Buckingham University

What’s it like as a place to live? Buckingham is a quiet town situated in the countryside. It’s the perfect place for those serious about their study. There’s everything you would need, but Milton Keynes and London are not too far away. It is a real gem in the rough.

How’s the student accommodation? Accommodation at the university is at a good standard. Students have a choice of many different locations. Beloff is usually the most popular due to its ensuite bathrooms. Whilst Sunley is the quite block reserved for mature students and those who are keen on studying.

What’s the student population like?  Buckingham University has a very diverse student population. The atmosphere is extremely friendly and with such diverse cultures you get a taste of the bigger picture of the world. We have students from Australia, China, Russia, France, and Germany to name a few.

How do students and locals get on? The locals and students have an active relationship. We have a group called ‘the friends of the university’ who help organise events, such as ‘meet and greet the students’, to help students integrate into the town. Students from other countries get a taste of old English dinners provided by the Friends.

What’s it like as a place to study? The University of Buckingham has a very personal approach to teaching. You are taught as an individual instead of another face in the crowd. Class sizes are very small with about 12 people per lecture and 4−5 per tutorial. Buckingham is a very quiet town and the ideal place to study.

What are the teaching staff like? The teaching staff at Buckingham are very helpful, and their sole goal is to help its students. Staff are always willing to have a one-on-one chat to help with studies or anything else for that manner. With the university’s small size, staff are able to give greater attention to their students.

What are student societies like? At Buckingham we have a number of societies. We have societies such as the European Society, Nigerian Society, Law Society, Football Society and many others. These societies plan events that enlighten others about their culture, objectives and goals. Events such as parties, culture days where one can indulge in different foods from around the world, to fund raising for charities. The societies are a big part of the university and students are actively encouraged to participate.

What’s a typical night out?  There is the university bar, Old Tanlaw Mill, where parties are usually held. There are local English pubs in the Buckingham town where students are always welcome. One may travel 15mins to Milton Keynes or London 50mins where one can visit nightclubs, ice skating, bowling, and most important shopping.

And how much does it cost?  A night in Buckingham would be around £20; with the close proximity of the town to the University there is no real travel costs. To Milton Keynes you would expect around £40 including taxi fare although there are bus routes running regularly. To London would be around £50−£70 due to the taxi fare and train ride.

How can you get home safely? Calling a local Buckingham taxi firm is usually the best bet. One can obtain the telephone number from the Student Union Office or the noticeboards around campus. As in most cities there is usually a line of taxis waiting for customers.

Is it an expensive place to live?  It all depends on whether you live on or off campus. On campus is obviously less expensive as bills are included but it depends on the student’s lifestyle.

Average price of a pint?  On average £3 on a happy hour, £1 a pint at Uni Bar

And the price of a takeaway? £6−£8

What’s the part-time work situation? With Buckingham being such a small town, employment is scarce. But Bicester Village and Milton Keynes are not far away and have plenty of part-time vacancies. Our careers office sends out regular mails with part-time work opportunities.

What’s the best feature about the place? Small, private and personal with two year degrees.

And the worst? Crazy loud ducks along the river!!!!

And to sum it all up? The University of Buckingham is a gem in the rough. We're the only private university in the UK and we've been top of the National Student Survey for the past 3 years. You can gain a first class education from a prestigious institute where you not only complete your degree in just two years but you also take away a truly multicultural experience. Our world-class lecturers are always happy to help, be it work related or not, and our small class sizes deliver an excellent student to staff ratio, ensuring greater attention to your progress