Student Guide to moving

into accommodation
Hello, a t 1 0 . a m
Welcome to Coventry University and welcome to your Hall of Residence. Halls are
not just a place to sleep, they will become your place to study, eat and socialise but
most importantly it will become your home for the next year… so make the most of
it. mchangedeettoing11.am
This is your essential guide to Halls and is written by students living in Halls who
were either a Halls Rep or Support Ambassador. The Students Union Hall Reps are
students who were elected by other residents to be a point of contact for them. If
you think you could represent your Hall then why not run for a position as a Halls
Rep? It’s a great way to be involved in the Students Union, Housing Week, meetings
remember pen this time!
in the community and best of all to meet new people!

If you’re interested in being a Halls Rep send me an email and I will let you know
how to get involved! If you decide not to be a Halls Rep, be sure to introduce
yourself to your Rep because they are trained in their role to deal with any issues and
point you in the right direction if you are having difficulties. They work with Student
Accommodation and the Students’ Union to make sure students enjoy their stay in
Halls.

Alternatively, the Support Ambassadors do lots of paid work throughout the year
for Student Services. They represent the department on University Open Days; look
after new students during enrolment and induction, plus lots of other diverse roles.
It’s a great way to earn some money whilst learning and assisting others. If you’re
interested in becoming a Support Ambassador drop into the Student Centre and ask
for Suzanne Jobling, she would be happy to tell you more. This guide will give you
handy tips and advice on how to settle into accommodation so please read it very
carefully.

Liah MacCallam
VP Welfare
Coventry University Students’ Union Liah MacCal iam VP Welfa
vpwelfare.su@coventry.ac.uk
024 7679 5290
re
 Writ en by us, for you
Some of our previous reps or students who lived in halls give us their experiences of student life:

Hey everyone, my name is Jonathan Abe from Nigeria, and for those who don’t know, it is
a country in the western region of Africa. I am the first child in a family of four with just one
younger sister. I am currently an undergraduate on the mechanical engineering program at
Coventry University. I arrived at Coventry University last year on Saturday 13th of September
2008, was picked up at the airport and welcomed by the student ambassadors.

Jon a t h a n A b e ( P ri o ry H a l )

The handbook is a little guide we’ve put together for you to help you find your way around
and more importantly help you get to grips with the start of university life, living in halls and

I local amenities, which will come in handy for you during your time at Trinity Point; but the first
and most important piece of advice I can give you for your time at University is ENJOY IT!

Martin Blackburn (Trinity Poi

nt)
Coventry
Writ en by us, for you
Some of our previous reps or students who lived in halls give us their experiences of student life:

Hi, my full name is Nkeiruka Catherine Obialor but most of my friends call me Cathy. I am
doing my final year in Computer Science at Coventry University and I am from Nigeria, a
country in West Africa. I am an International student, leaving my country for the very first
time. I lived in Singer Hall in my first year at the University. Coming all that way, I was not
very sure what to expect. However, all my worries were soon laid to rest.

Nkeiruka Obialor(Singer Hal )

Hey, my name is Sassan, I am 24 years old, from Germany, and I have been studying at
Coventry University as an international postgraduate student and living in the Pillar Box Hall
of Residence. Shortly after I moved into Pillar Box I became one of its Hall Reps, working for
the interests of my fellow hall mates. I enjoyed helping my hall mates and improving the living
situation at Pillar Box. I hope this guide helps you to settle into your new student life.
Sassan Gholiagha
(Pil ar Box)
Writ en by us, for you
Some of our previous reps or students who lived in halls give us their experiences of student life:

My name is Stacey, I am 20 years old and I am about to start my third year studying
Geography and Conservation. I originally come from Kenilworth, only 8 miles from Coventry,
and first moved to London to begin a degree there but quickly decided that this was not for
me.

)
Stacey Dunn (Apollo House
I am 26, originally from Northampton. I consider myself to be a happy, sporty, intelligent and
hard-working person, who likes to have fun and make people smile. I graduated top of my
year from Northampton University with a 1st class honours degree in psychology and I won a
3 year studentship to do a PhD at Coventry University.

