Social Events Guide

2013/14

At Bedfordshire every year we run a fantastic social programme that includes visits to many famous sights and locations, so that your experience is cultural as well as academic.

We know that moving to another country to live and study is hugely exciting. There is so much to discover and explore! Our social events programme will take you all over the country and even beyond to give you a real taste of local and national heritage.

There are weekend trips and visits every month during term time and longer trips abroad during Easter break. So whether it is a day at the seaside in Bournemouth, thrill-seeking on the roller coaster at Thorpe Park or Christmas shopping in London, you will never be short of exciting things to do when you are not studying!

You can get tickets to all the trips in this guide at the International Office or in the Student Union.

Got any questions about the trips? Email us at io-events@beds.ac.uk.

Please note that unless stated otherwise, the trip tickets only cover the return coach fare.

Welcome to Bedfordshire

September 2013

Saturday, 21 September 2013

Walk up the beautiful Chiltern Hills, relax in Bedford’s Riverside Garden and visit the home of the Duke of Bedfordshire – Woburn Abbey & Deer Park.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Tour of Bedfordshire & Chiltern Hills

Day trip to Bournemouth Beach

Saturday, 28 September 2013

With seven miles of golden sand, sparkling sea and one of the UK’s most famous piers, Bournemouth is a must-see traditional British seaside resort.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

October 2013

Day trip to Cambridge

Saturday, 5 October 2013

On this trip you will see one of the world’s most famous universities, its beautiful college buildings and cobbled streets.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Eid-al-Adha Celebration Party

Friday, 18 October 2013

Join us for a delicious lunch buffet to celebrate the Muslim holiday in Jimmy’s World Grill in Luton.

Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm in Jimmy’s World Grill

Cost: Buffet lunch menu costs £5 per student

Day trip to Bicester Shopping Village

Saturday, 26 October 2013

With more than 130 stores, Bicester Village is a leading designer outlet - a real shopping heaven!

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

November 2013

Diwali Celebration Party

Friday, 1 November 2013

Join us to celebrate Diwali, Hindu festival of lights. Enjoy the delicious food and entertainment prepared by students.

Time: To be confirmed

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Day trip to Oxford

Saturday, 9 November 2013

Explore this beautiful city, stroll along its historic alleys and visit another of the worlds’ most famous universities.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

November 2013

Welcome Party

Friday, 29 November 2013

This party is a great opportunity to make new friends and try food from all over the world.

Time: 5pm - 9pm at Carnival Arts Centre

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Day trip to Bath

Saturday, 23 November 2013

One of Britain’s ancient cities, first founded by the Romans, Bath is home to one of the UK’s natural spas.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

December 2013

Westfield Shopping Centre

Saturday, 7 December 2013

Enjoy a day in Westfield - the shoppers’ paradise in London, which is one of the Europe’s largest shopping centres.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Christmas Party

Friday, 13 December 2013

Celebrate the festive season and enjoy the Christmas spirit at the annual Christmas Party.

Time: 8pm till late at Student Union

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

January 2014

The Tower of London

Saturday, 25 January 2014

Explore the medieval castle at Warwick and see the great halls, with spectacular views from the tower and the dark dungeons.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £20 per student

Chinese New Year Celebration

Friday, 31 January 2014

Join us to celebrate Chinese New Year with dance, food and fun and kick off the Year of the Horse.

Time: 5pm - 9pm at Carnival Arts Centre

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Saturday, 11 January 2014

Discover the history of a royal palace that has also been a prison. Explore the dungeons, see the crown jewels and spectacular armoury.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Price to be confirmed

Warwick Castle & the Dungeons

February 2014

Day trip to London

Friday, 21 February 2014

This party is a great opportunity to make new friends, try food from all over the world and enjoy an evening full of great entertainment.

