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Author: Amy Edwards

Night out safety tips

Got some great nights out planned?

The University is based in some very safe cities, however it’s still important to be on your guard, especially on a night out.

Here are our top tips on how enjoy nights out with your new friends safely: 

  • Keep an eye on how much you’re drinking – it’s easy to get carried away on a night out but keep an eye on what you’re drinking and how much. And if you feel like you’ve had way too much, stop and go home. 
  • If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable or unsafe on a night out, you can go up to the bar and ask for ‘Angela’ – this will alert bar staff that you’re in an unsafe situation and they’ll call a taxi for you and keep you safe until it arrives 
  • Don’t add alcohol or drugs to anyone else’s drink. This is classed as spiking and is a criminal offence. It’s dangerous and can sometimes result in tragic consequences. If you think you’ve been spiked, find someone you trust and tell them at the time – this could be a friend or someone who works at a venue. 
  • Don’t leave your drink unattended – being spiked is never your fault and although cases of spiking are low around our sites, you still need to be careful. You can get anti-spiking drink covers and bottle top covers from the Union Bar at Exton Park.

After the event, please let the University or Chester Students’ Union know – we work with external partners around our sites to ensure our students are safe so we can share this information with them.

  • Many routes back to our Chester sites from the city centre run alongside the water. Please be careful – and where you can, plan a journey home away from the water. If you do plan to take a route home which runs alongside a river or canal, please stick together, look after your mates and consider using a personal safety app like Hollie Guard.  
  • If you do find yourself in a situation where you need help:  

☎️ Dial 999 in an emergency 

☎️ Dial 101 in a non-emergency 

☎️ If you need help at our sites, Security is available 24 hours a day – call 01244 511 541. 

Or check out our Help in an Emergency tile on the UoC app for more emergency contacts.  

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Academic Appeals

The academic appeals process enables students to raise concerns relating to the decisions of the Awards/Progression Assessment Board, of the Exceptional Circumstances Procedure, of the Attendance Policy where studies have been terminated, and in limited circumstances, decisions of the Academic Conduct Procedure.    

Important points to consider before utilising the academic appeals procedure:   

  • All appeals must be submitted within 10 days of the formal result notification.  
  • Where a student is appealing on the grounds of personal circumstances, there must also be compelling reasons for them having not first used the Exceptional Circumstances procedure.  
  • There are restricted grounds for appeal and strict deadlines for the submission of an academic appeal (full details in the Academic Appeals Policy).   
  • In no circumstances will a successful appeal result in the award of additional marks or the change of degree classification.   
  • Marks awarded for assessments are classed as academic judgements. Students cannot appeal on the basis that they disagree with the mark they have received, or that they feel that the mark should be higher. 
  • Decisions that a student has submitted work which breaches the Academic Conduct Policy are matters of academic judgement. Students cannot appeal on the basis of disagreement that the work breaches the Academic Conduct Policy.  

To formally submit an appeal, students must complete the online form on the University’s appeals page.   

The relevant appeals forms, along with guidance, information, and the full Academic Appeals Policy can be found on the University website. For any queries, you can email academic.appeals@chester.ac.uk.  

For independent advice, you should seek guidance from Chester Students’ Union. 

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Academic Conduct

It takes hard work, dedication and determination to achieve a degree from the University of Chester. Because of this, the University works hard to ensure that your efforts are properly recognised.  

We make sure that employers and the public can have confidence that the qualification you are working towards is of the highest quality and accurately reflects the knowledge and skills you have gained during your time at the University.   

Students have a vital role to play in safeguarding the value of the University’s awards by acting honestly, respectfully and fairly when being assessed. The central message of the University’s Academic Conduct Policy is that students should do nothing that has the potential to give them an unfair advantage over their classmates when being assessed. 

The University will protect your interests by ensuring that any student found to have breached the Academic Conduct Policy doesn’t benefit from doing so, but we will always act fairly and proportionately. We look to provide support and guidance to help students and where students act in good faith, the University will look to give them opportunities to develop good academic practice before penalising them.    

  • Student guidance, along with a full copy of the University’s Academic Conduct Policy can be found on the University website. 
  • Additional student support and guidance relating to Academic Conduct can be found on Portal.  

If you have any questions about the University’s Academic Conduct Policy or if you want to learn more about what it means for you, ask your PAT for help or alternatively, you can email academicconduct@chester.ac.uk for more information.   

For independent advice, you should seek guidance from Chester Students’ Union. 

