Dentons started in Bath 45 years ago producing local directories of businesses by town. We have continued to develop and now produce local guides for residents of those towns and cities.

All of our products are free to the user – printed book, website or mobile app. With the Dentons app on your phone you are always able to find the nearest facility to you at that time.

Bath Universities Student Guide First time away from home? We recognise Bath and Bristol has an influx of new residents at this time of year because of the university intakes and we are working with the universities to bring you information to help you settle in and enjoy live beyond the lecture hall.

With the Dentons app on your phone you are always able to find the nearest pub, take-away, taxi company, nightclub, etc. Uniquely Dentons includes community contact details too so you will find the nearest yoga class, football club, library, etc – not just the commercial enterprises.

Find out more at www.dentons.net and install our mobile app.

To ensure you fit in we’ve included links to good neighbour guides. Many of you will have relied on your parents to do the community networking, now that you are living independently we recognise you will need a bit of help to join your new community.

TAXIS

Taxis and Private Hire cars are available throughout the city; the Council regulates the licences annually.

Taxis (Hackney Carriages) are available to ‘hail‘ as they drive past – just stick your arm out and if the vehicle is available the driver should stop and pick you up. The vehicle may be a generic car or minibus and doesn’t have to be a London style cab to be a Hackney Carriage. The vehicle must display a roof sign saying TAXI. It must also show its white licence plate on the exterior – front and back.

Taxis are also available from taxi ranks at

Abbey (Orange Grove) Bath Spa Station (under the control of First Great Western) Cheap Street (Horse and Carriage only) George Street (night time only) Henry Street Milsom Street Queen Square Southgate Street (9:45 pm to 6:00 am only) Walcot Street (night time only) Westgate Buildings

This map details the Taxi ranks.

Here is the agreed Taxi charges document .

All taxis will be fitted with a taximeter that will clearly display the journey costs. These are determined by the Council and the driver is not allowed to charge more.

Private Hire cars or Mini-cabs will take you door to door.

Private Hire cars need to be pre-booked as they cannot stop in the street otherwise.

The vehicle is a saloon, estate car or a minibus with a maximum of 8 seats and may display a yellow roof sign detailing their licence number and advance booking only details. All vehicles will display their yellow licence plates externally, to the front and rear.

Fares are NOT controlled by the Council, they are set by the Private Hire Operator and it is advisable to get a quote in advance.

Disabled Access vehicles

Hackney Carriages with access are available from the taxi ranks or these Private Hire Operators.

Abbey Taxis - 01225 444444

Various accessible vehicles Advance booking required Limited availability

Bath Spa Taxis - 01225 313131

Various accessible vehicles Advance booking required

Crescent Cars - 07971 284693

Various accessible vehicles Advance booking advisable

First Partner Cars - 07739 514057 or 07767 786491

Peugeot E7 Full wheelchair access Advanced booking required Minimum 24 hours notice

Mathew Palmer - 07909 971146

Peugeot E7 Full wheelchair access Advanced booking required Minimum 48 hours notice

Phoenix Taxis - 07970 065245

Rear loading vehicle with ramp

Somerset Taxis - 01761 411234

Various purpose built taxis and minibuses 24 hours notice advisable

V Cars - 01225 464646

Various purpose built vehicles Advance booking required Limited availability

SUPERMARKETS

You will find your way around the city during Freshers Week but probably won’t remember where the more practical places are! In order for your money to go further shopping at a major supermarket is probably going to be cheaper than

regular visits to the corner shop or university retail and catering outlets.

Market leaders with stores here are:

Morrisons Sainsburys Tesco

All of the above sell household items that you may need to purchase initially or replace as time goes on. They also sell a

wide range of foods and drink to suit various budgets and diets.

Many of these offer free loyalty schemes so the savvy shopper buys promoted products and accumulates reward points that lead to further discounts. Most of the supermarkets have free recipe cards in store for you to try a wider range of self catering.

These supermarkets also produce monthly magazines that include their promotions, recipes and discount coupons.

BANKS & BUILDING SOCIETIES

Another one of the practical businesses you may not recall from Freshers Week is the location of your bank! Now the proud recipient of a Student Loan you may need to make contact or visit your bank. The University of Bath has 2 banks on campus and the city has branches of all the high street banks and building societies including:

Barclays Bath Building Society Clydesdale Co-operative Bank Coventry Building

Society Halifax Handelsbanken HFC HSBC Lloyds National Savings and

Investments Nationwide NatWest

RBS Santander TSB

Your bank can help you with savings, debt, credit cards, debit cards and insurance policies.You will be able to move your money around on line and make most of your financial arrangements that way, however from time to time you will need the services of the branch.

