Thames Valley University - Student View

Main campuses in Ealing (on the west side of London) and Slough (18 miles to the west along the M4); also new campus in Reading (some 20 miles further west again).

Ealing campus is 30 minutes from central London by tube (easy walking distance to Ealing Broadway and South Ealing stations).

Slough campus is 2 minutes' walk from the station and right next to the town centre. Good train and bus links and free inter-site minibus.

Friendly atmosphere, avoiding the impersonality of larger institutions. Wide range of extremely vocational courses, non-degree as well as degree. Lively, effective SU. Slough has an excellent gym. Ealing has a shop, cashpoints, games room, ents venue (Lawrence Hall) and bar - Freddie's (after former Ealing student Freddie Mercury).

SU runs a wide range of social events and supports a number of clubs: standard sporting, cultural, social and political groups, ethnic groups (Afro-Caribbean, Asian etc). Also provides welfare and advice service to deal with problems (financial, legal, academic etc); confidential counselling service. No halls of residence yet (but will be in 2005); local rents high.

Good facilities for students with disabilities. Diverse range of students from many backgrounds. Student-driven university, innovative courses, sandwich years, opportunities to be involved with policy and decision making processes. Free SU handbooks to all students and acclaimed SU mag - The Undergrad - produced termly, by and for students.