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Physical Health

Register for a local doctor/GP 

It’s really important to register with a local doctor’s surgery during your time at the University to ensure you can get access to medical help quickly if you need it.   

Don’t forget – you can register as a temporary patient with another GP when you return home during the holidays, so you’ve always got access.   

Click here to find a list of local practices. 

If you’re a full-time international student studying in the UK for longer than six months, you are eligible to use NHS services. For more information on healthcare in the UK, please visit the Portal page here. 

Vaccinations 

It’s important to ensure you’re up to date with your vaccinations during your studies:    

1. Meningococcal disease causes meningitis and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning) and can be very severe. If you are under 25 years of age and have not yet had the MenACWY vaccine please ask your GP practice about this.   

2. You can help to protect yourself and stop the spread of measles and mumps by checking with your GP that you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.   

3. Meningitis can affect anyone of any age, can kill and it can also cause long-term after-effects. Make sure you know the main signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease (meningitis and/or septicaemia).  

Graphic showing the signs and symptoms of Meningitis

If you think you or one your friends may have meningitis or septicaemia, please call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department immediately. 

4. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious illness caused by an airborne bacteria. TB can cause serious health problems – particularly if it‘s not caught early. But the illness is curable, and testing and treatment are free and confidential in the UK. Click here to view the common symptoms or view the graphic below.   

Sexual Health 

Chester Students’ Union offer a range of sexual health resources, including STI testing kits, menstruation products, and condoms. These can be found in both of their toilet facilities in the CSU building on Exton Park and are completely free for students to take and use. 

Forgotten your pill or had unprotected sex? Maybe you’re worried about something? Here’s what to do and where to go if you need help. 

Could I have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? 

If you have had unprotected sex (without a condom), there’s a chance you could have caught a sexually transmitted infection (STI). 

Arrange to get tested if you: 

  • haven’t got symptoms, but are worried you might have an STI 
  • have symptoms, such as an unusual discharge 
  • feel something is wrong 

If you’re sexually active, either stop having sex or make sure you use a condom until you get your test results. If you do have an STI, using a condom will help prevent passing it on. Your sexual partners will also need to get tested. 

You can get free, confidential advice and treatment from your GP or specialist clinics in your area. Hospitals often have sexual health clinics (also known as GUM clinics), which test for and treat STIs. Most STIs can be easily treated, so don’t be scared of having a test and finding you do have an STI.  

Find sexual health information and support 

Chlamydia 

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the UK. It can be easily tested for, and testing is free and confidential at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery. You can also buy chlamydia testing kits to use at home, with free tests available online for 15- to 24-year-olds. 

Find free chlamydia home test kits for under-25s. 

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Chaplaincy

Our multi-faith Chaplaincy team is here to support all students and staff, whatever your religion or beliefs may be. Chaplains are available to offer pastoral, spiritual and religious care and advice and are always ready to help you and offer a listening ear.  

The Chaplaincy team is based at Exton Park, but we work with students across all University sites and are available either in-person or online via Teams. We also have a wider team of Associate Chaplains from various religious communities. You can contact us via chaplaincy@chester.ac.uk   

Chaplaincy offers students a warm welcome and helps students to feel a sense of community and belonging.  We run all sorts of weekly activities and events including an Art Zone, Craft Sessions, a Wellbeing Garden led by students, and lots of food events. Follow us on Instagram for the latest information.   

Community Hub & Garden – Exton Park  

The Community Hub (next door to Binks at Exton Park) is the base for Chaplaincy and is a supportive community space for all students. It is a welcoming space where our students and staff can relax, share food together, and take part in events and activities.  

The Community Hub is open Monday-Thursday, 9.30am– 4.30pm – and there are lots of groups for you to join such as our Thursday gardening group and many other activities.   

You can just pop in to enjoy areas such as our quiet Sanctuary Space, the Creative Art Space, the Games Room and our award-winning Wellbeing Garden & Peace Garden with a wildlife pond.  

Religion & Belief Support  

The Chaplaincy team supports students and staff from a wide range of religions and beliefs. Chaplains also oversee our University Chapel, our Muslim Prayer rooms and Chaplaincy Quiet Rooms. Chaplains can also point you in the direction of specific religious support local to where you live if that’s what you’re looking for. Just let us know and we’ll do our best to help you.  

  1. At Exton Park we have our University Chapel (built in 1839). It is open all week for quiet reflection, prayers, and to light a candle. Christian Chaplains lead special services throughout the year, and occasionally weddings and graduation ceremonies. 
  1. Muslim prayer rooms with wudu facilities are available across our sites for daily prayer. Our Muslim Chaplain regularly visits our prayer rooms.  