Aaron Mul ins (Lynden House)

Halls Reps
All students living in University accommodation are represented through the Halls Representatives system. This is supported by
both the Students’ Union and Student Accommodation.

Reps are elected by the students at Halls Welcome (or Induction) Meetings and attend termly meetings with the Students’ Union
and Student Accommodation. At these meetings they put forward student issues and suggestions. Halls Reps also help residents
deal with issues as they arise and advise them on who they may need to speak to. This year, more than ever, Reps will be getting
involved in organising social events for students.

Halls Representatives attend two different types of regular meeting; a formal committee attended by representatives from the
relevant University departments and informal meetings with the VP Welfare and the Student Representation Co-ordinator. In
addition Halls Representatives are involved in the local community through attendance at Safer Neighbourhood Groups.

You can use your Reps if you have any ideas of improvements you’d like to see in your Halls or if you have any issues you need
help with. For non-emergency maintenance issues you should first log this through the accommodation page of the student portal.
If the problem persists you can then ask for help from your Halls Rep.

If you’d like to be a Halls Rep simply attend your Welcome Meeting held by Student Accommodation around Freshers’, and
nominate yourself for the position. Once elected, Reps are given advice and support from the Students’ Union, training and
handbooks so they understand their role.

For more information on the Halls Rep system as well as the names of your Reps for 2010/11 go to: cusu.org/reps and
select ‘Halls Reps’ on the left-hand menu.
Experience of moving into halls
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Jonathan - Registration was at the Alan Berry building and the Priory Hall reception, where each person was given the keys to their bedrooms. The
rooms all came fully equipped with a single bed (which I wasn’t particularly used to), a wardrobe, a wash hand basin, a desk and chair, side table
and shelves. Even with all of this in the room, there was still more than enough space to move around. I moved into the G-Block wing of the Halls of
residence. On each floor there are 10 bedrooms that share 2 bathroom facilities and one kitchenette with a storage room for the cleaning utensils.

Cathy - I had been told where to go on arrival so that made things much easier. It was only five minutes walk from the bus station and I was at the hall’s
accommodation office. I went straight to the hall’s accommodation office and it was so amazing that within a few minutes I had collected the keys to
my flat. The staff were so warm, welcoming and very helpful. I moved into my flat and was settled in only in a few minutes.

Sasson - As a postgraduate student you might have moved into a hall before. If not, don’t worry . At the beginning it might all be a bit overwhelming
but once you’ve unpacked your bags and boxes your room will soon become home. Depending on where you live you might not even have a “hall-
feeling”. This is especially true if you live a one or two room apartment with your own kitchen. If you have a single room with a shared kitchen it might be
a bit strange at the beginning to share a kitchen with people you don’t know. So try to get to know your hall mates as soon as possible.

Aaron - The process of applying for halls was straightforward, everything could be done online and the pictures and description of Lynden House
matched closely with what I found upon my arrival. My first impressions of Lynden House were that it was an impressive building set in beautiful
surroundings; it did not feel like you were still in a city. The accommodation people were professional and friendly, so picking up the keys and getting
settled in on the day of arrival was easy. The rooms themselves are spacious and well furnished and all the utilities work as they should. There is
a halls meeting arranged so you can get to know your security staff and it also gives you a chance to meet your fellow residents.
The University makes settling in to Lynden House a painless process and you soon feel at home.

Martin - Moving into halls for me has proved to be a memorable experience. It was the point where I felt like I had reached the next stage of my
independence if you like and it’s been one of the best life moves for me so far. I remember feeling slightly nervous at meeting all these new people in a
brand new environment but ultimately excited.
Making Friends in Halls
Sasson - Pillar Box has a common room in the basement with a TV which is greet to meet up in. If you share a kitchen, why not meet up for cooking a
nice meal on the weekends. It’s a great opportunity to make friends as well as discussing any issues you have with the shared kitchen.

