The Top 10 Secrets of a Staffordshire Uni Student

By Student Cribs | June 22, 2022 | Reading Time: 6 minutes

As students, we all want to know where to get the cheapest deals, what you can do in your free time and which places are worth a visit. Well, fear not if you’re a student at Staffordshire University in Stoke-on-Trent – here are my top 10 secrets about our University city!

1. You don’t need to pay for a taxi or bus to get into the city centre – it’s closer than you think!

Contrary to popular belief (i.e. every first year, including when I was one), the walk into Hanley from most places on campus is not very long. Don’t waste your money on transport to the city centre, just brave the 20-minute walk and save it for the way back when you have a load of heavy shopping bags to take home!

2. There is a quicker way to get to the supermarket than you might have thought

If you live or have lived in the Clarice Cliff Court accommodation on campus, you will probably already know about the secret cut-through across the fields that ends up right outside Aldi and McDonald’s. But if not, then you might want to check it out. It begins right where Lordship Lane ends and takes you on a much more direct route to the major supermarkets closest to Uni, Aldi and Asda. And, in all honesty, even if from where you are it doesn’t cut that much time off your journey, it is just a much nicer walk, with excellent views of both Hanley and Fenton.

3. And a better place to see fireworks on Bonfire Night!

The major Bonfire Night event nearest to University is held at Fenton Town Park, a 20-minute walk from campus, but if you don’t want to pay to see fireworks, the cut-through to the supermarkets is also a perfect place to see everyone’s fireworks for free! As this secret countryside path goes over a hill, once you reach the summit, you’ll be able to see everyone’s firework displays all at the same time across Stoke-on-Trent.

4. The Leek Road Union shop sells fresh fruit and veg

That’s right – if you’re short of a pepper, all out of apple or craving an orange, the smaller Student Union shop on the Leek Road side of campus actually has a small selection of fresh produce for sale regularly. A life saver on Flat Fajita Night!

5. Buy lunch in the morning – not at lunchtime

If you’re in a lecture early in the morning but know that you’ll be taking advantage of the Meal Deal at the Union shops, get your lunch on the way in when the shelves are fully-stocked and keep it for later. Come 12pm, even the egg and cress sandwiches will have been bought!

6. The Film Theatre in Flaxman have regular film nights – and they offer student discount!

It may seem like a no-brainer, but the Film Theatre in the Flaxman building is actually an independent cinema and invites members of the public, not just students, to watch new releases on selected evenings in the week. Keep an eye out on social media for what they’re showing next and go along for a discounted price.

7. The vending machines in the library are contactless

Never again will you have to crave a Galaxy bar at 11pm while cramming in the revision for the next day’s exam. You don’t need cash – you can use a contactless debit card, or Apple/Android Pay!

8. Squeezebox opens at 8am every weekday

Use it as an incentive to give yourself some time before a dreaded 9am lecture – grab yourself a nutritious smoothie or get an iced coffee boost on your way there!

9. Miss your pets when you’re at Uni? Keep an eye on social media for visits from Nesta’s Ark!

Nesta’s Ark are a partner of the University and visit regularly for various events across campus. Recently, they were in the Science Centre for World Mental Health Day to promote how being around animals gives you positive emotions. Keep an eye on the Uni’s social media to see when Nesta and her animals are around next!

10. And the library host Dog De-stress Days twice a year!

If dogs are your favourite, there are Dog De-stress Days held around November and March every year with Guide Dogs UK, where you can literally go along just to stroke a Labrador.

What more could you want while studying at Staffs? I hope at least one of these secrets about life as a Staffordshire University student comes in handy!

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