Choose your bank wisely, they all want you to invest your student loan cheque with them and all offer different benefits. Ensure you choose benefits that you will use and not just the biggest overdraft offer.

Banks are generally open 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am – 1.00pm Saturday. Some smaller branches do not open on Saturdays and some of the larger, more central branches open longer hours. Once you know your branch you should check their banking hours too, these can differ from the opening hours and you will be very annoyed if you try to pay a cheque in after the banking hours for that trading day.

To help your money go further the university advises you to:

Do's Bring some money to keep you going for the first couple of weeks, in case

your loan instalment is delayed. Work out a Monthly Budget Planner and try to keep to it. Buy a bus pass. Update your mobile phone contract or pay as go you go deal to suit your

new needs. Make full use of the library and don’t automatically buy books. Register with the Bath Spa University Student Union or University of Bath

Student Union for help in getting a job - few students can manage financially without working.

Look out for student discounts - many are available when you show your NUS card.

Insure your personal belongings.

Don'ts Spend all your money in the first couple of weeks. Buy lots of book without finding out if you can get them from the library or

second hand. Rely on takeaways, cook your own meals. Use a credit card if at all possible, the interest rates can be very high. Ignore letters from creditors, arrangements can normally be made; ignoring

letters will cost you more in extra charges Be afraid or embarrassed to talk to someone if you get into difficulties.

HEALTHCARE – Doctors, Hospitals, Walk in Centres, Clinics, Dentists, Chemists

Doctors in the UK practice in general medicine or an other medical specialism. Your first point of contact with a doctor will be at a doctor’s surgery or medical practice. These doctors are called GPs (General Practitioners). Doctors who specialise in different medical disciplines are referred to as consultants and are generally seen at hospitals via a referral from your GP.

Doctors Surgeries

The Bath Spa University has links with the Fairfield Park Practice to provide medical services to all the students who register with the Bath Spa University Medical Service. Surgeries are held in the Student Support Centre at Newton Park and the Fairfield Park Health Centre.

The University of Bath has its own medical centre which you are encouraged to register with immediately. You will be assigned a named doctor but can see any of the team. Do not wait until you need the services – get organised now.

Refer to the practice area map to ensure your address is within the catchment area, then download and complete the registration documents found here. Drop the form into the medical centre, you will be asked for photographic ID, details of your previous doctor’s surgery and any current medication. If you have a NHS medical card take that with you too. Alternatively you can register with any surgery in the area, similar details will be taken and you should consider proximity to your day to day life as if you are too ill to visit the doctor and he has to come to you, he won’t come if you live beyond his catchment area.

Your surgery will advise you on general healthcare – prevention of problems and not just cures, vaccinations and prescriptions. All surgeries offer specialist clinics including counselling, family planning, blood disorders, sexual health and many others, check what your surgery offers.

Hospitals

The city’s main hospital is the Royal United Hospital at Combe Park. Here you will find all the services of a large hospital including Accident and Emergency, Coronary Care, Eye, Maternity, Medical Therapies and Surgical along with many specialist wards.

CircleBath is a private hospital that also offers care for some NHS cases too. You will be referred here by your GP.

St Martins Hospital specialises in Mental care cases, your GP will refer you here if needed.

Bath’s healing water has long been known about and the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases is also situated in the city.

Walk In Centres

Bath no longer has any general walk in centres. There is a sexual health clinic offering walk in care at the Royal United Hospital on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Appointments are also offered here. Free condoms are available here through the C-Card Scheme, you must be under 20 to qualify.

The Royal United Hospital offers a full Accident and Emergency department.

Clinics

There are many private clinic facilities in the city offering treatments for sports injuries, acupuncture, chiropody and other lifestyle difficulties. If you need a physiotherapist, osteopath, complementary therapist, reflexologist, chiropractor you will find them all within the city.

Dentists

Everyone can get NHS dental care until the age of 19 when in cull-time education. You do not need to register with a dentist for an appointment but the surgery will look more favourably on you if you have signed up before you need attention.

Having regular check ups is important to the longevity of your teeth. You may think that you have not needed any treatment for years so you will ignore your dental health until the pain starts. If you visit the dentist every 6 months and pay the small fee for the check up you will find your oral health is much better. All treatment is made to protect and maintain good oral health.

You will only pay for one course of treatment and the amount will be agreed before any action is taken. If further treatment is required within 2 months no further charge will be made. NHS dental charges are detailed here.

Chemists

Many surgeries now dispense the medications they prescribe; the high street chemist will also do this. Take your prescription to the Pharmacy counter and the

medication will be prepared, you may be asked to wait or return at a specified time.

