Paisley University

This opinion is based on my experiences aas a student at the university's Ayr campus.

Many people have criticised the University of Paisley, particularly because of the damning report that placed it 99th out of 99 in the best universities poll. This is completely unfair in terms of the Ayr Campus.

The Ayr campus is becoming a large part of the university with one of their most successful courses - "Media - Theory and Production" being based at Ayr. Talk of moving this course to the main campus was put to an end when the new head of the university claimed he was commited to keeping the course at Ayr.

The small size of the campus means it is very comfortable to study at, and you cna get to know most of the people around you, even those of different courses. When I studied at Glasgow University before, the main concern was that I didn't know many people because there were so many people around! The small numbers mean that you can get to know people.

The staff at Ayr are generally friendly and helpful, which means if you have any problems then they are quick to help and assist you. One of the main things that I like is the way the staff are commited to making sure you are happy on the course, and they do everything they can to get rid of any problems.

Facilities for students is where my opinion is slightly mixed. The library at the Ayr campus has recently been refurbished and it means that computer facilities, photocopying and other facilities are more readily available. I do however feel that it is not always easy to get the book you need for your course, and sometimes books have to be ordered in which can take a while.

Other facilities are quite poor such as the union - a tiny little building that has a tiny little shop and bar. I guess it is to be expected due to the small size of the campus, but it is a fact that the University of Paisley is the most underfunded student union in the UK, and so more could be done about this.

If you plan to come to the Ayr campus and stay in the Halls of Residence, I would advise you don't! I have a few friends who stay in there and the rooms are small and discusting to be honest!

So essentially come to Ayr campus because of the excellent teaching and learning facilities, but don't move here to live in the halls, because they are awful and you will be bored because of the poor union!