Thinking about University?
Academics
Academics have spent many years at university themselves, and are some of the most important people for a student. Most Academics are exciting people who really love their subject.
Accommodation
Because many students chose to go to a university that is far away from where their family lives, they need a place to stay while they are at university. Universities have special buildings – called halls of residence – where students can live. Students from all different backgrounds and studying all different subjects live together in the halls of residence.
Admin
Universities are very large organisations with hundreds of employees and even more students. Many things go on at a university every day – not just teaching students or conducting research, but also deciding which books to buy for the library, brewing coffee in the cafe, and answering the enquiries of prospective students.
Amenities
The university campus contains everything the students need for day-to-day living. Here are some examples of what is available at most universities:
Campus Life
In addition to being places for learning, universities are lively communities, with lots of things going on every day. Every university is different, with a different mix of things going on.
Clubs and Societies
Universities have lots of clubs and societies for students to join. They are usually run by students, and anyone can join. Joining a club or society can be a great way to learn something new and to meet people.
Community
Some people worry that they won’t fit in at university. The students and professors at a university come from all different backgrounds and have all sorts of interests. In such a large community, you will definitely find friends who you feel comfortable with.
Degree
When you finish university you will earn a degree. A degree is basically an award for completing a university course. It tells other people – and yourself – that you know a lot about a particular subject. A degree is a symbol for all that you’ve learned – it’s something to be proud of.
Faculties
Because universities are so large, they are divided up into ‘Faculties.’ Each Faculty is sort of like a university within the university – in fact, some universities call them ‘Schools’ instead of ‘Faculties.’
Lectures
A lecture is when students are taught with a large group of other students. It may be as many as 100 or more students!
Library
The university library is where you go to borrow books, but university students use the library for lots of other things too.
Location
Some campuses are located in a city, and may be very mixed in with the rest of the neighbourhood. Shops, tube stations and other buildings may be side-by-side with the university buildings. The university may even have buildings spread around different parts of the city.
Research
New knowledge, new ideas - Research
The main purpose of a university is to contribute knowledge to the world. One way universities do this is by teaching students. But another important thing that goes on at a university is research.
Find out more!
Seminars
A seminar is closer to what you’re used to from school. A seminar is when a small group of students meet with a professor. It’s your opportunity to share your thoughts.
Students' Union
The students’ union is a group run by and for students. One way to think of the students’ union is as an enormous club for looking after the interests of the students at the university. It is essentially the student government, and has a president and other officers who are voted on by the rest of the students at the university. As with any government, the Students’ Union exists to represent the needs of the students.
Studying
‘Work’ isn’t a bad word
What sort of homework do you do for your secondary school classes? You may have essays that your teacher assigns you to write at home, as well as tests to revise for, or chapters of a text book to read over the weekend.
Find out more!
Support
Going to university is an exciting experience, but it does come with challenges. Universities support students in many ways to ensure that they fulfil their potential and handle any difficulties they may encounter. Here are some of the services a university provides for the wellbeing of its students.