Jonathan - Priory hall provides a warm atmosphere of people of diverse cultures that are ready to do their best to make your time there a memorable
one. The dining hall gives the opportunity for the students to come together and socialise over breakfast or dinner. This helps break the ice faster for
new students and returning students.

Cathy - My flat had six rooms and on arrival, I found I was the last to move in as all the other occupants had been there for a couple of weeks already.
I was again so warmly received. I felt so lucky and at ease that I was going to be living with new found friends. I was lucky to have a single sex flat,
not that it matters anyway, but it made things a lot easier. I made friends with my flat mates from Norwich in England, China and another African from
Uganda.

Stacey - I have been living in Apollo House for two years now, I moved into halls later than the other students and was worried about making friends
but everyone is really friendly and the open plan design of the building allows you to go everywhere leaving the possibility of making over 100 new
friends. This is why I chose to stay on in Apollo House for my second year and plan to stay for the next two years as well!

Aaron - You will meet your housemates early on, usually in the very spacious kitchens that Lynden House provides. You will be together as a group for
the early Halls Meeting so you can at least get to know the faces of the people around you. The people in the flats above and below each other also
generally become good friends as they see each other on a regular basis. The communal areas within the Lynden House grounds also make meeting
people easy and fun. The staff keep the students informed of all the events going on at the University, so you can usually go to all the things going on
with your friends from halls.

Martin - Making friends was great fun partly due to the fact that everyone within my flat were so approachable, versatile and sociable, which meant
that we all ended up meeting a lot of people within Trinity pretty quickly. As a result, we’re all (as a flat) part of a social network within Trinity that spans
across all three blocks. It definitely pays to be approachable and friendly particularly during Fresher’s week seeing as everyone’s in the same boat.
Freshers’
Freshers’ Week is one of the annual events you shouldn’t miss considering you are a fresher! Students from previous years have said that Freshers’ fair
is a must, just so you know which sports and societies are available and you can sign up then and there. A great thing about Freshers’ Week are the
Fairs themselves. There is the general Freshers’ Fair at the Students’ Union and there are bags of free gifts and vouchers available. The Societies Fair
is also held in Cathedral Square during Freshers’ Week. You can also start your own society if you have a passion that isn’t represented. Talk to the VP
Sports and Societies at the Freshers’ Fair.

Freshers’ Timetable
For all daytime fairs and evening events keep your eyes on the SU Calendar of Events and notices around the Union during your
first week here.

This will be a chance to get together with your new flatmates and make new friends from your accommodation and other Halls. Make sure you get to
events early.

Details of entertainment and activities and confirmed details will be posted on www.cusu.org
Local Amenities
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Cathy - Singer is centrally situated in the heart of town and is only about five minutes walk to Pool Meadow Bus Station, city centre where just about
everything from clothes to food items could be purchased. There is also Sainsbury’s and Wilkinson’s just around the corner. Then there is FiftyFour to
hang out in the evenings with mates and get to meet other students at the University.

Sasson - One major advantage of the Pillar Box is its location. In the middle of the city centre Sainsbury supermarket is only a few minutes walk away.
Also very close is a Tesco Express, which is open 6am to 11pm every day. Apart from that, High Street and the Cathedral Lanes as well as the lower
and upper precinct are only a few minutes away - all in walking distance. A 10 Minute walk brings you to the market. Coventry’s six days a week market
offers everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to clothes, books, imported foods and much more.

Stacey - Apollo House is extremely close to everything. It is opposite a local shop and many take aways as well. It is about a five minute walk to the
Sky Dome Arena with a cinema complex, pubs, night clubs and ice skating. Central Six, a shopping park, is also a five minute walk away and opposite
the train and bus stations; useful if you want to go further a field. Apollo House is about a 10 minute walk from the centre of town and about 15 minutes
from the University, Library and University Sport and Recreation Centre (membership included in your rent; always an added bonus!) If you prefer
something greener we are only a five minute walk from the Memorial Park.

