Library at the Dunstable Campus
To help with your studies at Central Bedfordshire College, all students have access to our well-stocked library. It is not just a place to be quiet! The library holds a wide variety of resources required for your particular course. Apart from books, students can use the daily newspapers and specialist journals and magazines to help you keep up-to-date with the everchanging world.
The library stocks videos and students can also surf the net and use CD ROMs. In addition, there are also stocks of over 9,000 electronic journals and newspapers dating from 1980. You can access these from anywhere in the world – just ask the library staff for a password. Friendly staff are always available to help find what you need. All students attend an introductory session at the beginning of their course. Students can also make an appointment with a librarian for individual guidance during the academic year. Study space is available for both individual and group work and the library is open at the following times:
LIBRARY OPEN TIMES
9am-8pm most days of the week and on Saturday mornings, during term time
The library works together with the Learning Resource Centre at the University of Luton.
Students based at the Houhgton Regis and Leighton Buzzard Campuses also have access to the libraries facilities. Please speak to a member of the library team when you enroll for further details.
Enrichment – It is not all work!
Coming to College is not only about gaining a qualification. College provides an opportunity to meet and make new friends as well as taking up new interests and hobbies. Every full-time student at Central Bedfordshire College is given time to participate in an enrichment programme. For those under the age of 19 this is a mandatory part of the course. Enrichment comprises of an extensive programme of activities which take place on Wednesday afternoons together with College events and trips. Opportunities exist to enrol on sporting activities, computer classes, beauty groups, student newspapers, photography and drama.
Sports & Leisure
Full-time students have access to certain facilities at the Dunstable Leisure Centre free of charge at specified times and at members’ prices at other times.
Common Room
All students have access to the Common Room where you can spend time between classes playing pool and table tennis, watching TV, listening to music or hanging out with friends.
Refectory at the Dunstable Campus
Hungry, thirsty, peckish … the refectory caters for all tastes, providing meals or a quick bite to eat. The menu is diverse, with healthy and vegetarian options, alongside old favourites and Halal recipes. There are vending machines which dispense snacks and hot and cold drinks. If you have an early morning start, the ever-popular English Breakfast is available. Whether you want to eat in, bring a packed lunch or just relax with friends with a cup of coffee, there are plenty of seating areas. It is open from 8.30am until the afternoon. Alternatively you can pop into town to one of the many restaurants, cafes, fast-food outlets or sandwich bars nearby.
Coffee Shop at the Dunstable Campus
Whether you prefer a cafe latte or perhaps a herbal tea, our coffee shop is the ideal place for a quick drink and a chat between classes.
The Houghton Regis Campus also has catering facilities, which are open 9am – 2pm during term time. There is also a selection of vending machines at the Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard Campuses.
Apple Training Centre
Central Bedfordshire College’s Apple Training Centre is now open. Located at the Leighton Buzzard Campus, we are ready to equip you with all the skills you need to be confident using a Mac.
With courses in Final Cut Pro, Motion, Aperture Colour, DVD Studio Pro and Soundtrack Pro – you too could become an Apple Pro!
For more information please click here
Students’ Council
We encourage students to join the Students’ Council so they can get the best out of College life. If you are interested, you could be a Course Representative on the Students’ Council. This not only looks at leisure and charity activities but also gives an opportunity for students to make suggestions for further improvements to facilities and services. The Students’ Council organises trips to venues such as Alton Towers and paintballing. It has also assisted in fundraising for the appointed charity. Students can use their Student Union card to obtain discounts from various high street shops and take advantage of the special offers available.
Skills for Life
Whatever your needs are, Skills for Life is here for you. Any student can have additional support while they are on their course if they feel it will help them to succeed. There is a great team of tutors to give additional support to students who need to further develop their reading, writing, spelling or study skills, or who may want extra help with basic maths. They can also offer specialist help to those students for whom English is not a first language. For students who are, or think they may be dyslexic, specialist assessment, counselling and support is available. You may be a student who has not been in education for a while and you need some hints and tips with exam techniques or essay writing. If a student needs help because of any disability or medical condition, the team is there to give whatever support is necessary and make all practical arrangements to ensure a successful learning experience.
Work Experience
On many full-time courses you can benefit from our excellent relationships with local employers and enjoy practical work experience to support your College work. On some courses work experience is compulsory in order to gain your qualification but don’t worry, Work Experience Officers are on hand to help find a work placement for you and give you advice regarding writing CVs and tips on interviewing techniques. Work experience is a great way to find which area of employment is of interest to you.
