Buckingham University - Student View

Many believe that Buckingham is the ideal university town - blending great antiquity with a beautiful rural setting, a safe environment and a central location within easy reach of commercial and artistic centres.

Good staff/student ratio so the amount of personal attention is high. Tutorial system is one of its strongest points, allowing students to cope with an intense degree in such a short time (2 years). Students from 80 nationalities, which makes social and academic life more interesting.

Central hub of social activity is the Students' Union office. SU has no political affiliation but concentrates on ensuring students have a packed and varied programme of entertainment. 14+ societies, some culturally-based (eg bahamian, nigerian, and asian cultural societies), others fusing work and play (business and law societies).

Events are centred on the student bar and on the refectory (in the Tanlaw Mill) which transforms into a mini-theatre and disco dance hall. Usually held on Friday nights, entertainments usually comprise a show on stage followed by disco eg Bahamian Society Jonkanoo Festival, Asian Cultural Festival of Lights Celebrations; also societies quiz shows eg Fear Factor (where contestants have to face their worst fears as a forfeit for wrong answers!).

University bar open later than any other in town and all events have a late licence. Also three major balls a year, at which students can party till the small hours: Swan Ball in summer for graduating students; summer RAG Ball and Law Society Ball in the autumn.