STUDENT LIFE AT SHREWSBURY Your Essential Guide To University Centre Shrewsbury
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CONTENTS Congratulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Supporting You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Our Teaching and Learning Philosophy . . . . . 8 A Blended Learning Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 A Home from Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Welfare, Counselling and Wellbeing . . . . . . 12 From Access Diploma to University Degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Academic Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Five Budgeting Tips for University . . . . . . . . 18
Student Pioneers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Study Abroad – Disney - The Happiest Place On Earth . . . . . 22 Raising the Curtain on Work Based Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Meet the Students’ Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Graduate Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Student Guide to Shrewsbury . . . . . . 30 Where Are We? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Culture Fix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Savour the Flavour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Hotspots and Hideaways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Shopping Fix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Sporting Shrewsbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Great Shropshire Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Take Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 All About Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Experience Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Online Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Stay up-to-date with news and developments at University Centre Shrewsbury: chester.ac.uk/university-centre-shrewsbury
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CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations on receiving your offer of a place at University Centre Shrewsbury.
Over the coming months we’re sure you’ll have lots of decisions to make about which university is the best for you. At Shrewsbury, we only have one promise - and it’s one we know we can keep. To make sure you get what really counts. In this guide you’ll hear stories from students, graduates and staff about how Shrewsbury can give you a great student experience as well as the skills, connections and tools to graduate with confidence.
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A topic that’s been well documented in the news recently is student wellbeing and the support available at universities. It’s an issue that is very important to us here at UCS, so we catch up with David Clarke (page 10) who heads up our student support team to find out more about the services available at UCS.
A great aspect of studying at Shrewsbury is that all our courses are accredited by the University of Chester, meaning you’ll receive a degree from an institution with over 180 years’ worth of teaching experience and academic integrity. Our students also benefit from sharing a wide range of learning resources with the other five sites in Chester and Warrington.
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SUPPORTING YOU 7
OUR TEACHING AND LEARNING PHILOSOPHY WHAT MATTERS TO YOU? Whether you’re ready to tackle climate change, disease control, or mental health, our courses focus on solving global problems that really matter, and giving you the skills to navigate constant change, in an environment that develops self-worth and resilience. What’s more, our aim is to make your whole University experience as fulfilling and valuable as possible – and this guide will show you how we do that. Through the opportunities, support structures and experiences we offer throughout your degree, you can be sure to leave us ready to take your place in the world, having had the best possible time along with way.
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A BLENDED LEARNING EXPERIENCE We understand the value of learning in person and being part of a community, so our approach supports and promotes social learning. This ensures we put as much emphasis on in-person teaching as we do on digital learning, allowing students to get the best of both worlds. All our teaching is guided by research – our staff are experts in their field and ensure that courses, modules and learning activities are all informed by relevant research and practice. But we also focus on teaching excellence and a social learning experience, meaning you will feel part of a real community from day one, for example, through working on applied or collaborative projects with fellow students and people and organisations within the community. Even before you arrive, you’ll be supported by your very own personal academic tutor (PAT), and taught by staff who’ll inspire you as they get to know you, and who will go the extra mile to support you in your ambitions.
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View from Mardol House, halls of residence
I have made some of my closest friends through living in halls and living in student accommodation has allowed me to become independent, gain valuable life skills and become a lot more confident in myself. Lucy Box - Assistant Residential Tutor
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A HOME FROM HOME The partnership accommodation Mardol House and The Tannery is owned and managed by Shropshire Council and is located right in the centre of town – putting you at the heart of the Shrewsbury experience. These safe and secure halls are just a five-minute walk from Guildhall and are only a few steps away from local food producers, convenience stores and shopping centres. Mardol House offers self-catered and en-suite: either in single rooms with a shared kitchen and lounge facilities, or in single studio apartments with a bed and a fitted kitchen. Our new purpose-built accommodation, The Tannery, also offers self-catered, en-suite rooms just a stone’s throw away from the Quarry Park. All rooms include WiFi access, laundry facilities, a 24-hour concierge service for security and maintenance, as well as an assistant residential tutor for welfare matters.