Aaron - At Lynden House you are right next to a number of corner shops, with Earlsdon High Street only a 10 minute walk away, which has everything
you could need. Central Six Retail Park is a five minute walk away and with so many shops you may never need to go into the city centre itself, which
itself is only a 15 minute walk away. As Lynden House is in Earlsdon you are also entitled to other benefits related to this part of Coventry, such as
access to the local community library. The University buildings themselves are only a 15 minute walk away, so you get the benefit of living in a nicer area
away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, and still have easy access to all the University amenities.

Martin - As far a local amenities go Trinity’s in a great location; Far Gosford Street. is just across the road from Trinity and houses all the basics you’re
going the need including: 24hr Costcutter, Select & Save corner shop (inc. alcohol), Initiative Stationery Shop, Chemist, Numerous barbershops, Printer
Cartridge Store, and a dry cleaners to name a few.

If you need to purchase any stationery items, then ideally the cheapest place to go is the Resources Shop, which is located in the University Library,
which is a five minute walk from Trinity Point. The Library also houses a small Waterstones’ bookstore and a café.
As far as supermarkets go, there is a Sainsbury’s and Iceland store in the centre of town and a large Tesco’s store and Asda which are both located on
the outskirts of Coventry.
Hall Facilities
Liah - Register with a doctor. There is one located on the ground floor of J-block of Priory Hall. You will need your NHS number which you can get
from your doctor at home.

Cathy - Singer Hall is set in flats of six rooms. Each room has a wash hand sink and a sizeable wardrobe for storage. There is a single bed with
mattress but all occupants have to provide their own bedding. There is also a study desk and chair and an easy chair for relaxation. Every room
has a wired internet connection but every student has to provide their own computer. The Internet speed was really good. Each flat has two toilets,
a bathroom and a shower room. Every flat also shared a common kitchen. The kitchen had enough storage space for every occupant to store their
crockery. There’s two tables and six chairs where flat mates could sit and chat while they ate. The kitchen comes equipped with fridge, freezer,
microwave, gas cooker, iron and ironing board. The cleaning services come to clean the common areas weekly.

Jonathan - You will need to find out what time your meal
times are so that you can make sure you are there and fed!

cooking!
hard at work!
Security
Jonathan - Priory halls is highly secure with staff rotating morning afternoon and night shifts. Dedicated staff make sure the students are safe even
when they have come back from a good night out.

Cathy - Singer Hall has 24hrs security provided. The blocks all have one entrance and exit doors. All occupants are issued with a card which they have
to swipe to get into their own block. The card will not get you into any other block. The cards also have to be swiped to get you into your own flat alone
and will not get you into any other flat. Once in your flat, everyone had a key with which they got into their own rooms. If you locked yourself out, all
you had to do was to go up to the Accommodation Office, and with the phone placed outside the building, you rang up security who came and let you
back in. The security is also on hand to handle cases of disturbance from any resident being unruly. Don’t walk home alone after a night out! Keep a
tenner in your shoe or somewhere so if the worst does happen you can still afford a taxi home.

Sasson - In Pillar Box, access to the building is only possible with your fob and the access to your hallway is also protected with your fob. Only you
and your hall mates have access to this (with the exception of a few hallways which are access-ways to the lift). Don’t forget that you can help a lot
to improve the security. Make sure you don’t let people in you don’t know and make sure you close all the doors at all times. Another important thing
about security and the well-being of everyone is that you work out how to use the equipment in the kitchen. If you are not sure, just ask your hall mates
or your Hall Reps. They will be happy to help. Any doubts about any security issues, please contact your Hall Reps, the Student Union or Student
Accommodation. They are all there to help you.

Aaron - Lynden House is one of the most secure buildings I have lived in, with well designed gates and window security meaning that intruders will find
it difficult to enter the complex and exceptionally difficult to get into rooms. There are three sets of locked doors between the outside and your room,
so you can feel safe in the knowledge that access to the buildings is well controlled. There is also CCTV, a regular on-site warden service and there are
University security services close-by and on call 24 hours a day.

