loughboro Uni tomorrow

[Dave the OAP]

I am taking my Bex up to Loughboro Uni tomorrow for an interview.

Anyone on here been to the Uni there?

I went for a weekend course whilst at 6th Form.


Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Barrel of Fun]

I played cricket against Loughbrough in the quarter finals of the BUSA cricket tournament.

Don't drop the number 3 when he is on 1, as he will go on to score 108.

 

[Mendoza]

Matt Prior and Luke Wright came from there - carrying on with the cricket theme and all.....


It has the biggest student union in the country, its MASSIVE like the size of churchill square

 

[Uncle Buck]

Loughborough University is a University located in the market town of Loughborough, Leicestershire in the East Midlands of England. The University offers degree programmes and world class research. The University has been ranked as the 6th best in the United Kingdom by The Times Good University Guide 2007, [2] having previously been awarded 5 Queen's Anniversary Prizes, a record only equalled by the University of Oxford. [3]

The institution dates back to 1909, when the then Loughborough Technical Institute began with a focus on skills and knowledge which would be directly applicable in the wider world, a tradition which continues to this day, with the UNIEI funded Annual Survey on University Technology Transfer Activities finding Loughborough to be the most efficient technology transfer operation in the UK. [4]

Profile

The University has 24 academic departments and over 30 research institutes, divided between three faculties: Science, Engineering and Social Science & Humanities. It has approximately 14,000 students, 73% of whom are undergraduates and 27% are pursuing postgraduate courses and/or research. Its current Chancellor is Sir John Jennings, CBE, FRSE (the previous chancellor, Sir Denis Rooke, OM, CBE, retired from the position in summer 2003, having served for fourteen years), and its Vice-Chancellor is Professor Shirley Pearce. The previous Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir David Wallace CBE FRS DL, was appointed to the Mastership of Churchill College, Cambridge, in succession to Sir John Boyd KCMG. David Wallace was Vice Chancellor of Loughborough University between 1994 until December 2005.

The University has won an unbeaten five Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education for work with the aeronautical and automotive industries (1994); support for developing countries (1998); for a pioneering role in developing applications of modern optics and laser technologies (2000); for its world leading role in sports research, education and development (2002); and for its world leading role in social policy in recognition of its outstanding and widely respected work in evaluating and helping develop social policy-related programmes, such as those for cared for children, social security policy, crime prevention, education initiatives and young carers (2006). In the latest league tables, Loughborough was ranked 6th overall in the Times University Guide 2007, just behind Oxbridge and three London colleges (Imperial, LSE and UCL); making it the top provincial university in the United Kingdom.

Campus

The University's main campus is in the Leicestershire town of Loughborough and until 2003 it was developing a secondary campus at Peterborough. The Loughborough campus (once the estate of Burleigh Manor) covers an area of 433 acres (1.75 km²), and includes academic departments, halls of residence, gardens and playing fields. Of particular interest are the beautiful walled garden, the "garden of remembrance", the Hazlerigg-Rutland Hall ("Rigg-Rut") fountain-courtyard (pictured below) and the Bastard Gates. In the central quadrangle of the campus stands the famous cedar, which has often appeared as a symbol for the University. Unfortunately a heavy snowfall in December 1990 led to the collapse of the upper canopy which gave the tree its distinctive shape. The recent acquisition by the university of Holywell Park from Advantica Technologies and a 23-acre parcel of land between New Ashby Road and Holywell Park from 3M Heath Care Limited has increased the size of the campus to 433 acres.

