Keele University
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Keele SU
Keele Students' Union
We understand that things might feel a little alien when you first arrive at University, but that's what we're here for... to support, represent, entertain, develop and inspire Keele students! You automatically become a member of the SU when you enrol at Keele so you're entitled to use all our services for free, whether that's the safety bus, our advice centre (ASK) or getting involved in a society... it's your Union!
Visit www.keelesu.com/freshers NOW for loads of Freshers’ info...
Representation
Answerable to the student body, Keele SU has 5 elected student officers who are here to represent students and provide for their wellbeing. These are collectively known as your Sabbatical Team and they offer a collective voice with which to speak to the University and campaign on issues affecting Keele students. The team is here to help and offer an open door policy – just pop into their office on the top floor of the Students’ Union where you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Activities & Societies
The SU offers a wide range of activities that you can tailor to make your student experience the best it can possibly be. Keele has over 80 societies, offering something for all tastes and interests. Try something new, broaden your horizons, acquire new skills and have a laugh doing it! You’ll be spoilt for choice here: we’ve got everything from radio to quidditch! Now if sport is your thing, Team: Keele is for you. Keele has a massive range of sports that you can play competitively or just for fun. The SU also runs a programme of activities providing opportunities to try something different, learn new skills and meet people. Our activities programme is going to be HUGE this year and involvement can be recognised in a number of ways meaning your time spent enjoying University can also be beneficial to life after Keele.
ASK
Advice and Support at Keele (ASK) is here to help you whilst you are studying at Keele. We are an independent service, providing advice, information and assistance on a huge range of issues. We are here to try and help you – there are no silly questions! Whether you need help with funding, accommodation, info on the local area or even just how to use the laundrettes, we are here for you.
Jobshop
Keele SU’s Jobshop is the one-stop-shop for all Keele students who are looking for part-time, term-time and vacation work. We offer a FREE, professional and friendly service that advertises job vacancies and work within the SU. We provide advice and guidance on all things employment (e.g. minimum wage, income tax and national insurance) and also hold regular jobs fair throughout the year.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a fantastic way to compliment your studies, put something back into the community and gain a range of transferable employability skills. It’s also a great way to meet people, have fun and boost your confidence. First year students can opt to take the Student Volunteering Elective, worth 15 credits, and by registering with Volunteering at Keele SU you’ll get all the info and training you need. All you need is enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to help!
The volunteering Fair will be taking place on Wednesday 10th October from 11.00 – 4.00 pm in the Students’ Union Ballroom.
Events
The Welcome Festival... Freshers' Fair... Society Sign-Up... Freshers' Ball... Volunteer Fair... Jobs Fair... and that's just a handful of the events taking place at the SU during your first week at Keele! We also offer a huge range of evening events throughout the year and there's always something going on. We are committed to bringing the biggest acts to our venue, recently playing host to Gym Class Heroes, Ed Sheeran and Labrinth. So check out the line-up for Freshers' Week at www.keelesu.com/freshers and DON'T FORGET TO BUY YOUR FRESHERS' PASS...!
KPA
Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA)
The KPA serves as the focal point for the social life and welfare needs of postgraduate students during their time at Keele. It runs a hugely popular club house (near Horwood Hall) with a real-ale bar, reasonably-priced food and other social facilities.. It provides entertainment, catering, study facilities and a welfare referral service. The KPA has a committee of elected officers who organise social events for postgraduates and also provides support and guidance. The Chair of the KPA represents postgraduates on important University committees such as Council, Senate, and the Learning and Teaching Committee.
To this end, allow me to introduce you to the Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA). The KPA represents the views of all postgraduates at Keele University and has its very own sabbatical President. As a postgraduate student at Keele University, you automatically become a member and have access to the KPA Clubhouse. Situated behind the Students Union building in Horwood, the Clubhouse is a haven where postgraduate orientated social events are held and fantastic food and drink are served daily. Being a member of the KPA has numerous advantages, including offering numerous activities specifically for postgraduates – for example ‘international days’ where the Clubhouse has served regional delicacies from all over the world, as well as a range of sports oriented competitions, music and film nights to name but a few!
The KPA perhaps more importantly, provides support for a range of issues across the entire spectrum of postgraduate studies at Keele. As a postgraduate, you have a highly specialised sabbatical officer - the KPA President - who is able to advise and represent you at all levels in university proceedings, whether for welfare or educational issues. Also, thanks to last year’s highly successful President, the KPA now offers Postgraduates an opportunity to win grants for training and dissemination activities through its new bursary scheme.
Postgraduate life at Keele doesn’t just revolve around the KPA though - there are opportunities to engage in the wider Keele community. We have a highly successful Athletics Union that offers sports ranging from Fencing to Rugby; we have numerous volunteering opportunities through the Students’ Union’s brilliant VE@Keele; as well as countless societies for all manner of interests and numerous bars dotted around all over campus. Being a postgraduate at Keele University is an excellent opportunity to further your academic career in a unique campus environment, whilst taking advantage of a range of lively sporting and social activities. So why don’t you come and take a look for yourself!
