ERASMUS REPORT-University of the West of Scotland (Hamilton Campus)

Student Name: David Kelly

Year of Study: 4th

Host University Code: UK PAISLEY01

         

  Arrival

You can get cheap fares from Dublin to Glasgow Prestwick (Ryanair). Glasgow Prestwick also has a train station. Take the train from Glasgow Prestwick to Glasgow Central (no more than £3.50). Take another train from Glasgow Central to Hamilton West (£3.90 return). The university is approx. 5 mins (walk) away from the train station. Contact Nina Downs accommodation@uws.ac.uk  prior to arrival if you have booked university accommodation in advance (to get keys to your block/room). You may have to meet a security officer inside the Almada building to sign forms and get your keys-organize this prior to your departure. There was no orientation programme, but you can organize an information session with your course leader and/or lecturers.   

I didn’t know anyone on arrival (except my UL counterparts), but it didn’t take me long to make new friends-the locals/uws students are very friendly. The campus is located five minutes from the town centre and a short walk away from restaurants, newsagents, and other shops. The town centre has everything you need (a shopping centre, a cinema, pubs, a leisure complex, etc.)

  Accommodation

University accommodation was pre-arranged (needs to be booked) for us at the Halls of Residence, 2 Barrack Street, Hamilton (Postcode: ML3 0HZ).  Contact Nina Downs to book university accommodation well in advance (details are available online and/or from the university service). We shared a flat with five other students (two toilet facilities, two shower facilities, and a kitchen/living room area. Bedroom facilities include a sink and mirror, a study desk and chair, a wardrobe and bedding sheets, etc.  The cost per week was in the region of £70X18 weeks=£1260. It is good quality and affordable accommodation. However, additional costs may include purchasing a TV, cooking equipment, forks, plates, etc. (which was split between the six of us). The Halls of Residence is located two mins away from UWS and various shopping outlets (Asda and Spar).  However, the university accommodation service clamps down on parties and noise disturbances at halls (they have several security officers), as well as inviting friends to spend the night, etc. so if you have a hectic social life you might consider commuting from Glasgow. While there is nothing wrong with Hamilton town centre, you may find that there is much more going on in and around Glasgow (concerts, festivals, entertainment, etc.) You can purchase household items, clothes, and so on in the town centre at relatively cheap prices (so just bring the necessities). Hamilton is 25-30 minutes away from Glasgow Central (by train). A lot of students go on a night out in Glasgow as it has several popular nightclubs. Hamilton and Glasgow are safe places in general. However, things can turn nasty, especially after Celtic vs. Rangers (football games) so if you are out and about or supporting one of these teams-be careful and don’t go home alone (cover up your colors). Pubs and restaurants won’t allow you in if you are wearing football jerseys (unless they are a designated Celtic/Rangers pub for example). You can be hit with substantial cleaning/damage costs if you leave your accommodation in a poor state.

    Selection of Courses

I had planned to do a sociology module, but due to timetable restrictions this was not possible. I did not know how many modules I had to undertake prior to arrival (due to weighting/ECTS), but it later transpired that individual modules were worth 10 ECTS credits (needed to do three modules). I chose to do An Introduction to Broadcast Journalism (Year 2), Issues in Journalism (Year 1), and Sports and News Production (Year 3). I fully recommend these modules as I believe they are essential for any budding journalist in any field. Here is a brief sample (overview) of what we covered in each of these modules:

An Introduction to Broadcast Journalism:

·         How to source and write radio pieces and scripts, how to write news stories from press releases, how to record interviews inside and outside the radio studio (using the Burli system), interview techniques. Examination layout (coursework): A report on the similarities and differences of two news programmes (treatment of stories, style, etc.) Recording and editing interview clips/writing news reports on a topic of your choice.

                    Issues in Journalism:

·         A literature review (1000 words=30%) on one of the topics covered (news and celebrity, citizen journalism, politics, etc.)