Organisation

Loughborough University is headed by a Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shirley Pearce. The University is organised into three faculties: Science, Engineering and Social Science & Humanities with 24 academic departments and over 30 research institutes

Faculty of Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Human Sciences
Information Science
Mathematical Sciences
Physics
Ergonomics & Safety Research Institute
Institute of Polymer Technology & Materials Engineering

[edit] Faculty of Engineering
Aeronautical & Automotive Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil & Building Engineering
Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Systems Engineering
Wolfson School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

[edit] Faculty of Social Science & Humanities
Business School
Design & Technology
Economics
English & Drama
Politics, International Relations & European Studies
Geography
School of Sport & Exercise Sciences
School of Art & Design
Social Sciences
Teacher Education Unit

[edit] Traditions

The official colour of the University is African Violet. The coat of arms incorporates several symbols relevant to the history of the Loughborough area, including Offa's cross (a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Mercia, within whose borders the town now stands) and the peacock from the arms of the Dukes of Rutland. The motto of the University is Veritate Scientia Labore (with truth, wisdom and labour, or alternatively with truth, knowledge and industry, depending on the translation).

The University has a strong sporting tradition, and is a centre of excellence in the field of sports science. It has graduated a number of world-class athletes including Paula Radcliffe and Lord Coe. In keeping with this tradition, Loughborough University students have won the British Universities Sports Association championship every year for over two decades. Sports students are entitled to wear a different style of scarf from other undergraduates. The university is the home of the England and Wales Cricket Board's National Academy, opened in November 2003.

The phonetic spelling "Lufbra" is sometimes used amongst students, graduates, and in Students' Union publications, and the name is also often abbreviated to lboro.


[edit] The Students' Union
Main article: Loughborough Students' Union
The Union is unusual (if not unique) in English universities, in that its premises are owned by the students themselves. The union building sits in the north-eastern corner of the campus, and offers a range of facilities for clubs and societies, retail, entertainment and other activities.

Along with Loughborough Students Union's (LSU) numerous sports clubs the union hosts and organises many other activities and societies. Loughborough Students RAG organises charity work, and is among the largest such bodies in the UK, it generates increasing amounts of money for charity with impressive increases year on year - in 2006 raising over £620,000 net, for a range of causes. LSU is also home to Loughborough Campus Radio, LSUTV and Label Magazine.

Degree Programmes

Loughborough offers a wide variety of degree programmes:
Undergraduate Prospectus
Postgraduate Prospectus


[edit] Student Halls

Loughborough University is well known for its many halls, and amongst that, lots of hall spirit. There are currently 14 undergraduate halls, 1 postgraduate hall, and 1 hall being refurbished(although part of it is still open as post-grad). The halls are as follows:

Butler Court
Cayley Hall
David Collett Hall
Elvyn Richards Hall
Falkner Eggington Court
Faraday Hall
Forest Court
Harry French Hall
Hazlerigg and Rutland Hall
John Phillips Court
Royce Hall
Rutherford Hall
Telford Hall
The Holt
Towers Hall
William Morris Hall (Currently partly open as Somerton)

[edit] Library

The Pilkington Library opened in 1980 with most advanced facilities. It covers 7,777 square metres over three floors with 780 study places, including 140 workstations over 400,000 books; 4000 printed journals and access to 6000 e- journals. The Library has a history of undertaking research in the field of library and information work.


[edit] History

[edit] Origins

The University traces its history back to 1909, with the founding of the Loughborough Technical Institute. In the early years, efforts were made to mimic the environment of an Oxbridge college (e.g. requiring students to wear gowns to lectures) whilst maintaining a strong practical counterbalance to academic learning. During World War I, the Institute served as an "Instructional Factory", training workers for the munitions industry.


[edit] The Loughborough Colleges

Following the war, the Institute fragmented into four separate colleges:

Loughborough Training College (Teacher Training)
Loughborough College of Art (Art and Design)
Loughborough College of Further Education (Technical and Vocational)
Loughborough College of Technology (Technology and Science)
The latter was to become the nucleus of the present university. Its rapid expansion from a small provincial college to a world famous seat of learning was due largely to the efforts of its dynamic principal Dr. Herbert Schofield (1882-1963).


[edit] The influence of Herbert Schofield

Schofield became principal in 1915 and continued to lead the College of Technology until 1950. Over his years as principal, the college changed almost beyond recognition. He purchased the estate of Burleigh Manor on the western outskirts of the town, which became the nucleus of the present 200 acre (0.8 km²) campus. He also oversaw the building of the beautiful Hazlerigg and Rutland halls of residence. The strong sporting tradition all developed under Schofield's influence.


