Are you struggling to find sources for your assignments? Don’t know where to start with your research? Come speak to a librarian.
Members of the Library Learning and Teaching Team will be on hand to answer your burning library and research questions. No need to book. Just drop-in and see us!
Join us for talks from experts, networking and to find out what early careers look like in the security and defence sector as a graduate with any technology degree.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Sgt Tiff Griffiths, SNCO CE North. Royal Air Force
Warrant Office Matt Cryer, Cyber, Royal Air Force
Adam Warnock, G2 Security Operations Centre Manager at the National Crime Agency
New to the University and want to find new friends? Or been here a while and want to extend your friend network? Good news – there’s loads of places to find new connections at the University:
Active Campus sessions
Our Active Campus sessions are a great way to meet new friends in a fun and relaxed environment. They’re all free – you just need to book your place on Playwaze.
CSU Societies
Chester Students’ Union (CSU) run 55 societies in everything from Taylor Swift and K-Pop to Anime and debating. Societies are most active from September to May – and most run regular in-person events. Don’t fancy any of those? At various points in the year, you can also create your own. Find out more.
activeCHESTER clubs
activeCHESTER run over 40 sports clubs in everything from basketball and rowing to rounders and dance. The playing season usually runs from October to March/April; however some teams do play over the summer months, including our cricket team. You can find the latest membership prices under membership on our Portal pages. We strongly recommend you to contact any club you’re interested in and try it out first before you purchase any membership.
Volunteering
From student-led projects like dog walking and the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Project to one-off opportunities with local providers, there are lots of ways to get involved with volunteering and make new friends in the process on our Volunteering Hub.
Events
University events are another way to meet students who are on different courses or on different levels. Click on the Events tile on the app, visit Student Shout Out’s Events pages or visit CSU’s website to view all upcoming events.
Are you struggling to find sources for your assignments? Don’t know where to start with your research? Come speak to a librarian.
Members of the Library Learning and Teaching Team will be on hand throughtout October to answer your burning library and research questions. No need to book. Just drop-in and see us!
The University of Chester is committed to ensuring our sites provide a safe and inclusive environment for all. We do not tolerate forms of unacceptable behaviours such as discrimination, harassment or abuse. Everybody has the right to study, work and live in an environment where they feel safe and respected.
It is important that University staff, students and visitors:
Feel comfortable in reporting incidents
Feel able to challenge any discrimination or harassment they may encounter
Feel supported by both the University and the Students’ Union in dealing with reports effectively
Be open-minded and always treat others with fairness and respect
You report, and we will support.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse such as sexual violence, domestic abuse, harassment, bullying or discrimination, it is not your fault and help is available.
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which:
Violates your dignity.
Makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated.
Creates a hostile or offensive environment.
You don’t need to have previously objected to someone’s behaviour for it to be considered unwanted.
Forms of sexual harassment can include:
Sexual comments or jokes.
Physical behaviour, including unwelcome sexual advances, touching and various forms of sexual assault.
Displaying pictures, photos or drawings of a sexual nature.
Sending emails with a sexual content.
Sexual Violence
Sexual violence, such as sexual assault and rape are acts of a sexual nature that are conducted intentionally without consent. Acts can involve kissing, groping, fondling, penetration, rape and acts that can be violent or non-violent.
A person consents to a sexual act if they agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make a choice. Freedom to give consent means a person is not constrained in any way to agree to sexual activity.
Having the capacity to give consent means a person can make and communicate a decision, understand the consequences, and know that they have a choice.
Giving consent to one act is not consent to all, and consent can also be withdrawn at any time.
Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.
Harassment is defined as unwanted and unwarranted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating another person’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for another person.
Bullying or harassment can happen:
Face to face verbally or physically, online, in writing or in calls
At work or in other work-related situations
As a one-off or a pattern repeated behaviour
The recipient does not need to have explicitly stated the behaviour was unwanted and the intentions of the alleged harasser don’t always determine whether harassment has taken place.
And it’s possible someone might not know their behaviour is bullying. It can still be bullying even if they do not realise it or do not intend to bully someone.
Examples of behaviour could include:
unwanted physical contact
any behaviour of a sexual nature that takes place without consent and with no reasonable grounds for believing there was consent, including inappropriate body language, sexually explicit remarks or innuendoes, or unwanted physical conduct, such as sexual advances and touching without consent
offensive comments or body language
insulting, abusive, embarrassing or patronising behaviour or comments
persistently shouting at, insulting or threatening an individual
constantly criticising someone without providing constructive support
posting offensive comments on social media
isolation or exclusion from conversations or social events
publishing, circulating or displaying offensive pictures or other materials.
If you’re living away from home for the first time, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions in the first few weeks – particularly if you’re living with a range of housemates who might all behave in different ways.
When it comes to disagreements, things can escalate quickly in accommodation where feelings can often feel amplified.
Check out our tips for how to resolve conflict constructively and create a healthy living environment:
1. Take a breather
Avoid immediate confrontation: If emotions are running high, give everyone time to cool off before addressing the issue.
Reflect: Think about the situation calmly and try to understand your own feelings and perspective.
