Pizzas galore!

Study time

The library building dominates UEA’s campus and stocks a wealth of books, journals, articles, CDs and videos. There are grumblings that more could be provided, although these complaints often emanate from those who were slow off the mark come essay time and missed out on all the key titles.

The short loan section ensures that the most popular books are not hoarded by book-hoggers and there is normally plenty of space to get studying, although it does become extremely busy around exams and essay deadline time.

There are currently discussions about extending the library's opening hours as many feel a weekday closing time of 9pm is somewhat limiting. The same cannot however be said about the IT facilities attached to the library which are open 24 hours so that bleary eyed students can work into the wee hours in order to get that crucial essay finished.

The library staff are always helpful although, with the advent of thrilling new technology, it is possible to locate, borrow and return books, whilst paying your overdue fine, without partaking in any human contact.

Human contact, or lack of it, can also be an issue in some subject areas, particularly final year students of subjects such as English Literature. Contact time with tutors - a weekly total of all your lectures and seminars for a particular unit of study - can be as little as three hours a week, though many tutors will do their best to give extra assistance if necessary.

The more scientific subjects, management subjects and computing are all degrees that certainly do not suffer from this problem, with the arts students normally being the ones to grumble. However, arts students often benefit from far fewer exams, although even the most exam-phobic will no doubt have to grin and bear this inconvenience at some point during their degree. Many courses also make periodic use of individual or group presentations as a means of assessment.

Play time

Quite simply, the gigs that UEA manages to get every year are the envy of many other Student Unions - though this is partly a result of the fact that if you are going to play in East Anglia, Norwich is really your only option. Lily Allen, Jools Holland and Pete Doherty were just three attendees last year, so whatever your musical taste, you are likely to find something to satisfy it. (Click here for more information on the SU and upcoming gigs)

The majority of the gigs take place in the LCR or Large Common Room (very un-catchy), which is UEA’s large, multi-purpose hall, whose interior bears more than a passing resemblance to an aircraft hanger. It really is the fulcrum of social life at UEA and when it is not hosting music events the room is transformed into a student nightclub every Tuesday and Saturday. Tuesdays are often themed so school uniforms, super hero outfits and pirate attire are all in attendance at some point throughout the year.

During the day, the LCR and the room adjoining it (The Hive) become awash with students grabbing some lunch between lectures, or perhaps skipping them altogether. Many also frequent the recently refurbished pub, purchase some food in the Union Food Outlet (UFO) or alternatively lunch in the campus canteen, Zest. In essence, UEA’s campus is always thriving with activity and is rarely a boring place to be.

For those infrequent occasions when another night at the LCR seems a step too far, or the pace of life slows a little, UEA can still offer fulfilment. The beautiful lake and surrounding area always makes for a pleasant walk, while the renowned Sainsbury Centre art gallery is only five minutes from the centre of campus. Students are regularly putting on dramatic performances or taking part in open mike music nights, or you may wish to go along to one of the many guest lectures that take place throughout the year.

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