Chemists are a knowledgeable resource when you are feeling unwell and much easier to get in contact with than your GP. All chemists must have a pharmacist on duty during their opening hours and the pharmacist is available for advice on medication, minor illness, travel health, foot care, minor surgery and many other areas of healthcare. The pharmacist may offer

appointments so you would have to wait a short time, but you would be seen that day.

Chemist shops also sell a wide range of healthcare, beauty items and toiletries. The larger stores have dedicated departments and offer loyalty schemes as mentioned at the supermarkets.

PUBS & CLUBS & EVENINGS OUT

A big part of student life is socialising and not just with your course mates or flatmates. Embrace Bath life by exploring the myriad of pubs, wine bars ,nightclubs and restaurants. The city offers everyone a good selection whether you are restricted to a budget or want somewhere to celebrate in style. Maybe you want to impress someone or just get to know the gang.

Both universities have plenty of social opportunities that you can sign up for. The University of Bath also runs a Refresh Week in February so you can be reminded of what is on offer. Sign up for what you are interested in and extend your life skills further.

The University of Bath on campus Parade Bar is open until 11pm each night for a drink. Conveniently situated opposite the library you could visit for a well deserved pint after an evening of study.

The Student Union runs The Plug and The Tub with regular themed nights:

Tuesday is Quiz Night SCORE - every Wednesday night see ‘Bath’s finest sporting talent’ let

loose on the dance floor OpenMic night is Thursday Friday night from 4pm-8pm is Weekend Warm Up time Fuzzy Duck - promoted as the ‘cheapest drinks on a Saturday night in

Bath.’

The Bath Spa University's own barspa on the Newton park campus is open daily from 9am and serves until 11pm. It is run by the Student Union who arrange regular themed events including:

Charity Band Night An annual Summer Ball Garden Party Charity Fashion Show Shopping Nights Drinks Promotion Nights Speed Dating

Remember to carry ID with you to confirm your age as most of these establishments will need to verify your age. Since the changes in the Licensing Act everyone serving you has to be happy you are old enough to consume alcohol and if they have any doubt they MUST ask for ID.

Whilst at university everyone wants you to enjoy yourself and get the most out of your experience. It is very easy with a student loan cheque in your bank to feel like spending it all at once, remember that this is for your fees and accommodation primarily and you will have to pay those bills on specific dates. If you have used the fund for drink you will need to find the money from elsewhere, so drink wisely. There are different guidelines for men and women and you should be aware of them and what represents a unit of alcohol. As well as blowing your money on alcohol, you will probably wake up the next day too late for lectures, feeling lousy and missing out on more experiences.

Explore the city to find other venues that interest you. There are plenty of nightclubs, bars and pubs across the city that you should enjoy. Not a cheap night out but very worthwhile is a trip to the theatre and in Bath that means a choice between

Theatre Royal Mission Theatre Rondo Theatre

Look at their websites for the forth coming performances.

Bath has an art house cinema and a multiplex for you to catch up on all the latest releases. The Little Theatre Cinema offers an ever changing list of about 6 films a day and has recently paired with the Komedia Club to offer some of the listings there.

The Kingsmead Leisure Complex is home to several restaurant and pub chains and also the Odeon multiplex.

Nightclubs in the city are plentiful and include the Komedia Club which has won awards and now claims to be “one of the UK’s Leading arts and entertainment organisations.”

If you are at a loose end you should check out the What’s On section of the tourism website Visit Bath, it invites you to a wide selection of events and entertainment running across the city. Working your way through the site you will also find other venues for your evenings out, shopping and pampering needs.

Throughout the year the city hosts a variety of festivals that will suit most tastes. Billed as the biggest free show is the Party in the City which runs during the main festival in May, check out the full list of attractions on the website.

The city is always busy, especially at weekends. If you have a free period in the week try to spend some time in the city to get to know it a bit. Orientate your way through the main shopping areas – Southgate, Milsom Place and the world famous Corridors. You will find an eclectic mix of shops across the city and find the pubs, cafes and clubs that everyone is talking about.

SPORTS

As a student at the University of Bath you can enjoy using all the facilities of TeamBath – the Sports Training Village and all first year students paying more than £7000 a year for tuition get a free Sports Pass enabling you to use:

50m pool Fully-equipped gym 400m athletics track Indoor running straight and indoor jumps and throws areas Three large sports halls Indoor and outdoor tennis courts An array of outdoor competition and training pitches Judo dojo Shooting ranges Fencing salle Skeleton and bobsleigh push-start

track Hydrotherapy and Sauna Physio and medical treatment centre Physiology lab and video analysis suite Café and meeting rooms

The Student Union co-ordinates 48 different clubs for you to join. Several members represent the university in national and international competitions within the BUCS framework. If you cannot find the sport you want at the university ask the Student Union where the facility is. They hold contacts for several local organisations.