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For information about the rooms and to view prices, please visit: www.chester.ac.uk/accommodation If you choose UCS as your Firm or Insurance choice we will let you know when the applications for accommodation open and how to apply for a room. We’re pleased to be able to guarantee accommodation for all applicants who choose University Centre Shrewsbury as their Firm choice, and apply by the advertised deadline. I absolutely love living in the Shrewsbury student accommodation! The town is small and friendly and
has everything a student could need. I feel extremely safe here and I know that there are plenty of people on hand in the building that I can go to if I have any problems. The best thing about halls, is that it’s only a five minute walk from the university campus, and is in walking distance of the shops, pubs and bars. Not only this, but I have made some of my closest friends through living in halls, and I am so appreciative of these friendships! Finally, living in student accommodation has allowed me to become independent, gain valuable life skills and become a lot more confident in myself. Lucy Box - Assistant Residential Tutor
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WELFARE, COUNSELLING AND WELLBEING At UCS we’re commited to offering support to any and all students who need it, so to find out more about it we had a chat with Student Experience Manager David Clarke.
The support available is wide-ranging and we work with each individual to ensure that they have an appropriate support package put in place.
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David Clarke - Student Experience Manager
What support is available for students at UCS?
Does the University have options available for students who may be having difficulties with their mental health?
support, and that all reasonable adjustments are made. Each student that has any extra requirements or needs any additional help in relation to a physical or mental condition can work with the team to put their own personal Inclusion Plan in place.”
“At UCS I like to think that our students have the best of both worlds. Firstly, they are part of a small, tight-knit “Pretty much everybody suffers from community where everyone tends to mental health issues at some point, support each other – more so than and there are lots of ways we support might happen in a large university our students through this. We have Could you tell us some more where you can feel a little bit lost Wellbeing Advisers who act as a first in a big crowd. Secondly, students port of call for all of our students that about the information available for care leavers, young adult carers, have access to all of the wide range are experiencing difficulties of any international students and mature of support and specialist help that kind. We also have Counsellors and students? is available within the University of Mental Health Advisers that students Chester.” can be referred to, along with lots of “We recognise that certain groups links with external organisations and of students have slightly different What can students do if they have charities, including MIND, Samaritans needs when it comes to support. The and the NHS. These external links are financial problems or concerns? support available is wide-ranging important as we aim to help students and we work with each individual to “Our Wellbeing Advisers can help build their resilience and ensure that, ensure that they have an appropriate students manage their finances and if they need it, they have continued support package put in place. work to a budget. If a student gets access to support from external This can range from support with into a tricky financial situation then organisations after their time at UCS.” accommodation, exploring what our advisers can help with managing loans and bursaries are available, to debt too. We can also provide How are disabled students working as a link between a student support and signpost students supported? and the Local Authority or other towards help with their student loan external agencies. ” and maintenance grants, which I “Our Disability & Inclusion team works know from experience can be a very closely with students to ensure Listen to the Welfare Podcast confusing system to get to grips with!” that all students have the necessary studentsupport.buzzsprout.com www.chester.ac.uk
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FROM ACCESS DIPLOMA TO UNIVERSITY DEGREE Everyone’s path to university is different and here at University Centre Shrewsbury we’re committed to helping you achieve your goals regardless of your background. With that in mind, we caught up with Medical Science graduate Kirstie to hear about her journey to University Centre Shrewsbury.
Studying an Access Diploma prepared me for university in alternative ways, especially the Study Skills module which helped me with academic writing and referencing. Kirstie Penny - Medical Science Graduate 14
“I completed an Access to HE diploma in Health in July 2016. Since then I worked in a primary school - a job that I loved but knew I didn’t want to pursue as a career. I found that most universities listed Access courses on their Entry Requirements, however, as I was applying for BSc Medical Science, most seemed to be looking for an Access Diploma in Science rather than Health. I decided to email University Centre Shrewsbury’s Admissions Team directly to find out whether or not I could apply to the course and I was delighted to find that I could! After my first day at University I left feeling overwhelmed and deflated. I felt like I had little knowledge compared to my peers and I was really worried about the course ahead. In hindsight, I realise that everyone probably felt the same on the first day regardless of A-Levels,
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Access courses or any other entry pathways.
“My first year was great and I gained more and more confidence along the way.” While I do recognise that there are some gaps in my knowledge, it has now become clear that everyone is in a different position, with people in my cohort coming from all over the world! My first year was great and I gained more and more confidence along the way. Plenty of reading around the subject really helped me expand my knowledge and I exceeded my own expectations in the summer exams, something that I’m really proud of!
