Your Campus

Milton Keynes: Get to Know Your Campus

Welcome to the University of Bedfordshire! Although COVID has put a temporary halt on in-person activities, it’s a safe bet that you’ll be going back to in-person classes at some point before you finish your degree. This resource is meant to help you get to know your campus and the surrounding area!

The University of Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes is located at Exchange House, Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 2UB. It is right across the street from intu Milton Keynes, and a five-minute walk from The Centre:mk. With nearby amenities like iFly Indoor Skydiving and the Milton Keynes Theatre, there is always something to do when you are near campus. Amenities on-site include free parking, library, computer lab, and canteen.

BedsSU advice: The canteen, while convenient, isn’t always fully stocked. Often, there is a lack of food for vegetarians/vegans, and as there is only one employee, queues can sometimes be lengthy during the lunch break.

Coffee Break

Pret a Manger

Address: 27-29 Eagle Walk Intu Shopping Centre, Milton Keynes MK9 3AJ
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You can’t go wrong with Pret. For either a quick coffee break or a full takeaway lunch, Pret a Manger has your back, and the spacious patio of this location allows you to grab a table no matter how busy the mall is. Our favorite is the salmon and avocado flatbread wrap.

Bogota Coffee Company

Address: 4 Rillaton Walk, Milton Keynes MK9 2FZ
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If you’re up for a bit of a walk, Bogota Coffee Company is worth it. A seriously cozy café with a vintage feel, Bogota Coffee Company offers a range of specialty coffee drinks from lattes to French presses and everything in between. They also provide small plates for a light lunch – we recommend the tuna melt sandwich!

Carlo’s Coffee Bar

Address: 378a Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 2EA
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Although it is a little trick to find, Carlo’s Coffee Bar is meant to be seen. A small café with a passion for coffee, Carlo’s is the only coffee company in Milton Keynes that roasts its own beans. Never willing to sacrifice quality, you’ll get an excellent cup at Carlo’s no matter what you order.

Lunch

Made in Sud Pizza

Address: Midsummer Place, intu, Milton Keynes MK9 3GB
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It seems impossible that a humble food truck could provide some of the best pizza we’ve tasted outside of Naples, but it’s true. From the classic margherita to a more experimental aubergine parm pie, Made in Sud is an absolute must try. If you’re in Milton Keynes and hungry for some pizza, forget Pizza Hut and Pizza Express. Head straight to Made in Sud and dig into some of the best pizza in the country.

Las Iguanas

Address: The Hub, Milton Keynes MK9 2FB
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A vibey Latin-American chain, Las Iguanas offers a quality casual dining experience not too far from campus. With a focus on tapas dishes and Latin American staples such as enchiladas and burritos, there’s something for everyone here. Their happy hour is a two-for-one on coctails as well, so this might be the spot for a cheeky happy hour after class.

Kokoro MK

Address: Unit 18, Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, 86-88 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 3GB
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A Korean Japanese takeaway, Kokoro focuses on providing hearty soups and scrumptious sushi with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and environmentally conscious packaging. A favorite in Milton Keynes, Kokoro often has long queues, so make sure you give yourself ample time if you want to sample the dishes here.

Health

Milton Keynes University Hospital

Address: Standing Way, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes MK6 5LD
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Nearest walk-in health center, within two miles of campus.

Religious Life

Church of Christ the Cornerstone

Address: 300 Saxon Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 2ES
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Multi-denominational Christian chruch within a ten-minute walk from campus.

Luton: Get to Know Your Campus

It can be quite daunting coming to a new town. With little knowledge of what’s around I bet you are left thinking, what is there to do? Well of course we have a great line up of events throughout the year, but if you fancy venturing into Bedford and exploring then this is a must read…

Things to do in Luton

Luton is home to a great array of places to dine, entertainment venues and fun activities. You will find a large amount of hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars in the town catering for every need. From pub grub to fine dining, Luton has it all.

You can find plenty of leisure activities to get involved in, from bowling to some retail therapy in The Mall. Luton is just a short trip away from Whipsnade Zoo and this is certainly worth checking out on a nice day.

You may even be interested in visiting Stockwood discovery centre or Wardown house museum & gallery. Both very popular attractions in Luton.

If sport is your thing then Kenilworth Road is worth a visit, the home of Luton Town FC.

Luton is also home to 2 train stations that will get you into London within 20 minutes. London Luton Airport is also situated in the town and is one of Britain’s major airports. Luton bus station is situated right next to the train station and has links to all the surrounding towns and villages.

This is just a handful of great things Luton has to offer so feel free to explore further and we can’t wait to meet you during your studies at UoB!

Bedford: Get to Know Your Campus

Things to do in Bedford

Bedford is home to a great array of places to dine, entertainment venues and fun activities. You will find a large amount of hotels, restaurants, bars & nightclubs in the town catering for every need. From pub grub, to a quiet trendy bar to a big night out. Bedford has it all.