Liah - Look out for the Safety Road Show. This is a great chance to pick up useful safety tips, freebies and get vital information from the local police,
Protection Officers and Students’ Union Advisors, who will help you to remain safe on the streets and in your Hall. Jeanette Partridge, the Campus
Police Officer (aa0476@coventry.ac.uk) also produces a ‘safer routes home’ map, that acts as a guide particularly for students who may want to walk
home from University, late at night and remain safe at the same time.

Martin - When it comes to security, Trinity Point is the most secure out of all the student halls available. The security staff are great and really helpful,
there is always someone on call 24hrs a day, there is CCTV all around the site and a secure key-fob system for each resident is in place to ensure that
each resident can live here securely and safely.
Where to eat yum!
Sasson - As you have your own kitchen in Pillar Box you might want to cook yourself. But if you can’t be bothered or you need something quick to
eat there are a numerous places in the town. Also try out the cafés of the University’s own hospitality service or the café and shop in the Student Union.
They often offer cheap food.
• Subway, one at the Students’ Union’s bar, FiftyFour, and another near the city centre
• Phoenix Café near Humber and Hillman lecture theatres and various similar eateries on campus
• Nando’s (Priory Place)- if you’re celebrating a birthday you can take a cake and they’ll bring it out for you at the end of your meal
• Papa John’s (Quinton Park, Cheylesmore) take-away pizza (20% student discount)
• The Phoenix Pub, Gosford Street
• Pizza Express (Behind the Cathedral) - a place you can take your parents as well as your friends
• Aqua (Gosford Street) - a broad range of food and gives NUS discounts
• Brown’s (Earl Street) - good for coffee
• There’s also a great Sicilian place, Etna’s, near the £1 shop in Hertford Street
• Earlsdon Street (if you have a car); there are some great places there.
• Chapter’s Café, just outside the University Library,

Jonathan - I had the first taste of the food at Priory Hall at dinner time on my first evening, each person has three options to choose from; vegetarian
course, healthy course, Chef’s Special, alongside soup, different types of salad and vegetables, plus desert, so you see priory offers the full monty at
dinner time.

Aaron - With the city centre being within easy walking distance you have an endless choice of places to eat. There are also a few places closer to
home, with Chinese, Indian and Italian restaurants located close to the Halls, as well as chip shops and kebab shops nearby. These are good places to
take your family or friends when they come to visit, with something to suit every budget. One of the features of Lynden House is that it has its own brick
built BBQ area within its grounds, meaning that you can brush up on your culinary skills and turn your Hall into the best place to eat!

Martin - Once again Far Gosford Street is an ideal location for a variety of foods and during my time here I have visited a fair few of them so here’s my
recommendations list of the top 3 places to eat near Trinity Point:
• Taste United (assorted fast foods)
• Chinese Kitchen (Chinese restaurant and takeaway)
• Kaliesha (Indian restaurant and takeaway)
Things to do
Stacey - After eating a good night out is always started in the SU bar with music, pool tables and a friendly atmosphere, alternatively to this there is the
cinema or ice skating in the Sky dome Arena.

Also see the list below:

• An olympic size swimming pool on Fairfax Street
• Coventry Transport Museum- located in Millennium Place
• The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum - in Jordan Well
• The Sky Dome in the centre of town - contains a cinema, ice rink, bars and clubs.
• A tenpin bowling alley and quazer at Cross Point - a 15min taxi ride away
• The Belgrade Theatre offers student prices for theatre productions
• Varsity on Little Park Street - Poker on Mondays
• The Oak on Gosford Street - Tuesday Pub Quiz
• Weekend Karaoke at the Oak (Gosford Street)
• Whatever you do, keep it in moderation. You’re here to work as well!
• Carey’s nightclub opposite the Sky Dome - free entry with an NUS card on Tuesday and the premier RnB club. 
• Rainbow’s on Short Street (a small gay bar and club) does great cocktails on a Thursday.
• Rileys in Far Gosford Street
• Around Christmas time there’s a fairground set up in the city centre.
• Both the ruins and the new cathedral are great for architectural enthusiasts and showing to relatives visiting for the first time.