I no longer feel different to everyone else because I studied an Access Diploma, which is a great feeling. I feel that studying an Access Diploma prepared me for university in alternative ways, especially the Study Skills module which helped me with academic writing and referencing; a great skill to have before starting university. My advice to anyone applying to university after studying an Access course would be to realise that first year is designed to get everyone to a similar academic position, so use every opportunity to your advantage and you will do great!”
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ACADEMIC SKILLS Studying at university may seem a little different than what you’re used to but the Academic Skills team have got all the tools to prepare and support you along the way.
The advisers can help you with: Time management Reading and note-making Academic writing Academic integrity and referencing Revision and exams Posters and presentations Critical thinking Reflective learning Numeracy Statistics Quantitative analysis SPSS
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One-to-ones, Events and Activities The team run regular group activities and have lots of pre-recorded sessions or if you’re struggling with an assignment, want to develop a specific skill or plan for the future, a one-to-one with an adviser might help.
‘Feedback’ or ‘feedforward’?
The Skills Pod Want to know more before you enrol? Listen to The Skills Pod on Spotify to brush up on your skills.
Online Resources Once you’re a student you can access the Academic Skills and Maths and Statistics Moodle spaces for a wealth of online resources.
Feedforward is the email advice you can receive before you hand in your assignments.
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FIVE BUDGETING TIPS FOR UNIVERSITY There’s a lot to take into consideration when starting university and it may be the first time you’re living away from home. A big concern for many students is budgeting, which is why we’ve put together a few handy tips that can help you be financially prepared and enjoy your time at university without money worries getting in the way.
Use your NUS Totum Card
One of the biggest perks that comes with being a student is being able to get your hands on a NUS TOTUM card and app. This will entitle you to discounts at a wide range of places including Superdrug, ASOS and a whole lot more. It’s also worth signing up for UNiDAYS for more great deals and even asking when you’re out and about if you can get student discount. You never know where you can make some savings!
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Shop around
Don’t be fooled by big name brands
It’s worth exploring around Shrewsbury to see where you can get the best deals. A great place to start is the Market Hall. As well as being conveniently located right by our Mardol House accommodation, it also provides a wealth of local businesses selling delicious fresh food often at a fraction of the price of big supermarkets.
You may feel like you can’t live without Heinz baked beans, but in reality you often find very little difference between the big name brands and supermarket own brands. Own brands are usually significantly cheaper, so you can save a few pennies and your beans on toast won’t be any less enjoyable for it.
Don’t get too many takeaways
Avoid credit cards
We realise that there are lots of great choices for food in Shrewsbury and while a takeaway as a treat every now and then isn’t going to hurt, eating out or getting takeaways too often can soon prove to be very expensive. Some alternative options can be partnering up with flatmates to cook dinner together, freezing leftovers for other days and ensuring you’ve got food at home after nights out so you’ve got a cheaper and healthier option to deal with those munchies than being tempted by the kebab shop!
Credit cards may seem like a brilliant idea at first – being able to spend to your heart’s content and not having to worry about paying it off until later. However, you do have to pay it off at some stage and often minimum monthly payments barely cover the cost of interest, leaving you with a balance that is incredibly difficult to clear. A better option is speaking to your bank about what options you have available. They may be able to offer you a student account with benefits or an interest free overdraft to help in those times when money is a bit tight.
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STUDENT PIONEERS 21
STUDY ABROAD
DISNEY - THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH While we obviously want you to have a great time studying with us, we also want to make sure you’re prepared for life after university. This is why we’re committed to providing you with real world experience where you can put what you’re learning into practice. As well as being a great addition to your CV, it can also offer some fantastic experiences. We caught up with Events and Festivals Management student, Olivia, to find out more about her placement at Disneyworld, Florida.
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“When I initially started studying Events and Festivals Management one of the introductory lectures to the course mentioned we were able to take a Study Abroad placement. I was intrigued by the thought of adding an extra year and gaining this experience that would also add an extra spark to my CV. I went up to Chester Exton Park site to attend lectures which would prepare me for my Study Abroad year. The trips to Chester also gave me the feeling of being part of something bigger. I realised that Shrewsbury was connected to all of these other sources.
