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University of Central Lancashire
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > University of Central Lancashire
 UCLan is a uni based in Preston in Lancashire in Northern England. It used to have campuses in Carlisle and Penrith too, but they now form part of the University of Cumbria. The Uni seems to have a good mix of subjects too - some tending to towards the more traditional while others to the more vocational side of things. FacilitiesLibrariesUCLan has a large, 4 storey library, with a variety of resources including books, videos/DVDs, and journals. The library also has PCs on each floor, all of which are connected to the university network, as well as having printing capabilities. Books can be checked in/out either at desks, or via the self-service machines, which means that you won't be waiting too long to take out or return them.  Access to the library is granted by use of a student's personal 'Corporate Card', which has a number of functions around the university. This ID card works as your swipe key to enter or leave the library, and any printing within the university relies on credit on the card for payment. IT and ComputingThe university has a high number of computers, working on Windows XP (Vista from Summer 2008). The computers are equipped with a large number of programs, accessible via a network, to cater for the requirements of all students on any course. There are also now a number of Macs in the new Media Factory for students of related courses, as well as around 14 or so in the library for use by all students. A number of the computer rooms are open access; some are available 24/7; however, some may be reserved at certain times for teaching purposes. The sheer number of computers however means that it is unlikely that a student wouldn't be able to find one to use at any given time; as they are provided both in high quantity in the library, and also in various other buildings around the university itself. SportsFoster Sports Centre, on the university campus, provides a number of indoor sports facilities, including indoor sports courts, and a gym, and is divided into three main areas.
The following equipment is available: 4 treadmills
£70 per annum Local sports centres are also available for outdoor sports and activities. WelfareThe Students' Union is actively involved in student welfare issues, providing a Welfare Officer, voted for by the students. The campus has 24-hour security, available for all security issues. Security can be called via external phones, or for free on the internal line for those living in halls. The university also has its own Emergency line, which can again be called for free internally. The campus is covered by CCTV, and also subsidises safety alarms, which can be bought for £1 at the campus shop, Essentials. The 'Take Me Home' scheme, run by the university, allows students who have no money left to call for a taxi on a given number. Instead of paying instantly, a student must then leave their NUS card with the taxi driver, who will deliver it to the university on their behalf, and receive payment. Students can then collect their cards from the reception the next morning upon payment of the cost of the journey.
Throughout the year, the university runs a variety of campaigns on student welfare issues. HealthcareThe university has it's own Health Centre, located in the Marsh Building. It is recommended that students register with the Health Centre upon arrival at the university. The Health Centre opening times are: Monday 8.15 – 5.30 Tuesday 9.00 - 5.30 Wednesday 8.15 – 5.30 Thursday 8.15 – 5.30 Friday 8.15 – 5.30 Appointments must be booked on the morning of their requirement; it is recommended that students ring as close as possible to the opening time in order to secure an appointment that day, as appointments cannot currently be booked in advance. There is no NHS dentist currently accepting new patients in Preston, so it is recommended that all new students go for a full dental check-up before arriving at the university. There are a number of opticians in Preston City Centre, including Specsavers. ShopsPreston City Centre contains a variety of shops, suiting many requirements. There are two main shopping centres; The Mall - St. Georges, and Fishergate, as well as a number of supermarkets, and an outdoor/indoor market.