·         A 2000 word essay discussing how a research proposal on this topic could be researched and executed (methodology, research questions, etc.) An accompanying PowerPoint presentation (10 mins) 70%.

Sports and News Production

·         Working in a TV studio, setting up a sports website, how to record a sports/news show.

·         (coursework): setting up and running a sports website of your choice (excl. soccer), putting together a sports package on an event of your choice (related to your website).

There is plenty of information available to help you choose what modules to study (prospectus guides can be delivered upon request, online information, and guidance from lecturers can prove very beneficial). Below are some of the contact details for journalism lecturers at UWS:

Ronnie Bergman (Broadcast Journalism lecturer) Ronnie.bergman@uws.ac.uk

Margaret Hughes (Issues in Journalism lecturer) Margaret.hughes@uws.ac.uk

Elizabeth McLaughlin (Sports and News Production lecturer) Elizabeth.Mclaughlin@uws.ac.uk

*Amanda Geary (Programme Leader) Amanda.geary@uws.ac.uk (our main contact in the journalism department).

Examinations tend to take place in/or around the end of April (throughout the term). I contacted student services (Almada building) prior to departure to organize obtaining a transcript of results (which can be posted to your home or home university). Their number is 01698 894448. However, some lecturers offer unofficial results when available (subject to the approval of the external examiner(s)), so a friendly email may give you an idea of your overall grade.

   The UWS grading scheme (respective bands): A 70-100, B1 60-69, B2 50-59, C 40-49, D 30-39, E 0-29.

  Integration

There was no orientation session available at UWS. However, UWS students are incredibly friendly (they hosted a welcome party in our flat on arrival!!!) You will have no problems making new friends. The student union hosts several weekly events, be it football or fancy dress. Lecturers will introduce you to the class and conversations and friendships strike up from there. My only advice would be to join a sports club and/or society. I joined the cricket club (having never played the game before in my life). I made great friends through the club and even managed to win a game (scoring four runs). Just get out there and have fun-Do what you want to do! If you have any problems contact any member of staff. They are really helpful and will listen in a non-judgmental manner. One of my lecturers gave me extra time to finish an assignment because I was under pressure with other demands. It took me a few days to get used to the Glaswegian accent (vice versa), but you won’t have any difficulties with the language.

         Registration Procedures

(a)   Local or national authorities

I brought my birth cert and passport (four id photos) just in case I needed to register with the national authorities, a football team, or open up a bank a/c. You will need id to gain entry to certain events, buy alcohol, avail of student discounts, etc. so it is essential to have at least one or two forms.

(b)   Registration with the university

You will be able to register with UWS once your application has been fully processed (within one or two weeks). You will need to fill in some forms at student services and check regularly to see if you application has been approved. Then you will be photographed and given a student id card (needed to withdraw books from the library, access computers, etc.) at no extra cost. 

  Academic Differences

Class size varies from module to module (under 10 (Sports and News Production) to over 40 (Issues in Journalism). Lecturers and other members of staff are very approachable (students can, and are encouraged to schedule appointments, send queries via email, etc. without feeling inferior or being hesitant. We had three hours of class time per module p/w (max). For Issues in Journalism we were afforded with 140 hours throughout the course of term to spend completing assignments and studying, researching, etc. Access to library computers can be a problem as demand tends to exceed supply. However, the Creative Industry (block 7) has its own set of computers for journalism students (access to the net and InDesign, etc.) The Halls of Residence has its own internet network, so this can be a valid resource and investment for students. Laptops have to be configured before they can gain entry to this network (go to the ICT dept. on the 2^nd floor). However, the library still boasts an impressive collection of journalism guides and books (just not on the same level as UL). Don’t forget you can still access journals through the UL network and UWS’ Blackboard portal.