“I learnt so much about myself and my chosen industry and got to see strategies which I was used to learning about in lectures in real-life scenarios”
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Being in a new country was a very exciting but daunting time in the beginning. However, soon after my introduction into Disney, I was able to make friends through the activities Disney put on, as well as having great roommates and staff that really became a second family. During the placement I learned a lot about hospitality management, not just in America but also from my peers which I met while on the program from countries like Germany, Mexico, and Japan. I learned more about how hospitality is given and how to interact with guests, which ultimately changed how I delivered my own customer service. With the fact that I was going to be in America for such a long time, I was hoping to get a lot of travelling done and really immerse myself into the American culture. Activities like driving to the beach to watch the sunrise with roommates or eating IHOP after a night out. This Study Abroad opportunity gave me the
chance to visit different states like Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and really get to know the rest of Florida like the great beaches and getting to tour the Coca-Cola factory in Georgia. I learnt so much about myself and my chosen industry and got to see strategies which I was used to learning about in lectures in real-life scenarios, which reinforced my learning experience by knowing what I am learning in lectures can be adapted to the real industry. Additionally, the long-time friendships I made and the adventures I had while on my programme will clearly be a standout experience for me and a positive addition to my University journey. Ultimately, it helps in your growth, not just as a person, but someone looking to go into the industry after you finish your course. It’s a big step in the right direction that I’m sure after undertaking it, you won’t regret, as I know I sure haven’t.”
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RAISING THE CURTAIN ON WORK BASED LEARNING At University Centre Shrewsbury you benefit from a range of fantastic practical opportunities to gain real world experience. One example of this is the Work Based Learning module offered on many of our courses. Alicia shares her experiences from working at Storyhouse.
I met some amazing people with amazing ideas, who came from different backgrounds and had a variety of work experience. 24
During the second year of your course you’ll take part in a Work Based Learning module. This module gives you the chance to try a job you’ve always wanted to try and to gain experience and skills to put on your CV. Events and Festivals Management student Alicia gives top tips for taking part in the Work Based Learning module and shares her experiences from working at Storyhouse – Chester’s multi award winning cultural centre, featuring a theatre, cinema and library.
“I really enjoyed my five weeks in a new environment gaining skills I wouldn’t have gained at my usual workplace.” “On my first day at Storyhouse I packed my laptop and my lunch, and also made myself look like a working human and not a nervous, stressed human who wanted to cry like a child. I arrived at 8:45am where I received a task list that I could start in the bar area. I helped marketing, www.chester.ac.uk
working with volunteers and front of house to help set up the press night and to greet guests. I also helped to set up the same venue for a wedding reception, and during WayWord Festival week I helped the volunteers with the events, checking tickets, working with tech, and assisting the performers. I worked on my own tasks to help Storyhouse with their future projects and I assisted in different departments as much as possible to gain as much experience as I could, such as; marketing, events coordinators, volunteers. I also assisted many other departments by inputting all the upcoming events into the venue booking system. I had to be on my toes working in such a huge building with so many people, but also willing to learn and develop my skills. I met some amazing people with amazing ideas, who came from different backgrounds and had a variety of work experience.”
A few things I learnt while at Storyhouse that others may use in their placement: Find out what others wear before you turn up (I walked in dressed smart while half of the building was wearing trainers)
Boots meal deals are better than most (£4 ish)
Do not get into gossiping
Eat your three meals (or at least snack). I didn’t eat as much as I normally would on my first few days and I was ridiculously tired. I quickly learned that I was so tired because I was not eating enough
Being flexible with where you work will make you much more appreciated.
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MEET THE STUDENTS’ UNION You can get even more out of your University experience through Shrewsbury Students’ Union (SSU). SSU is part of the wider Chester Students’ Union (CSU) - an independent organisation dedicated to improving the student experience for all University of Chester and University Centre Shrewsbury students. The Students’ Union offers a wide range of services: free, impartial and confidential advice, academic representation through Student Experience Reps and Student Council, facilitating student groups in the form of student-led societies and year round events and volunteering opportunities for all.
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MEET GABBY ABBAS – SHREWSBURY SU VP How are you finding your time as VP Shrewsbury? “I am loving my time as VP and I am loving the different moving parts of my job. Meeting students, talking to different departments at the University, and being able to work on such great causes such as Black History Month and LGBTQ+ History Month, as well as my ‘Proud to Be’ campaign have been really rewarding. It’s my favourite parts of the job!”