You can find out more about our Muslim prayer rooms here  

Our Chaplaincy team offer a variety of other opportunities including Buddhist mindfulness sessions and Hindu gatherings. Follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with new events.  

A Listening Space   

Would you like some space to chat through something that is on your mind? Are you feeling in need of some support? Just send an email to  chaplaincy@chester.ac.uk and ask for some time with one of our Chaplains. Someone from the team will be back in touch to arrange a time to chat either in person or via Teams.  

The University Choir  

 The University of Chester Choir enjoys learning and singing a range of music, from classical, popular and folk music to original compositions.  

We have a friendly mixed staff/student choir which meets every Thursday at St Thomas’ Church (across the road from the University Chapel at Exton Park) from 5.45pm-7pm.  

The Choir take part in various musical events throughout the academic year, including events which form part of the University of Chester calendar. Other events include local concerts and a variety of singing opportunities in the wider community.   

The Choir also takes part in high profile events, joining up with other cities in the UK.    

You do not need any musical experience to join! If you are interested in joining, you can contact our Director of Music, Matt Baker via  m.baker@chester.ac.uk  

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Learning and Information Services (LIS)

Learning and Information Services (also known as LIS) provide:  

  • access to a vast array of digital and print information resources  
  • a wide range of study spaces across our library locations  
  • access to a wealth of technologies enabled by staff expertise to help you study and learn effectively.  

Services we offer 

We provide a number of student-facing services that are there to help you make the most of your university experience: 

  • We provide comfortable, welcoming environments that are Wi-Fi enabled.  
  • PCs and loanable laptops. (Apple iMacs are also available via Seaborne Library, Queen’s Park Library and Creative Campus, Kingsway LRC). 
  • Multi-functional devices you can use to scan, photocopy or print.  
  • Where possible, we buy resources in digital format to enable opportunities for you to access anytime, anywhere.  
  • We automatically renew print resources on loan to you if no one else is waiting for them.  
  • If you find the details of a book or article we don’t have access to at the University that you need for your research, we provide a free on-demand service where we will get hold of what you require from either our suppliers or other libraries.   
  • We offer a range of digital skills support. You can download Office 365 for free. This includes apps such as Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook. Click here to find out more.  

Locating support 

You can find the opening hours of our libraries (please check for arrangements for each library) and staffed Helpdesk support here. 

You can also connect with our services through numerous virtual channels:  

Our Librarians also offer a range of skills sessions throughout the year and deliver a Library Skills video channel where you can view recorded sessions to aid your skills development. Practical introductory topics include examples such as how to use ebooks effectively, through sessions such as effective literature searching for your assignments. You can find upcoming sessions on the Events tile.  

If you’re not sure where to start, our librarians are here to help you.  

Contact details for our librarians can be found here.   

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Personal Academic Tutors (PATs) 

We want to support all students and give them the help and guidance they need throughout their student journey.  

All Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) when they start at the University.  

Your PAT is a member of staff in your academic division who is your first port of call  for any academic issues that you may have.  

What can my PAT help with? 

Your PAT is here to help with issues which might be affecting your studies, and particularly to provide academic advice and guidance. If they can’t help directly with more personal or complex problems, they’ll signpost you to other teams at the University who can, for instance, Student Services or Proctor’s Office.  
   
Your PAT is there to help throughout your student journey – and you should check in with them regularly, regardless of how you feel it’s going. PATs can get you back on track if you feel like you’re struggling academically, and they can also help you to improve and progress if you feel like you’re doing OK. 

Who is my PAT? 

Most students will have the opportunity to meet with their PAT in their first week at university, or within the first few weeks of starting their programme of study, but if you haven’t met them yet for whatever reason, you can find details of your PAT in the My Details tile on the UoC app, or via Moodle.  

How often should I meet with my PAT? 

Please note: for the May 2025 Business School cohort, the process for contacting and meeting with your PAT is different. Please check your student emails for more information. 

You should meet with your PAT at least three times a year – and in some cases you may need to meet with them more often than this over the academic year.     

Typically, these meetings tend to take place:   

  • During Induction, Welcome Week or Reinduction (this will depend on the start date of your programme, eg September for most Undergraduate students)  
  • Later in the Autumn term   
  • After Christmas in the Winter Term 
  • Again in the Spring Term  

Meetings with your PAT may take place on an individual one-to-one basis, or they might take the form of group meetings where you meet with your PAT alongside other students on your course. 

