Partner Universities - England
University of Chester
Subject Areas:
Acting, advertising, art history, communications, English, fine arts, graphic design, history, journalism, multimedia, photography
Session dates:
Semester 1 – 26th September – 3rd December
Semester 2 – 13th February – 30th June
Accommodation:
Accommodation is available to all international students in self-catered or catered accommodation on both the Chester and Warrington campuses. Single and shared rooms are offered with access to communal areas and facilities. In addition, students may wish to live in private sector housing however, it is not recommended for exchange students.
Free internet access is offered to all students living in the halls of residence and facilities include laundrettes, communal bathrooms (ensuite rooms are available), fully equipped kitchenettes, irons and ironing boards. Students are advised to provide their own bed linen. Alternatively, linen packs which include a doona, doona cover, sheet, pillow and pillowcase can be purchsed from the university for £30. Kitchen packs are also available for £35 each.
Meal plans are available for all students. Two schemes are available. Scheme A provides students with lunch and dinner, while scheme B provides lunch only.
Approximate Expenses for one academic semester:
- £3000
- Room; £75 per week
- Meal Plan; £335 per week (lunch and dinner, Monday to Friday)
- Personal Expenses; £1000 per semester including living expenses and books
- Health Insurance;
- Round trip air fare;
- Passport and visa fees;
Exchange student support services:
The University of Chester offers an Induction Programme for international students. Sessions include university tours and meetings with your academic tutors as well as information about accommodation, financial matters, enrolment, and library services. Social events and other activities are also offered through the International Welfare Office and Chester Student Union.
Throughout an international student’s study period they are also invited to participate in a number of excursions to tourist attractions in and around Chester, Werrington and other nearby regions.
International students are matched with ‘student mentors’ who offer support and friendship to new arrivals to the University of Chester.
Visa:
Students are advised to check with the British Embassy or High Commission in their country to determine whether a visa is required to study in the UK. You should also take into account your intentions for travel through Europe before or after you commence your studies. Further information regarding visas can be found at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Health Insurance:
Students may should make sure they have adequate medical insurance to cover costs in case of illnesses, accidents and emergencies.
These expenses can include:
- costs incurred if unable to complete studies
- travel expenses to return home due to relative who is ill
- travel expenses of relative visiting you while ill in the UK
- cost of returning to you home for medical treatment
- cost of returning a body to home country for burial
Students who are entitled to free NHS treatment whilst in the UK, should still consider taking out insurance to cover the additional costs listed above and to avoid delays in medical treatment. Further information regarding the NHS system can be found at http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
Facts in Brief
About the University of Chester:
The University of Chester was founded in 1839 making it one of England’s oldest universities in the UK. Since it’s inception it has sought to provide students with the highest standard of education, providing graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in service industries such as health and education and more recently it has diversifying into specialised areas.
The student population is now estimated at 11000, which is spread across the two campuses – Chester and Warrington. The campuses are located approximately 25kms apart and are serviced by a regular shuttle bus.
Location:
Chester and Warrington are situated in the North West of England, with the city of Chester bordering Wales. The beautiful walled city of Chester is estimated to have a population of over 100,000. It was built on the River Dee with habitation dating back as far as Roman times. Warrington also has a history over 2000 years old and is famous for building Britain’s first canal. More recently it has found fame as Britain’s largest beer producer. Warrington is now a modern bustling community with a population nearing 200,000.
Climate:
The weather of Chester and Warrington is usually mild. Cold weather starts to set in around November, however it is rarely cold enough to produce snow. The average winter temperature is between 5 and 8 degrees. Summer weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging between 17 and 20 degrees.
Average high and low temperatures (in degrees celcius);
- January 0 - 8
- April 3 -10
- July 10 - 20
- October 6 - 12
Activities:
Culture
Chester and Warrington are cities rich in history and tradition. Architectural relics dating back 2000 years can be found in the cities and surrounding areas. During the summer months Chester supports the performing arts, hosting such festivals as the annual Chester Music Festival, the Chester Midsummer Watch Parade and the Chester Mystery Plays. Both the parade and plays date back to medieval times.
Popular attractions of Warrington include the Warrington Museum and Pyramid and Parr Hall. The later hosts numerous musical and theatrical perfomances throughout the year. Visitors can also take in a guided walk around the area to fully appreciate the many historical sights.
Students at the University of Chester can become involved with the arts through various social clubs and facilities such as the Drama Society, Arts Society, Centre Stage Society and the College Music Society.
Sport
Football and basketball are represented by Chester City F.C and the Chester Jets. Rugby fans can attend the Warrington Wolves home games at Halliwell-Jones Stadium. Other sporting facilities include a golf club, swimming pools, an indoor climbing centre and many more. Nature lovers can take short trips to various national parks such as the Lakes District, Peaks District, the beaches of North Wales and closer to home, the Risley Moss Nature Reserve,
Both Chester and Warrington campuses offer a variety of facilities for indoor and outdoor recreation. The sports hall at Warrington is used for activities such as badminton, basketball, martial arts and more while students at Chester can work out in the fitness suite, gymnasium and tennis courts plus numerous other sporting options.