Other recommended places for student shopping are Home Bargains and Busy Bee, both not far from Iceland.#
Restaurants/Eating OutPreston has a wide variety of places to eat out. Locally are restaurants such as Tango Joes and Chiquitos; but there are also a wide variety of pubs serving food daily. Recommended for students are:
Banks/Cash MachinesPreston City Centre (around a 10 minute walk from campus) hosts a variety of banks. There are also a number of cash machines in the city centre; most of which offer free services, and are in suitable places. On the campus itself, there are currently three cash machines; one outside the Foster Building, one outside the SU building, and one on the far side of the library ( a little more out-of-the-way), which although offering free cash withdrawals, can often be busy; meaning that there may be a queue, and that there is a possibility of the machines being empty. TransportPreston is served by a number of bus links. As well as these, there is also a train station (approximately 5-10 minutes walk from campus) allowing easy access to other areas, such as Manchester or Blackpool for nights out etc. There are also numerous taxi services around the City Centre and close to the university itself. However, unless they have a job further afield many students find that they don't need to use transport often, since everything they need is within easy walking distance. Careers service'The Bridge' is the student careers/employment service, located in the SU Building. Open 10am to 5pm, Monday-Friday, the Bridge acts as both a student Job-Centre, and offers careers advice. Throughout the year, they also organise jobs fairs etc. The Bridge also has a website, providing listings of vacancies online: http://www.uclan.ac.uk/thebridge Part-time jobsPart-Time jobs can easily be found within Preston City Centre, as there are a huge variety of shops willing to employ students for part-time work. Other available jobs include working in local call-centres, which often pay above-average, or, occasionally, working for the university itself, either in a shop or cafe, or taking up a university-based staffing role. There is a local job centre, and the Bridge can also be used to find student-friendly employment opportunities. Religious facilitiesThe university has a few religion-based clubs and societies, representing a variety of religious beliefs and faiths. Should a society not exist for any given religion, students are encouraged to start up their own (provided that they can ensure at least ten members). As well as clubs and societies, the university also has a multi-faith centre. The description/information below is taken directly from the centre's website: "The Multi Faith Centre extends a warm welcome to every student, and especially to those new to University. If you are looking for a friendly atmosphere, advice, information or personal support, you will find them at the Multi Faith Centre. The Centre is opposite the main doors of the University Library in St Peters Square. Our doors are open throughout each weekday in term time; the coffee lounge offers a hot drink and a place to relax and meet people in an informal setting. The Multi Faith Centre exists to encourage members of all faith-traditions or none to develop their spiritual and religious understanding as they themselves develop socially and intellectually at University. The Centre is staffed by a team representing a range of major religious traditions. Members of the team work together to provide a friendly welcome, to offer personal guidance, (religious or otherwise), to give information about places and opportunities for prayer and worship, and to put you in touch with fellow members of your own faith tradition. Several different faith groups meet regularly at the Centre for worship and discussion." SocialBars, Pubs and clubsThroughout Preston there is a huge range of bars, pubs, and clubs to suit everyone. The venues have a range of sizes, and there are places to suit all musical tastes. Many of the clubs provide student nights, and the university itself has two licensed venues, Source and 53 Degrees. Source is considered to be more of a 'bar' environment, providing table-seating and a number of 'booths', as well as large TVs showing sports and music videos; however, at night-time the tables can be removed to allow for a dance-floor, where live DJs arrive to provide the night's music. 53 Degrees is the university's club. It has a 1600 capacity, split over two floors, Venue 1200 and Club 400, and provides live music and DJs, as well as hosting comedy nights. For more information on gigs etc at 53 Degrees, visit www.53degrees.net. Every Thursday is Promo night, where drinks prices are greatly reduced. This is the busiest night for both 53 Degrees and Source, who both provide these drinks offers. Entry to 53 Degrees is £5, or, on Thursdays, £2.50 with an early-bird ticket (purchased before 10pm). Below are some recommended venues for nights out throughout the week: Monday: Squires/NYNY - Monday night is student night at Squires/NYNY, two adjoining clubs which provide a wide range of music from 10pm-3am. Entry to Squires is £4, and NYNY is accessible free once inside Squires. Inside the clubs, flyers can be collected which allow half-price entry if produced the week later, before 10:30pm. Throughout the night, Squires plays rock/indie music, followed by chart hits and later more hardcore dance, whilst NYNY is the venue for cheesy pop from all decades. Tuesday: PR1 - On Tuesday's, PR1 hosts 'Where's Mavis?', an Alternative/Rock/Indie night. Entry to the club is £1 before 10pm, and £2 after, and drinks are £2 all night. Roper Hall - Roper offers a karaoke night on Tuesdays which is popular with students; many of which return every week. Wednesday: Lava/Ignite - This two-floor club provides a student night every Wednesday. In Lava, Indie and Alternative