FIRST TIMER'S GUIDE
Ok, so it's your first time at Summer School. What do you need to know?
If you need more information please feel free to contact us.
When You Arrive
The first thing to do is to register at the Summer School Office. This is located in the Binks Building and can be located using the Summer School Map or the University Map (No 23), available via the link below.
The office will be open from 12pm on Saturday 3rd and then daily after breakfast until 5.30pm. If you have to check-in outside of these times, please let us know in advance so that we can make arrangements for you.
Once registered, you will be given your Summer School pack that contains your information sheet and timetable and if you are staying on campus, your accommodation details and keys.
Please ensure you have your membership book/proof of insurance at registration. Books will be updated with the Guest Instructors' stamps as soon as possible. Once stamped they can be collected from the Office.
At 6.30pm on Saturday 3rd in the Binks Building, we will hold the orientation meeting. It is important to attend, as we will provide you with any last-minute information, answer any questions and of course introduce this year’s instructors.
Please note that there is no food available on the campus of a weekend, so you may want to bring some essentials with you. If you need any supplies, we have provided a map of key amenities close to the University:
Classes
If you arrive on time, then the first class commences at 2pm on Saturday 3rd. Don’t worry if you miss the start, just join in when you arrive.
The timetable you receive at Registration will direct you to your designated classes. Your classes are defined by 3 criteria:
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Your grade
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Your allocated colour
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Your booking number
The timetable structure ensures that all students receive equal instruction from all senseis and prevents dangerous overcrowding in the dojos.
The early morning Weapons Class and the last class of the day are ‘open’ and can be attended by any student.
Please try and arrive early for all classes and adhere to correct dojo etiquette.
During gradings, it is expected that students support their fellow Aikidoka by being on the tatami.
Accommodation & Facilities
The University campus is quite small, and everything is close by. If you need help locating things, our maps below should help:
All the accommodation is excellent and well equipped. Self-Catering accommodation obviously has a kitchen with crockery and utensils. While the Standard rooms have access to a shared kitchen with tea making facilities, fridge, toaster, microwave, iron and ironing board.
If you have a package that includes breakfast, this will be served daily in Whites Dining hall.
Food is available Monday to Friday on campus in the Whites Dining Room until 5pm. This is where many students congregate for lunch, as well as coffee after class.
Other important facilities include free WiFi, the use of the University swimming pool, convenience store, and launderette.
What do I Do After Classes?
The Student Union bar is the place where we all congregate for the night or before and after eating out – it’s the place to be!
This is the venue for our social events such as the Pool & Pizza Social and Farewell Party.
Don't Be Shy – we’re one big family. Remember - strangers are just friends you haven't met yet!
If you want to eat out, then Chester is a short walk away with a multitude of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Why not head out with some friends you've just made in the bar!
If you fancy a takeaway, you can get these delivered to the University or walk to a local outlet, the closest being in Garden Lane. You can eat these in or outside the bar depending on the weather.
If you fancy a trip to see the sites, then Chester itself is fantastic and within walking distance. Slightly further afield there is Chester Zoo, Blue Planet Aquarium and if you like shopping Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village.
If you need more ideas Learn More >
Still unsure about something or have more questions?!
Feel free to contact us with any further queries you may have. Use our Contact Form here.