Student Services
Contacting family and friends
Getting online
- Bath University Computing Services (BUCS) :
BUCS issue all students with a computer username and password when they join the University. This allows you to use PCs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the Library and Learning Centre and access facilities in student residences. You can also use your laptop in the Library and Learning Centre. Detailed information may be found on the BUCS website.
- ResNet (ethernet networking):
All of the University residences, on and off campus, are wired up with ethernet networking (ResNet). ResNet allows students to connect their own computers to the University network and therefore access email, print to library computers, use the internet, access filespace, use standard base voice over IP software for telephone calls etc. The cost of ResNet service is included in your accommodation fees. For details on how to apply for ResNet, visit the BUCS website. - Internet phonecalls: Several student residences now have Voice-over-IP telephones in each room and peer-2-peer networks such as Skype are allowed on the University network.
- BUCS Help Desk: The Help Desk is your first point of contact with BUCS - they are there to give help and advice. The Help Desk is on level 2 in the Library. Opening times are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 09:00-16:45, Wednesday, 10:00 - 16:45, Tel: x 3535 (01225 383535 outside the University) or report online.
Telephone
- Payphones: Most public phones accept coins of 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2
(minimum charge of 60p), and phonecards (UK and International)
of £5, £10
and £20. Buy phonecards at post offices, newsagents and the
shop on campus. Some phones accept credit cards but this is more
expensive.
Payphones in Residences: Payphones are situated in, or near, all residences. Most residences have a telephone in every kitchen and certain residences have a telephone in every study bedroom. Internal telephone calls on campus or between kitchen groups in the off-site complexes are free with access to the Freewire Telephone service (also enabling you to call other Freewire users). Full details will be provided with your room offer.
Payphones on Campus: There is a payphone near the Santander bank, near the Fresh supermarket.
- Telephone companies and cheap calls: If you are living in private accommodation you may wish to install a telephone line. There are many companies which offer telephone lines in the UK. Each one offers different packages and prices and we suggest that you spend some time looking at the best offer for you, especially if you intend to make lots of international calls.
- International Calls: To call home dial 00 + country code + the number (if the number starts with a zero you may need to omit it).
- Don't know the number? Call Directory Enquiries on 118 500 (UK) or 118 505 (international).
- Mobile Phones: Mobile
phones may be cheap to buy but expensive to use. For UK mobile
networks and prices visit: www.mobiles.co.uk
Contracts for mobiles: If you choose a contract the phone will be free or cheap but make sure you check the monthly payment and call charges before signing - there is often a compulsory monthly charge. Most contracts commit you to 12 months, some for longer. Check online for cheap offers.
Pay-as-you-Go mobiles: Once you've paid for the phone you can buy talk-time and use it when you need it. This makes budgeting easier and means you won't be surprised by a large bill at the end of the month.
Post
Post offices are generally open from 09:00-17:30 Monday to Friday and 09:00-12:30 on Saturday. There is a post office on campus in the Fresh supermarket, and another at Northgate Street in Bath - opposite the Podium.
Mail is first class and second class. First class is next-day delivery, second class is three-day delivery. Prices for airmail depend on size and weight and must be measured and weighed at the post office before posting.
Any important documents such as passports should always be sent by Recorded Delivery or Special Delivery which require a signature from the recipient and insure against loss.
Full details of Royal Mail services...>>
Faxes
Sending:
- Copy and Print department on level 2 of the library (there will be a charge)
- Students' Union reception (there will be a charge)
- Individual department fax machines.
Receiving
- Students' Union reception (free). Fax number: + 44 (0)1225 383800
- Individual department fax machines
- Please make sure your name and course of study are marked clearly on the fax.