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At UoC, we aim to engage, challenge and encourage you to develop your own thoughts and opinions, and to explore your ideas through reading and independent research and discussion with classmates and tutors. 

We appreciate that study and life in the UK may be different to that of your home country. We can help you with your transition into university study and student life, to ensure you have a successful and enjoyable student experience.

International Student Guide

  • Useful contacts

    Your personal tutor for all matters relating to and impacting your course - they will be assigned to you at the start of your course.

  • Important Information

  • Academic Skills Support

    Get a head start by preparing well, feeling confident and ready for starting your course with our free Head Start study skills course.

    See our helpful online resources to assist you with your studies.

     
  • Prepare for Success

    This excellent, free online toolkit teaches you how to be successful in your new educational setting, with differences in the study methods you will use, the format of your lectures, and coursework and assessments and cultural differences that you may encounter.

    You will find Prepare for Success www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk a valuable resource that will help you to prepare for university study and life in the UK.

  • Digital: Systems, Software and Services

    We want you to succeed at the University of Cumbria and we have a wide range of IT systems and services to support your studies.

    Getting started with our IT:

    Improve your understanding and use of IT:

  • Get Involved

    We know that coming to university is a great opportunity to make friends and get involved with the local community, so we have pulled together a list of some places you might want to visit during your time here.

    We want this to be your one-stop place to find things to do near your campus, with suggestions of places, shops, and organisations you can get involved with in the local areas around where you’re studying.

     

    Free Community Activities and Venues

    Lancaster

    Friends International Events

    Friends International is a friendly and active community of students from both of Lancaster’s universities.

    Download the Friends International app to see a calendar of events including times, dates, and locations of upcoming events.

    Examples of events they have held include:

    International dinners

    Outings to local areas including Kendal

    Easter celebration

     

    Gregson Community Centre

    A welcoming and lively space in the heart of Lancaster with lots of events and social opportunities.

    They offer:

    • Special deals and discounts for students
    • Volunteering opportunities to help with events, bar work, administration, and more.
    • Clubs, events, and activities to get involved with, and a chance to meet locals from outside the University - https://gregson.co.uk/whatson/
    • Free, regular film nights in the secret cinema.

     

    Lancashire Library

    Lancashire County Council library has a range of libraries, including Lancaster, Preston, and Burnley.

    At the main Lancaster library, they run a range of free events, including an English Conversation Group every Tuesday, and they also run craft groups, chess and board game clubs, a Korean Culture and Language group, and more.

     

    Carlisle

    Carlisle Cathedral

    One of Carlisle’s most popular and prestigious venues, the Cathedral is open daily for free walk-in visits. They do guided tours and have pop-up market stalls, as well as a café. The Cathedral is also where all Cumbria students will graduate at the end of their degrees!

     

    ‘Bookends’ Bookshop

    ‘Bookends’ is a popular independent bookshop selling an amazing selection of new and antique books. The shop also has a café, “Cakes and Ale”, which serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, lunch, and snacks. The café also hosts a range of talks by local authors.

     

    ‘The Source Collective’

    A very popular and student-friendly community hub in Denton Holme. The Source hosts concerts by comedians, bands, and other performers, along with Open-Mic nights. There is an excellent café-bar, and they have other activities such as games and musical instruments to play.

     

    Ambleside

    There are so many wonderful things to do in and around Ambleside. Along with the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities including hiking and wild water swimming, there are also lovely shops, cafes, arts venues, community hubs, and more!

     

    Ambleside Parish Centre

    The Parish Centre is a vibrant and inclusive venue that supports events and community led activities, including a Community Food Club and Café to help build community and prevent food waste.

    They run a range of cheap (and often free) events, which can be found on their ‘What’s On’ page.

     

    Zeffirelli’s

    A wonderful cinema with regular film showings, including live streamed theatre, opera, and ballet from around the world.

    They also have a vegetarian restaurant, a café, and a jazz bar!

     

    Wordsworth Museum at Grasmere

    A short bus ride away from Ambleside, you will find Wordsworth Museum, where you can explore the literary history of the area. The Museum grounds also have a garden, café, and shop.

    If you buy a ticket, you also get free return entry for a year, and they offer a student discount!

     

    A Train Journey Away

    For an exciting day out, you might want to take the train to Blackpool and visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which has 10 rollercoaters, over 20 rides, and family friendly entertainment. Blackpool also has three famous piers overlooking the Irish Sea, with amusement arcades, classic gaming machines, and more.

     

    Finding More Near You

    Tripadvisor is a useful website and app to use to find restaurants and activities near to wherever you live if you are commuting to your campus, or you can use it to explore the rest of the country over the weekends and during holidays.

     

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