FBMH World Cafe Student Sessions by

Green: How Does The Current Space Meet Your Needs?

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 12:54:08 UTC

The SU is great for meeting needs, the mezzanine upstairs especially. It's a very versatile space that can be used for socialising, group work, a comfortable but not formal place.

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 12:54:33 UTC

The old quad is a great space to hang out, especially in the summer. It's very nice to be outside, yet still benefiting from the campus feel.

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 12:54:56 UTC

I was about to type the Students’ Union as well! There are so many resources available to students that I truly would have been far more displaced if I did not have access to

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 12:56:01 UTC

Main Library has ground floor for group collab and those who prefer background noise, and upper floors for quiet study and computer work within quiet space.

2024-02-28 12:56:56 UTC

Immigration advice was not easily found, however the students union offered the most beneficial help, in terms of NHS applications, right to works etc. Being able to connect with other students and public space, along with heavily discounted items, is hugely beneficial!

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 12:58:05 UTC

You do get groups of students talking in quiet spaces in the Main Library

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 12:58:39 UTC

Red: Main Challenges/Constraints From The Estate

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 12:58:56 UTC

2024-02-28 12:59:03 UTC

yes student union / advice is very helpful place

I would day that the Jean Mcfarlane study area on the ground floor is very good, very accessible with toilets nearby and the study space is a great space for group discussions as well as individual study

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 12:59:24 UTC

The stopford café is great, it is spacious and a great social space when having a break. I mainly like it because it is mostly quiet and in a convenient location because it is near where the rest of my classes are.

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 12:59:45 UTC

The university place café has a lot of food options from different Asian cultures that are always nice to try and the seating place is nice to have as well to go a chat with people

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:00:54 UTC

Yes could do with more toilets accessible at ground floor at SU Uni Place and Main Library. They can be quite messy and smelly too :(

2024-02-28 13:01:06 UTC

Microwaves and toilet spaces are something that I always consider when finding a space to study in

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:01:19 UTC

2024-02-28 13:01:29 UTC

good places in university : Student union / its activities.

Library is very useful and nice , hot water and micriwaves are brilliant idea,

there is an area for sharing food at the corner near micriwave called (share me ), some people put thing from time to time . this is nice sharing idea

MECD is a great space to hang out, to work independently or to jump on a zoom call

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:01:39 UTC

Blue: 2-3 Things To Improve In The Estate

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:02:21 UTC

The food in university place is expensive

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:02:33 UTC

I feel like Stopford library needs to be a quiet study area, I've found that it can be quite loud in there at times when im trying to study

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:02:52 UTC

2024-02-28 13:03:10 UTC

stopford welcoming place , needs some improvements

Yes Stopford cafe is adjacent to common room good to keep as got a 6th form feel

2024-02-28 13:03:31 UTC

MUSLIM FRIENDLY WET ROOMS

2024-02-28 13:03:49 UTC

There is a lack of wet rooms in the university, as Muslim students, we need a place to do wudu for each prayer and it involves washing your hands AND feet specially, so we are able to find places to pray around the campus but its difficult to perform ablution (wudu) without splashing water in the bathroom around the sink. One would be specially needed near pgr office spaces specially and for a neuro diverse person with Dyspraxia its a bit difficult to prevent water from splashing about. Also, Muslims need water in the toilets to its a bit of inconvenience having not a single toilet with a water bidet and you have to take a water bottle with you so atleast each building should have a separate male/female toilet with a water bidet. The nearest prayer hall (McDougalls) is too far away to travel for each prayer with the proper facilities.

I am based in Jean McFarlane, but i don't know of any other buildings that have these facilities

Purple: Comparator Spaces You've Seen and Appreciated

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:03:55 UTC

2024-02-28 13:04:07 UTC

too expensive food especially in uni place and some are empty when I visited so it might be better to have range of food options that are cheap and have places open

I agree that the food in Uni Place is quite expensive

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:04:51 UTC

2024-02-28 13:04:58 UTC

very noisy study area in AliG and not enough quiet study area / self study area

As for the Stopford building I think the toilets needs updating (its a very tight space) and the water dispensers are usually broken/ very slow

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:05:14 UTC

2024-02-28 13:05:45 UTC

water machine not working in a lot of spaces like stopford and vending machine eating my money..

Ellen Wilkinson building only has a small lift to reach a large lecture theatre, so is always in use

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:06:14 UTC

yes find Ellen Wilkinson a bit of a maze

2024-02-28 13:06:26 UTC

As it is a silent area here in library . I like students union / advice center is great for all ou needs as students . guidance . stopford library good , but need to extend working our as it is near to medical students those study the most .

