This is an extensive opinion and I will dwell here sufficient to say the University is named after Simon DeMontfort, a rebellious Leicester Earl, switching from Leicester Polytechnic around 1990. As a polytechnic in the 1960-70`s smaller rock groups frequently played within the halls, but alas no more.
LOCATION **********
Leicester, Bedford and Milton Keynes.
The principal college is Leicester, 100 miles north of London, (M1 Junction 21) Continue approx. 2 miles down Narborough Road, turning right towards the DeMontfort University (DMU) Gateway.
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Part-Time and Distance Learning.
Art & Design, Business, Engineering, I.T., Law, Social Studies, Pharmaceutical and many more.
DMU has its own bookstore and library centrally, but several other bookshops exist in the city centre from which you may be able to obtain your books at cheaper prices, including Waterstones, W.H. Smiths etc.
The library I found to be well resourced, and due to its proximity to Leicester University, you could obtain access with your Uni card to visit Leicester Uni library for anything obscure.
Although the DMU has its own IT departments, timing your visits is of more importance than anything. Printers are notoriously a pain, however, it should be noted so are some of your fellow "academics" using them. My advice would be to buy a reconditioned p.c. from Environ (good cheap rates) the convenience will be invaluable. (www.environ.com)
An honours degree is a highly sought after prize amongst national and local Governments, Businesses and just about anyone which involves a bureaucracy. A proven passport to future success. Secondly it allows travel abroad in the year out with the language training too. Opportunities exist with various overseas agencies and charities.
You can learn and specialise in your non core subjects so that all important element - the dissertation - in the final year could be developed into something you really enjoy.
STAFF **********
The DMU staff contains many nationally respected authors in their specialised fields. In the main they are adaptable, friendly and receptive. In return they ask only for your commitment and common courtesy. They do not however, suffer fools gladly.
ACCOMMODATION **************
DMU has a limited amount of accommodation, largely brand new halls of residence overlooking the canal, so book early. Unfortunately (see Sports section) it is located en-route to local sports arenas so write off Saturdays as a reading day. Contact the Uni for an up to date landlord list.
EATING OUT ************
A Mexican restaurant is close by to the city site, otherwise Leicester houses one of the largest quantities of Indian and Chinese take aways outside the major metropolis areas of London, Birmingham and Manchester etc. Try Green Lane Road area for the Indian delicacies. Popular local pubs include the Magazine and The Princess Charlotte pub are 5 mins from the city site.
HEALTH & DISABILITY ********************
The DMU is sited next door to Leicester Royal Infirmary. It's access facilities, however, are not great so it is wise to call and confirm any special needs first.
SPORT *******
Leicester City Football Club and Leicester Rugby ground are a couple of hundred yards away from the city site. Leicester Cricket is but two miles from the city site
SHOPPING *********
The City Centre is approximately 1 mile away (easy walk) with one of the largest undercover markets in Europe, which is ideal for fresh produce at reasonable prices and much more.
The High Street features the Shires shopping complex, containing mainly High Street names such as Debenhams, Virgin, or Claires Accessories.
On the other side of the clock tower is the Haymarket shopping centre (which includes the Haymarket theatre) and a variety of coffee houses, Woolworths etc.
FINAL SUMMARY *************************
The DMU degree offers you everything a young candidate could hope for; status, travel, language learning, with a passport to future success. Just be sure that you are willing to study. Pick a suitable course.
Selecting the type of course; tutorial or distance is equally important, choose to suit from what is on offer. If you choose to come to Leicester for tutorial teaching the DMU staff are equal to anywhere, and the city itself offers a good cost of living comparable to anywhere (take time out to do a Tesco shop at Hamilton) and the market for fresh produce and stationery at reasonable prices.
Non college activities are in abundance with local sporting activities satisfied by Football, Rugby and Cricket all within easy reach of the city site. International rock and pop groups appear at the 2000 seater DeMontfort Hall on a semi regular basis. Parks are plentiful for those who love the big outdoors (try Abbey Park or Victoria park).
There are many things to praise about the DMU.
More details
Sporting Facilities
Good
Student Union
Reasonable
Shops & Banks
Good
Cost of Living
Cheap
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
very helpful
very helpful
very helpful
helpful