You can find plenty of leisure activities to get involved in. Bedford hosts 2 public swimming pools, 2 cinemas, a variety of gyms and even a laser tag centre. Just a short trip away from Woburn Safari Park this is certainly worth checking out on a nice day.

If sport is your thing, then not only does Bedford have many sports clubs available to join and even a fantastic athletics stadium, the town is also home to the mighty

Bedford Blues RFC whose stadium is situated just a stone’s throw away from Bedford Campus.

If what you are after is not in Bedford then do not panic, because you are only 40 minutes away by train to London, 30 minutes away from Milton Keynes by Bus and 50 minutes away from Cambridge by Bus.

This is just a handful of great things Bedford has to offer so feel free to explore further and we can’t wait to meet you during your studies at UoB!

Find out more

You can find more suggestions for things to see and do in Bedford in this travel guide.

Travel Guide to Bedford

London Bridge: Get to Know Your Campus

Your Campus

The London School of Commerce at London Bridge is located in Chaucer House, White Hart Yard, London SE1 1NX, a quiet street in the bustling heart of Southwark. Just a two-minute walk from Borough Market, there is no lack for things to do off-campus. On-campus amenities include: a library (inaccessible to the physically disabled), and a student common room with coffee machines and microwaves.

Beds SU advice: don’t count on the common room. There is often a long queue for the microwaves and seats are somewhat scarce during break-times. Get off campus and explore the excitement of Borough Market and the surrounding areas!

Coffee Break

Roasting Plant Coffee

Address: 4 Borough High Street on the south side of London Bridge
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If you’re all about coffee, this café is for you. Enjoy a fully customizable experience in a hip environment. Choose your beans and drink, and the baristas will grind and brew your selection right in front of you! They also offer a range of toasts and sandwiches (we recommend the vegan tricolore sourdough). Although at a cost, this café is for those who genuinely care about quality coffee.

Change Please

Address: inside of Borough Market
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Combining social justice with great coffee, Change Please’s mission is to equip homeless people with the skills and support required to become fully fledged baristas. A no-frills cart in the center of Borough Market, Change Please offers a full range of espresso drinks. It’s great for a quick quality cup of joe!

Colombian Coffee Company

Address: inside of Borough Market
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An eco-conscious purveyor of single-origin roasts, the Colombian Coffee Company offers some of the highest quality espresso drinks around. If you’re looking for a real kick before an exam, you’re in luck: Colombian Coffee Company’s espresso is some of the strongest we’ve ever tasted!

Lunch

Gujarati Rasoi

Address: inside of Borough Market
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Specializing in classic vegetarian dishes, this family-run cart specializes in the historic recipes of Gujarat, India. Mother/son team Lalita and Urvesh Parvais provide freshly made street fare and curries. A perfect option for Meatless Mondays!

Khanom Krok

Address: inside of Borough Market
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This husband/wife run Thai food stall offers some of the best street food around. Using fresh ingredients to produce a range of curries and noodle dishes, take in this culinary snapshot of Bangkok whenever you have the chance! Don’t miss their excellent prawn pad thai.

George Inn

Address: 75 Borough High St
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If you’re looking for no-frills quality pub fare, George Inn is for you. An authentic 17^th century coaching inn and pub, LSC’s entrance opens directly into the George Inn’s beer garden. Whether you need a happy hour after a long day of instruction or a quick lunch in between classes, this is the most convenient option for you. We recommend you try the battered haloumi and chips, a vegetarian twist on a classic pub dish!

Health

Guy’s Hospital

Address: Great Maze Pond
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Nearest urgent care center, a three-minute walk from campus.

Religious Life

Southwark Cathedral

Address: London Bridge
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Anglican church within a 5-minute walking distance of campus.

Baitul Aziz Islamic Cultural Centre

Address: 1 Dickens Square
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Pan-Islamic center offering communal prayer times throughout the day. Baitul Aziz is less than a mile away from campus.

Aylesbury: Get to Know Your Campus

Your Campus

The Aylesbury Campus of the University of Bedfordshire is a brand-new building nestled in with Stoke Mandeville Hospital with a street address of Mandeville Rd, Aylesbury HP21 8AL. An ideal location for students in placements at Stoke Mandeville, this campus has great access to medical training facilities. Amenities include a student common room/computer lab and a coffee machine. Parking is not reduced for students, but our Exec Team are aware of this issue and are working on a solution currently.

Recommendations

Because your campus is located in a hospital, there are limited options for food and coffee. Stoke Mandeville does have two canteens, Moment to Eat and WRVS Coffee. Additionally, there is an Asda supermarket within walking distance from campus.

However, if you find yourself in central Aylesbury, here are some cafes and restaurants to check out.