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:06:55 UTC

The computer lab rooms in Ellen Wilkinson are quite dusty

2024-02-28 13:07:09 UTC

Insufficient bookable study spaces to book in Stopford

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:07:13 UTC

2024-02-28 13:07:27 UTC

freezing in MECD study area and not being able to book study room in MECD as a bio faculty student while we really don't have space to book in stopford building

I think we need more reading spaces in general because the university student population is increasing but the facilities are not being modified/ increasing at the same rate. Toilets! - this is a big one because I thinkhaving well maintained toilet facilities is essential. Toilets in alan gilbert are not always the cleanest

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:08:18 UTC

I think stopford quad area, the garden bit, should be developed to allow people to have places to sit outside

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:08:52 UTC

limited elevators in stopford, so crowded while entering or leaving the building

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:09:07 UTC

SIMON Building is also another maze, needs clear direction signs

2024-02-28 13:09:15 UTC

I think what needs to be improved is the Main Library, and the Ali G, they are the only buildings open on weekends/ out of hours, but the conditions are not that great. Main library is huge but the toilet stalls are very limited and there is always a huge queue for the toilets. the lifts are usually very slow

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:09:18 UTC

Only one disabled toilet in main library

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:09:32 UTC

It is very hard to book a room in Ali G and Main Library, and some of the signs at the old part of the building (e.g., Purple and Orange) are not updated. I once got pointed to a “toilet” and led me to the ground floor of Purple realising that it’s closed and there are no toilets there at all.

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:09:48 UTC

Mobile printing is incredibly difficult to work, IT support have said it is fixed however it still isn't working. It's very time consuming to go over and manual print myself.

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:10:44 UTC

Half of the outlets I've used in the library don't seem to be working.

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:11:04 UTC

Ellen Wilkinson quad is being renovated which is great, the problem is that right next to the quad is offices and research rooms for audiology- who need these areas to be silent!

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:13:10 UTC

Hi, I was looking at some guidelines which may help the estate management in re-designing work/study spaces. You may be able to get a copy online: PAS 6463:2022Design for the mind – Neurodiversity and the built environment – Guide

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:13:38 UTC

Ellen Wilkinson only had 1 vending machine for food and hot drinks, which has now seemed to be taken away, leaving no food or drink options in the whole building

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:15:04 UTC

2024-02-28 13:15:07 UTC

Education challenges: It is sometime unfair that those who work or know staff can reach more info about assignments. as in postgraduate study some students work along with supervisors/ tutor which give them prevalege to talk more about assignments then have higher marks. while t classroom we dont know if it is allowed to ask more info about assignment . especialy some tutors/supervisors dont reach out to students with struggles.

Some supervisors claim all they time they are busy , so we feel embarressed to ask by email , also we get less than the asigned training hours for meetings, but they will mark our papers /assignments so we cant complain as many warned us they wont treat you fairly , even the committe with stand with supervisors/tutors , they are colleagues and you dont belong to their group. Isuggest to watch the work and meetings of supervision, to ask students in themid of term if they have any issue, or if they want to change their supervisor due to biased or misagrements toward them .

Most FBMH buildings close at 5/6pm, which isn't helpful or ideal when lectures finish at 4pm. Only main library and Ali G are open all hours, and during the holidays only Ali G is open meaning it becomes very crowded and scrambled. Services are also not maintained as everyone is on leave, including security.

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:17:23 UTC

The Alan Gilbert toilets are yucky, mucky and extremely smelly by midday so they need to be maintained on maybe an hourly basis. There is water all over the floor and you cant even pass by without nauseating. Happened at least the three times i booked a room there

2024-02-28 13:17:32 UTC

Toilets aren't being cleaned during holiday times too

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:17:59 UTC

Who do we reach out for cleaning like microwaves etc in the jean mc farlane?

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:20:27 UTC

2024-02-28 13:20:42 UTC

challenges in learning : some rules are not clear how to write/ perform assignments. and supervosors make it more vague , as if we ask them about points we face, they will focus on while marking, instead of helping us with , they will judge us about. so supervisor should keep struggles confidential and train us instead of mark us low for asking them .

I found MECD as an alternative space to study as main library and AliG is too packed but it is quite uncomfortable to have them closing at 8pm. Also, staffs often ask us to leave at 6pm while it's said that it's closing at 8pm. Adding to this, it's bit of shame that it's not opening during weekends.

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:20:47 UTC

Some rooms of Alan Gilbert are right next to the toilets and if you book those for a meeting there is a constant background noise of hand dryers, especially -104. Also the rooms get quite suffocated sometimes.

2024-02-28 13:21:09 UTC

More gyms on offer would be great, especially near Stopford

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:21:41 UTC

Agree, a female only gym would be great as a safe space

2024-02-28 13:21:56 UTC

For well-being I think the Atrium in Uni Place is perfect but we need more spaces like that, with gentle lighting and a quiet space, beanbags etc.

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:22:39 UTC

2024-02-28 13:22:45 UTC

Challenges: there should be clear 5-10 year rules , as it is annoying for students to hear new rules about travel/international students..so on ( agreement between univ and goverment )

Yellow: Wellbeing and Climate Sustainability Support

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:23:07 UTC

Some lecture rooms are quite stuffy when full, and the windows can't be left open

2024-02-28 13:23:30 UTC

sustainability : to encourage students for reuse cups. decreas energy use . and use instant coffee instead of 2+ pound cup of coffee .

