The University of East London (UEL) is a new university (designated in 1992) with a long tradition behind it. The University of East London is an exciting, diverse learning community. UEL aim to give their students an enthusiasm for new ideas, new knowledge and new learning, and the opportunities to excel in their chosen careers.

At the heart of an area of London that is undergoing rapid and exciting change, UEL is a focal point for innovation and renewal. They have developed a new vision of what a university can be not only adapting to the future, but helping to shape it.

Vision

At UEL, they have a clear vision, which underpins all that they do. UEL aim:

To achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university, proud of their diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for their contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through research and scholarship.

UEL is making that vision into reality, through the diversity of their student and staff population, their commitment to widening access to university education, and excellence in teaching and research.

Why study at UEL?

Innovation and Enterprise

UEL keep pace with developments in the world of work and the modern economy through innovations in areas of study -take a look, for example, at the wide range of programmes offering Information and Communications Technology modules.

UEL have made sure that their flexible degree scheme means that as well as the core modules of your chosen programme, you can elect to take other modules from different subject areas to broaden your knowledge or tailor your programme to your specific areas of interest or career path.

UEL combine an academic approach with a practical approach to university-level study. Many of their programmes offer you the chance to work in a relevant job for a period of time -invaluable experience when it comes to getting the job you want when you graduate.

All of their programmes give you the opportunity to develop IT, research and communications skills which they know employers are looking for.

UEL offer part-time study options if you want to combine study and other commitments at home or at work.

And if you're a budding entrepreneur, UEL houses a special centre for business start-ups -you'll find their encouragement, advice and support will give you a great opportunity to get started.

The support you need

UEL have all the facilities you would expect to support your study, including state-of-the-art Libraries and Learning Resource Centres.

They also have some facilities which you wouldn't expect -for example, an on-site manufacturing facility offering the opportunity of real world manufacturing experience from a business or engineering point of view; and a multimedia production centre offering professional facilities and experience for students and local businesses, including two industry-standard television studios for film production.

As for study support or moral support, if you speak to UEL's students when you visit their, you'll find that their student support services are second to none and that UEL is an exciting and welcoming place to study.

As you'd expect in a university in one of the world's most exciting capital cities, UEL welcome students from all over the world and whatever your age, background or nationality, you will feel quite at home there.

It's important to enjoy being a student! In your spare time, there's all the excitement of central London and plenty to do locally. There's a Student Union bar on each campus and their Students' Union is a very active organiser of events. There's a wide range of clubs and societies to join -from karate to scuba diving and all those parties.......

UEL is part of a lively community offering something for everyone -shopping from designer fashions to lively street markets, sports, arts, festivals and not forgetting cuisine from all over the world.

Accommodation

At the University of East London, they have their Residential Services section to assist students with their accommodation needs:

• The management of the University's residences

• Information and advice about seeking accommodation

• Advice to students experiencing problems with their accommodation.

Because UEL's residences are so popular, there are some restrictions on who will be eligible for a place, but if you can answer 'YES' to the following three questions you will be offered a place, providing your Accommodation Application form and accommodation deposit/advanced rental is received by Residential Services before 4th September (or 7th January for Semester B).

Question One: Will you be a new first year undergraduate OR a first year postgraduate student? Or an International/EU student who has not previously studied at UEL?

Question Two: Is your home outside Greater London and Essex areas? Please note priority will be given to those students living outside the UK and furthest from UEL.

Question Three: Are you prepared to sign an agreement for a full academic year in residence? i.e. for the period mid September to mid June? (This condition does not apply to single semester Exchange/Erasmus students).

If you can answer 'YES' to questions one and three, but live closer to UEL than stated you can still make an application which will be considered mid-term should vacancies arise.

If you have special needs or a disability that requires you to live on campus you will also be guaranteed accommodation as long as you meet the deadlines stated above.

Even if it does not seem likely that you will be offered a place in UEL residences, please read on, as the information on renting local private sector housing may be useful to you.

Once you have an unconditional offer of a place on a program at UEL and have accepted this offer, you will receive instructions on how to enrol online. When you enrol online, you will be able to access accommodation details including an accommodation application form. Complete the form and return it directly to one of their Residential Services office at Docklands or Longbridge Road Campus. along with your deposit/ initial rental payment.

