Campus Explorations

Snow! There was snow in Leicester this week! As expected, everything was fun and exciting until the gusts of wind came and it was just chilly and damp. Regardless, I hope you are all staying warm and everything went well with results!

So today’s blog topic is on something that I have decided would be fun to write about and that is my favourite places on campus. Leicester has a lovely campus with recognisable buildings and an easy stroll from end to end. Being a third year, I’ve had the opportunity to explore many of them so I thought it would be enjoyable to reflect on some memorable ones – and hopefully it will give a better flavor of what it’s like to study here.

1. The Rattray Lecture Theatre

credit; leicester university website

As a Biological sciences student, I was inducted into the course as one of hundreds and for the entirety of my first year; we were presented lectures at the biggest lecture theatres on campus. With a capacity of 316, this venue was huge and was my personal favourite. Why? Isn’t it lame to love a lecture theatre? Two valid points. I think I just enjoyed the fact that it was exactly how I pictured a lecture theatre to be like, and it was a place where I saw my friends from across degree streams. A particular memory of mine was dashing into the lecture theatre after tutorials; a little bit light-headed and running up the aisle just before it starts. There were days where I would be in the Rattray twice in one day, so I think being inside so many times eventually made me love being there a lot.

Also, if you are a first year for the course, I strongly suggest you get to know where this venue is on your first day as most of my lectures were definitely in there!

2. The Charles Wilson Building

credit; leicester university website

Fun fact: I have never been taught in this building! Most of my experiences have been for extracurricular or work experiences where I have had to work in the conference rooms. I love this building because I think it is a far quieter and comfier place than the Students Union to study in and meet up with friends, especially during the peak hours. There are food, seats, power-plugs – it’s a good alternative to the quiet zone of the library. Also if you are going to get taught in one of the rooms in the upper floors, make sure you have a peek out of the window as the view of Leicester is gorgeous!

Another fun fact: apparently it was part of the “brutalist” style of architecture. It is definitely unique to look at.

3. Percy Gee Building i.e. the SU

credit; leicester university website

Naturally, I am rounding off the list with the center of the campus. Equipped with a diner, a Starbucks, and a basement full of comfy couches, I really love the Students’ Union building. Although it is secondary to the Charles Wilson Building when it comes to food choices and study venue (as it is considerably busier), it has such a nice design with sunlight streaming in through glass windows and the seating is comfortable. So comfortable, it will be a pain trying to run to lectures afterwards. I have definitely seen a few people napping on the nice big couches they have at the square.

It is super colorful too!

So that’s my short whistle-stop tour of my favourite haunts on campus, I may have to add more to my list when I take a wander tomorrow. If you have any of your own, feel free to let me know below!