Why I love studying in Burnley

I am currently studying Midwifery at UCLan’s Burnley Campus. As someone who already lived in Burnley, studying here has been super convenient for me. Here are just some of the reasons I have been loving my time studying in Burnley.

Convenience and a sense of community

I live at home with my partner close by the campus. It’s a five-minute drive or less than 30 minutes on foot. So studying here has been convenient from a location perspective. I have also benefitted from a financial point of view too due to the lack of commuting. I like the smaller class sizes on my course and there is also a lovely sense of community in Burnley. All the staff members around campus are so helpful and will greet you with a smile.

A modern homely campus

While Burnley may be a smaller campus compared to Preston, it is modern and feels very homely. As you enter Victoria Mill, you're greeted with a light and airy feel, the large windows and skylights help to make the space feel very open and welcoming. There is a café on the ground floor which is very spacious with a range of refreshments, snacks and lunches available. There is also ping pong and pool tables – perfect for some downtime between classes!

Amazing facilities

If you are hoping to study a degree in midwifery or other health related courses, then the Skills Lab is where you will spend quite a large amount of time. Replicating a real clinical environment, the skills lab is well-equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. I've found that using the equipment and skills labs have really helped me to get up to speed with real practice when I’ve been out on placement.

Free gym membership

Students in Burnley don’t miss out on any free gym perks. We have access to St Peters Leisure Centre which is full of top-of-the-range equipment, a swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts and more. It’s an amazing place to go to keep fit for free and socialise too.

There’s plenty to do outside of the classroom

Outside of university and placement life, one of my favourite things to do is go for walks. There are many walks around Burnley, including six Green Flag parks. I’d recommend walking to The Singing Ringing Tree, a wind-powered sound sculpture which is well worth seeing for yourself. Another great place to visit is Townley Park, with wooded areas, fields and a play area for children, it’s a very versatile area. There is also a garden centre in the park, which is always well-kept and beautiful.

I hope this blog has given you some insight into life and study in Burnley.