music is played throughout the night; whilst Ignite plays 'Student Anthems'. Entry is free before 9:30pm, £3 before 10:30pm, £4 before 11pm and £5 after. Selected drinks are £1.50 all night. Thursday: Source/53 Degrees (Promo) - The SU club is considered to be one of the best venues on Thursday, where the weekly 'Promo' event offers drinks deals (changes each week). Entry into 53 Degrees is £5 (or £2.50 with an early-bird ticket (purchased before 10pm), and a variety of music is played throughout the night often with a live band on the upper-level club. Lava/Ignite - This club is becoming increasingly popular on a Thursday night due to it's new 'Skint' night. Entry here is £1 all night, and the drinks are £1 a night too, so it's great for a cheap night out. EventsThe university itself organises a number of events throughout the year; including a RAG Week where students are encouraged to participate in earning money for charities. Course-based social events etc. also occur, often yearly, allowing those on the same course, or indeed in the same faculty, to meet up for various activities. As well as this, students are welcome to, and often do, organise their own events for various reasons. Clubs and societiesUCLan has a number of different clubs and societies. The current list (Feb 2007) is below:
Clubs and Societies are open to all students, many charge for entry (no more than £5 in most cases), but equally offer benefits such as discounts or free events to make up for this charge. The SU holds a ClubSoc fair at the beginning of each year during which students can find out information about, and sign up for, their chosen clubs and societies. UCLan encourages its students to start up new societies if they would like to. For a new society to be set-up, all that is required is that 10 potential members must visit the Clubs and Societies office together, as proof that the society, when opened, will actually have members. AccommodationUniversity-Owned HallsTaken directly from UCLan Website: Traditional Halls Blakewater - Brennand - Brock - Brun These traditional halls on Victoria Street have been partly refurbished and offer 150 places in single study bedrooms. They are close to most teaching blocks, University Catering outlets and the Laundry facilities. Smoking is not permitted in the communal areas and some floors are single sex. Each bedroom contains a bed, chair, desk, wardrobe, shelves, wash hand basin, telephone and free Hi speed Internet access. Up to fourteen residents share the kitchen, toilet and bathing facilities which are grouped on the hallways of all three floors, and these communal areas are serviced each weekday. Cluster Flats Five cluster flat halls offer a total of 850 single study bedrooms. Each apartment accommodates 4, 5,or 6 students and has a kitchen/dining area and bath/shower facilities. Ribble, Eden, Derwent, and Douglas halls are located on Victoria Street and Whitendale Hall surrounding a planted courtyard is just a short walk away. These study bedrooms contain a
All bedrooms have a
Some bedrooms are designated as smoking areas and single sex flats are available.
Cluster Flats (En-Suite) Roeburn Hall offers 396 rooms with ensuite facilities in apartments of up to seven study bedrooms. Each bedroom has washing, shower and toilet facilities while each flat has a shared dining /kitchen with a lounge area. Roeburn Hall is a no smoking area Some bedrooms are designated as single sex flats. These study bedrooms contain a
All bedrooms have a
Laundry FacilitiesThe are a few laundrettes located around campus. Small in size when considering the high number of students, there can sometimes be some waiting-around for a washing machine; however, since the laundrettes are close to the accommodation (Roeburn has its own within the courtyard), this isn't too much of an issue. Current price of washing = £2.50, and the dryers are free. Private-Owned HallsUCLan is closely surrounded by a variety of privately-owned halls. Below is information about these:
HousesThere are a number of student houses available in the local area; specifically around the Plungington area (around 10-15 minutes walk from campus). These houses vary in price, but generally it's possible to get a large double room for under £50 per week, and smaller rooms can be as little as £42 per week, bills excluded. Student unionPricesDrinks at the UCLan Students' Union are fairly priced. As far as non-alcoholic beverages go, you can get a small drink for 70p. Alcoholic drinks vary in price from £1.25 upwards to around £3.00, but there are almost always special offers on. There are also a number of cheap food outlets, such as Source, where a decent meal can be bought on a budget throughout the day. The SU shop's prices are about equal to those in an average supermarket. EnvironmentArchitectureUCLan is a very modern university, and it's buildings represent this. Local areaPreston is a very student-orientated city; the local area has everything a student needs, and there is a great deal of night-life and a wide variety of shops available. The campus is located in the heart of the main activity of the city. Teaching qualityThe Teaching Quality at UCLan varies, as no two lecturers are the same. However, the overall quality is high, and students receive all the support they could need. Assignments and exams are well prepared-for and students feel that they are treated fairly when receiving grades. Students are advised to speak to either their tutor, lecturer or course reps if they have any issues regarding teaching quality, so that these can be quickly addressed. Applying to Central LancashireThinking of applying to University of Central Lancashire? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here? Other Central Lancashire ArticlesWhy not read these other University of Central Lancashire Articles? Links | 
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