Sasson - There are many things you can do in Coventry. You should definitely visit the Cathedral and climb up the tower for a nice view over the city.
You should also try out Spon Street with its medieval houses. If you need a bit of green around you, try the War Memorial Park. A good starting point is
of course the tourist information office, located at the base of the old cathedral’s tower.

Aaron - Lynden House is a short walk away from the Sky Dome, where there is a cinema and ice-skating rink, where you can even go to watch the
local ice-hockey team, Coventry Blaze, play their home games. Coventry City Football Club play their homes games in the Ricoh Arena, which is only a
short drive from Lynden House. If you were looking for free things to do though the local library and churches run a number of events that are open to
the residents of the area. Lynden House is surrounded by beautiful parks, one of which has football pitches, basketball courts, tennis courts, bowling
greens, skate park, cricket pitch and an outdoor water park. The park is known as the War Memorial Park and it also hosts many events and festivals
throughout the year, including a fun fair in the summer.
Things to do
Martin - The Sky Dome is packed with a variety of venues perfect for a night out on the town with your friends or even just a quiet one. The Sky Dome
consists of clubs and numerous pubs and restaurants, not to mention a cinema and ice-rink. The Sky Dome is about 20 minutes from Trinity Point;
sometimes if residents are going on a night out, they would take a taxi down to the Sky Dome, which costs £5 at most, which with a full cab is definitely
a bargain. There are also a number of clubs around the town centre including Kasbah and Careys (which are the other two main clubs most students
will go to besides all those within the Sky Dome). Also, if you are a big fan of pool and snooker, there is a Rileys Pool Hall on Far Gosford St., which is a
three minute walk from Trinity Point.

Browns bar
Skydome Coventry Cathedral
Sports and Societies
If you don’t make it to the Sports and Societies Fair during Freshers’ Week you can look at the Students’ Union website which is:
www.cusu.org, there is a link to sports and societies in the left hand column.

Cathy - My rent for residence at Singer Hall also offered me membership of the University gym. The gym has a number of classes I could join to help
me remain focused on exercise routines. Remember that a healthy body translates to a healthy mind, and health they say, is wealth.

Jonathan - Coventry University has over fifty active sports and social groups with diverse objectives and interests. This helps cover a wide range of
people and it is safe to say that there is a society at the University, no matter who you are or where you come from.

Liah - There are many faith societies ranging from Sikh and Islamic to Christian and Hindu. There is also a Multi Faith Forum which offers a chance for
various religious societies to get together and engage in issues that affect them.

Sports Centre Working out

Annual Events
Cathy - There are events at the University to keep students entertained. Make sure to get a time-table from the Students’ Union and also keep your
ears close to the ground. If you are an International student, the International Office also has events for this category of students and it will be in your
best interest to make sure you do not miss out.

Liah - Housing Week will take place during January. Keep your eyes open for the exact date. This will be an opportunity to book yourself
accommodation for the forthcoming year. Check with Student Accommodation so you can book early.

woooooo
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Relaxing in the SU
Student Union
 on top of the world!

International Students
For general information about visas etc have a look at the international students Web Page: www.coventry.ac.uk/cu/international
If you are having trouble communicating issues about your accommodation fees or need help understanding your residency contract,
contact the Students’ Union Advice Centre (SUAC) to speak to an Advisor and arrange an appointment to see them.

Jonathan - Coventry University prides itself with its high international student population. The University provides platforms through different societies
for us to air our views and make changes what would benefit all international students in the long-run.

Cathy - As an international student probably living outside your country for the first time, it is normal to be apprehensive. However, once you have
settled in, the International Office has a lot of programmes designed to help you integrate into the society. There are opportunities for you to meet other
international students at these events. So my advice is: attend these events, and make friends and in no time, you will be alright.

