Student Life
With a population of 110,000, Cheltenham is big enough to attract a variety of cultural and social events. However, it still maintains a "small town" feel, organizing itself into multiple "sub-communities" based around grocers' stalls, fish-and-chips shops and local pubs.
Many BCA students get very involved in extracurricular and social activities at the university. Some choose also to participate in internships or volunteer experiences in local schools, businesses, government and non-profit organizations. The BCA Cheltenham Director identifies appropriate placements for students.
Housing and Meals
BCA Cheltenham students usually live in Regency Halls, student housing near the UoG Francis Close Hall campus. The student residences have single, en suite rooms with shared kitchens. Students receive a meal card and a meal stipend. The resident director will place a certain amount of money on a card that you can use at any of the university cafeterias. In addition to the card, you will receive a cash food stipend every two weeks and you can use this to purchase groceries.
Computer Access
BCA students have access to all of the university's computer facilities. Broadband Internet connection is also available in the halls for students who bring a personal computer or laptop. Please note that there is a connection fee for Internet connections in the villa rooms, which is not part of the BCA fee.
Local Transportation
Public transportation, which consists of buses and taxis, is efficient. For travel between the University's four campuses and the center of both Cheltenham and Gloucester, students may ride the university-provided Unimotion bus free of charge.
Sports Facilities
BCA students have access to the university's playing fields and sports facilities. The campus has more than 40 sports clubs and societies: from football and snowboarding to music, acting and film, there are many options.
BCA Educational Excursions & Activities
One of the benefits of studying abroad with BCA is the excursions offered throughout the semester included in the program fee. Excursions often change from year to year, however, typically students enjoy:
- Stonehenge and Salisbury
- Bath (usually during orientation)
- The Cotswolds
- Blenheim Palace and Oxford
- Cardiff: Millennium stadium and castle
- Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon
Cardiff, Wales Excursion
Student Name: David Aumack, Messiah College, Fall 2007
Description: One of my most memorable excursions that my friends and I took was a day trip to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. We hopped on a train at Cheltenham Spa and arrived in Cardiff an hour later. First, we went to go visit Millennium Stadium where they host a variety of events such as motorsports and concerts, as well as rugby and football "soccer" games. It'll also be one of the hosts for the 2012 Summer Olympics. During our tour, the guide showed us into the Royal Box. This is where royalty spectate during the games. In the Royal Box we all got a chance to hold the Rugby World Cup!!! Afterwards we explored Cardiff Castle and its nearby tower. I thought Cardiff Castle was the most beautiful castle I saw while in Great Britain, displaying one room made entirely out of gold! Then as night drew near we all walked around a nearby park close to the river, perused the downtown shops, and headed back to Cheltenham to call it a day.