As a student at Bath Spa University you can enjoy using all the facilities here

The Student Union - Sports co-ordinates 20 different clubs for you to join with 12 of these representing the university in national and international competitions within the BUCS framework. If you cannot find the sport you want ask the Student Union where the local club is.

The city council maintains various sports and leisure facilities across the city too

Bath Sports and Leisure Centre South Wansdyke Sports Centre Culverhay Sports Centre Entry Hill Golf Course Approach Golf Course Bath Pavilion

LIBRARIES

The universities have invaluable libraries available for all students. The services offered here include:

Book loans Scanning Copying Printing Research archives Research Data Services Thesis and Dissertation advice

The Bath Spa University library buildings are all open from 8am – 7pm during term time although and some locations may offer extended hours.

The University of Bath library building and self-services are accessible 24 hours a day. The library is always staffed weekdays from 9.30am – 7.00pm and 10.00am – 5.00pm at weekends during term time although some services may offer restricted hours.

The city of Bath also offers library services to everyone. You can join for free online and then visit your local library to collect your ID card and PIN code. Ensure you carry confirmation of your student status to benefit from the reduced charges agreed for all students. The city library is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, excluding bank holidays.

If your accommodation is in one of the other local towns you will be able to join the local library there and use the facilities freely too.

BOOKSHOPS

The University of Bath has linked with Blackwell’s who offer discounts for all online purchases. The city hosts several bookshops including several second-hand bookshops. The universities and city libraries offer free loans to all students, it is often best to check out their stocks first.

TAKE AWAYS

A healthy diet is always better for you than a quick fix supper but sometimes take aways are necessary. Make sure you take the opportunity to enjoy a variety of cultures during your time at the university and a good place to start is with their food. The staple British takeaway is Fish and Chips, with the American influence includes we have several Burger bars, the Mediterranean diet can be followed through Italian pizzas and our community diversity enables us to taste Chinese, Indian, Mexican menus and many more.

You have come to the university to extend your education and take aways now and then are fine but you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle which should incorporate good diet, exercise and regular sleep. All these factors will help make the academic side of life more manageable too.

BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOUR

With your new ‘independent living’ status comes some responsibility, you are now an adult and only you are responsible for the actions you take. Living in the university community will be a change from living at home or school. The university, city council and student union work together to create a ‘good neighbour’ feel in the wider community. The dedicated website is found here which explains what is expected and promotes the positive contribution from the student population.

The city community includes people from all ages and abilities and respects you as a young person with different needs – parties being the obvious one. Living on or off campus, manners should always be the same so when you are planning a party let your neighbours know in advance. They won’t stop the party but will be more understanding of the noise and any disturbances.

Litter is always a problem, please use the bins provided and recycle as much as possible, see Waste and Recycling.

Please treat everyone with the respect they deserve and in return they should treat you in the same manner.

If you have time to spare there are always community projects needing your help. Skills that are always needed are listening, talking, physical strength, IT and crafts. You would get to meet a different cross section of your community if you were able to support them with any of these skills – volunteer at the Bath Spa University Student Union or University of Bath Student Union.

CITIZENS ADVICE

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) offers free and independent advice on

Benefits Work Debt and money Consumer Rights and

Responsibilities Relationships Housing Discrimination Tax Healthcare Education

The Bath office runs from 2 Edgar Buildings, George Street, BA1 2EE, tel 0844 848 7919. You are able to contact or visit and they will investigate further for you if they are not able to advise you immediately. The service offers completely impartial advice and has a lot of resource to clarify your rights in a given situation.

STUDENT UNION

Your Students’ Union is here to make sure that your time at Bath is the best it can be. The SU offers opportunities for you to develop skills, have fun and make new friends and feel a part of the student community. —Chris Clements, University of Bath Students' Union President 2012/13

During your time at the university you will utilise the student union. We have already mentioned the bar and social side of their work, but they are the student representatives and offer assistance with or connections to:

Advice and Representation Bars and Entertainment Joblink Skills Training Societies and Media Sport Volunteering Peer Support and Mentoring Enterprise

BUSES

Both universities are on bus routes offered by First, UniConnect and Bugler Coaches.

Tickets can be bought from the driver, online or the university shop Fresh Style on campus. Fresh Style offers passes for 10 or 20 journeys or 1, 5, 8, 13, 3, 6 and 52 weeks. Be sure to take you student ID along when purchasing any tickets.

