Theme: Facilities
We've been listening to Students, and we shared this listening at the assembly…
“Ten people are left behind every time the Burnley bus comes. It’s ridiculous.”
“Burnley students feeling left out as nothing exciting is happening on campus.”
“Oasis centre doesn’t open early enough for morning prayers.”
“Car parking availability on campus is limited and difficult to navigate due to no real-time space information.”
“Campus computers frequently lack required software (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks, Unreal Engine), making them unusable for coursework.”
“The Library ground floor lacks the necessary resources, such as group study rooms, quiet spaces, and the book collection, which are critical for comprehensive study. This change unfairly impacts those who need a quiet space, access to research materials, or collaborative areas during late-night hours.”
“The media factory cafe was not only the most accessible and convenient space for people in the media factory to get food, but it was also often an opportunity to socialise with the other courses. Making connections within the arts is vital for students and staff as we can provide each other with opportunities, without this space it deprives us of healthy food, and connections.”
At the assembly, we heard powerful stories from students about the challenges they faced with:
Student 1 – Physics Student
Libraries have limited resources as the ground floor is being shut down. Services are not the same as they used to be, with fewer books and resources available for their assignments. Due to fewer staff, the ability to access resources academically and for leisure is being limited.
Student 2 – Veterinary Medicine
The new vet school lacks accessibility. People with accessibility needs struggle with doors, as they are not opening automatically and are too narrow. There is currently one working lift on one side of the building, requiring people to go all the way around to this specific side of the building to get around. This is disruptive to the student’s ability to attend and their learning.
Student 3 – Medicine Student
Shuttle buses between Preston and Burnley campuses lack availability and effectiveness. Many students still do not get the opportunity to access the bus due to limited seats. Some students are required to travel due to their timetables and course schedules, but they often get left behind and cannot attend their classes appropriately. With high numbers on the bus, students are asked to pay for a return ticket, even if they do not wish to return, as the bus favours people who purchase return tickets, posing an unfair financial burden.
Student 4 – Burnley Campus
The Burnley campus is perceived as very quiet, lack of opportunities. Wishing for a project to cater to Burnley students to make them feel seen. E.g., introducing them to local nightlife and opportunities.
We can see from this insight that students are experiencing issues with:
• Limited and unreliable transport between campuses, particularly Preston and Burnley
• Lack of activity, social spaces, and opportunities on the Burnley campus
• Restricted access to study spaces and library resources
• Accessibility issues in buildings and facilities
• Limited access to food, faith, and social spaces on campus
• Inadequate IT facilities and specialist software on campus computers
(These examples come directly from student stories and listening sessions. They are shared as insight to inform how you might vote on the future priorities of the Union. Following this vote, we will bring together those students interested in progressing work and taking action on the priorities to decide the issues and next steps.)