[edit] From College to University

In 1963, the Robbins Report on higher education recommended that all Colleges of Advanced Technology should be given the status of universities. Consequently, in 1966 Loughborough College of Technology was granted the Royal Charter and became Loughborough University of Technology. It gradually remodelled itself in the image of the New Universities of the period, which had also been created under Robbins.


[edit] Later history

In 1977, Loughborough Training College (now renamed Loughborough College of Education) was absorbed into the University. The Arts College was also amalgamated with the University in 1998. These additions have diluted the technological flavour of the institution, causing it to resemble more a traditional university with its mix of humanities, arts and sciences. Consequently in 1996, the University dropped the "of Technology" from its title, becoming "Loughborough University", a step much applauded by its non-technological members. Loughborough University has continued to grow from strength to strength and in The 2006 Times Good University Guide it was placed sixth in the country after Oxford University, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and University College London.


[edit] Reputation

Notable departments include CREST, The Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology which runs the internationally recognised masters program in Renewable Energy.

University Leadership

[edit] Chancellors
[5]


[edit] Chairs of Governors

A.A. Bumpus (1909-25)
B.B. Barrow (1925-34)
William Bastard (1934-36)
W. H. Wright (1936-40)
Sir Robert Martin (1940-52)
Sir Harold West (1952-1957)
Sir Edward Herbert (1957-1963)
Sir Herbert Manzoni (1963-1966)

[edit] Chancellors

Lord Pilkington (1966-1980)
Sir Arnold Hall (1980-1989)
Sir Denis Rooke (1989-2003)
Sir John Jennings (2003-)

[edit] Vice Chancellors
[6]


[edit] Principals

S.C. Laws (1909-1915)
Herbet Schofield (1915-1950)
Major-General W.F. Hasted (1951-1952)
Interim 'triumvirate' Jan-Sept 1952: H.E. Falkner, J.W. Bridgeman, C.D. Bentley
Wing Commander H.E. Falkner (1952-1953) (Acting)
H.L. Haslegrave (1953-1966)

[edit] Vice Chancellors

H.L. Haslegrave (1966-1967)
Professor E.J. Richards (1967-1975)
Sir Clifford Butler (1975-1985)
Professor J.G. Phillips (1986-1987)
Professor Sir David Davies (1988-1993)
Professor Sir David Wallace (1994-2005)
Professor Shirley Pearce (2006-)

[edit] Notable alumni

Derek Abbott - Physicist and Electronic Engineer
Rosalind Ayres - Actress
Steve Backley - Javelin Thrower
Daniel Bennett - Singaporean footballer
Sebastian Coe, Baron Coe - Olympic athlete, politician and later Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games
Robin Daniels - Engineer & Entrepreneur
Tobias Ellwood - Conservative MP
Diane Farr - Numb3rs actress
Lorna Fitzsimons - former NUS President and Labour Party MP
James Gibson - Swimmer
Tanni Grey-Thompson - Athlete
Ben Kay - England Rugby World Cup 2003 Winner.
David Moorcroft - Runner
Neil Oatley - Formula One Engineer and Designer
Monty Panesar - England Test Cricketer
Paula Radcliffe MBE - Athlete
Chris Read - England Cricket Wicketkeeper.
Bridget Riley - Artist
Jonathon Roberts - Actor, starred in Shaun of the Dead
Lawrie Sanchez - Football manager
Malcolm Sayer - Jaguar Cars Designer and Engineer
Karamjot Singh Cheema - Italian Football Pundit
Jodie Swallow - Triathlete
David Turner - Politician
Bob Wilson - Ex-Arsenal goal-keeper.
Clive Woodward - England Rugby coach.

 

[Trigger]

I am a big fan of the Loughborough Ladies Lacrosse team.

 

[Springal]

i worked at a nightclub there, quite good nightlife. the town needs bit of touch up i think but very nice student life/pubs etc, good university too!

