Greenwich University - Student View

An up-and-coming institution with huge ambition since becoming a university in 1992: its official aim is to combine the 'best of the "old" and "new" university traditions, combining strong regional links and a mission for access and lifelong learning with research excellence and an international role'.

It's based on three campuses: at Greenwich, Avery Hill in Eltham, and Medway in Chatham (as well as partner colleges in the South East). Each campus houses complete university schools, so the subject you study determines the campus where you'll spend most of your time. The majority of schools and students are at Greenwich Campus - part of a World Heritage Site on the banks of the River Thames, designed some 300 years ago by Sir Christopher Wren. The site and the area are full of history and tourist sites: the Cutty Sark and Gypsy Moth IV are both in dry dock nearby: the Royal Observatory (home of Greenwich Mean Time), Royal Naval College and Painted Hall; and then of course there are Greenwich markets, which are a real part of local life.

Avery Hill. at Eltham, is a vibrant campus of nearly 6000 students, with modern facilities and the up-to-date equipment needed for education & training, health & social care and architecture & construction. Eltham is full of surprises such as Eltham Palace, which is nearby (see www.thisiseltham.co.uk).

Medway campus offers the high tech research and science facilities needed for the engineering and science, as well as the Natural Resources Institute which is based there. And you can visit Chatham Dockyard and other sights nearby.

There are halls of residence at (or near) all three campuses. The Avery Hill village is open to students on all campuses (a free bus service so lectures easy to get to!!). It is a courtyard development of shared flats set in parkland; a great community feel to it, with a general shop, launderette, gym and bars and food court at The Dome. Some rooms are ensuite: all have a small fridge, telephone and internet access.

There are four halls near to the Greenwich campus, offering a variety of accommodation. some ensuite, many with internet connections.

There are two halls on site at Medway campus (all rooms ensuite).

A huge part of the Greenwich experience is the social life. The SU creates a variety of social and cultural events to meet the needs of a diverse student population - from live music, different acts and club nights to comedy, quiz and film nights. SU bars at all campuses are a great place to relax and escape the pressures of academic life.

Annual events (eg Freshers', Valentine's Ball, May Ball, Sports and Societies Awards Dinner) are special dates in the calendar and attract lots of interest.

Wide range of sporting activities, from BUSA premiership football to newly created american football. Also massive choice of societies (Amnesty international to LGBT), which always welcome new members; there's generally something for everyone - but if not, the SU can help you set it up. If you want something different, central London is only a train ride away.

Whichever campus you are on, with 20,000 students from a rich blend of 80+ countries, the university's policy on equal opportunities and diversity encourages a vibrant multi-cultural atmosphere.