Sasson - As an international student, not only do you have to handle all the things at University but also settle into a new culture perhaps with a
different language. The most important thing is: go out and discover. Join a society or a sport club, it’s a great way to make friends and to improve your
language. The Students’ Union can tell you all about sport clubs and societies at the University. Try reading a newspaper or watch the news, so you
know what is happening in the UK. Also take part in the many trips the International Office is offering. They are a fantastic and cheap opportunity to get
to know a lot of the UK for just a little bit of money.

Liah - There is a local market available in the city centre that has a wide variety of African, Caribbean, East and South Asian, European and Arabic food
and drink products. For even more specific food items you may want to take a walk down Foleshill Road (junction 1 of the ring road) for a wide range of
Halal and South Asian fruit, vegetables and spices. The area is also home to Mosques, Gurdwaras and Temples.

Take a look down Far Gosford Street for internet cafes and afro-caribbean hairdressers. It is also home to various take-aways.

The Students’ Union has lots of National societies where you can meet other people from your country. There is the Pakistani, European, Kuwaiti,
Somali, Chinese, Greek, Indian, Japanese, African, Caribbean, international society and many more. Contact the Students’ Union for more info.
Part-time jobs
Contact ‘the future works’ who are Coventry University’s recruitment agency. Their website is: www.thefutureworks.org.uk or telephone:
024 7679 5273. If you are looking for voluntery work you should get in touch with Horizon on: 024 7679 5210 or pop into the Students’
Union building on the first floor and talk to someone at Reception.

Cathy - The University offers opportunities to students to make money while they studied to augment what they got from family. I have had the
opportunity to work as a Student Ambassador with the Student Services Department of the University. The University also has an employment agency
The Future Works, which helps students get jobs while they study as well as when they have finished with their studies at the University. Outside the
University, there are also lots of opportunities for part time jobs in the city and students are able to earn some money while they studied.

Liah - If you’re looking for a job while at University don’t push yourself too hard, it is recommended that no student should work more than 15 hours a
week and by law international students are limited to 20 hours maximum.

Jonathan - As a student at the University you stand to benefit from possible part-time job offers in the local area. Coventry is a student town and as
such, a lot of the activities revolve around the students, therefore if you need a job that would not disrupt your academic timetable, you have loads to
choose from.
Managing your f i nances
Going out every night might seem a good idea at the time, but think about what will happen when you run out of money even for the
basics! Look around for the bargains. Having trouble with student funding? Call Student Funding Office on 024 7615 2040/2050

Cathy - This is very crucial for every international student. Until you get a job, it is absolutely necessary that you keep a tab on your spending to ensure
you do not run out of cash before you’re next expected. This can be very distressing especially when you are so far away from home. Ensure that you
have paid all necessary bills- Tuition, Accommodation etc before you go on a spending spree. Some things can always wait until later.

Liah - Try to get an NUS Extra card from www.nusextra.co.uk or the Students’ Union and that will give you hundreds of discounts in MacDonald’s,
Topshop/man, Pizza Hut and many more for a small one-off payment. It doubles up as an identity card in your union too..

Aaron - Lynden House is excellent value for money, as you get free internet and free gym membership included in the package. To live in similar
standard accommodation would be out of the price range of your average student and, when combined with the University allowing you to pay in three
smaller payments throughout the year, Lynden House is also a financially suitable place to live.

Martin - Managing your money during your time at University is pretty important, so one of the best ways of helping to keep your cost down is by
purchasing an NUS card and Young Person’s Rail card, which when it comes to travel and leisure spending, come in very handy. Another great way to
save money when it comes to food shopping is to do a delivery order from Asda, which cost £4 for delivery when you spend £25, which compared to
other supermarkets around Coventry, is an absolute bargain. Using the Asda delivery service has become an increasingly popular way of doing food
shopping for students.

