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University of Bath
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > University of Bath
 Established in 1966, Bath University is, when compared to the likes of Oxford and Cambridge, a very new university. However, unlike many other modern universities it has built up a reputation for excellence and become one of the top universities in the country. This year Bath was rated in the top ten by both the Sunday Times and the Guardian. Bath also ranked fifth in a survey of headmasters taken by The Times.[citation needed] Located about a mile outside, and 200m above a world heritage city, the university campus is relatively compact, but it has been very well landscaped, providing a pleasant, green environment to live and work in. The university is bordered by a golf course and woodland and across the road is a large area of “access land” called Claverton Down. FacilitiesThe heart of the university is the 1960s “Parade”. Most of the main facilities (departments, union, shops, etc) are all located around the parade, which means easy access to everywhere. Further out, around the edges of campus, are the accommodation halls and a few departments. Facilities at the university include:
In general the facilities are very good. Being campus facilities they are a little more expensive than other shops, and Fresh often runs out of popular items (which seems to be a general problem with any Co-op shop though!). The Sunday Carvery in the Parade Bar is good value too. LibrariesThe university library is open 24 hours a day during term time (although it closes from midnight Saturday until about 8am Sunday morning). During holidays it is open daily but not 24h. The library has a number of computer areas, which get busy quickly during peak times, and is divided by subject across 5 floors:
IT and ComputingBath University network is run by BUCS (Bath University Computing Services). They provide email and face-to-face support with all computer issues. A help desk in the library allows students to gain assistance with hardware and software issues - even with their individual PCs. Every hall of residence has a wired internet connection. There are various wifi hotspots around campus, notably by the lake and in most lecture theatres. SportsBath University hosts some of the best sports facilities in the Country. The Team Bath Training Village contains indoor tennis courts, badminton courts (and netball courts used as the home ground for the National Team), indoor running track, an Olympic size swimming pool (albeit 2mm too short for world records), a dojo and a gym (used by the England Rugby Team before the 6 Nations). There is also the Students Union Sports Centre which contains a sports hall, a smaller swimming pool and squash courts. All the Sports Village facilities can be used free of charge by students unless they've been prebooked by a sports club, but can only be booked on the day whilst the SU facilities can be booked for free up to a week in advance. There are also many open spaces, and more than ten football pitches. WelfareHealthcareThe university has a health centre on site, with GP surgery and dentist. This is located on North Road, just east of the Quarry Road entrance. There are no pharmacy shops on or near the campus, the closest being in Bathwick, Combe Down (Lloyds), or in the city centre. Shops
RestaurantsThere are a number of eating places on site:
BanksThere are two banks on campus (NatWest and Barclays), although these have limited opening times. Both of these banks have one cash machine each. There is also a cash machine (Alliance and Leicester) within the students union building. The Fresh shop offers cashback. The city of Bath has most major banks, and there is also a Barclays bank in nearby Combe Down. TransportThere are regular (ranging between every 6 and every 20 minutes according to day and time) bus services from the university to Bath and back, costing £1.00 single or £1.60 return. Taxis from the town centre to the university cost up to about £7.00. Within Bath there are most of the usual "big name" shops - and any that cannot be found in Bath are just up the road at Bristol. Nightlife is limited to a few clubs, and lots of pubs (some of which are very good) - but again, Bristol is just up the road (unfortunately there are no late buses - taxi back to Bath Uni from Bristol costs about £35.00 so arrange to share with friends). Bath Spa railway station connects the city with London and Bristol (Bristol return is £3.60 with a railcard and London is £31.70 - it is cheaper to London if you book it in advance). Careers serviceCareers service is available next to the Security Office and in front of Fresh. They provide help to find students either a part-time or a summer job. They also help building up CVs and covering letters as well as train students with new skills with the support of the Students Union. Part-time jobsPart-time jobs are available both on campus and down town. If you want a job on campus then you just need to wait and keep a close eye on all the bars and shops - the pay is around £5.70 and is available throghout the year. Jobs down town may be harder to get, however at times there may be more offer than on campus, specially during holidays. Religious facilitiesThe (ecumenical) chaplaincy is located in the centre of campus to the right of the library as you face it, just in front of the 3 East building. It is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week during term time and from 9am to 6pm during university hoidays. There is usually a chaplain available on weekdays between 10am and 4pm and often until 6 or 7pm on Tuesdays. SocialBars, Pubs and clubsStudents' Union The small students' union has two main bar facilities:
Happy hour (called "4Play") is every Friday from 3pm until 7pm. Lager and cider cost £1.20 and soft drinks are 50p. Parade Bar A popular alternative to the Students' Union. Similar prices (typically 10p more per drink), with comfy chairs, and a terrace overlooking the lake. Also good for getting drinks on a summer day and sitting on the grass by the lake. Different meal deals every day of the week (14 Pizza on a Sunday is a must for £5.00) and also breakfast/lunch deals. Happy hour on Fridays from 7pm onwards with lager/cider costing £1.75 and soft drinks £1.00. Double Vodka-Redbull for £2.50 and 2-4-1 cocktails also something to look for. Blues Bar Sports Training Village bar. EventsClubs and societiesThere are a wide range of clubs and societies, ranging from the active (e.g. sports, scouts, DofE, etc) to the less active (debating, rock society, beer appreciation, etc)
AccommodationMain article: University of Bath Accommodation The accommodation varies greatly, from the shared bathrooms and aging buildings of Eastwood, through the old en-suite accommodation at Westwood (recently refurbished), to the brand new Solsbury and Marlborough Courts. All accommodation is self catering, and full kitchen facilities are provided. Student unionPricesEnvironmentArchitectureThe concrete buildings aren't the prettiest you'll ever see but in well set out and well maintained grounds the Bath Campus isn't ugly either. Local areaTeaching qualitySo - in brief. If you are looking for a green (but quite compact) campus, and a small (8,000 students), friendly university with a good reputation, good facilities and reasonable accommodation - Bath is for you. If you are looking for a university in the heart of a bustling city with great nightlife - try somewhere else! Applying to BathThinking of applying to Bath? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here? Other Bath ArticlesWhy not read these other Bath Articles? Links | 
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