I would argue that at this time the University’s facilities are under immense pressure. Limited areas available for students to work outside of lectures cause problems about where they can work and conflicts about the use of them. On undergraduate taught programmes the increasing emphasis on group working needs providing areas where this can take place.

Currently one of the most often used areas on the ground floor of the library. It is noticeable that at times this area is not large enough to cater for all those needing to work in groups. Inevitably, groups of students find it necessary to work on other floors of the library. Other than the ground floor of the library, the rules are that the students should be quiet on them and only work with one other person. The situation causes conflicts between students, those who need to study quietly, independently, using a computer and those required to complete group work.

It is my understanding that the 2025 plan for the university intends to resolve this problem. Although this change by the University is encouraging, it does not provide any immediate solution to this issue. At the last Student Union Council meeting discussed this point, and agreed that students could use the Student Union Building for group work., partly alleviating the problem.

It is my observation that some days at the university are busier than others due to the timetabling of lectures and tutorials. For example, Mondays and Tuesdays are very busy, yet Thursdays and Fridays are reasonably quiet around the University. I would advocate a solution would be for the university to centrally review the timetabling of all courses and lectures across the departments.  If the University could adjust teaching across the working week, it would balance the use of all student areas providing a temporary solution to the space available, making it easier for students to find suitable workspaces, and avoid conflict over the use of them.

I am the post-graduate student representative on the Students’ Union Council, and as a non-taught student, it would be wrong of me to put such a motion before the council. Such would be the consequences of campaigning for the university to consider these changes it is my opinion that the idea should be placed before a broader audience of students to comment on it.

I submit this idea for your comments and either positive or negative vote.

Wayne Cronin-Wojdat