Students arrive to big welcome at University Centre Shrewsbury

University Centre Shrewsbury’s first undergraduates and second intake of postgraduates are being welcomed to the town.

Established by the University of Chester and Shropshire Council, with the community, University Centre Shrewsbury aims to bring new and varied prospects for students, the town and Shropshire.

The students, who will be embarking on a range of courses, will be introduced to the town and community during the next week.

Professor Anna Sutton, University Centre Shrewsbury’s Provost said: “This is a landmark moment in the development of University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS), which wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution of councillors, businesses, residents and others across the town, county and region.

“It is a privilege to work alongside the community to establish a University from its very beginnings in this beautiful town and look at the ways we can support the area to benefit from the range of educational, social, cultural and economic opportunities available.

“We are looking forward to introducing Shrewsbury to the pioneering students, welcoming the students to their new home and seeing them become part of the fantastic Shrewsbury community.”

Councillor Claire Wild, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for University Centre Shrewsbury, added: “This is the greatest opportunity for Shropshire. UCS is something that we have all worked together to bring - Shropshire Council and the University of Chester, alongside residents, community groups and businesses.

“That commitment to take it forward together is shared by us all so thank you to our students for choosing Shrewsbury and welcome. I am so proud that Shrewsbury will at last become a University town.”

Charlotte Cadwallader, a student who started a three-year Master of Public Health course at University Centre Shrewsbury in 2014, provided a student’s perspective: “I’ve really enjoyed my postgraduate studies to date at UCS and am looking forward to the new academic year.

“There is something very nice about being among the first students because we are getting something new which has not been offered before.

“UCS will help keep talented local students in the county, and attract ambitious students from other parts of the country and even internationally.

“The first undergraduates are going to find it just a great place to be because Shrewsbury is such a lovely town.”