‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’- you must have heard of the phrase. And when it comes to university life, no one should aim to be ‘Jack’. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying you should party into the wee hours of the morning, but student life only happens once and you should approach it with zest! Contrary to popular belief, student life isn’t overrated. In fact, it’s a unique experience like no other as it greatly differs from high school and couldn’t be more opposite from adulthood in terms of responsibility.
No matter whether you’re a part- or full-time university student, you can still make the most of what your university has to offer. But it’s important to choose an academic institution that provides much more than just a great education programme. If you’re staying on-campus throughout your degree, it’s best to search for an establishment that also takes care of its students by offering you an experience you simply can’t forget.
Image courtesy of Staffordshire University
Sounds far-fetched? Well it really doesn’t have to! Despite celebrating over 100 years of academic heritage, Staffordshire University is proud to be modern and relevant, consistently adapting to the needs of the next generation while presenting an unparalleled, unforgettable and inherently ‘British’ student experience.
Aside from providing a solid education, this institution ensures students feel comfortable and excited to start their journey into higher education. So, what exactly is it that makes student life at Staffordshire so great?
A great campus
Staffordshire University has four campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Lichfield and Shrewsbury, but its main activities are focused in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Located 25 minutes apart from each other, students can easily hop on a bus service that can get you to and from each campus in the nick of time. Both are well equipped with fantastic amenities like 24-hour libraries, computers and a host of other academic and vocational facilities.
Besides that, each campus boasts a sports centre with all-weather outdoor pitches, indoor sport halls and fitness studios. It’s the perfect place to let off some steam after a long day spent in class. For those who aren’t big into fitness, the university has a Student Union that runs over 80 different activities, clubs and societies to keep students occupied in their free time.
Student accommodation is easily accessible at the Stoke-on-Trent campus and it’s only a five-minute walk from the train station, providing students with a convenient connection no matter where they want to go. While students remain free to come and go as they please, the university takes it seriously when it comes to student safety and security, making it the top agenda at all campus locations. The university takes this responsibility extremely seriously, implementing specific rules to safeguard students, including adding on-campus university police officers, student wardens in the halls of residence, campus security staff that are available throughout the night, and a free secure service to register the serial numbers of your precious valuables.
A lively location
One of the lovely things about experiencing life as a student is to venture out of your comfort zone. That means exploring a new city and discovering all the wonders that it has to offer. At Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, students will never have a dull moment with the various local attractions.
Start your engines by going on any one of these thrill-seeking activities such as Aerial Extreme, Awesome Walls or Alton Towers. But if you fancy something more calming, may we suggest an Emma Bridgewater pottery class or a nice nature trip to Monkey Forest in Trentham Estate. For music lovers, enjoy the world-famous V Festival, a popular music event that happens every year and is headlined by chart-topping artists like Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith and Calvin Harris. The best part, it’s only 40-minutes away from Weston Park!
But that’s not all this great town has to offer. It’s a cultural hub, shopping paradise, a foodie haven and a nightlife centre all rolled into one. What more could you ask for? Spend your free time getting lost at Stoke-on-Trent’s largest shopping centre ‘Intu Potteries’ or for a more unique experience, try Trentham Shopping Village.
And to fuel up after a shopping marathon, head to any of the following restaurants in town that offers a variety of delicacies from Indian and Japanese to Caribbean and traditional British flavours. As students, you also get to flash your student card and enjoy lovely discounts at Boston Brothers. If that’s not your scene, try the Post House for cocktails or traditional ales at The Glebe.
A great city
Located halfway through Manchester and Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent is a vibrant and multicultural city that students would love. Known as ‘The Potteries’, this place has been famous for pottery and ceramics for over 300 years. But that’s not all that makes Stoke-on-Trent a popular study location…
The city has excellent sports facilities and its premiership football team, Stoke City, plays at the Britannia Stadium and Port Vale football club plays nearby at Vale Park. But if you find yourself more interested in high-kicks than football kicks, you won’t be disappointed. The city’s theatres stage hit Broadway shows (think Hairspray and CATS) and hosts famous names from comedy and music that are bound to keep you entertained throughout the weekend period.
It’s important to find a good university that delivers in more ways than one, and Staffordshire University certainly does. With an all-round great academic programme, excellent facilities and great student support services, you’re definitely on track to have a good time at this university.
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Feature image via Shutterstock
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