NEWS The University of Central Lancashire has launched a specialised iPhone application for its students.
It said this is the first of its kind and will provide users with information from the student union, entertainment listings, maps of the university campus and Preston city centre.
A spokesperson for UCLan said the application was developed during the summer recess by a technological co-ordinator certified by Apple, supplier of the iPhone.
It can be downloaded by anybody, and makes use of a number of existing UCLan services including webmail access, a library catalogue, a staff directory, a list of campus facilities and the option for students to top up their printing accounts. It also enables them to book a meeting room in any of the university libraries.
UCLan's director of learning and information services, Michael Ahern, said: "The new iPhone application illustrates our commitment to provide information and services to our students in a way that is convenient for them.
"Students today lead very busy lives — balancing study, part-time work and social activities. The iPhone application demonstrates how UCLan is increasingly able to support its students in a way that recognises their busy lifestyles, and ensures they are able to get the most from the latest advancements in technology."
Plans for future development include adding a Google GPS Maps function, a service-locator section, floor plans for university buildings, a notifications function and a 'My UCLan' section.
The university said it did not have any estimates on how many students would download the application, but that it had a "strong uptake" before term begins. Overall it has 32,000 students.