Time: 5pm - 9pm at Carnival Arts Centre

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon

Saturday, 15 February 2014

See the sights of London and take the opportunity to visit Trafalgar Square, the British Museum and National Gallery.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Welcome Party

Saturday, 22 February 2014

Visit Stratford-upon-Avon, a charming town which was the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

The Tower of London

Saturday, 22 March 2014

Explore this beautiful city, stroll along its historic alleys and visit another of the worlds’ most famous universities.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Saturday, 8 March 2014

On this trip you will see one of the world’s most famous universities, its beautiful college buildings and cobbled streets.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Day trip to Oxford

March 2014

Day trip to Cambridge

The Tower of London

Saturday, 26 April 2014

Explore the heart of the capital where you can take a boat trip on the River Thames or admire London’s panorama from the London Eye high above.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Price to be confirmed

Easter break

Details are yet to be confimed but watch out for this amazing opportunity to travel a bit further to explore some of the most famous places in Europe!

Time: To be confirmed

Cost: To be confirmed

London Eye and River Thames Cruise

April 2014

Europe Trips

May 2014

Saturday, 10 May 2014

Explore Brighton - a treasure trove for things to do - from relaxing on the pebbly beach to exploring the famous pier.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Join us for lunch in Jimmy’s World Grill and make new friends over a delicious meal.

Time: 12.30pm - 2.30pm at Jimmy’s World Grill

Cost: Buffet lunch menu costs £5 per student

Day trip to Brighton

Lunch for New Students

Saturday, 24 May 2014

Enjoy a day of shopping in a visually stunning Bull Ring shopping centre - a great example of modern architecture.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Day in Birmingham shopping

June 2014

Saturday, 7 June 2014

Visit one of Europe’s most exciting themeparks and enjoy an exhilarating day outwith rollercoasters, rides and attractions.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves back at 4:30pm

Cost: To be confirmed

Saturday, 21 June 2014

Visit Cadbury World - one of Birmingham’s largest leisure attractions. Discover chocolate’s history and learn about the origins of one of the world’s largest confectionery manufacturers.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: To be confirmed

Day trip to Thorpe Park

Day trip to Cadbury World

July 2014

Saturday, 19 July 2014

Come and explore one of the residences of the Queen! See the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and tour the charming old town next door.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: To be confirmed

Day trip to Windsor Castle

August 2014

Saturday, 16 August 2014

Join to discover all that Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers. Explore wildlife at the zoo and enjoy the rides at the theme park.

Time: Coach leaves Park Square at 8:30am and leaves to return at 4:30pm

Cost: To be confirmed

Chessington World of Adventures

Friday, 1 August 2014

Join us for Eid ul fitr - a Muslim celebration. Enjoy the delicious food and entertainment prepared by students.

Time: To be confirmed

Cost: Ticket costs £5 per student

Eid ul fitr Celebration

Social events

We have tried our best to give out accurate information regarding dates and costs for these trips. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, these may have to be altered.

University of Bedfordshire will endeavour to administer all of these events but due to any unforeseen circumstances should these events not take place University of Bedfordshire will not be held responsible.

Disclaimer

Most of the events we organise have limited spaces so it’s important that you book your place in advance to avoid disappointment.

You can buy tickets for all the events at the International Office or in the Student Union.

Keep an eye on our social media sites where we publish pictures from the trips:Facebook: unibedsinternationalTwitter: @uobintl

Booking tickets

Dates for your diary

2013

7 September 2013Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year

23 September 2013Saudi Arabia Independence Day

1 October 2013Nigerian Independence Day

15 October 2013Eid-ul-Adha (depends on the Moon)

3 November 2013Diwali

17 November 2013Birthday of Guru Nanak

28 November 2013Hanukkah Begins

24 December 2013Christmas Eve

25 December 2013Christmas Day

26 December 2013Boxing Day

31 December 2013New Year’s Eve

Dates for your diary

2014

1 January 2014New Year’s Day

31 January 2014Chinese New Year

25 & 26 February 2014Kuwait Independence Day

26 March 2014Bangladesh Independence Day

18 April 2014Good Friday

19 April 2014Easter Saturday

20 April 2014Easter Sunday

28 July 2014Eid-ul-Fitr (depends on the Moon)

14 August 2014Pakistan Independence Day

15 August 2014India Independence Day

For more information about the events in this booklet please contact:

Shahzad BhattiInternational Events Co-oridnator+44 (0)1582 743711io-events@beds.ac.uk

unibedsinternational

@uobintl

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