Student union

A good student union makes the difference between an OK university and a great one. They oversee provision of food, cheap alcohol, a whole range of entertainments from gigs to club nights including discounts on the tickets, and a number of whole host of different societies. They also run shops where you can get low-priced essentials for your course such as stationery, or do your photocopying.

Membership of the student union also provide representation in disputes with tutors or landlords, and access to a range of advisors. The advice centre may be housed within the union building or separately, and can help you out with all kinds of problems, whether they are financial, emotional, or legal.

Accommodation office

They're in charge of allocating rooms in halls to first-year students, and sometimes the university rents out rooms in houses to second-years. They're the people who give you the keys to move in, collect the rent, maintain the buildings (to a greater or lesser extent), and provide porters and security.

They are also the people who are responsible for telling you off for making too much noise, or docking your deposit if you trash your room. Most accommodation offices keep lists of approved local landlords. They can also recommended student properties, to make sure you end up living somewhere safe and don't get ripped off.

Finance office

If you're lucky enough to get cheques for your subsistence, this is where you pick them up. Most students don't have too many dealings with the finance office, apart from when they have to register at the start of the term, and picking up course deposits. 

Careers services

There's nearly always a free careers office for students on or near campus. They have everything from personality questionnaires to CV services to help you find out what work would suit you best. They can help you find part-time jobs and work placements, and give advice on how to make a positive impression in interviews. They should also have a range of prospectus guides for postgraduate study, and list opportunities to study, work or volunteer overseas. If you are interested in doing voluntary work, the careers office will provide you with a volunteer guide who will help you along the way.

Most careers services have special arrangements with local businesses that are looking to take on interns or graduate trainees. They may have directories of grant-making trusts to help with sponsorships.

Updated: 09/01/2013