PATs are encouraged to check in with you regularly. However, if you would like extra meetings with your PAT, just reach out and request it, either via email or in person. 

Can I change my PAT? 

Every UG and PGT student gets allocated a PAT, and while most are a good fit, in some situations, you might feel like your allocated PAT isn’t the most appropriate member of staff for you. This could be because you’ve now chosen a niche area of your subject to specialise in, and your PAT isn’t a specialist in this area, or it could be for more personal reasons.    

In this instance, you do have the option to change to a different member of staff. To do this, all you need to do is have a chat with your Programme Leader or Head of Division/School and email sp@chester.ac.uk to get the process started. 

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Water safety

Many of our sites are situated close to open bodies of water.

With this in mind, it’s vital that you’re familiar with water safety and know how to react in an emergency.

Float to Live

Around 50% of people who accidentally drown every year didn’t intend to be in the water. If you do find yourself in trouble, remember: Float to Live.

Learn to float in five simple steps:

  1. Tilt your head back, submerging your ears
  2. Relax and try to control your breathing
  3. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat
  4. Your legs may sink but that’s OK, everyone floats differently.
  5. Practise floating in a supervised location like your local swimming pool.

Emergency support

If you need emergency support from the Police, Ambulance Service, Fire Service or Coastguard, please call 999 immediately. 999 should only be called for life threatening emergencies.

When you call 999, the call handler will ask you a series of questions, including:

  • the location of the emergency
  • what has happened
  • your contact number

Please try and stay calm and give the call handler as much information as they need. They may need to call you back, so please ensure your phone is on loud speaker and there is somewhere there to take your call.

Once they have this information, the call handler should tell how how long you will need to wait and may give you instructions about what to do, such as giving basic first aid. Click here to find out more.

Don’t Drink and Drown

Don’t Drink and Drown is the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s national campaign focused on reducing the number of substance-related drownings across the UK and Ireland. 46% of accidental drownings in those aged 18-25 involve drink or drugs.

  • Some routes back to Exton Park from Chester city centre involve walking along the canal. Please use an alternative route if possible, particularly if you have been drinking/taking drugs.
  • Be a Mate – Don’t let your friends walk home alone. Stick together to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Cold water shock

Even on a hot day in the UK, many rivers, canals and open bodies of water can be extremely cold – and the shock of entering water which is below 15oC can be dangerous. Side effects include:

  • breathing difficulties
  • an increase in your blood pressure
  • increased heart rate

All of these responses can lead to a feeling of panic and an increase in your breathing rate which can in turn increase the chance of inhaling water directly.

Check out these tips from the RNLI on how to deal with cold water shock:

If you enter the water unexpectedly:

  • Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away.
  • Relax and Float to Live.
  • Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you’re able.

If you’re planning on enjoying the water:

  • Check conditions – including water temperature – before heading to the coast. Visit metoffice.gov.uk for full surf reports in the UK and Ireland.
  • Wear a wetsuit of appropriate thickness for the amount of time you plan to spend in the water and the type of activity you’re doing, if entering.
  • Wear a flotation device. It greatly increases your chances of making it through the initial shock. See our guidance on lifejackets and buoyancy aids (PDF 3.3MB).

Help and advice

Whether you’re planning on bodyboarding in the sea, fishing, open water swimming or surfing, it’s important to get clued up before you set off on your activity. Visit the RNLI’s website for more information.

It’s also extremely important to consider things like weather conditions, tide times and whether you have the appropriate gear when making plans in the outdoors. Check out Adventure Smart for some useful guides and advice.

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Library Skills Session: Advanced session using EndNote21

Start Date: 21 August 2025 11:00 am

End Date: 21 August 2025 12:00 pm

Location: Teams

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This session will demonstrate how to use EndNotebibliographic software. It will include:

  • Setting up and organising an Endnote Library
  • Adding references to a library using manual or direct export (from subject databases and Library Search)
  • How to attach a PDF to an EndNote record
  • How to choose a reference style and create in-text citations and a bibliography using Cite while you Write with MS Word

Any questions please contact endnote@chester.ac.uk​

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Library Skills Session: Need help finding education journal articles? Session for School of Education students

Start Date: 14 August 2025 2:00 pm

End Date: 14 August 2025 3:00 pm

Location: Online

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T​his session will focus on advanced search strategies using the Education databases. It will enable you to find relevant journal articles for your assignments.  It is also an opportunity for you to pop along with any library related questions that you might have. Any questions please contact Anne Williams    a.williams@chester.ac.uk

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