Hello, I’m James. I am currently in my first year studying Geography. I’ve been doing some work with the University recently to help promote the fact that the feedback we give in surveys and questionnaires actually makes a difference. One of the things I’ve been asked to talk about is the investment on campus and how student feedback has helped bring about these changes. We all know there have been a lot of development projects going on at the University including the £12 million development of the new 502 Teaching Hub which opened in September last year. This investment in the University infrastructure looks set to continue with the recently announced £20.5 million Arts and Humanities Centre, which will house new lecture theatres, study spaces, a cafe, more outdoor seating and a 400-seat performance auditorium! This all sounds great on paper, but what does it really mean for students?
502 Teaching Hub
I ventured into the new Teaching Hub when it opened back in September to have a look around. It stood out as one of the most modern buildings on campus. The lecture theatres are bright and colourful and the seats comfortable – it’s a pretty nice place to learn. Personally, my favourite part about the Teaching Hub is that it has extra PCs and bookable study areas that you can use for study or group work. For me, this is extremely useful as there is usually a computer available with the right software where I can work on my GIS practicals. It’s also good for space to work with others on your course to get work done, without disturbing everyone in the silent study area of the library! Staff and students worked with the architects on the design of the building to make sure it suited everybody’s needs, which is probably why there is a mixture of study, group work and break out space where you can chat and eat when you need to take a break. It’s a great alternative to the libraries when they are busy at peak time and other study rooms on campus are fully booked. All the investment which has been made, and will be made, in new buildings and refurbishments over the next few years is about improving the experience students have here and making sure we have access to the tools and spaces we need to study at a top level. As a geography student, I’d personally like to see the Roxby building next on the list for an overhaul. It would be nice to see it get some love and brought up to the same high standard of other University buildings.
Keep sharing
The investment in the new 502 Teaching Hub is a result of your feedback so we just wanted to say a big thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments with us throughout the year. You can see what other improvements the University has made because of your feedback via the Your Feedback webpage. You can also send the University your feedback via this Give Feedback form. #ClickClickChange Thanks for reading!