Oxford's "other" university has a whole life of its own, including three buzzing campuses and a great student union, says Fiona Doran
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0University guides written by students for students
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Click here for more university profiles by students for studentsOD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0This week,
Fiona Doran, a second year student at Oxford Brookes studying Culture, Media and Communication, gives her lowdown on Oxford's "other", more modern university
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Being a student at Oxford Brookes:OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Once described as the “city of dreaming spires” by the poet Matthew Arnold,
Oxford still holds strong in its reputation for being quintessentially English. Punting, supping a pint in an historically rich drinking establishment and almost being knocked down by one of the many cyclists can be all in a days work for a Brooke’s student.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0The university's three campuses are all located a bus ride away from the city centre. For a relatively small city there is a plethora of good eateries and bars to suit all budgets; it is hard to be disappointed. The city centre is also home to many of the usual high streets shops such as GAP, Topshop and USC, although many students will agree the place is crying out for an H&M to suit quirkier types. Bargain hunters can revel in a large Primark but bear in mind that you will likely spot another ten people wearing the same thing as you while wandering around campus. With London only an hour and a half away by coach however, the more serious shopper can return after a day with a somewhat lighter wallet. With such a fantastic literary background Oxford has many bookshops, a number of them second hand and with regular visits you can hunt down books both for pleasure and for study, although hopefully the two are interlinked! Oxford is culture-rich city and there are museums, art galleries and beautiful architecture aplenty to immerse yourself in.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0The university has combined with Stagecoach to provide a service for Brookes students called
Brookes Bus. Generally reliable and with stops everywhere you need in Oxford, getting around is easy, with the yearly pass priced around £185. The city train station offers links around the country with regular services, made a third cheaper with a Young Persons Rail Card.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Although Oxford has city status there is a very tight knit feeling to it - its smaller size means bumping into someone on the high street or the local pub is inevitable. Home to two large universities, there are students everywhere and on a sunny day they can be found in droves lounging in the parks or sitting in a beer garden. Oxford is an affluent city and the prices are reflective of this with a pint nudging £3 in more places than not. Nightclub entries can vary widely, the more popular venues such as Park End charging around £5 on student night. However, by making the most of the student deals and discounts available and enjoying some of the cheaper venues in town, finances should still be in order come the end of the academic year. Crime in Oxford is relatively low compared with other UK cities, one of its main problems being bike theft. By taking sensible precautions and using your common sense, Oxford is a very safe place to live and study.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Study time:
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Consistently deemed to be the UK’s leading modern university by
The Times Good University Guide, Oxford Brookes has stepped out of the shadow of its neighbouring institution Oxford University and achieved excellence in the fields of Business, Architecture and Publishing. With a library on each of the three campuses, the main one being Headington, study resources are never out of reach and a quiet spot can always be found for revision or research. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable and eager to assist and give advice, especially to newer students. Waiting lists can be a problem for the more popular texts; however there is a reservation service through the online library website, Athens, which can prove useful when you need to take out a number of books on loan. The
graphics workshop at Headington also offers multimedia software for editing, illustration, CAD and high quality printing facilities and is completely supervised so students less familiar with programmes can find guidance with their work. Many students who have not had access to this technology before can gain some great knowledge and vastly improve the appearance of their work here. However although computer facilities at Brookes are generally good, printing can be a nightmare with up to three-hour queues at peak times. Bringing your own printer or finding a friend you can cajole into letting you use theirs is a good idea, especially when you are having a last minute rush to print off an essay for an impending deadline.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0The majority of Brooke’s students are undergraduates on a three year course. Emphasis on coursework and exams varies greatly from course to course but most disciplines will use both at some stage. Tutor and lecture interaction can depend upon the needs of the student; however meeting the assigned tutor is not compulsory and some students will go their first and perhaps second year without ever having a dedicated appointment. Tutors are your first port of call when you are in need of advice or support so it’s best to make face to face contact and the earlier the better. Lecture and seminars take up roughly 9 – 15 hours a week; however you are expected to put in more than this in independent study.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Some lecturers are known to email throughout the week with suggested reading and useful web links however this is not always the case so don’t be afraid to ask them for their advice or search yourself. Students can also make use of the Brookes Personal Information Portal which holds information about modules and timetables, and can contain useful recommended reading lists.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0The academic year is broken into two semesters, the first running from mid September to mid December and the second from late January through to May with a break for Easter in between. Many Brookes students find the long gap between the semesters can leave them feeling unmotivated by the time they return from Christmas break, but it can provide mextra cash so try not to waste the weeks away.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Play time:
