Chester University College - Chester Campus Student View

It's a small compact campus with a few departments situated elsewhere. The city is one of the nicest in the country - lots of history, tourists, shops, restaurants and pubs. Both city and college very friendly; everyone knows pretty much everyone. Atmosphere great.

College is easy to reach by car and train; buses and taxis very cheap (although almost everything is in walking distance). A women's safe transport service operates in the city. Library and computer facilities are good (all students have free email and internet access). Sporting facilities very good and sports clubs successful.

All courses popular, most filled to capacity; largest are english, psychology, drama, PE/sports science and teacher education. Most students undertake a work-based learning placement. Drop-out rate low and workloads realistic. Variety of assessment methods, from essays and exams, to presentations and seminars; courses currently lead to a Liverpool University degree but college soon to award its own.

College has several halls of residence and runs a head-lease scheme but is still unable to house all first years; but plenty of reasonably priced housing locally and accommodation office has good links with landlords. Fair number live at home (part-time and mature students mostly). Hundreds of part-time jobs in city and on campus, so never difficult to earn extra money.

Majority of students are from the north of England (particularly the north west) but also from all over the country and the world; large proportion are female. Staff for the most part are very student-friendly. Personal academic tutor system and size of college means that most students know the staff well and relationships are good. Largely apolitical union is affiliated to NUS. Based in De Bunsen Centre, it is the focal point for student representation, information, advice, entertainment and services: a strong welfare service, a Job Board (helps find temporary employment) and it runs all sporting and non-sporting clubs and societies, from hockey and football to outdoor pursuits and equestrian.

SU bar is hub of student social life; combination of low prices, pool, video games and big screen TV ensures that the venue is busy most nights. SU also organises popular, inexpensive student nights with local nightclubs. Rag week highlights students' commitment to charity fundraising.