Bournemouth University

Services & Facilities

As a BU student you can access a wide range of services on both Talbot and Lansdowne Campuses.

You can visit askBU our central information, advice and enquiry service, use a variety of catering facilities based around BU, visit our award winning library or the university transport services such as student parking and the BU buses as well as accessing a broad range of other services to support your welfare needs.

At BU, there is a wide variety of specialist support available to you. You can find details at www.bournemouth.ac.uk/studentportal

askBU Students Service

askBU Students Service offers a friendly central information and enquiry service for all enrolled students, and always do our best to answer your questions as quickly as possible. We can help with the following services:

• Student Finance, Bursaries and Scholarships
• Immigration advice and support for international students
• Replacements for Lost Student ID cards, Council Tax Exemption Certificate or computer log-in password
• Standard Student Status Letters and Banking Introduction Letters (for opening a new account in the UK)
• Guidance on academic appeals and complaints procedures
• Guidance on University Rules and Regulations
• Exam timetables
• Graduation.

In addition and in order to make life easier for you, askBU Students Service can give you general information and signposting to other sources of help and support in the University.

We also offer a ‘virtual adviser’ which is available to students through the BU website and provides answers to many of your questions.

Visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/askBU

The following support services are also available to you:

Student & Academic Services (SAS)

Student & Academic Services (SAS), based at Talbot Campus, organises the International Students’ Orientation Programme (ISOP) for new international students during the University’s Arrival Week in September and a smaller orientation programme for courses that begin in January/February.

What does ISOP include?

• Airport transfer service from Heathrow Airport, London, for students arriving on the first and second day of the programme (a small fee is payable for this service)
• Practical advice about health, banking, shopping, personal safety and essential information about immigration and working regulations
• A comprehensive Information Fair giving you the chance to find out information about facilities at BU as well as the opportunity to meet representatives from local banks, insurance companies, doctors, the police and other organisations
• Personal development sessions, including seminars on working across cultures, interview skills and group work. These sessions will also give you the chance to meet some of the academic staff and start to learn about the academic system at BU and what is expected of you as a student here
• Orientation around the town, the University campuses and the local area
• Social activities and a chance to get to know other new and current students.

Visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/isop for further information.

SAS also organises a programme of excursions throughout the year. They work with the Graduate Employment Service and askBU Students Service to provide you with information about work opportunities after study, with particular emphasis on immigration and visa schemes.

Student Advice Centre

The Student Advice Centre in the Students’ Union on Talbot Campus can provide advice on funding, employment, accommodation contracts and many other issues.

University Medical Centre

The University Medical Centre is located on Talbot Campus. In addition to the University’s Medical Centre on the Talbot Campus, there are large, modern general hospitals in both Bournemouth and Poole. www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/medical

Counselling Service

The Counselling Service based on Talbot Campus has trained counsellors who are available to support you.

Our staff have a wide range of experience in helping people through a variety of problems, from exam anxiety to bereavement, vague worries and unhappiness, to problematic eating habits and drug problems. The service is free and sessions are offered by appointment. For more information please visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/ student/counselling

Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, Centre for Spirituality, Belief and Religion

The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy, Centre for Spirituality, Belief and Religion based on Talbot Campus covers all religions and has Islamic, Jewish and multi denominational, Christian representation.

The Graduate Employment Service

The Graduate Employment Service can offer you the following support with your career management:

• We can help you with job seeking strategies and deciding what you want to do
• We hold a full range of information resources on all aspects of jobs and occupations, employability skills, industry sectors, professions and employers. This will give you regional, national and internationally relevant information
• We run a job vacancy website where a range of local, regional and national jobs are advertised on an on-going basis. We do not however have direct relationships with international employers
• We will facilitate direct contact with employers for you. This is in the form of employer presentations, recruitment events and careers fairs or conventions. Interviews are frequently held on BU campus. However, we can not secure employment for you as you are free to decide to whom you will apply, and employers want you to demonstrate your employment potential to them. We can help you to prepare for this important process
• Information and advice is easily accessible through dedicated School offices or alternatively by visiting the central Graduate Employment Service, where professionally qualified staff provide an impartial advice and guidance service which is informed, up to date and completely confidential. Our service is affiliated to our professional body, the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS), and we hold the nationally recognised matrix quality standard, all of which ensures that a high standard of guidance is offered
• As well as face-to-face discussions, support is also available by phone or by email
• We work closely with your tutors to bring employability into your learning experience through a range of workshops and other activities.

The service will assist you with the steps along the way, so you are able to make a good match between yourself and the job opportunities open to you. We will help and support you in the job search and to make effective applications.

BU has developed excellent relationships with employers over the years. These relationships with relevant industry or professional employers are frequently achieved through our academic staff working on research or consultancy projects in partnership with employers to the benefit of the international workplace and the economy.

Student Life

There are many activities to keep you entertained after your lectures.

Although you will be busy with your studies, it is important that you make time for activities outside of the lecture theatre. There are many opportunities both on-campus and off-campus to socialise with fellow students, play a sport or pursue a hobby.

Clubs and societies

BU has many clubs and societies, which cater for a range of interests, from rock-climbing to performing arts. There is something for everyone and joining a club or society is a great way to meet new people who are on different courses from you but have similar interests.

International Students’ Association (ISA)

BU is very proud of its thriving International Students’ Association. It is run by international students for international students and has organised some very successful social events which attract both international and UK students.

There are also societies that represent students from a particular country, race or culture such as the Chinese Students’ and Scholars’ Association, Indonesian Society, African Caribbean Society and the Desi Network Association. These societies are open to all students to join and, as well as being a support network for their members, they share, promote and celebrate their cultures within the University and throughout the local community.

For further information and a full list of clubs and societies, visit: www.subu.org.uk/clubsandsocs

Voluntary work

Many students take part in volunteering opportunities which are organised through the Students’ Union. These activities can involve nature conservation work, community work with school children or the elderly and work for local charity organisations.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and to develop important skills which will be valuable when applying for jobs. www.the-hub.org.uk

sportBU

At sportBU, we offer sports and recreation facilities for everyone, whether you are a keen athlete or would like to start a sport for the first time. Our team of professionals have extensive experience in their fields so there’s always someone available to help you reach your desired level of fitness. Whether you are at a high level in your chosen sport or you want to relax and make new friends, sportBU has something for you.

Places to eat and drink

When it comes to eating and drinking, BU has it all.

On the Talbot Campus, you will find Dylan’s with its pub-like atmosphere and The Loft, a relaxed café bar – both are open throughout the day and into the evening. During the day, the recently refurbished, lively student refectory is an ideal place for daily meals – jacket potatoes, pasta, salads, burgers, pizza, ready-made sandwiches and regular specials.

If you’re based at the Lansdowne Campus near the town centre, the refectory in Bournemouth House, the coffee bar in Studland House and Caffe Liscio in the Executive Business Centre can also satisfy your morning and afternoon hunger. You are also within walking distance of The Old Fire Station (the University’s own nightclub).

Our caterers, Chartwells, promote Fairtrade products including Fairtrade coffee, tea, chocolate, juice and confectionery, which are available in our cafés across both campuses.

www.bournemouth.ac.uk/student/eating

Accreditation

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the UK government’s teaching quality watchdog, awarded us the highest category of confidence in our academic standards.

Many of our courses are accredited by professional and industry bodies, which means our courses are readily recognised by employers, and our graduates have professional membership or status when they compete on the job market.