Having a great student experience is key to our success at Loughborough. We’re always investing into campus and listening to feedback to improve the things you think are important. Here are 10 ways we improved your student life last year.

1. Extended service times in halls for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

As Loughborough students, we know you have loads of commitments at all hours of the day. In a recent student survey, you told us you wanted meal times extended – so that’s what we did! Check out the new times here.

2. Opened West Park Teaching Hub

January 2016 saw the opening of a brand new learning facility, the West Park Teaching Hub. Boasting five lecture theatres, two seminar rooms a wide open space full of seating with a cafe, it’s a perfect space to get your head down or meet with friends.

As a student from the Department of Civil and Building Engineering, I often use the West Park Teaching Hub. It’s a state of art building of which serves as a perfect environment for students in socialising, learning and getting help from the Maths Learning Support Centre.

Jacky Man, Part C Air Transport Management 

3. Doubled the number of lectures on ReView capture system

Frantically writing down every word your lecturer is saying is no fun, and we know going back through lectures when you’re writing coursework or revising can be helpful! Last year we doubled the number of lectures available on ReView so you can watch them again later. Like an academic Netflix.

4. Upgraded computers across more PC labs

Our IT team have been hard at work upgrading the computers across campus so they’re nice and speedy, and have all the latest software you need.

I was away on placement last year and I came back to a brand new Maths department with dedicated study spaces and a large computer lab for maths students only. Also, all computers on campus are very powerful, with large monitors, easily better than most laptops people have at home.

Dobby Slavov, Part C Financial Mathematics

P.S. Did you know that you can see when computers in labs are available across campus? Try it out here.

5. Free access to Microsoft Office products

If you’re a student at Loughborough, you get free Microsoft Office, on all your devices – including tablets. If you aren’t making use of this – why on earth not?!

6. Expanded Library opening hours, as well as cafe opening hours

In term time, the Library is open every day until 2am, and, we extended the 24/7 opening dates to include time before exams kicked off. To keep those gears turning, the Library Cafe is also open 9am – 11pm Monday to Friday, and 10am – 9pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Making the Library 24/7 for a longer time during January has been fantastic for those of us who have essay deadlines due before the exam period. They’ve also extended the Library Café opening times which makes it easier to refuel on a revision break.

Hannah Timson, Part B English 

7. Library improvements

It’s often the little things that matter – like making sure every study space in the Library has a power socket. We’ve also developed the online loan application and improved the reading list process so books end up on the shelves much quicker!

Especially as I’m writing my dissertation this year the huge range of resources including both in the library, and on databases the university subscribes access to, is invaluable.

Imogen Newey, Part C History and English

8. Hosting the largest student careers fair in the UK

At Loughborough, we’ve always had great links with top employers in a range of industries. That means we offer loads of opportunities to meet potential future employers. Our Autumn careers fair in 2016 was the largest event of its kind in the UK. Read more about upcoming chances to meet employers; here’s to having even more employers on campus in 2017!

9. Developed social sports leagues

Not everyone at Loughborough plays sport at the highest level –  that wouldn’t be any fun! There are those who just want to play with friends or departments. We expanded social leagues on offer in sports such as football, netball, tennis and badminton. 

10. Exam support – more spaces to study on campus

We know the Library can get busy, particularly around exam time. Because of this, we’ve organised loads of other suitable places to get your head down. Take a look at our study spaces map if you don’t believe us!

It’s easier to find somewhere to work quietly instead of racing to the library to find a seat in a morning.

Hannah Timson, Part B English