How can students get involved with Shrewsbury’s Students’ Union? “Students can get involved with our SU by either joining or starting a society, as our societies are supported by the SU and will introduce them to new students, becoming a SER and attending student council and department rep meetings with the SU to make changes on courses around UCS, coming to our events and interacting with our staff, or simply messaging us on our social media pages or emails and asking. We’re always happy to help and always looking for students to get more involved!”
How are the SU supporting students this year? “We are supporting our students through societies and the different, diverse campaigns we are running this year. As a VP, I am constantly seeking student input on activities or events that we could run that would reflect what they want to do in their time
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at university and will make them feel comfortable and supported here. Some of the campaigns include diversity events such as LGBTQ+ History Month, creating an International Student Guide, and so much more.”
What plans do you have for Shrewsbury’s Students’ Union for the next year? “My plans for the SU at UCS include running different, fun, diverse events and awareness days that focus not only on the educational aspects, but the celebration of different cultures and backgrounds. My colleague, Beth (our Shrewsbury Student Engagement Coordinator), and I have also planned just fun events for students that will get them more engaged with their SU, their University, their town, and each other.”
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GRADUATE STORY CHRISTIAN HEENAN International Health and Exercise Science Graduate Christian Heenan went from moving to a new country with little prior scientific knowledge to obtaining a firstclass honours degree and his dream job as a Health & Wellbeing Physiologist at Nuffield Health Medical Centre in Canary Wharf.
Small classes meant that I could easily seek help from professors who were all well renowned in their fields.
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“After my eldest brother passed away from cancer, I was extremely determined to work in the health industry, preferably rehabilitating patients with chronic disease. I came across Health & Exercise Science at UCS through clearing, the course contents covered everything I wanted to learn and more! On top of that, small classes meant that I could easily seek help from professors who were all well renowned in their fields. I believed the extra tuition in small groups was the key to my success.
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The support from the staff was second to none! I went from not knowing the first thing about science and physiology (my school/college did not allow me to take science at GCSE or A level) to pursuing a heavily science-based degree! There were a lot of gaps in my learning compared to all the other students, however my lecturers believed in me and helped me every step of the way to achieving first-class honours.
After a vigorous recruitment process I’ve been offered my dream job at Nuffield Health Medical Centre in Canary Wharf as a Health & Wellbeing Physiologist! This will require me to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to help patients achieve their health and wellness goals through exercise, nutrition, behaviour change, stress management and sleep. I am looking forward to my new job and am excited about pursuing the career path of a clinical physiologist.”
“My lecturers believed in me and helped me every step of the way to achieving first-class honours.”
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STUDENT GUIDE TO SHREWBURY 31
WHERE ARE WE? Shrewsbury is a beautiful medieval town, embraced by the Shropshire Hills and resplendent in wonky black and white buildings, criss-crossing cobbled passages and curiously-named streets. Residing in a loop of the River Severn and boasting everything from cultural hotspots, culinary delights, retail treats and an active sports scene, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. It won’t take you long to feel at home, so dive into our friendly, vibrant town. We can’t wait to welcome you!
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Rowley’s House
Shrewsbury Folk Festival
Market Hall Old Market Hall
Birds Nest Cafe
Quarry Park Fish Street
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Quarry Park
Quarry Park
River Severn
Shrewsbury Library
Costa, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Castle
St Alkmonds Place
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CULTURE FIX
Shrewsbury is a brilliant up-and-coming place for young people, it has a nice chilled feeling and a very friendly atmosphere. Henry - Sport Management Graduate
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Film fanatics
Culture vultures
From blockbusters to 3D, arthouse to IMAX, movie buffs can take their pick! Head to the Old Market Hall (known affectionately as the OMH) in the square for a comfy night of cinema with your favourites. Sit back and relax with your favourite beverage and soak up cult classics, world film and much more.
Shrewsbury enjoys a thriving cultural scene with live performances in dance, drama, music and comedy available at venues throughout the town.
Perfect for popcorn-lovers and movie moguls, Cineworld in Old Potts Way is Shrewsbury’s multiplex cinema and boasts a wide range of films, large screens and great facilities. For a high octane cinema experience the super screens at IMAX Telford are just twenty minutes up the road.