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Brookes Student Union is undergoing a refurb this summer, but it has promised to be back in time for freshers' week, bigger and better than ever. With a large capacity, it often draws big name acts which sell-out fast, including Bright Eyes who played a rare show earlier in the year. Nights such as Pleasuredome and FUBAR are hugely popular and buying tickets in advance from the SU reception is recommended, otherwise you may be spending a quiet night in whilst the majority of first years are partying. One of the best things about the student union are the fantastic bar staff. Almost entirely students, they are friendly, funny and provide great service. Prices are not too bad but its best to stick to the deals if you are looking to save the pennies. There are two union shops, one on the Helena Kennedy Campus which is mostly used by those living in the Morrell and Clive Booth accommodation. The larger shop based on the Gipsy Lane campus has a good selection of food, drink and basics for cooking and daily newspapers at a discounted student rate - there is usually a gabble of students here at all times of the day.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Also on campus is Blackwells bookshop which stocks Brooke’s course texts and also a range of fiction. Although it is sometimes useful, the prices here are still quite high and most books needed can be found considerably cheaper on the internet.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Brookes has a number of
societies dedicated to all manner of interests, including motorsport, drama, computer gaming and environmental issues. The more prominent societies such as shot-gun and snow sports are better known for their drinking and social antics than their club activity, but if you like your nights boozy and raucous, these could be may be for you.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Sporty types can enjoy the fantastic
Sports Centre on the Gipsy Lane campus. With facilities including a fitness centre, climbing wall, squash courts and large gym you are not short of somewhere to get active and work off all those kebabs from Cowley Road. The bar at the centre is usually bustling and many sports clubs use it as a meeting point for their frequent socials, so don’t be surprised if you walk past a group of men dressed in camo gear or girls dressed up as golfers. However if you walk past a group of almost Adonis-like lycra-clad athletes, then you’ve probably just caught sight of the Brookes rowing team. Rowing is immensely important to Oxford Brookes, which regularly competes and wins against other UK Universities. They encourage newbies, so if you want to get fit and try something new then get down there.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Oxford itself has some great venues to let your hair down. Po Na Na’s in the centre lacks the pretentiousness of other clubs, and regularly hosts top name DJs. The drinks are pricey but the atmosphere is so unlike anywhere else in Oxford that it’s worth it. The
Carling Academy Oxford, formerly known as The Zodiac is the place to be if you are seriously into your music. From September, following a multi million pound redesign and refurbishment, it has promised to book bigger and better names as well as providing a space for local bands. Names appearing in the upcoming months include Supergrass, New Young Pony Club and The Editors.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Cinema buffs can also revel in the two Odeon venues in the city centre, the smaller being on George Street. All the main box office attractions show regularly but with limited screens, seats are best booked in advance. There is also a Vue but without a car to get you there it’s pretty much not worth considering. Oxford also benefits from not two independent cinemas - the Phoenix Picturehouse and the Ultimate Picture Palace.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Accommodation:
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Most first year students will move into
university owned halls of residence but not everyone is guaranteed a place. University managed houses are also an option but the majority of freshers enjoy the halls experience and the tight knit community it can provide. Most of the halls are in good locations either near the university of a short bus ride away. However, students living in Harcourt Hill accommodation may feel slightly out of the loop, with a half-hour bus ride to the main campus. Wardens are friendly and fair and halls are generally a safe place for students with most areas being well-lit and having a security guard nearby. As with all shared accommodation, they can be noisy, boisterous and incredibly messy, and those preferring a quieter life may feel more at home within a house.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0With a mix of catering/self catering and ensuite/shared bathrooms there will be an obvious choice to suit you. Cheney Student Village which holds 750 rooms has a reputation for housing the wealthier private school students due to its high prices, long lease and superior facilities. Inhabitants can enjoy the kudos of living here but also good are the Clive Booth Halls, home to many a gap year and mature student, and boasting a cheaper price than Cheney with only slight difference in facilities. Both ensuite, they accommodate around six students per flat and it is possible to request same sex accommodation.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Morrell’s is another popular choice with a student village appeal to it, although quality of rooms can vary widely and it is almost a game of pot luck. But don’t let this put you off as Morrell residents are usually extremely happy in these digs which ever room they end up in.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Lady Spencer Churchill halls based in Wheatley are out of the way from the main campus as with Harcourt Hill, but students studying on these campuses usually find the convenience of studying a short walk from where they live a large plus, and bedrooms are usually larger than those found in main campus flats. The other choices - Cotuit, Warneford, Crescent and Paul Kent - are not found obvious places to go for, but share a sense of camaraderie and lasting friendships are known to form here. The smaller size of these halls also lends itself to more of a community feeling