Tel: 01782 584228
Sports
The Sports Centre and the Athletic Union offer a wide range of sporting opportunities to all students regardless of age or ability. For most students taking part in sport improves your general health, wellbeing, increases stamina and concentration levels. Sport also provides many social opportunities whether you are just meeting other students informally in the gym or playing as part of a team.
Our goal is to encourage everyone to try something, and so we offer a large range of sports with the emphasis on having fun as well as competition. We have several successful recreational clubs, so no matter what you do, we have something for you. Being a student is the ideal time to try something new and many become successful at that sport.
If you are more experienced in a sport, we can stll cater for you. The majority of our sporting clubs enter a league within the British Universities and Colleges Sports Association (BUCS) and caters for all Universities in the United Kingdom, so there is great scope to play at your level or above. In the past, some Keele University students have been invited to Regional and National trials in their respective sport. The Athletic Union currently has club membership to 35 different sports and each year we expand to meet student needs and expectations.
So come along to the Sports Fair on Sunday 23rd September 2012 at the Sports Centre to sign up for sports you may be interested in. The Athletic Union Fair (part of Freshers’ Fair) will also be taking place on the first week of your arrival and this will provide you with the opportunity to come along and meet other students and try out a number of different sports free of charge to find out what you do like.
Finally, during Welcome Week and the first few weeks of term, there will be trials for sports teams and lots of other opportunities to get involved, so dont forget to pack your equipements into the car before leaving, be it lacrosse stick, badminton racket, running trainers or Quidditch broomstick.
For more information about sports at Keele, follow this link
Tel: 01782 733368
Food
At Keele you’ll always be able to eat well. It’s one of the great things about a Campus University; everything is on site and just a short walk away. The following shops, Cafes and Restaurants can be found across Campus and in the Students’ Union.
Comus
Situated in the heart of the Campus, this stylish refectory offers a wide range of dishes from around the world as well as lighter meals and snacks. You can relax with friends and enjoy a variety of offers in this informal environment.
Le Café
Located in the Chancellor’s Building and the Medical School, these trendy coffee shops offer cakes, sandwiches and refreshments that will leave you revitalised and ready for the day ahead.
ST5
On the concourse opposite the Library, this takeaway is ideal for those on the move! Choose from a wide range of Subs, pastas, curries and meal deals.
Lindsay’s
In Lindsay Hall of Residence. This popular bar combines socialising with casual cuisine. You can enjoy daily specials such as chilli or lasagne with a drink. During the year lots of events are organised here.
Vite & Eat
Situated in Chancellor’s Building. For those with a limited amount of time, this one-stop-shop offers a range of tasty sandwiches, confectionary and drinks.
Hawthorns Restaurant
Located next to Templar Bar at Hawthorns, this restaurant provides Sunday lunches from a traditional Sunday roast to Fish and Chips. Great for those who are missing a home cooked meal.
And if that wasn’t enough why not try the catering outlets at the Students’ Union. You’ll be spoilt for choice with hot and cold food to tickle your taste buds and a chilled ambiance to enjoy them in.
Food glorious food!
Situated within the newly developed ground floor of the Students’ Union, we invite you to relax with a fresh coffee or scrumptious meal in our new social seating area or in our landscaped outdoor living space ‘The Outback’. Our coffee bar, Blend, offers a selection of high quality hot and cold beverages, and a range of both sweet and savoury refreshments, whilst, Munch,offers an extensive menu, ranging from that all important kick-start breakfast through to late-night snacks. And don’t worry if you’re in a bit of a rush… you can always opt to take-out our tasty treats. We do our best to offer as broad a menu range as possible, including both vegetarian and vegan options. We also source organic, Fairtrade and local produce where possible, providing you with mouth-watering nibbles at affordable prices.
Students’ Union Shop
Grab all your essentials from our handy student corner shop. We’ve got a little bit of everything ranging from stationery, The Keele Hoodie, toiletries, cards, sandwiches, snacks, oriental foods and not forgetting that cheeky bag of pick ‘n’ mix… You’ll find the shop on the ground floor of the Students’ Union, so pop in and take a look round!
Supermarkets
All the large supermarkets are available around the area, with the nearest one, Morrisons, only 10 minutes away by the public transport, in Newcastle-under-Lyme. You can visit individual websites, through the use of search engines, for more information.
There are also other specialist supermarkets in the area. Pak Foods specialise in supplying food items from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
and Eastern Europe. It is located near Stoke Rail Station and is accessible by the number 25 bus service from campus. Visit their website at www.pakfoods.net/index.html for more information
Wing Lee specialise in the supply of Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Philippine food items. Visit their website at www.wing-lee.co.uk for more information.
