Sent them to Coventry, or not. (Coventry University in general)

Member Name: firemanspam

Product:	Coventry University in general
Date:	30/08/08 (368 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: They get a University education.

Disadvantages: Lots, shame really.

Full review
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First, here are some contact details:-

Tel 024 7688 7688
e-mail info.rao@coventry.ac.uk

Address
Coventry University
Priory Street
Coventry
CV1 5FB

Website
http://www.coventry.ac.uk/

OK, I am doing this review, as the parent of an ex student, who went to this university for four years. During his time there, I had to visit Coventry many times, not just the University, but the city itself too. I have frequented pubs, museums, car parks, fast food shops, libraries, and many other places. I also spent a long time sitting in traffic. I feel well qualified to write this.

As for the location, very good, close to the city centre, inside the ring road. All shops, bars, fast food places, buses, etc. are perfect. I think that the location is of the utmost importance, it needs to be close enough to get home at night. There are many pieces of course material to be carried, and most students don't have cars. Near to the campus, everywhere is a short walk away. As Coventry is in the midlands, and away from the coast, the climate is pretty good.

Resources :- A wide range of resources are on offer, unfortunately some classes do clash, there aren't enough books to go round. This may not be bad planning, just that some resources are needed by differebt classes at the same time.

Facilities :- Most are pretty good, but others are out of date or requiring a facelift.

Reputation :- Apparently the reputation is good, and the standards high.

Lecturers :- These are supposed to be of an International standard, and this may be true, they come places like Austin Rover, rather than Ferrari. Most do appear professional, but bad apples are to be found in every barrel. I don't like expert advice from one lecturer contradicting anothers. The Lecturers are also hard to locate. I must say I can't speak too highly of the technicians, they are the unsung heroes of the University, and often save the day for students.

Costs:- Fees are on a par with most Universities, but seem far toohigh to me. The cost of living here is about average for a city, and it is up to individual students to economise wherever they can.

Assistance :- There are facilities where students can get assistance and advice, during office hours as well as in unsocial hours. It is an art in finding out information, much the same as learning at the uni. Practical help is limited, & students are compelled to get advice from other students from years above, not ideal of course.

Nightlife :- Plenty of it of course. Pubs and clubs are near, and there is the Student's union bar, this is at 54 Cox Street, or in Roman Numerals LIV. Here the students learn "people skills" and a lot of knowledge can be gained at this bar.

Communication :- There are occasions when students are not informed, e.g. cancelled classes. Info is supposed e-mailed, or on the website, however these are often out of date.

Area :- There are some areas in this city which I treat as out of bounds, although this is the same for city of this size.

Summary: Room for improvement.