Sasson - As a student you most likely to live on a budget, and it is probably not very big. A good idea to manage your finances is to write down how
high your monthly income is (student loan, support from parents, part-time jobs) and how high your monthly fixed costs are (rent, mobile phone, cost
for internet, insurance, bills and so on). What is left per month is what you can spend on clothes, food and going out. But it is always a good idea to set
some money aside for bigger investments. If you have any problems with your finances, go and see one of the Advisors at the Student Union Advice
Centre (SUAC). They will always be able to help you!
Local Travel
Sasson - Most things in Coventry are in walking distance and it’s a great way to stay fit and healthy as well. If you need to travel a lot on the bus you
can buy term passes for local transport including buses. Also check out the National Express buses. If you book fairly far in advance (2-3 Month) you
can get incredibly cheap tickets to London or other great places.

Cathy - Wherever you want to go, the city has a good network of transportation. Travel Coventry buses go to all parts of the city. Just before your
arrival, you could visit their site for cheap student offers at www.travelcoventry.co.uk. There is also travel West Midlands which have buses, coaches
and trains that can take you to any part of the West Midland. They also have student offers and you could find out more at
www.travelwestmidlands.com.

Liah - Buy a Young Persons Railcard and get 1/3 off rail tickets which is handy especially if you have a partner or family that can’t live without you.

Check out www.travelwm.co.uk for the latest bus timetables, frequency guides, travel card information, ticket details and prices.

Jonathan - Coventry as a city has a great transportation system in place. It is easy to manoeuvre
round the city in minutes. Within the town, it is safe to say Priory Hall is almost five minutes away from
everything (the city centre, lecture rooms, train/bus station etc)

Aaron - You could not be better placed for local travel at Lynden House, as there is a bus stop just around
the corner that has buses running both into town and to the outlying areas of Coventry. The train station,
which also has a number of bus stops, is also only a five minute walk away. As it is set in a quieter area of
Coventry there are also many places available for parking your car.

Martin - All the main travel services are within relatively close proximity to Trinity Point.
The bus/coach station (Pool Meadow) is only a ten minute walk from Trinity Point and the
Train Station is at most a 20 minute walk from Trinity Point.
Coventry Bus Station
Contacts
Any maintenance problems should be reported immediately by completing a maintenance request form via the CU Portal. Go to Life@
CU, Student Accommodation.

SUAC is the Students’ Union’s Advice Centre for pretty much anything. You can contact them on 024 7679 5200 or suadvice@coventry.
ac.uk (based in the Students’ Union building, Priory Street)

Cathy - If you ever have accommodation issues while living in any hall of residence, you will have a list of contact persons whom you could meet to
attend to your needs. If your issues are related to your studies, you will be assigned a year Tutor to whom you could go for all academic problems.
Other members of staff at your Faculty/School. will also be more than happy to lend a hand. For other problems, the Student Centre is your one-stop
shop. The University has everything planned for and I can assure you of a wonderful experience, like I have had so far. When I look back, I am happy
that I made the decision to come to Coventry University to study and I am sure it will be same for you too

NHS Direct : 0845 4647 they will be able to give you advice and health information out of doctor surgery hours.

Coventry and Warwick Hospital Sexual Advice: (024) 7684 4163/4. You can call this number to arrange an STI check-up, emergency contraception and
also to get regular contraception.

Liah - There are free phones in the Cyber Café on the top floor of the Students’ Union, Priory Street. These can be used to phone taxis, University
departments and local services.
Useful Contacts
Emergency Services (Fire, Ambulance, Police) - 999, however phone protection services on Campus
as well to inform them of the emergency (number below)

Emergency Protection Services: 024 7688 8555

Non-emergency Protection Services : 024 7688 7363
Students’ Union : 024 7679 5200
Priory Hall Medical Centre 024 7688 8333
Engleton House Surgery 024 7659 2012
Counselling 024 7679 5622
Samaritans 084 457 909090
NHS Walk-in Centre 024 7624 6789
Coventry University
Priory Street
CV1 5FB

www.coventry.ac.uk