2. Communicate openly
Arrange a meeting: Set aside a neutral time and place where everyone involved can talk without interruptions.
Be honest and respectful: Use “I” statements (e.g., “I felt hurt when…” rather than “You made me feel…”) to avoid sounding accusatory.
Listen actively: Let each person share their side without interruptions.
3. Identify the core issues
Clarify the problem: Is the conflict about shared responsibilities, respect, or something personal? Understanding the root cause is key to resolving it.
Acknowledge differing perspectives: Recognise that others may view the situation differently from you.
4. Seek solutions together
Propose compromises: Find ways to address the conflict that are fair and acceptable to everyone involved.
Set ground rules: If the conflict arose from shared living issues (e.g. cleanliness, noise), agree on house rules to prevent future disagreements.
5. Involve a neutral mediator
If direct discussions aren’t successful, involve a neutral third party to help mediate.
6. Establish Boundaries
Respect personal space: If it’s difficult to fully reconcile, agree on how to coexist peacefully without constant interaction.
Focus on co-living dynamics: Agree to maintain a courteous relationship, even if the personal friendship cannot be restored.
7. Prioritise Wellbeing
Seek support: If the situation is affecting mental health, reach out to friends, family, or the University’s Students Services on 01244 511 550 or studentservices@chester.ac.uk
Know when to move on: If the situation is irreparable, consider options like changing rooms or housing arrangements for the future.
8. Learn from the experience
Use this as an opportunity to grow in communication and conflict resolution skills, which are valuable in all aspects of life.
It’s essential to balance addressing the conflict with maintaining personal and academic priorities. Taking proactive steps can help turn a difficult situation into a constructive outcome.
Where can I get help if we’ve been unable to resolve it ourselves?
In University of Chester Accommodation
Start with your RA, if they can’t help, they will signpost you to other services.
The ResLife team can also offer support. Email them on reslife@chester.ac.uk
In Privately Managed Student Accommodation Blocks
Speak to the management team at the site
In a Private Rented Student House
Speak to your landlord or letting agent who should provide you with options on managing a serious housemate fall out. They should not automatically defer to the referring you to the University. Landlords are paid for a service which they should provide.
Student Assistance Programme (SAP)
A free service for University of Chester students which is available 24/7
You can discuss tenancy and housing concerns with SAP
Getting ready to move into University of Chester accommodation?
We know the whole moving process can be pretty stressful but don’t panic – our Residential Advisers (the team of student volunteers that support students in UoC-owned accommodation) have come up with some top tips to help you out:
🏡 You’ll find a list of things you should and shouldn’t bring on page 8 of the Resident Guide – make sure you also check pages 9 and 10 for information on regulations and guidance:
🏡 Check your University emails for a link to your Residential Life Teams group, so you can find others who will be living in your accommodation.
🏡 Look out for your Residential Advisers in the blue Residential Life tops – we’re here to help.
🏡 Take some time to explore and get to know your new campus and city.
🏡 Bring photos of friends/family and make your room feel like your home from home.
🏡 Don’t bring everything you own; only buy essentials and explore charity shops for good deals once you get here.
🏡 Organise your room and keep it tidy – it makes a real difference.
🏡 Say hello to your flatmates, it’s likely they feel the same as you. Unpack with your door open, invite them to hang out, cook with them or invite them to try out one of the many activities happening during Welcome Week.
🏡 Smile and say hello! Don’t be afraid to be the first person to suggest doing something together. This will also help you to gain more confidence.
🏡 Get involved in as much as you can; Residential Life, Chester Students’ Union (CSU), Sport and Active Lifestyle, and Student Services have loads of activities for everyone and it’s a great way to meet people.
🏡 Get involved in Sports and Societies and get to know the people you live with at the beginning of term; it’s a great way to make friends and connections.
🏡 Make sure you tidy and clean up after yourself in any communal kitchens or bathrooms to make sure everyone has a pleasant experience.
🏡 Always use the extractor fan and keep kitchen doors closed when cooking to avoid setting the fire alarm off!
🏡 Get to know your Residential Adviser – they are a brilliant point of contact and can help signpost you to appropriate services if you need them.
We’re so excited to welcome you to the University of Chester on Arrivals Day – Saturday 4 October! Moving to university is a big step, and we want your first day to be smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable.
This page will guide you through what to expect on move-in day, how to get here, parking, and a reminder of what you need to do before you arrive.
Before You Arrive
To make sure everything runs smoothly on the day, please complete the following before you arrive:
Exton Park is centrally located in Chester and easily accessible by car via the M53, A483, A41, and A56, as well as by public transport from the city centre. Please enter via the main entrance on Parkgate Road.
Please note: major roadworks are taking place across the city during this period so please allow plenty of time for your journey.
For more information about finding us and available public transport options, please visit our website.
What To Expect on Arrival
Our Accommodation team have already contacted you to confirm your allocated move-in timeslot. Please arrive during your allocated timeslot. This is really important as it helps us ensure a safe and smooth move-in process for everyone. We understand that unexpected delays can happen. If you arrive after 5.15pm, don’t worry – simply head to the Security Lodge (the first building on the right as you enter Exton Park) to collect your keys.