The city bus station is in Dorchester Street, alongside the railway station. Buses to and from here cover the whole area with trains and coaches taking you further afield. Check with the operators for the relevant route and timetable.

Bath Bus Company offers a frequent service from Bath to Bristol Airport.

TRAINS

The city transport interchange is in Dorchester Street with the railway station to the west and the bus and coach stations to the east.

Direct trains run to London, Cardiff, Penzance, Portsmouth, Brighton, Great Malvern and Weymouth. Many of these destinations have linking trains to take you further. Check with the operators for the relevant route and timetable.

Trains through Bath are operated by First Great Western, South West Trains and MegaTrain.

COACHES

The Dorchester Street transport interchange is the location for all buses and coaches.Coaches do not have a dedicated station per se.

National Express offer a daily service between Bath and London Heathrow airport. The journey travels through Swindon, Marlborough and Reading.

MegaBus offer services between Bath and London’s Victoria Coach and Rail Stations.

LOCAL COUNCIL

Unless you are renting accommodation privately most of your day to day living will be overseen by the university so your need to contact the local council will be minimal. For when you are off campus the local council is Bath and North East Somerset Council (BaNES). The council is responsible for

Benefits and Grants Business and Employment Skills Community Safety Council Tax Education Environment Health and Social Care Highway Maintenance Housing Libraries Parking and Transport Parks Planning and Building

Control Public Health Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages Rubbish and Recycling Sports and Leisure Travel, Tourism and Heritage Trading Standards

If you have an issue with any of these drop into your council office at Lewis House, Manvers St, Bath, BA1 1JG 01225 39 40 41

POLICE

Students can often have contact with the local police that they often don’t want, however the police can be your friend too. When things go wrong and you are a victim they should be your first point of call, telephone 999 if your situation is a life threatening emergency or 111 if the situation is less urgent.

The central police station for the city is on Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JN Tel 111. The station is open daily from 8am-10pm. As with all the services mentioned here, treat the policeman with the respect they seek and they will treat you with the same respect.

FIRE

The city’s fire station is on Cleveland Bridge.

To contact the fire service dial 999 and ask for Fire.

You will be asked about the incident and be expected to give your contact details.

Stay calm when delivering these details so the operator can dispatch the fire engine quickly.

Return to the locality and direct the crew to the emergency. Do NOT enter any structure that is on fire to rescue anyone or anything.

AMBULANCE

To contact the ambulance service dial 999 and ask for Ambulance.

You will be asked about the incident and be expected to give your contact details.

Stay calm when delivering these details so the operator can dispatch the relevant crew quickly.

Return to the incident and await the ambulance service helping in any way you can.

The telephone operator may give you instructions for handling the patient and for assisting the ambulance crew to locate you – listen careful as your actions can save lives.

WASTE & RECYCLING

Choosing to study in our beautiful surroundings probably came easily. Now you are asked to maintain the beauty by considering how you deal with your rubbish.

The Bath Spa University partakes in the EcoCampus Scheme which audits our locations for compliance in:

Water efficiency Waste and recycling Energy efficiency Biodiversity Sustainable transport Construction and refurbishment Community involvement Health, safety and welfare Sustainable purchasing Emissions and discharges

To achieve our recycling targets we have scheme in place for various materials. Please read through what can be recycled and how to handle the material before using the relevant bin in your academic and accommodation blocks.

Paper – all types recycled. Confidential papers are collected from the locked confidential waste bins

Plastics – bottles and cups should be washed and squashed Cans – food and drink cans should be washed and squashed Glass – all types and colours – please wash first Cardboard – must be flattened Batteries – all types are collected at reception points. It is against the law

to put batteries into your general rubbish Drink Cartons – Tetrapak cartons are collected next to Harrington and

Pope. Please wash and squash Clothing – whole garments can be recycled next to the Neville Laundry Electricals - it is against the law to put electricals into your general rubbish Printer Cartridges – collection boxes in most buildings Food Waste – is collected and turned into compost via the Rocket

The University of Bath will remove items weekly from the bins in accommodation kitchen areas. Please use the Accommodation Centre facilities to dispose of all other goods.

What you can recycle in accommodation

Paper Plastics Cans Glass Cardboard

What you can recycle at the Accommodation Centres

Textiles Electrical & electronic items Paper Plastics Cans Glass Cardboard

Print out the RegFuse reminder and stick it on the fridge in your kitchen.

If you feel that some information is missing from this document please get in touch, let us know if we have done a good job or need to improve too.

Most importantly of all, do have a great time as a student in Bath!