East London University - In Depth

Founded: 1970 as North East London Poly; university status in 1992.

Site: 2 campuses at Stratford and Docklands; also campus at Barking at present.

How to get there: Close to mainline stations, DLR, underground and bus routes.

Academic features: Broad-based programmes allow students to study 2 or 3 subjects eg design and environmental studies.

Awarding body: East London University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, BEng, LLB.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years sandwich (4 or 5 years part-time).

Library & information services: 3 libraries with subject bias; over 300,000 books in total, 1000 study places. Annual expenditure on information provision, £71 per (FTE) student. IT and library services converged. 182 points with internet access; IT helpdesk. Docklands halls of residence connected to UEL network. Study abroad: Formal exchange links with a number of universities/colleges in Europe and worldwide.

Careers: Information, advice and placement service.

Student advice & services: Professional welfare officers, with access to external agencies, eg charities and aid centres; also doctor, FPA, chaplain. Nursery at Barking campus.

Amenities: SU officers and premises on each campus.

Sporting facilities: Swimming pool, 2 gymnasia, squash court, tennis courts, fitness centre, playing fields.

Accommodation: 20% students in university accommodation. 1400+ self-catering places available. 500 at Barking, £67 per week, Sept-June; 540 at Stratford, £46-£70 pw; 380 at Docklands, £74 pw. Priority at Barking given to first year students; some places suitable for students with physical disabilities. Rents for privately owned accommodation locally £45-£80 pw (plus bills) for self-catering, £60 for B&B, £70 full-board. 65% of first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £5000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Term-time work: University allows term-time work for full-time students. Work available on campus in SU bars and shops; Jobshop helps find work locally off campus.

Financial help: Total available £312,000 government funds, 1330 students helped (average award £700).

Special help: with tuition fees and additional course costs; those with high accommodation or travel costs, with dependants, or with exceptional unforeseen circumstances. Own funds for final year students facing unexpected hardship. Apply for help to Student Finance 020 8223 6200.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £6850-£8600 pa.