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Information for Students

Access Cards, Resource Renewals, and Loan Lockers 

Access cards have been streamlined. 

  • 24/7 Access cards are bookable for 5 days. Access to these is granted only after completing an induction or participating in a relevant HELIX event (find out more below). 
  • All other access cards now include building access, eliminating the need to book a separate 24/7 Access card. For example, a 3D Filament Printing Card ensures access into the building and the 3D Filament Printing room.  
  • Access cards for extended projects are available by prior arrangement with the HELIX team.  
  • Access cards will not be renewable.  

All equipment and resources are no longer renewable and will need to be returned when the booking is complete. Renewals can only be made by prior arrangement with HELIX staff. Overdue items must be returned immediately 

We are also introducing loan lockers which will allow you to book, pick, and collect certain assets at any time. These lockers are located near the XR Room Kitchen and will operate similarly to in-post/amazon lockers. You will be able to scan a relevant QR code and pick up and return items independently. The following items will be initially available:  

  • 2 x Rode Wireless Mics 
  • 1 x Twin Mics 
  • 2 x RGB lights 
  • 1 x Insta go camera 
  • 1 x Insta Flow phone gimbal 
  • 1 x 4 mic Podcast and USB hub kit 
  • 2 x Fuji Camera 

 

New Induction Model

We’re currently experimenting with a new induction model that aims to ensure that everyone has a clear idea of what their next steps are post-induction.  

There will now be three user levels. When you first complete an induction, you’ll be set as a Level 1 user in the respective area.  

As a Level 1 user, you’ll get access to the relevant resource, with the support of HELIX staff. After you’ve successfully printed, cut, or created something, and showed us the result, you’ll be upgraded to a Level 2 user. The idea is to give you extra support during your first projects, so that you can continue to learn after the induction. 

As a Level 2 user, you will have access during supervised hours. To gain 24/7-hour access or use your own materials, you’ll need to complete a short knowledge test and submit a project form. Each level of induction gains you additional Maker Tokens to use in the space via our booking system. Each token is worth 15 minutes of time. 

  • Level 1: access with staff support. 2 to 8 hours Maker Tokens.  
  • Level 2: access during supervised hours. 16 hours of Maker Tokens. 
  • Level 3: access 24/7 hours. Can use own materials, and up to 24 hours of additional Maker Tokens (Depending on Health & Safety limitations of the equipment) 

We have added printer tokens to 3D Filament Printing and expanded this across all inducted Makerspace resources (Lasercutter, 3D Resin). You’ll gain a set number of credits each term to use on any project. If you’d like to use resources beyond these set tokens, fill in a project form to let us know what you’re doing, and get upgraded to user Level 3. 

Each level will also feed into our new Loyalty Card scheme with further incentives.

Get support for your projects

We’re also introducing a new way of getting support with your projects. If you’re undertaking a significant project and would like support, specific materials, or additional access, you can let us know using the project form. 

Each month, we’ll be spotlighting standout projects, potentially rewarding the makers of these projects with their very own HELIX ACCESS card.