South Porch Cafe

Address: inside of St. Mary’s Church
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A vegan café with a charming setting, South Porch Café is a good place to settle in for a study session while snacking on small plates and sipping on coffee. Ideal for the health-conscious foodie with a taste for good coffee.

The Coffee Tree

Address: 11 George St.
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Join the Coffee Tree for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea, and you will not be disappointed. With a wide selection of teas and coffee drinks as well as small plates, this restaurant is ideal for a sit-down meal with friends.

Café at the Museum

Address: 9 Church St.
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Visit the Bucks County Museum and enjoy hot and cold drinks in the museum’s walled garden, an oasis in the middle of Aylesbury. Fine cakes in a idyllic setting, there’s something on offer for everyone here.

Aylesbury Market

Address: Friars Square
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If you have a little bit of time on your hands, stroll along Friars Square and take in Aylesbury Market – an open air bazaar that has everything from Brazilian to Italian food as well as vintage clothing and antique stalls. When the weather is nice, Aylesbury market makes for a wonderful way to spend an afternoon after classes.

Putteridge Bury: Get to Know Your Campus

Your Campus

The University of Bedfordshire Putteridge Bury campus is a beautiful neo-Elizabethan estate built in 1911. It is the proud home of UoB events including graduation and research symposia. There is a daily free shuttle bus from Luton (Vicarage Street) to Putteridge Bury.

Amenities here include a full canteen, reflecting pool and idyllic garden grounds.

Recommendations

Because of its rural setting, the Putteridge Bury campus is relatively insular. There are a few cafes within a two-mile radius of the campus, but they have been known to turn students away. Our advice is to stick to campus – it is quite beautiful, so enjoy the scenery!

The canteen chefs are very accommodating as well. If you have any dietary restrictions, simply let them know when you arrive on campus, and they will ensure your food needs will be met.

Birmingham: Get to Know Your Campus

Your Campus

The London School of Commerce Birmingham is located on the 17^th floor of the McLaren Building, 46 Priory Queensway, Birmingham B4 7LR. A five-minute walk from the Bullring, there are a tremendous amount of shops, cafes and restaurants for you to enjoy. Students amenities include a library, student common room with vending and coffee machine and reduced-fare parking (enquire with LSC reception on the 17^th floor about how to activate this discount).

Beds SU advice: don’t count on the common room. During break times, it is very crowded, and often there are not enough seats for students. Don’t be afraid to step off campus and discover the fascinating urban environment of central Birmingham.

Coffee Break

Ngopi

Address: 56 Dale End
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An authentic Indonesian café serving fresh coffee and small bites, this shop offers some of the best coffee in Birmingham. From the full range of espresso drinks to pour-overs, Ngopi roasts all their beans in-house. The friendly staff here will help you with your order, and if you are lucky enough to pass the café in the morning, you will certainly catch a lovely whiff of the daily roasts!

Tim Hortons

Address: 112-113 New St.
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A Canadian staple relatively unknown in the UK, Tim Hortons is a down-to-earth fast food café with all sorts of coffee drinks, doughnuts and breakfast sandwiches. Grab yourself a “double-double” (coffee with two sugars and two creams) with a maple syrup doughnut and enjoy a bit of North American comfort!

Joe & the Juice

Address: inside of Grand Central
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Need a respite from the hustle and bustle of Grand Central? Joe & the Juice, a Danish café specializing in fresh juices and coffee, is your answer. Located on the mezzanine level of Grand Central, this café is an ideal spot to settle in for a study session or coffee break after a long day of coursework.

Lunch

Boston Tea Party

Address: 190 Corporation St.
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Perfect for a sit-down lunch with friends, Boston Tea Party brings the foodie revolution to Birmingham by offering innovative takes on classic dishes: burgers, salads and toasts all get the gourmet treatment at a fair price!

Thai Express

Address: inside of Grand Central
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For a quick and easy made-to-order Thai experience, Thai Express is your go-to. Richly seasoned noodle and rice dishes are the focus here. The tofu pad thai ordered very spicy is a can’t miss.

Tortilla

Address: inside of Grand Central
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Offering an authentic burrito experience, Tortilla is a consistent go-to. Made to order Mexican food is on offer here; and while burritos are on center stage, Tortilla also has tacos, salads, and quesadillas on the menu. Don’t miss the marinated jackfruit burrito – great for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Health

Birmingham NHS Walk-In Centre

Address: 66 High St.
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Nearest walk-in health center, a 4 minute walk from campus.

Religious Life

St. Michael’s Church

Address: Moor St.
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Catholic church within a four-minute walk of campus.

The Church at Carr’s Lane

Address: Carr’s Lane
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Methodist inclusive church within a five-minute walk of campus.

Sufa Islamic and Khatme Nabuwat Education Centre

Address: St. Andrews St.
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Nearest Islamic centre offering communal prayer times. Within two miles of camps.