- Libraries:
- There is one Main Library with over 900,000 books and an impressive collection of Oriental and African music. Aside from this, individual departments often have small collections. The 1960's play a big part in the design of the building so concrete ahoy. Bags and coats must be left in a cloakroom due to fire safety regulations which is a pain in the arse and attracts many complaints from students.
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- Computing:
- Computing facilities are OK if you want to do word processing, but anything more complicated can cause the mix of PCs and Macs mental anxiety!! The halls Paul Robeson House and Dinwiddy House are networked but you will need to buy a network card. (around £30) You should contact the accommodation office for more information on this, as the number of halls networked changes all the time. There is no 24 hour computer access at university facilities which is bad as so few students work standard hours.
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- Sports:
- SOAS has sports facilities in Greenford, but these are not used very often. Most students prefer their social life to their sporting life, but if inclined to do some exercise they will usually use the intercollegiate University of London Union (ULU). The squash courts and gym SOAS own are to be knocked down for the student union extension. What did I tell you....they prefer their beer to their sports!!
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- Future Plans:
- Pretty exciting actually, SOAS have just bought a new building and are refurbishing it. Much of it will be taken over by the Students' Union and there are plans for a bar, gym and creche
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- Disabled Students:
- Disabled students have a bit of a mixed bag at SOAS. There's no lack of will involved on the part of the uni though. There are disabled facilities in most buildings but some are either on short term lease or are listed buildings making it very difficult to adapt. This is a minority though. There are accomodation facilities for disabled students totalling 12 specially adapted rooms and more from the federal uni of London. There are parking facilities (limited) at some buildings.
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- Student Welfare:
- The University has two part-time counsellors and the Students' Union has a full-time welfare sabbatical.
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- Parking:
- None, unless you are willing to spend all your student loan on a weeks parking!!
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- University Shops:
- There are two shops at SOAS Students' Union. One sells snacks, drinks, newspapers etc, while the other sells paper, SOAS clothing and has photocopying facilities.
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- University Bookshops:
- There is a small bookshop in the Brunei Gallery that specialises in academic books and is specialised for the courses run at SOAS. There is also a huge Waterstones nearby which also sells more general interest titles.
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- Banking:
- Barclays used to have a ULU branch but being a 'big' bank they didn't feel like bothering anymore. The closest places to get cash are now HSBC on Russell Square, or Barclays on Tottenham Court Road. Not really a huge hardship but it is still good to have a machines on site.
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- Transport Policy:
- There is no transport run by the University of the Students' Union. Most students use public transport or their bicycle.
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- Green Areas:
- Russell Square could be considered a green space by a city person! Other than that there are Royal Parks a couple of tube stops away.
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