IT Services
At Keele, we are committed to ensuring that our IT services are able to assist our students to have the best possible student experience. Our professional IT staff are available to help whether you have questions relating to email, WIFI or printing then we are the people to speak to.
Top 10 things to know about IT @ Keele
1. There are 3 easy ways to connect to the internet: HallsNet, Wireless and IT Suite.
2. HallsNet: To connect just plug in your computer in your room and use a web browser and go to HallsNet. You will find all the information you need to connect. LAN cables are on sale in the Campus Store, Library or from IT Service Desk.
3. Wireless: Connect your phone, tablet or laptop to the KeeleWifi , log on using your username and password. KeeleWifi is not available in student study bedrooms, but you can access it from Social Spaces within each Hall and areas across campus such as Library, Student’s Union, Le Café. For a full list see www.keele.ac.uk/wireless
4. IT Suite: PCs are available for use in the IT Suite or the IT Labs in the Library. Log on using your username and password.
5. IT Account: Your username and password (which you should have received by email) is your key to using all IT Services – if you have lost your details or cannot remember them contact the IT Service Desk.
6. Student Portal: For access to your Learning, Co-curriculum and the Office, check out students.keele.ac.uk.
7. Printing: High speed, low cost printing is available in the IT Suite. You can pay via your Keele Card using the print release stations in the IT Suite. Every new student is given £2.00 printer credit, which is only released from the card once the card has been credited with some funds.
8. Laptop Loan: Short and long term laptop loans are available from the IT Service Desk. Short term laptops are available for up to 3 hours and are free to borrow or for the time when you need one longer we our long term laptops are available for 2 week hires at a small fee of £20.
9. IT Service Desk: This is located in the IT Suite of the Library (see Keele IT for the latest opening times). The IT Advisors are there to help and advise you regarding IT issues such as, buying a new laptop, help using software, repairing your broken laptop, laptop loans, connecting to the internet, printing, student telephones and IT Accounts.
10. IT Self Service Desk: Our self-service desk is a web based service which enables you to log IT problems, access the IT knowledge base and track your enquiries 24/7. Available at itservice.keele.ac.uk
For more information or help, please visit the IT Service Desk or go to Keele IT.
You can also: Follow us on Twitter @KeeleUni_IT, or
Find us on Facebook Keele University I.T
Library
You are going to spend a lot of time in the library (and even more now that it is open 24 hours a day) so it is really important that you learn how to get the most out of it. You will find the library webpages and KLE resources invaluable. They have lots of useful information such as which books are located where and the floor plans of the building so you can get a head start and feel that you know the place when you first walk through the doors.
During the first few weeks, there will be lots of staff and Student guides on hand to answer any questions, point you in the right direction and explain how things work. They will be available from 19 September to Friday 12 October at the Keele Campus Library.
Students can use either the Keele Campus Library (located near the Student Union Building) or the Health Library (Clinical Education Centre at the Hospital Campus). Please visit the Health Library website for more information: www.keele.ac.uk/healthlibrary/
A 'Getting started' eTutorial is available at: www.keele.ac.uk/healthlibrary/training/gettingstarted/
To find out more go to www.keele.ac.uk/library
Jobs
If you are looking for a job, the Job Shop can help you. It is based in Advice and Support at Keele (ASK) on the ground floor of the Students’ Union building. It advertises on and off-campus vacancies and you can apply for vacancies within the Students’ Union through the Job Shop. There will be a Jobs Fair in the Students' Union Ballroom on 3rd October from 11.00- 4.00pm. The Job Shop also provides advice on employment rights, employment law, working in the UK and can help with information about tax and National Insurance.
You can find vacancies on a display board within the Job Shop or from the website: www.kusu.net/jobshop. They can be contacted:
- By email: jobshop@keele.ac.uk, and
- By telephone: 01782 (7)34800
Keele Student Ambassadors
In addition to the jobs advertised at Jobshop, the university also recruits some Students as student Ambassadors. Working for Keele gives you the opportunity to get involved in the local community, schools and colleges and with prospective, graduate or current students. It will boost your CV, provide excellent work experience and give you the opportunity to develop a range of skills, which may include:
- Communication (with a variety of people)
- Presentation skills
- Increased self-confidence
- Leadership skills
- Team working
- Time management
Becoming a Keele Student Ambassador will also give you the opportunity to meet new people from across the University.
Currently our Student Ambassadors:
- Guide parents and learners on open/visit days
- Assist with the welcome and orientation of both home and international students
- Raise HE awareness and share knowledge with learners in schools/colleges
- Assist with local authority events, UCAS days and cultural/professional visits
- Raise funds for Keele through working with Alumni
- Assist with our conference and masterclass programme and our Introduction to HE events on campus
- Mentor first year undergraduate students as they adapt to university life
- Office or project work
For more information go to www.keele.ac.uk/studentambassadors
Finally, don't foget to come along for the Jobs/Volunteer fair, for your chance to obtain a part time job or volunteer in the communicty. This will take place in the Students’ Union Ballroom, from 11-4pm on Wednesday the 3rd of October.
