School of Natural, Social and Sport Sciences – offer holder day essential FAQs

How do I find the campus and is parking available?

The School of Natural, Social and Sport Sciences offer holder day will take place at Francis Close Hall (FCH) campus in Cheltenham.

Find out more about the location and how to get there by road and public transport.

Free parking including disabled parking bays and electric charging points will be available on the day. Please email studentrecruitment@glos.ac.uk in advance if you want to reserve a disabled parking bay.

Overflow parking is available at Hardwick Centre for Fine Art and Photography, a five minute walk from FCH along St Pauls Road. There is also free parking available slightly further away at The Prince of Wales Stadium. It’s located on Tommy Taylors Lane GL50 4RN, a 10 minute walk from FCH.

Where do I go on arrival?

You’ll receive more info about this by email, but on the day look for the check-in stands when you arrive. Student ambassadors will be there to welcome and direct you with more dotted around campus to get you on the right track if you lose your way or need help with directions.  

What will my day involve?

Exciting, bespoke activities to help you get a feel for what it’s like to be a student at University of Gloucestershire. You’ll sit in on talks with academics who will guide you through what to expect from your course and chat with current students about their experiences. There will also be interactive taster sessions to understand the kind of work you’ll be doing. 

There’ll be plenty of time to ask lecturers questions, chat with current students and speak to accommodation, finance and student support teams. You’ll get a chance to tour the campus and see facilities and tour off-site accommodation at Pittville Student Village or Blackfriars later in the day.

What should I bring?

If you’re holding an offer for one of the following courses, please dress for the weather with a coat and appropriate footwear, as part of your taster activity involves being outside.

Criminology / Sociology and Criminology / Sociology / Professional Policing

There’s no need to bring lunch – it’s provided, but you might want to bring a notepad, phone or laptop if you want to make any notes.

Can I bring friends or family?

Yes, you can bring up to two guests and there will be a Q&A session specifically for them while you’re in your afternoon course taster session. 

What time does the day finish?  

Scheduled sessions will finish at around 2.30pm. From this time, optional campus tours will take place and off-site accommodation will be available to view at Pittville Student Village (Cheltenham). This will finish at around 4.30pm.

Is there a map of the campus?   

Yes, you can find copies of our campus maps below. 

Francis Close Hall

Hardwick

Is lunch provided?

Yes! Lunch is provided for visitors so please ensure you’ve told us when booking if you have any food allergies or specific requirements (email us at studentrecruitment@glos.ac.uk if you missed this). 

Can I look at accommodation options?  

Off-site accommodation will be available to view in Cheltenham on the afternoon of your offer holder day. Buses to and from Pittville Student Village will be running on the day.

In Cheltenham, you’ll be able to look around Pittville Student Village, a dedicated student campus with around 800 rooms, a regular bus service, 24/7 security, a gym, studio, laundry facilities, social space/refectory, study-suite and social spaces. 

Pittville Student Village, Albert Road, Cheltenham, GL52 3JG 

How do I reach the campus by public transport?

Francis Close Hall Campus 

Train 
The closest rail station is Cheltenham Spa – about 20  minutes’ walk from the campus (directions from the station to Francis Close Hall ). 
 
Park and Ride 
Cheltenham has two Park and Ride facilities. Please note that Arle Court Park and Ride currently has an alternative site entrance due to roadworks. Find out more here.

Is free WiFi available?  

Yes. Once you’re on campus, text Offer4 to 07860 039 833 and you’ll receive login details via SMS. Select Eduroam Wi-fi on your device and enter your username and password to join the network.

What can I check out locally when my day has finished?  

Refuel with a bite to eat in Cheltenham, the most complete Regency town in England which offers a range of dining options, or at Gloucester Quays which has all the family favourites like Bills, Wagamama’s and TGI Fridays. Both offer a fantastic range of shops also. 

How can I contact you if I have further questions?  

If you have any questions at all about your day, no matter how small, please reach out to us by email at studentrecruitment@glos.ac.uk or call 03330 141 414 and we’ll be happy to help.