Is it strictly black tie?
We ask that everyone makes a real effort at the event. That doesn't necessarily mean tuxedo and bow tie (although most of the guys wear a tux) and we will accept suits and ties.

Is it more ball dress style for girls or cocktail dress style?
Cocktail dresses or ball dress are both popular at the Ball, however the dress code is not intended to be set in stone for girls - though this event is definitely a chance to get dressed up and show off your most glamorous outfits.

How do I make sure I get transport from Stafford?
Make sure that if you need transport from Stafford to the Ball that when you buy your ticket you specify that you need a ticket with travel. This has no additional cost, but means that we can book your place on the transport.

Can people who aren't students attend?
Tickets for the Summer Ball must be purchased by an NUS card holder. With your student card you are very welcome to buy tickets for up to four guests who aren't students. Please be aware that the Summer Ball is only for people over the age of 18.

How many tickets can I buy?
With a Staffs University student card you can buy a ticket for yourself and four non-student guests. If you wish to take advantage of the group discount offer, you can purchase tickets for groups of up to 8 (please bear in mind a maximum of four of these tickets can be for non-students'). Please be aware that the £5 drinks vouchers will be issued on arrival to the event to the person who booked the group's tickets. It is then their responsibility to divide the vouchers amongst the ticket holders in their group. For this reason we recommend you purchase in groups that you will be attending the event with and arriving with.

Is food included in the ticket price?
Food is not included in the regular ticket price but is included for VIP ticket holders - the logistics of feeding so many people make it impossible to provide food for all attendees. There is food available at the Summer Ball, including tasty sweet and savoury crepe stands, a hot roasted sandwich bar and delicious oriental food stands to name but a few. But we advise you to eat a good, healthy meal before you set off from home. However, when you arrive at the ball, for a small fee, you can buy a ticket for the Survivors' Breakfast which takes place at the end of the Ball. VIP ticket holders will receive complementary food and drinks at the event.

What facilities will there be for disabled ball goers?
All events at the Students' Union cater for individuals with disabilities and there will be appropriate facilities at the ball. However, if you have any specific requirements then please contact the info line on 01782 294629.

Is transport provided for those students coming from Stafford Campus?
Coaches will be available for students based at Stafford. Just make sure that when you purchase your Ball ticket that you also collect a travel ticket - this is free of charge. Keep checking the website for more information about the times coaches will be departing from Stafford and leaving Stoke after the event. If you have any specific travel requirements due to disabilities then please contact the info line on 01782 294629.

Can I leave the Ball and come back later?
The Ball is added as a special event as part of the licence for LRV. This means that we must abide by the same conditions for opening as we have for the LRV. These conditions are required by the Police and Licensing Authorities. This means that there is no admission or re-admission after midnight.

How much money should I bring with me?
We can't advise how much money to bring with you to the Ball - that's up to you. Just be aware that you can't pay by card over the bars at the Summer Ball and that cash points within walking distance of the Ball often run out of money on the night, so plan ahead.

How do I make sure that I don't lose my friends?
There will be a clearly signed meeting point at the event so you will be able to find your friends easily if you lose them in the festivities. It's pretty difficult to get through to friends on their mobile when they're partying in one of the big top arenas - by having a meeting point you know where to find each other if you get separated - texts are often the best way to get in touch at the Ball.

Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, there will be cloakroom facilities available throughout the night. There’s even a shoe cloakroom at this year’s event – so you can bring a pair of comfy shoes for later in the night!

Should I bring something warm for later in the evening?
We recommend that you bring something to wrap up in - it can get chilly at 2am outside of the arenas, even in summer! You can always put it in the cloakroom early in the evening and pick it up later on.

What shoes should I wear?
All the arenas are connected by walkways but ladies are advised to bring a more comfortable pair of shoes for later on in the evening which they can put in the cloakroom and pick up later.

Can I bring a guest who isn't a student at Staffs Uni?
Yes, your guests do not have to be students. The Summer Ball is only for people over the age of 18.

Is there car parking available on the night?
The Ashley Car Park will be open on the night of the Ball.

If you have any other questions then call the Info Line on 01782 294629.