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Check out Theatre Severn, perched on the banks of the Severn and only a stone’s throw away from the University Centre, or be inspired by local talent at The Hive on Belmont offering a diverse and vibrant programme from open mic nights, world-class jazz, folk concerts and creative workshops. Like the town itself, the old nestles comfortably alongside the new in the Museum and Art Gallery. There’s 750 years of history to explore here, with a regular-changing programme and Stop Café on hand to serve you up some tasty treats.
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SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR
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Get it fresh
Indie eateries
Found in the same building as Mardol House (our student halls), the Market Hall is where you’ll find fresh fruit, veg, meat and cheese from local producers and at great prices. Try the quirky and quaint Bird’s Nest and Café AleOli - both well worth a visit.
With a thriving café culture and independent eateries galore, Shrewsbury is packed with plenty of places to indulge and enjoy – so don’t forget your appetite.
Plus, every first Friday of the month, well-known local producers and traders descend on the Town Square for the Shrewsbury Farmers Market. Find Hindleys Bakers, Maynard’s Meats, and a whole host of local treats to tempt your taste buds.
Chain reaction For familiar favourites, Starbucks and Costa can be found on the corner of The Square and Grope Lane. Plus for fast and flavourful, you’ll find KFC and Subway situated in town, whilst Nandos and Pizza Hut are just out of town. Add some Italian flavour to your night, with the bustling vibes of Ask and Pizza Express. Buonissimo!
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For the very best breakfasts head to Number Four in Butcher Row where the mood is always sunny side up. If cosy is more your thing, Bear Steps Café is warm, snug and serves a cracking carrot cake – mind your head though, the ceilings are low! If you like creamy hot chocolates and sweet, crispy crepes, we guarantee Chez Sophie will be just up your street – quite literally, because it’s only round the corner from our student accommodation. Or for a quick bite, the sandwiches, salads, cake selection and friendly staff at Taste of Shrewsbury and Brambles (again only steps away from Mardol House) are sure to become firm favourites for your student sustenance. If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, why not check out the wonderful confectionery creations you can find at Planet Doughnut - but be warned these delicious doughnuts get snapped up fast!
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HOTSPOTS AND HIDEAWAYS From comfy sofas and sociable tables to busy dance floors the bars, pubs and clubs in Shrewsbury have something for every night owl.
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Colourful cocktails
Pub culture
Going out out
For contemporary cool, Blind Tiger in Hills Lane is the place for cocktails and conversation – as well as a board game or two. Enjoy the whimsical character of The Libertine in Butcher Row and treat yourself to a coffee, cake or a cheeky cocktail. The bar staff can rustle you up anything from a caramel latte to a pornstar martini.
Enjoy a walk around the Dingle in the Quarry Park and stop off at The Boathouse. Unwind on a summer’s evening with a glass of bubbly overlooking the spectacular views of the River Severn. With craft beers and real ale set amongst old wooden beams, Coach and Horses, the Nags Head (complete with medieval mansion in the beer garden), The Loggerheads and Admiral Benbow are perfect to quench your thirst.
For a serious Shrewsbury night out, Oil and Montgomery’s Tower are great student bars to begin the evening, with The Hole in the Wall also offering a range of student nights in conjunction with Shrewsbury Students’ Union.
If a laid back vibe is more your thing, The Alb just along from the train station is a popular choice amongst our students especially their eclectic mix of colourful cocktails.
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Shrewsbury Train Station
River Severn Quarry Park
Stop. Cafe
Claremont Hill
Shrewsbury Folk Festival Rowley’s House
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Church Door in Shrewsbury
Statue in Quarry Park
Quarry Park
Shops on Wyle Cop
Juggler in Quarry Park
St AlkmundsPlace
Shrewsbury Folk Festival
Darwin Statue outside Shrewsbury Library
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SHOPPING FIX Shrewsbury is vibrant and good for shopping. There are a variety of places to eat, great music venues and great nightlife, particularly at The Buttermarket. There are plenty of places of interest and lots to do to suit everyone. Carrie - Geography Graduate
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Vintage chic
High street hits
On the sloping street of Wyle Cop and onto Dogpole you’ll be greeted by a host of independents - including the quirky Uniiq for original homeware and gifts and La Vie perfect for handmade trinkets and treats.
Pride Hill (just 30 seconds from Mardol House) is home to the Darwin and Pride Hill shopping centres where you’ll find everything to satisfy your retail needs.