Parking & Luggage:
On arrival, our friendly Security and Welcome Team will confirm your timeslot, ask where you’ll be moving into, and help you find a parking space. Please note that parking is limited and cannot be guaranteed, but we’ll do our best to direct you to the nearest available spot to your accommodation.
We ask that you leave your luggage in your car until after check-in. If you’re arriving by public transport and need a place to store your luggage while you collect your keys, simply stop by the red Welcome Tent (located opposite Seaborne Library) and we’ll keep your belongings safe.
Check-In:
Once you’ve parked, your first stop will be Seaborne Library, where you’ll collect your accommodation keys and complete your in-person enrolment. This includes receiving your student ID card and lanyard. Please have the UoC app open on the photo ID page to show staff at the collection point.
After checking in, it’s time to move your belongings into your accommodation. A small number of trolleys will be available at the Red Welcome Tent, or you’re welcome to bring your own.
Parking After Unloading:
Once you’ve finished unpacking, we kindly ask to move your vehicle from campus to a nearby city centre car park. This helps the move-in process run smoothly and ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to unload safely during their timeslot. You can find local council car parks online, or you can visit the Red Welcome Tent where our staff can direct you to a local carpark.
This is a great opportunity to explore the city centre, which is just a short walk away, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions to explore. Please avoid parking on residential streets or restricted zones to respect our neighbours and the local community.
Once you’ve moved your vehicle, your friends and family are welcome to return to Exton Park to help you settle into your new home away home.
Help and Advice:
On the day, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet and get support from a wide range of services:
Student Services – Information, advice and guidance on all aspects of student life.
Registry Services – Help with enrolment and timetabling queries.
Finance Team – Support with accommodation fee queries.
Catering Team – Information on catering outlets, meal schemes, and dietary requirements.
LIS Team – Support with immediate IT needs and collection of your student ID card. This includes getting your devices on our Wi-Fi, downloading the UoC app, and accessing your university account and making it safe with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Remember to bring your student number and password.
Facilities Helpdesk – Your go-to contact for support with campus and accommodation facilities, including maintenance and cleaning.
Chester Students’ Union (CSU) – Meet your officer team, find out about opportunities, and enjoy prizes and freebies.
Weekend Events
We have a full line-up of events and activities to help you feel at home throughout the weekend from BBQs, drop-ins, and craft sessions, to relaxed socials, live music, and much more. For the full schedule, check out Student Shout Out, where you’ll find everything happening over the weekend and throughout Welcome Week. It’s a fantastic way to get involved, settle in, and start making friends.
Useful Resources
Make sure to explore our Accommodation Guide which is packed with what to bring checklists, tips for settling in, and details about the support available to you.
Scams which target students are common at this time of the year, particularly concerning Student Finance, so please be vigilant and think before you click/reply to anything.
Check out these important points from Student Finance:
We’ll never contact students through social media channels such as WhatsApp or Instagram.
Please review the spelling and grammar of the message as poor punctuation and misspelling are often signs of smishing (fraud involving text messages).
Keep an eye out for any suspicious emails, calls or texts around the time of an expected payment.
Scam emails are often sent in bulk and commonly start with ‘Dear Student’ rather than personal names.
Urgent messages are usually not genuine, for example ‘’failure to respond in 24 hours will result in your account being closed’.
Think before you click by hovering over a link first and if in doubt do not risk selecting it.
Always use official phone numbers, the online account and official communication channels to verify the contact received is genuine.
Be mindful of information you share about yourself online, to help guard against identity theft.
SLC, Student Finance England (SFE), Student Finance Wales (SFW) or Student Finance Northern Ireland (SFNI) send a text message to students if a change has been made to their bank details. If you haven’t changed your bank details and receive a message, please contact SFE, SFW or SFN immediately.
You can find guidance on identifying a scam on GOV.UK.
If you receive a suspicious message, you should report it immediately by emailing report@phishing.gov.uk and call our dedicated hotline on 0300 100 0059.
You can also find a range of additional advice and information on recognising and avoiding scams from Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
Emails targeting your student email are also common, particularly at the start of new academic years. Check out these useful tips from our LIS team:
Third-party Services (e.g. Yearbooks and Hoodies)
The University is not officially affiliated with services such as MyYearbook or external hoodie vendors. If you receive emails promoting these services, please be aware that they are not sent by the University, and you will not be contacted directly about purchasing these items. Any communications suggesting otherwise should be treated with caution and verified before engaging.
Payment-related Emails
All legitimate university emails relating to payments will come from an @chester.ac.uk email address — for example, noreply@chester.ac.uk or fees@chester.ac.uk. If you receive a payment request and are unsure about its legitimacy, do not click on any links or respond directly. Instead, contact the finance team via email on fees@chester.ac.uk to confirm its authenticity before taking any further action.
Didn’t manage to make it to our recent Pre-Arrival Sessions?
Don’t worry – we’ve recorded them so all so you can catch up using the on-demand links on this page. Please use your university login (found in your Welcome email) to access these recordings.
Session Name
Recording Link
Pre-Arrival Welcome and Orientation: Welcome to the University of Chester!