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:24:24 UTC

The microwave in the Jean McFarlane in front of Rm 6.332 is very dirty, doesn't seem to have been cleaned in ages! There should be clear guidelines on the hygine maintainace or contacts should be listed in that space regardiing who to contact if some maintainance is needed regarding cleanliness

2024-02-28 13:24:28 UTC

Circle Square is great, as the scenery is nice especially at night

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:25:07 UTC

Having indoor plants would be nice in the Main Library

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:25:47 UTC

Whilst the recycling bins around campus is great, the plastic ones are just for plastic bottles- would be great to have the options for soft platics to be recycled. Or if we already do if we could be made more aware of that!

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:26:32 UTC

it's quite good to have green spaces like in front of AliG or place in between simon and schuster building

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:26:50 UTC

Footpedal bins are more convenient

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:27:12 UTC

More bins for cans

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:27:29 UTC

lighting! the lighting in for example, the main library can be harsh, if there are more spaces like Navarro Lounge but without the need of getting food/ drinks that would be great

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:27:39 UTC

Sheltered outdoor areas (non-smoking) just because it rains a lot in Mcr ;)

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:28:04 UTC

2024-02-28 13:28:09 UTC

safety is an issue, as security should do practical procedures to keep bikes safe and watch those people with cutters

I know its already been mentioned but the cost of food on campus feels kinda exploitative considering there aren't that many food options available

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:28:55 UTC

A bigger prayer room in Stopford would be more convenient

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:29:19 UTC

maybe a student friendly cafe? milk and honey is shut unfortunately but it fostered so many student societies by giving them a good meet up space. It was a vegan cafe that was a really friendly, safe and bright and welcoming to societies on a weekly basis, especially as their prices were so affordable. They also run schemes to give back to the community run by students, such as food banks

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:30:43 UTC

I wish there's more safe bicycle storage area as there's quite a lot of bikes with stolen wheel

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:31:07 UTC

Copenhagen University for student community schemes

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:31:27 UTC

wrt security: more cameras outside building and inside foyer, and around bike areas

2024-02-28 13:31:54 UTC

Milk & Honey was a charity , volunteering , ..alternative: friendly , low prices café for students , no drink should cost more than 1 pound

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:31:54 UTC

Ellen Wilkinson is set up really confusingly. It was a daily occurrence when I worked there to direct someone looking lost!

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:32:09 UTC

I think it would be nice for us to have a job fair for students to get part time work or zero hour contract jobs

m08471ml — 2024-02-28 13:32:22 UTC

2024-02-28 13:33:04 UTC

wish there's uni operated cantine that has cheap food and drinks like University of Groningen or Oxford uni

Also, prayer rooms are like wellbeing spaces for muslim students, where us girls can take off our hijab, let our hair down,

2024-02-28 13:42:08 UTC

it would be good if they were a bit bigger, or separate for males/females where we are not rushed to just pray and leave, but we would have some time to sit and reflect or just sit back and relax before rushing off to other work, i have tried the simon building quiet room in which u have to take turns if there is a male person and wait them to leave before u can go and pray as its not recommended to pray in front of them. the wet room for wudu (as mentioned in another padlet) should be ideally located close to the prayer room so we can put our stuff and put on slippers and go and do wudu and came back to pray, or if possible a small wudu area for 2-3 persons within the prayer room would be good as well(it was in my uni in London so i know its possible) and the toilet on that floor had bidets so I am thinking and suggesting something on those lines. Similarly the engineering building prayer room is too small with a partition that makes it possible for only 2 ladies to pray and maybe 4 or 5 gentlemen. However the accessible toilets with sinks in the engineering building make it possible to do wudu privately as for wudu also involves wetting the hair so hijabi girls can not do it in places which are accessible to all genders and also in bathrooms where trans gender women might come you have to keep on the lookout as you have to hide your hair so its quite exhausting and frustrating

it has been mentioned before, but the cost of food on campus is quite expensive, with the market in unio place not even accepting the 10% discount, and as that i one of the major centrally located cafe, i don't see the use of the discount if we cannot use it there.

2024-02-28 13:47:41 UTC

Here's something that was available campus-wide in my previous university and was really good for students/staff and everyone without having to load money in your card or anything,

Breakfast for £1 - buy a croissant, bowl of porridge or round of toast with a cup of tea or coffee for just a pound in LSBU Hub Refectory and Breakpoint (Monday to Friday 8am-11am). Vegan options available.
Hot meal deals for only £3.50 (previously £5.95) - available in LSBU Refectory and Grads Café (includes the Hola Pollo/Bamboo/Liberty Grill & Feastival concept offers)
Items coming to end of shelf life. Items such as sandwiches, crisps, confectionery and cold drinks due to expire on that day will be reduced in price after 2pm that day.
End of services wastage. Any retail items expiring that remain unsold will be donated to student halls (reception) on a rotating basis.

somethings that can be adopted