Book worms As students you’ll be no stranger to books, so for some handy off-campus bookshops for core text books and general reads try Waterstones by The Square and Pengwern Books in Shoplatch. If you’ve already overspent for the month, there are several second-hand bookshops dotted around the town, including Candle Lane Books, with great selections to rifle through.
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From River Island and H&M, to Marks and Spencer and Primark, there are plenty of affordable wardrobe essentials to get your hands on. For ardent gamers, pop into GAME, then make a night of it on the couch with some naughty nibbles from Mollies. Plus, with an NUS TOTUM card (at just £24.99 for three years and available from the SU) you can take advantage of 10-20% off high street prices at a range of shops in the town.
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SPORTING SHREWSBURY Whether it’s pedalling, tackling, dribbling or sculling, the town and surrounding area has everything to sate your sporting needs. Shrewsbury shoots and scores!
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Footie fever
Ready, steady, run!
The New Meadow is the home of Shrewsbury Town Football Club where avid fans from across the county come to cheer players on from the stands. For a friendly kick-about there are several places to gather your friends, from the 5-a-side Powerleague at the football stadium itself, to the wide expanses of Quarry Park.
Shrewsbury provides ample opportunity for you to get out and stretch your legs. Enjoy some crisp morning air with a run in the Quarry Park. It’s a great location for fledgling runners who fancy a walk, jaunt or jog or for energetic enthusiasts looking to smash their personal best. For those looking for more of a challenge, Shrewsbury also hosts 10k and half-marathon events.
Chilled thrills
Keep fit
For the chill factor, head to the Snowboard and Ski Centre and the Ice Rink in Telford, where you can sashay effortlessly or shuffle awkwardly to your heart’s content.
Our brand new on-site fitness suite means there’s no excuse not to work up a sweat before, after or in between classes.
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GREAT SHROPSHIRE OUTDOORS Reaching the countryside is a breeze from Shrewsbury, so if you like nothing better than getting out and about, there is a multitude of outdoor options in some truly inspiring surroundings.
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Hills and follies
Severn splashes
Serene sailing
Hugged by the majestic Shropshire Hills, Shrewsbury is only a stone’s throw from an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO historical site and National Trust treasures.
For those who love to make a splash, taking place on the River Severn each year are a host of watery wonders including the Shrewsbury Regatta, Coracle Race and the Dragon Boat Race.
For a more serene experience why not sail the Severn on the riverboat Sabrina, or glide downstream all the way from the Welsh Bridge to the English Bridge in a rowing boat from Pengwern Boat Club.
From peaceful ambles along Haughton Hill, to challenging treks up Hawkstone Park Follies, the county offers a host of hiking, cycling and climbing options all set against the dramatic and picturesque backdrop of the Shropshire countryside.
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TAKE ACTION 51
ALL ABOUT APPLICATIONS
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Accepting Your Offer
Applying for Student Finance and Funding
Application questions?
It’s really easy to accept your offer of a place at University Centre Shrewsbury. Simply login to UCAS Track and select Chester as your Firm (F) choice. track.ucas.com
Furthering your education is an investment in your future.
Contact the Admissions team:
You don’t have to pay a penny of your tuition fees until you have graduated and your income is above the repayment threshold. In 2021, the current UK threshold is £27,295 a year, £2,274 a month, or £524 a week.
Tel: 01244 511000 Email: admissions@chester.ac.uk
We’d advise taking a look at the Student Loans you can apply for as soon as possible: For bursary information, please visit: https://www1.chester.ac.uk/ undergraduate/finance/bursaries Tel: 01244 512810 Email: finance.tuitionfees@chester.ac.uk
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EXPERIENCE DAYS Experience Days are a chance for you to visit us and sample the student experience at University Centre Shrewsbury. Attend a subject session within your department, take a student-led tour, speak to our student support teams and explore our facilities. Saturday 12th February Saturday 12th March Saturday 2nd April 16th – 27th May – Campus Tours
MEET YOUR DEPARTMENT LIVE ONLINE EVENTS Taking place between 9th - 13th May, these live online sessions are your exclusive opportunity to attend taster lectures with fellow offer holders from your course and chat with staff and current students.
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For opportunities to visit and see all that we offer for yourself, please visit: www.chester.ac.uk/visitus
