- Libraries:
- The main John Rylands University Library is huge, one of the three largest in the country, and has over 4,000,000 books and periodicals. The Library opening times have recently improved, now mostly closing at 9.30pm but giving you an extra couple of hours at intense exam times and shutting at 11.30pm.
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- Computing:
- Throughout the campus there are around 10,000 PCs. Every student has access to e-mail and the Internet (so you can come back and visit us, to tell us what you think). There is some 24hr access and the John Rylands University Library lays claim to the biggest range of electronic resources of any UK higher education library.
One cool thing is that there are a handful of computers in the Lunar Cafe, that means you can grab lunch and check your e-mail at the same time. You see, it's these little touches that make all the difference...
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- Sports:
- Nothing short of EXCELLENT! Owned by the University, and available for student use, university sport is in four main centres: the Armitage Site, incorporating the Armitage Centre and Firs Athletic Ground, the Wythenshawe Sports Ground, the Commonwealth pool and diving boards at the Manchester Aquatics Centre (a bargian £1.55 for a swim) and the Sugden Centre.
The wide range of facilities include 50m swimming pools, sports halls, gyms, squash and tennis courts, sauna, solarium etc. etc. You name it, they've got it!
As for outdoor playing fields, there are several choices, the largest of which is 90 acres (of 26 different pitches)-the Wythenshawe Ground, and about 4 miles from campus. There is also Firs Athletic Ground in Fallowfield which is 31 acres and includes several all weather pitches, and a stadium!!
The University was chosen to host the judo, squash and wrestling events for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, which gives some idea of the standards we are talking about.
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- Future Plans:
- 'Project Unity' (Sounds like a serious human rights campaign. It's not.) recently united UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology) and the Victoria University of Manchester to create in their place the imaginatively titled 'University of Manchester'. It's now the biggest University the the whole of the UK, apparently 'with the size and resources to compete on a global scale'.
According to the University's own official website news, a landmark document has recently been published which sets out an 'exciting plan' for making 'The University of Manchester' one of the top 25 universities in the world by 2015.
Current student polls (a less official source of information we've come by) indicate that only 32% of students think the merger is a good thing for students, with 55% saying it's a bad thing and 13% undecided. So we'll have to wait and see. Mind you, knowing students as we do, it seems likely that those percentages are taken from the less apathetic 5 or 6 students who actually bothered to vote...
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- Disabled Students:
- Although the University has tried to make access easier, with ramps at most of the buildings, it does not come near what it should be, especially considering what other smaller universities have done.
There is an initiative underway, however, which aims to improve the understanding of academic departments of the difficulties faced by the Uni's 2105 disabled students and there is a campus based Disability Support Office.
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- Student Welfare:
- As far as student welfare goes, the University and Student Union have just about everything covered. The Students' Union Advice and Information Centre is on the first floor of the Students' Union building and there are five Student Executive Officers there to help. You can talk to them about your study, rights and accommodation, as well as problems that might affect you coming from overseas or as a parent.
The SU has a welfare sabbatical, professional advisors and weekly legal and police sessions.
The University runs a good counselling service and has a health centre...for all your sick note needs! There is an over-subscribed creche and a Nightline service which provides comfort / counselling via the phone during the night.
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- Parking:
- There is very limited parking at some of the halls, but be prepared to pay large amounts for it. Multi-storey spaces are available at Charles Street and the Manchester Aquatics Centre, but with such a compact city-centre and a good public transport system, there is little need for a car.
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- University Shops:
- The Student Union has excellent facilties including a general shop, a travel agency, an opticians, a hairdresser, a coffee and snack bar, two burger joints, a TV room, function rooms, quite randomly a sauna and solarium, and a print shop. Need any more?
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- University Bookshops:
- There is a second hand bookshop in the Student Union and plenty of bookshops in the local area, supplying all the course texts. Although, the sometimes weeks-long wait for that crucial reading list book can feel just a bit frustrating!
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- Banking:
- There are branches of every major bank within walking distance of the Students' Union. In the SU itself, there are non-charging Halifax and Barclays ATMs.
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- Transport Policy:
- None, due to a good public transport system and cheap taxis, and the fact that students would be advised to WALK...to burn off the previous night's beer. There is also a magic bus that will take you anywhere in the city for 50p.
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- Green Areas:
- In the centre of Manchester there aren't many green spaces, although there are a few lawns. However, a short drive will bring you to the beautiful Ribble Valley where there is more than enough greenery. The Peak and Lake Districts should also definitely be adventured to at some stage!
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