 

[mejonaNO12 aka riskit]

no

 

[Buzzer]

Uni's okay.

Not as good as Imperial College, mind you.

 

[West Hoathly Seagull]

It has a fantastic student union, as Mendoza says, plus a superb cricket pitch (the academy). Rail tickets are also as cheap as chips if you book them in advance. If she does go there, be careful about her choice of accommodation. I would recommend the Faraday Halls, where I stayed for a conference, which have private facilities, whereas the older halls, such as Elfyn Richards, look a bit tatty and have shared facilities. What course is she interested in, Dave?

 

[Dave the OAP]

It has a fantastic student union, as Mendoza says, plus a superb cricket pitch (the academy). Rail tickets are also as cheap as chips if you book them in advance. If she does go there, be careful about her choice of accommodation. I would recommend the Faraday Halls, where I stayed for a conference, which have private facilities, whereas the older halls, such as Elfyn Richards, look a bit tatty and have shared facilities. What course is she interested in, Dave?

I am not really sure, she has an interview with Department of Information Science, so I assume its a IT based course. She is doing Chemistry, maths and Art....so I assume its a science based course...she is also very sporty so i think that is why she fancies Loughborough ( or the young American basketball and Football players )

 

[fatboy]

I am taking my Bex up to Loughboro Uni tomorrow for an interview.

Anyone on here been to the Uni there?

I went for a weekend course whilst at 6th Form.


Any advice would be appreciated.

Better send her up there with a few boxes of condoms.

 

[Seasider]

Uni's okay.

Not as good as Imperial College, mind you.

Why you say that, Imperial Union is rubbish, the courses maybe highly rated put that is about it.

 

[Fourteenth Eye]

Im banned from Sainsburys in Loughborough

 

[Bad Ash]

Why you say that, Imperial Union is rubbish, the courses maybe highly rated put that is about it.

There's more to a university than it's union... I think these days with the costs of university you need to think which one and which course will set you up best for the future. If you can combine that with a decent nightlife then it's all good

 

[Buzzer]

Why you say that, Imperial Union is rubbish, the courses maybe highly rated put that is about it.

Sorry mate, I thought that the main point about choosing a uni was for academic reasons.

Silly me, I should have picked Media studies at the University of Kingston upon Hull rather than pick a theoretical physics course at the number one science based university in the world, that has Nobel prize winners on its staff, that employers respect and actually sit up and take note of, that has an illustrious alumni, that has lecturers and visiting lecturers that are world leaders in their fields, that is based in one of the prettiest parts of London with buildings that ooze history, that's affiliated to the University of London so that if Imperial's union is crap I could always pop over to LSE or St Martins or one of the numerous Royal colleges within staggering distance of Kensington.

Admittedly the male to female ratio is one of the highest (probably the highest) but the Royal Colleges have tons of fit posh ladies to leer at.

So - even taking away the fact that Imperial has better courses, I'd still plump for it rather than Luger-beruger.

 

[the full harris]

I am not really sure, she has an interview with Department of Information Science, so I assume its a IT based course. She is doing Chemistry, maths and Art....so I assume its a science based course...she is also very sporty so i think that is why she fancies Loughborough ( or the young American basketball and Football players )

Right, well I not only go to Loughborough university NOW but my missus is in the department of information science. We're both in our final year so have been through system pretty much in its entirety.

My opinion of Loughborough:

Positives:

Firstly, I really enjoy it here, I've made some great mates and really enjoy my course.

The sporting facilities are second to none and pretty much anyone can use the majority of them, regardless of ability. In order to represent Loughborough, you have to pretty darn useful (i.e. county standard minimum, a lot of international standard players in the top teams) but I have never played for the university yet still been able to play sport (for halls of residence teams, in social leagues etc. etc.).

The union are very active, though in a less political way than maybe a union such as Sussex. The building itself is huge and constantly being updated, I believe at the moment it has 2 nightclubs and 4 other bars all under the same roof and with one entrance fee (about £3.50 on the most expensive night) for the lot. Drinks are as cheap as you would probably expect.

