Lucia V.
5/5
(skip to the last paragraph for accessibility, support and dietary concerns)
iO Academy is one of the best coding bootcamps in the world according to SwitchUp's ranked lists, but also according to their many graduates, who now work as software developers all around the world.
Their site here is gorgeous, relaxed and airy. It has one of the best views in Bath, and an absolutely enormous protected strawberry tree in the garden. There's a co-op down the hill as well as Widcombe's many cafés and pubs. The train station is seven minutes walk, as is the centre of Bath. The bus station is also nearby.
Inside, there are classrooms, a large kitchen, breakout/relaxation areas, bathrooms and a shower, meeting rooms, a large garden with a table and chairs for lunches in good weather, and bike storage.
A desk, monitor, laptop stand, external keyboard and chair (with relatively good back support) is provided to in-person students. The classrooms have a couple of large and two small magnetic glass whiteboards, and a large TV for live code tutorials and guest lectures (conducted on Google Meets).
Students have free tea, coffee (decaf options too), peanut butter, milk and plant based milk, bread and gluten free bread, potable hot water, three microwaves, and can store items in a dedicated fridge freezer.
Accessibility: this building is not wheelchair accessible. There is a short step from the street into the front door, about four steps to the bathrooms on the ground floor, and several steps at the back entrance too. The lower ground floor has water, a bathroom, a classroom and a breakout space, which may be suitable for students with restricted mobility who can navigate a couple of steps without issues, but it should be noted that the kitchen is on the first floor up at least two flights of stairs so this would be inaccessible.
Other disabilities: they've worked really well with students with ADHD, autism, anxiety, mental health issues, and chronic illnesses. The team will always try their best to accommodate and support every student and applicant if possible.
As mentioned above, vegan and gluten-free options are provided. Allergies can probably be accommodated no problem. The team are super friendly and very flexible!