    Student Clubs

UWS boasts an array of vibrant clubs and societies: http://www.sauws.org.uk/Sports and http://www.uws.ac.uk/about/facilities/student-unions.asp .I would recommend joining the American Football, Cricket, or Football teams. Alastair Adamson is the main contact for American Football. Ryan Wood is player/manager for the UWS Cricket team. I made great friends through my involvement with the cricket side (even though I never played the game before!!!) You may also get the chance to travel to Edinburgh and further afield so give it a go. However, please note that not all UWS’ sports clubs are located in Hamilton (they may be located in Paisley), so this might impact on your ability to travel to training, matches, etc. (usually you can carpool and/or get the train).

 

  Town

I would recommend going on a tour of the Scottish Highlands:     http://www.highlandexperience.com/tours/glasgow/Loch-ness-tour-scottish-highlands.htm . You will get to see the beautiful Scottish landscape (lakes, mountains, etc.) and the surrounding areas (Glen Coe, Stirling, and Inverness). It is a must for anyone interested in history (culture) and nature. Hamilton has a cinema, football team, various pubs and nightclubs: http://new.myvue.com/latest-movies/cinema/hamilton

http://www.acciesfc.co.uk/ (the football stadium (New Douglas Park) is five mins away from university accommodation (The Hamilton Halls of Residence)

http://www.celticfc.net/ (Celtic Park can be reached by getting the train to Dalmarnock and walking for 10 mins. CP has a terrific match atmosphere, esp. vs. Rangers. A stadium tour of CP is a must for any hoops fan)

The Bay Horse pub is two mins away from uni (a friendly atmosphere coupled with great food and staff, show most sports events (soccer, rugby, etc.)

  Transport

The quickest way of getting around Glasgow is to use the train (see http://www.scotrail.co.uk/ for a list of relevant timetables, to purchase tickets, etc.) Tickets are relatively cheap (£3.90 for a return ticket from Hamilton West to Glasgow Central). Tickets can be purchased online, at the train station, or even onboard. Most trains in and out of Glasgow run every 15 mins or so. Taxis can be expensive so it’s best to carpool or share a taxi with mates if possible (establish a set price with the driver beforehand). http://www.citylink.co.uk/index.php (using the Scottish bus network is another cheap way of traveling in and around the city, with student discounts if you register online). Purchasing an all-day ticket is usually the best option if you are planning a day away (outside of) from Hamilton.

 

  Cost of Living

http://www.talentscotland.com/workers/live-and-work/money-and-banking/cost-of-living.aspx

http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/finance/cost-of-living (both have good cost of living guides and general information about studying in Scotland).The latter puts the general cost of living per week (university self-catering room) at £68 (excluding rent). Accommodation at halls was £70 p/w. £30 p/w would be enough for shopping at Asda, Iceland, etc. The biggest cost outside of accommodation is entertainment/enjoyment. I’d say I spent £50-60 once a month going to Celtic games. Don’t forget to claim your grant (return your UL forms in time). This helps reduce the financial burden on your parents, guardian(s), yourself. Shopping at Asda can save you a small fortune (usually have some super offers, as do nightclubs, Vodafone outlets, etc.)

 

  Hints & Tips

Hamilton town centre has a Vodafone outlet (we got a sim card for £5 and 100 mins of international calls per month for an extra £10 if I recall). Bring football boots, shorts, socks, runners, etc. (just in case you want to join a sports club). Travel in and around Scotland, don’t just limit yourself to Hamilton and Glasgow (Paisley, Stirling, and Inverness are historical gems so organize a tour with your mates at the weekend). A stadium tour of Celtic Park/Hampden Park is a must for any football fan, as are match days. Whatever your interests Scotland has something to offer. If you want to play Gaelic Football (join the Glaschu (Glasgow) Gaels) for guaranteed craic agus ceol.

           

            Language

            It might take you a few days to get used to the Glaswegian accent, but you shouldn’t have any major problems. Lectures and lecturers follow the same routine/layout as UL (also as regards continuous assessment). You are usually required to write essays, give presentations, etc. The only variation being that UWS has its own referencing system (Harvard system) which is slightly different to the Harvard system used here in UL.

***Thanks to UL student Kieran Foley for use of the photos***