The various other cafes and bars on campus are nicely done too. Your daughter is fortunate in that the main one in the middle of the campus has just been refurbished and serves decent cheap grub with plenty of space to sit.

The halls of residence seem to be by and large well thought of. I am in Harry French which I really enjoy because of it's slightly off campus location. However I know plenty of people who are in the main student village who love it.

Loughborough itself is a fairly small town - think of Worthing with more nightlife (the students are pretty much the sole reason
for this). As with many small university dominated towns, many of the locals aren't the student's biggest fans BUT that doesn't really affect us in tangible way.

The library is MASSIVE and its staff I've always found to be very helpful.

The welcoming-freshers set up is, in my experience well put together and really helps the new kids settle in.

Because the National Cricket Academy is on site, you sometimes see famous sportspeople like Flintoff, Harmison etc. various rugby players (the England team train here on occasion) strolling around which is quite nice. Robin Martin-Jenkins walked past me the other day, though I was probably the only person on campus who knew who he was!

Loughborough is quite well connected in the country as a whole. Takes about an hour and half to get to London on the train which i find useful personally.

After your first year (in which you are guaranteed a space in hall), you'll probably go to a student house with yourt mates in town. There are actually more houses than students in Loughborough so it is not difficult to find one. It's a small enough place that you are never too far from anything and it is a lot cheaper, rent wise, than more southern universities (my rent last year was £47 a week!).

The medical centre is well organised and in the middle of campus.

The counselling services etc. (not that I can actually talk from personal experience) are also, I am told, very good.

Negatives

The most outstanding negative for me is something that probably doesn't bother that many other students. It's called 'Loughborough Arrogance' and is the general mind-set of the students (particularly encouraged by the Athletic Union who are basically in charge of all things sporty). Essentially a lot of people think Loughborough University is the best thing ever created on god's earth which, whilst some might say just show everyone is having a great time, gets on my tits a bit after a while! The AU motto is "Thanks for Coming" and the sports magazine is called 'Walk on Water" which I think sums up the attitude quite nicely! Most other universities think we are ****s and I don't really blame them!




As for the department of Information Science, I've not heard anything especially negative about them other than the usual miserable reception staff moan (most department reception stuff are grumpy because they have fairly dull jobs and constantly have the student's leisurely lifestyle rubbed in their face). Generally, she seems to have enjoyed her course and the department have been mostly helpful throughout.



In summary, Loughborough will provide you with a good time for 3 years (or however long you are there) and your degree will be pretty good too. We're not exactly Imperial College but we're not Luton either! We usually finish top of the student satisfaction survey (or whatever it is called) so I guess, even if it is in actual fact crap here, they do a pretty good job of making all the students think it's wonderful!

www.lufbra.net is the student's union website and gives a pretty good feel for the place. Might be worth her looking at. Also, pick up a copy of the weekly student produced magazine 'Label' which is free and is quite an interesting read.


Any other questions, PM me Dave. Hope you have a good day tomorrow. Oh one other thing, in the car, it's a piece of piss, M1, junction 23A, keep following the road a couple of miles and it is on your right, you can not possibly miss it!


p.s. The fellas to girls ratio is about 65/35 which she might be interested to know.

 

[Dave the OAP]

There's more to a university than it's union... I think these days with the costs of university you need to think which one and which course will set you up best for the future. If you can combine that with a decent nightlife then it's all good

which is my feelings. When you are lashing out £4 k a year on a loan etc x 3 = £12k loan, you might as well have got some sort of paper to show for it!

Not to mention the parent contribution...LOL

 

[Dave the OAP]

.

 

[the full harris]

can I be really nosey and ask what grades/points your missus needed to get in. Bex hasnt a clue and I suppose it will be revealed tomorrow, but it would be nice to have some sort of idea

She is doing 'Publishing with English' which requires 280 pts (BBC).

 

[Dave the OAP]

great....Cheers mate