park? At our Bedford campus we offer plenty of on-site parking. However, there are many public car parks close to the University campus, which operate by pay and display. See pages 6-7 for a map and for locations of the town centre car parks. Do I need to come for the whole day? We recommend that you come for as much of the day as you can to get the best experience of the University of Bedfordshire. We have a range of talks and tours available to suit your needs, which are held throughout the day. Can I attend more than one subject talk? Yes. Many of our visitors will be interested in studying more than one subject with us, and it is up to you which sessions and talks you attend. You can customise your day, and select the talks that you are most interested in. If it is not possible to attend talks for all of the subjects that you are interested in, you can pop along to the academic hubs to speak to our academics directly to find out more about your subject and particular course of interest.
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Q A
Can I view the student accommodation at an Open Day?
Q A
Can I go on a campus tour?
Q A
Can I bring family members and friends along to the Open Day?
Yes. You are able to see our show flats during our accommodation tours, which are run throughout the day.
Yes. Guided walking tours around campus take place throughout the day and last approximately 45 minutes-1 hour.
Yes. When you pre-register online to attend the Open Day, we ask you how many people you will be bringing with you, and any special requirements that you and your guest(s) may have for the day. If the number of people who are attending the event with you changes, simply contact our Recruitment team to notify them: study@beds.ac.uk
Q a
Q a
Do you have disabled access? All our campuses have disabled access. If you need any help on the day please do ask a member of staff or one of our student ambassadors who will be pleased to assist. If you would like to contact us before the Open Day to discuss your requirements or for further advice, please email: study@beds.ac.uk
Q a
Where can I stay overnight? There is a wide selection of hotels in the town centre, some of which are a short drive or walk from the Bedford campus.
What happens if I can’t attend an Open Day? If you can’t make it to our Open Day, don’t worry. We run a number of events throughout the year so there are plenty of opportunities to visit us on campus. Visit: www.beds.ac.uk/opendays to take a look at the next available dates. If you can’t wait until the next event to take a look around, then have a look online for our list of campus tours. These offer a more informal tour around campus and our facilities, often led by one of our own students. If you have particular questions that you would like answering, then don’t forget you can ask via our online Live Chat: www.beds.ac.uk
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“I came to one of the Open Days and I was surprised by how close and homely it felt being such a small campus.” Tom Scott BA (Hons) Football Studies student
Bedford campus Polhill Avenue Bedford Bedfordshire United Kingdom MK41 9EA To find out more, contact the Recruitment team: T: +44 (0)300 3300 073 E: study@beds.ac.uk W: www.beds.ac.uk/opendays Chat to us live, Monday-Friday between 8.30am-5pm via: www.beds.ac.uk
We’re noW on Snapchat – add uS at: uniofbeds or doWnload our app mybeds to get open day information during your viSit