Good times! :) (Staffordshire University in general)

Member Name: sambam000

Product:	Staffordshire University in general
Date:	17/06/09 (90 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Down to earth, affordable.

Disadvantages: Doesn't sound as impressive as some on your CV.

I must point out that I attended Staffordshire University (Stoke Campus) between 1997 & 2000, so can't comment on any changes implemented since this time....

I chose Staffs Uni as one of my 'possibles' for a couple of reasons - 1. The entry level was low to medium on the points scale (I wanted to choose a range of Universities, so that I would be covered whichever way my A-level results went), 2. The location (only 2.5 hrs drive from my hometown, so not too far for getting home in the holidays, but far enough to not have my parents breathing down my neck!), 3. Cost of living (one of the cheapest places in the UK - a massively important point when scrimping on a student budget).

So, off I went in Sept 1997. I finalised my application too late to get into the halls of residence, so instead found a room in a 4-bed house about 20 mins from the University. The local area is quite poor, with back-to-back terrace housing & mainly consists of students & ethnic minorities.

The Uni itself is quite old, having been converted from a Polytechnic college some years prior. New sections have been built since the conversion, such as the Law department. The library is just across from the main campus, & is open late for any last minute dashes. There is a student bookstore just around the corner, along with the University GP. There are 2 student union bars at Stoke campus, each with their own style, hosting such as comedy nights/top-name DJ's etc. There are no end of clubs to join, from football to chess etc. There are several canteens dotted around the campus for cheap eats, as well as a plethera of takeaways & bars in the area.

Help is also at hand from the University - such as financial aid for students in extreme hardship, & careers advice at the careers centre nearby.

The location is good. Quite central for most people, & the train station is but a 5 minute walk from the Uni which is great for commuting home.

Personally, I thought the staff were fantastic (I studied within the Biology dept). I had no reason to believe that my education was of a lower standard than any of the bigger, more well-known Universities, but obviously this depends on the degree undertaken & is an individual opinion.

I absolutely loved my time there. They were the best 3 years of my life. The people who work, study & live there are great - everyone was down-to-earth & friendly. Staffs Uni may not sound the best on your CV, but if it ticks the boxes as it did for me, then it may just be the place for you.

(Also published on ciao under the same name).

Summary: Best years of my life!