On Campus Accommodation

University Halls of Residence

Currently UEL have about 750 single study-bedrooms in Halls of Residence, with an additional 800 due for completion by early 2007.

Each room includes an internet access point, a study desk, single bed, storage space - and 380 rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities. All students have access to telephones set up for incoming calls, bathrooms, laundry facilities and kitchens.

All UEL campus halls of residence are self-catering.

If you wish, you can choose to apply for a study-bedroom at either Docklands or Barking irrespective of which of their campuses your degree programme is taught.

Demand for places in UEL halls of residence is high, so you should apply as soon as you can.  They prioritise giving rooms to new students coming to study with them for the first time, who live furthest away in the UK or are coming from abroad - and to students with disabilities.

Off Campus Accommodation

Private halls of residence

For private halls of residence there are a number of local providers these include Unite who have locations in both Stratford and Forest Gate. Also Cass and Clardale Halls Association who have locations in Bethnal Green and Hackney. In this type of accommodation the length of contract is normally a minimum of six months - or for the whole of the academic year. Accommodation is normally in clusters of flats with your own study-bedroom - sharing communal facilities with other flatmate's.

Renting a room in a shared or family home

Many students live in privately rented accommodation. Residential Services keep a list of local householders who let out rooms. Often these are in the landlord's own home. You are normally provided with your own furnished study-bedroom, sharing the other facilities of the house with the landlord and their family. Private lodgings like these usually offer a variety of flexible arrangements, for example, with or without meals.

New students who do not choose, or do not obtain, a place in the university halls of residence often choose this option. Rents are generally reasonable and are payable weekly or monthly. You will not be tied in to a long contract period and you can usually leave at a week's or month's notice.

UEL can provide you with a list of available rooms, with information about the location, rent and deposit details, the family make-up, facilities available and catering options.

House or flat share with other tenants

UEL normally recommend a house or flat share as more suitable for returning students.

Although this option offers the most independence, you will need to have:

• confidence in those you share with

• be ready to take joint responsibility for rent and utilities

• understand the implications of entering into a joint tenancy agreement

If you wish to live in a shared student house you can contact their private letting's section who have lists of properties offered by private landlords in the area local to UEL.

The most common tenancy agreement in the private sector is the Assured Shorthold Tenancy. This type of tenancy keeps you tied to a property for a minimum contract period of six months.

If you sign this type of agreement, you and your flat/housemates are legally bound to pay rent until the end of the contract. This means that if one of you defaults on the payment - the others still have to make sure it's paid. That's why it's important to have confidence in the people you're sharing with.

You need to begin your search for a property well in advance of the start of term. Once you have found a suitable property you should inspect it thoroughly and be satisfied with the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement before signing any documents.

The University has NOT inspected any off campus properties and you are strongly recommended to view them before you accept.

Home Stay

This type of accommodation is popular with overseas students wishing to improve their English language skills and live as part of a family. The advantage of this kind of accommodation is that you do not have to commit yourself to a very long stay (often as little as 2 weeks), so if it isn't working you can end the arrangement fairly easily.

The Good Neighbours Guide

When you rent accommodation off-campus, you will be living amongst the permanent residents of the area.

• Get to know your neighbours and be considerate of them - they may be elderly, have young children or have to get up early each day.

• Keep music down to a reasonable level, especially late at night - if you plan to have a party, warn the neighbours beforehand and make every effort to keep noise down to reasonable levels.

• Avoid offensive behaviour - including shouting or drinking in the streets, urinating in gardens (including your own) and tasteless notes or posters in front windows. Remember that being drunk is no excuse.

• Respect others' property - particularly fences, walls, street furniture and parked cars - minor attempts at demolition count as criminal damage and are treated as such.

• Consider others when parking - elderly neighbours or those with babies or toddlers need to park outside their houses.

• Play your part in protecting the quality of the neighbourhood - keep your garden and surrounding areas tidy and free of rubbish. This is in your interests because run-down areas attract criminal activity and students are the main victims.

If you observe or suffer from disruptive or criminal behaviour, ring your local police, even if it is after the event - it is vital information in eradicating the problems.