Telford Campus: food, fitness and fun

With our International Academy on site, Telford Campus has a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. Add engineering and health students and you’ve got a lively mix, combined with some of the area’s most up-and-coming small businesses that also use the site. Set away from the town centre, Telford Campus has the undeniable benefit of being a quiet place to study. You may have to go a little further to find entertainment, but once you do, you’ll find there’s great variety available, minutes from your door.

1) Chillax

Looking to unwind but don’t want to venture far? You’ll be pleased to discover plenty of places right on campus. You can head to the Students’ Union space above the main reception in the Angad Paul building (SA) for a quick game of pool or ping pong; share the gossip over a Starbucks coffee from Greenshoots deli; or seek sanctuary in the Chaplaincy’s prayer room. And if your mates are based at City or Walsall, you can hop on to the free campus bus service to get you there and back for free during term-time.

2) Stomach rumbling?

As a student, you now get 5% off the price at our campus catering outlets all year! But if you fancy a change of scenery, there are loads of your favourite names in town, especially at the Southwater complex, including: TGI Fridays, Pizza Express, Nando’s, Subway and Miller & Carter. If you’re looking for somewhere that’s walking distance, you could try The Lion on Shifnal Road for that local pub atmosphere with food, drink and regular entertainment.

3) Bring out the popcorn!

You’ve got plenty of choice if you need a film fix. Head to Cineworld at Southwater for all the big screen action and for £2 off with your student discount. Alternatively, if you sign up to myODEON, you an see a show on Mondays from only £6, and make ticket savings throughout the week at the Odeon in the town centre. Or, if you prefer the more intimate setting of independent cinemas, head to the Wellington Orbit for some movie magic.

4) Fitness can be fun

While you can go for a kick-about on campus, Telford offers an intriguing variety of alternative ways to get a bit of exercise, keep fit, and have fun. Perfect your Dancing On Ice moves at Telford Ice Rink, where you can also catch the ice-hockey team, Telford Tigers. Brush-up your slope skills, whatever the weather, at Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre, or for an all-over workout, gather your mates and try out Airea51’s trampolines and assault courses.

5) Local flavour

Whether you want to escape your studies for a moment, need a bite to eat, fancy a pint, or just somewhere to relax; experience a quintessentially English institution of the classic pub, at The Lion Inn on Shifnal Road. Alternatively, The Priorslee offers student-friendly fare like Wing Wednesdays and traditional Sunday roasts, as well as live sport on TV, a pool table, and free Wi-Fi to keep you entertained.

6) Make a splash

If you can hop on the bus or in the car, there are several Council-run swimming pools a short drive away: Abraham Darby Sports and Leisure Centre; Newport Swimming Pool; Oakengates Leisure Centre; and Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre. Or, if you’re a fan of outdoor swimming why not try Albrighton & District Swimming Club’s outdoor pool? Brrrrrrr!

7) Are you a culture vulture?

Catch everything from Superslam Wrestling to the Bon Jovi Experience, as well as touring theatre and the latest laughs from acts like Joel Dommett and Russell Kane at The Place. If you want to learn something new, whilst stepping back in time, explore nearby Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Or for some local heritage (with renowned cakes!), why not visit Sunnycroft, or Benthall Hall National Trust properties nearby? Your parents will love them and they offer student membership for £36 a year.

8) Reach for the sky!

Got a head for heights? Why not try out the climbing walls, skyline ropes courses, and jump into nothing at SkyReach at Telford Town Park? (Open April to November). If you’re a bit of a basket-case, Telford Balloon Fiesta at the Town Park Arena, QEII, in May each year is an aerial spectacle worth checking out. Alternatively, you can explore the history of the Royal Air Force (and see the amazing planes) at RAF Cosford: open every day, and it’s FREE to visit!

9) Something different

If you want to try something different, Telford and the surrounding area have some wonderful experiences that will keep your calls home interesting. Whether you hop on a locomotive at Telford Steam Railway; fill your stomach with Mongolian and Brazilian BBQ at Jenko’s; feed the animals at Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom; or get dressed up as your favourite character, and head to Comic Con at the International Centre, where you might even meet some stars!

10) Go round the Wrekin!

The Wrekin is a hill that’s clearly visible for miles around and is popular with walkers. Legend has it the Wrekin was created when a tired giant called Cawr dropped a shovel of earth on the way to Shrewsbury. If you’re after something less strenuous (though possibly not so good for your waistline) you can feast upon the locally-made Wrekin White cheese. Though you may need to run “round the Wrekin” to burn off the calories! This local phrase means taking the long route, or not getting to the point.