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Support:
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Welfare is taken seriously by the university and it accordingly provides a range of services to assist. The SU website provides
useful information. The housing department are well known for providing an excellent contract checking service and will enlighten you to any misdeeds you might not have noticed. There is a medical centre on the main campus and appointment waiting times are usually quick, and information on sexual health is available from the centre.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0One provision that all students should use at some point is the
Upgrade service. Study skills specialists will give help on topics such as essay writing, research, statistics and maths. With regular drop-in times and friendly advice, it is a user-friendly way of identifying weaknesses and improving your work.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Brookes encourages students to be proactive when it comes to their study and are positive about work placements and work experience. Internships can be found on the SU Jobshop website although they are few and far between. If you are on a Business or Publishing degree though, then think yourself lucky - there is a webpage dedicated to finding work placements for you. The publishing work experience pages in particular are fantastic, and are regularly updated with high profile and relevant opportunities. For those studying a different degree the best option is to source your own placements. There is a Brookes Career Centre which has mini careers fairs and opportunities to meet graduate employers, and staff are helpful and happy to give you pointers with your CV or application letters.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0For those students who receive a full or partial HE grant and whose course fees are £3,070, Oxford Brookes will also provide a bursary which will match your grant from a minimum of £200 to a maximum to £1,500. Those students who have displayed particularly hard work prior to university could be lucky enough to receive an
Oxford Brookes Excellence, or a Community Scholarship.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Brookes Student Disability Service aims to provide support for students with disabilities and offers advice, funding, access and alternative assessment arrangements. If you require wheelchair access, be aware it is not available in all Halls of Residence so contact the service early so they can provide you with the options. Dyslexic students will also receive support.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Opportunities for paid and voluntary work:
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Oxford is full of opportunities for students wanting to earn whilst they learn. An excellent website to use is
www.dailyinfo.com, a listings index specifically for the city which has a fantastic jobs section. With Oxford being such a culturally diverse place, opportunities can range from nude model or promotions girl to reader for a retired Oxford professor with ailing eyesight and retail assistant. The SU website also has a
Jobshop sectionwhich lists graduate, internship and part time opportunities, although this is not always updated regularly.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0For those who want to volunteer some of their spare time to a good cause, Brookes RAG is a good place to start. The people are friendly and the causes are worthwhile and relevant and they are always looking for a spare pair of hands. STAX is the volunteering organisation at Oxford Brookes and with guidance and support they can help you make your first few steps into volunteering.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Finally…OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Oxford is a truly beautiful city, with the rare ability to have one foot in the past and the other firmly in the future. If you want to study in a hub of academic excellence, surrounded by history and fantastic culture, then Oxford Brookes will be a brilliant experience for three years of study.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Best haunts in Oxford:
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0The Turf Tavern - The very pub where Bill Clinton famously "didn't inhale". US presidents aside, this is a must see on a trip to Oxford, so long as you can find it.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0Cowley Road – Popular for student living, Cowley is another world in Oxford. Its diversity has spawned a menagerie of bars, shops and restaurants, and it’s where you can find the best music venue in the City – Carling Academy Oxford, formerly known as The Zodiac.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0The Eagle and Child – Regular haunt of such literary illuminaries as Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, and more recently Colin Dexter the creator of Inspector Morse.
OD«v´=eïbbs.eduglobal.com+\£x»\]0River Isis – If it’s a sunny day make sure you fit in some punting, and ideally a Pimms. Lying lazily in a boat trailing your fingers through the water is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Oxford.
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