Faith
The Chapel
The Chaplains and Chapel community work together to serve people of all (and no) faiths. There’s regular worship in the chapel, which has a busy program of events and a full-time Chaplaincy team available. The Chapel provides a focus for Christian worship in a variety of styles (lively, modern, contemplative, or traditional – take your pick!) and offers you a thriving inclusive Christian community at the heart of Keele campus.The Chapel is open every day in term-term offering free tea & coffee, a place to meet friends, space for quiet reflection, and individual support and advice if requested. Check out our website: www.keelechapel.org and get in touch for more information.
As well as worship services, the Chapel is used for concerts and graduation. It is also open for personal prayer and reflection.
Islamic Centre
There is a place and space for Islamic worship on Campus. The Islamic Centre is located in Barnes Hall of Residence and can be used for worship, reflection and time out by students and staff. For information about access to the Centre go to www.keele.ac.uk/studyatkeele/accommodation/postgrads/islamiccentreaccess/
Other Faiths
The Chaplains are able to give advice on places and communities of worship for people of any religion. The Chapel also includes 'The Space'- a quiet/prayer room available for individuals of any faith or none.
Student Support
Student Support and Development Services is your first stop if you need support, want course or careers advice or are looking to get more involved in university life. With a broad range of support and development services, there will always be an answer to your question whatever it might be.
To find out about the various services we can offer, check out our webpages at: Student Support
Keep an eye on what is going on in SSDS by following us on Twitter @KeeleSSDS
Student Life and Learning
Staff in the Student Life and Learning team can give you information and advice about different issues related to studying at Keele. We offer a range of services which are available to all Keele students including, t ‘In Addition’ our Maths Open Learning Service and ‘Learning to Learn’ a series of study skills and personal development workshops. This year we will also be piloting a new Keele Mentors scheme in participating schools. If your school is taking part in this scheme, we will be contacting you about this. Our team are also responsible for organising events for different student groups both during and after Welcome Week. We look forward to meeting you then!
We are based on the ground floor of the Walter Moberly Building.
Telephone: 01782 734481
Email:lifeandlearning@per.keele.ac.uk
Website: www.keele.ac.uk/sll
Disability and Dyslexia Support
Disability and Dyslexia Support (DDS) is…
Staff in Disability and Dyslexia Support can advise you on the type of support required to support your student experience whilst you are at Keele. We are able to provide support with exam arrangements and help with your application for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Tel: 01782 734105
Email:dds@acad.keele.ac.uk
Website:www.keele.ac.uk/dds
Counselling and Emotional Wellbeing
Our Counselling and Emotional Wellbeing Service is free and confidential to both undergraduate and postgraduate students of any age or background. Each Counsellor works to the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) ethical Framework. We are based at 41 or 42 The Covert, a house near the road to the Sports Centre.
Telephone: 01782 734187
Email:counselling@acad.keele.ac.uk
Website: www.keele.ac.uk/studentcounselling
Student Financial Support
Student Financial Support can advise on a number of sources of student funding.
- We can advise on budgeting and ensuring that you are getting your full entitlement in terms of government funding for students.
- We manage a number of hardship funds (loans and grants)
- Visit us at 42, The Covert or contact us at studentmoney@acad.keele.ac.uk
- If you are applying for Direct Loans from the US Government, loans and grants from the Canadian Government or if you are a UK student who is completing an application form for a Professional Career Development Loan, you must contact the Student Financial Support Office in order to progress your application
- We manage university bursaries and scholarships for UK undergraduate students and can advise on your eligibility for our awards
- We run money management sessions – look out for our adverts during the year
Email:studentmoney@keele.ac.uk
Website:www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding
Residence Support
There is a specific team who have responsibility for ensuring that students are well supported when living in Halls of Residence. Each Hall has a Residence Support Manager; alongside them, a team of Residence Support Assistants, who are all students, provide support for students living on campus. The team provide out-of-hours support and are able to respond to issues such as noise and support in instances such as homesickness and injury.
If you live on campus, domestic issues including heating and repairs will be dealt with by the Accommodation Services Manager for your Hall of Residence. Instructions on how to report a maintenance problem are available in the and on your Room Information card.
If you live in Liberty Court, you should follow the instructions provided when you arrive.
If you live off campus, contact your landlord. Make sure you keep a record of this, and when the repairs are carried out. Your landlord should respond within a reasonable time. If you are experiencing any difficulties in getting repairs carried out, contact the Student Accommodation Office for advice.
