All Clear

ALL CLEAR SUMMER 2009

ALL CLEAR

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SUMMER 2009

APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE THROUGH CLEARING

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Still looking?

Changed your mind?

See what the University of Chester can offer you.

Join us at Chester

Because our courses are challenging and thought provoking.

Because with us you are never just a number.

And because a degree from Chester will change your life.

UCAS Clearing For help on the UCAS Clearing process, and how to apply for a place at Chester this year, contact us on:

Tel: 08081 442249 or 08081 442251, Email: enquiries@chester.ac.uk Web: www.chester.ac.uk/clearing

Clearing Days Friday 21st August 09 Saturday 22nd August 09 Monday 24th August 09

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ER 2009

ALL CL EAR

ALL CL

EAR SU MM

CONTENTS

SUMMER

YOUR

COMPLE

TE GUID

2009

E TO CL

EARING

ADMISSIONS

04

THE BIG IDEA

A step by step guide of how to apply for university through the UCAS system

06

CLEARING

A step by step guide of how to apply for clearing if you do not have a uni place

10

SURVIVING UNI

Tips to survive your time in university

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A CLEAR HEAD

Missed out on a place for medicine.

There are other ways round it

18

UPS AND DOWNS

How to get through the feelings of homesickness

STUDENT LIFE

25

THE LIFESTYLE

34

OUTSIDE THE BOX

38

THE REAL WORLD

Advice on living at university and Getting involved with volunteering how to avoid fights with housemates and helping others

30

POOR STUDENTS

32

WHY NOT

Living on a budget and making the most of your money

The best summer jobs for students who want to work

The benefits of a sandwich course and experiencing work for a year

43

STEREOTYPES

The usual suspects you will see at uni

COURSE CHOICE

52

THE BIG FIVE

Top universities in the United Kingdom

55

A NEW DIRECTION

The difference between colleges and universities in the UK Editor James Donald Designer Kathleen Rayfield Sub-Editor Daniel Williams

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A LEVEL RESITS

How to apply for A level retakes

64

CHANGE OF PLAN

Experiences from students who choose the wrong university

All Clear is published by Educate Ltd, Arch 36, 84 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 OBE, 020 7902 1200. The opinions in the articles are those of the individual writers and not necessarily those of Educate Ltd or any associated personnel. Educate Ltd, the Editor and Publishers of All Clear do not necessarily agree with the views expressed in this publication and do not accept responsibility for any of the personal opinions therein. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of Educate Ltd. The paper used for All Clear is made from sustainable wood pulp.

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APPLYING

THE

BIG

IdeA University is becoming AN INCREASINGLY popular CHOICE whilst THE country is going through troubled times. DANIEL WILLIAMS ASKS is university THE right choice for you?

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SLUG APPLYING

WHY? A big question that students need to ask is why?

People attend uni for a number of reasons and you need to ask yourself “what do I want to get out of it?” The qualification can be used for a certain job that you may have always wanted, or it could just be that you want to gain further knowledge in a certain subject. Whatever the reason, university has many opportunities, both socially and for a career.

University will cost you at least £20,000 for

the three years, so if you choose to go, make sure you take it seriously. Student dropout rates are increasing each year with many students unaware that dropping out still costs the year’s course cost.

Applications for university are increasing each year. There are various reasons including the increased quality of universities, the demand for better qualifications and the economic downturn.

IT’S JUST A CHOICE

STATISTICS

Schooling has been a part of your life since a young age where you have matured and developed through an educational system. This allows freedom of choice to choose what you want to do with your life and what job you feel suits you as a person. Education allows us to learn more about what we need and what we want to know. You get to a point in education where you have a choice of going further, which allows you to choose the subjects you will excel in. There is no wrong or right when making your choice. If you choose to go on to higher education make sure that you are certain as it is a big investment of time and money.

A lot of people say that the years they spent at university were the best of their life, but to get a degree does take hard work and you will have to learn how to study on your own, juggling your own life, social life and finances at the same time.

It isn’t all one long party, but people still get a huge amount out of the experience.

 The average student dropout rate after their first year at university in England is 8.3 percent.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS When applying for university to start in the autumn of this year, everything is done through Clearing. The process is explained on the following pages, but other things to help you along your way are:  When applying online take advantage of the UCAS website. Go through every course you are thinking of doing and branch off to the universities that teach the course.

You can then see if they have any places available for that course in Clearing.  Go on all of the university websites that you are interested in applying for and find out what they subjects they specialize in.  Make sure to visit as many universities as you can so that you can get a feel for the different environments. Book as many open days as you can as can help with your decision

 The average student dropout rate after their first year at university in the UK is 8.6 percent.  22 percent of students have failed to complete their degrees in the past 5 years.  Around £800 million has been spent to improve universities in order to reduce the number of university drop outs.  The UK average of students achieving a first or upper second class degree at university is 59.4 percent.  The average cost for a three year course for a student in the UK who lives at the university rather than commuting is £24,000.

- quite a few run special Clearing Open Days in August where students will be on hand to give you a personal view of life at that university.  Join various university based chat rooms and forums, including yougofurther and the thestudentroom to speak to current students.  Do research on what bank you want to receive your payments in. Many banks offer interest free overdrafts and great incentives if you set up a student account. Spend time researching what different banks can offer you in terms of support and interest rates.  Find out what extracurricular activities each university offers such as sports clubs and the all important student council.  Visit the towns themselves and see what is on offer for you if you choose that university.

This can be clubs, jobs and facilities.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Choosing to go to university can be very daunting but you do not have to go through it on your own. Parents and teachers are always there to talk to if you are unsure about what to do after you finish school. A modern lifestyle has its advantages as the internet can be a haven for advice or talking to current and previous students. thestudentroom.co.uk is massive student information point which is a help guide for anyone who wants to know about university.

The Wikipedia style university guide section allows you to browse any uni in the UK providing you with an a – z of that university, including facilities and accommodation. The website also allows you to talk to students from all walks of life and you can easily ask a question about a university that someone will get back to you about. The forums allow you to ask any questions that you feel have not been answered. It can also help reassure you with any doubts you may have still about taking that next step.

LIVING AWAY FROM HOME Living away from home is a big part of the process of university and can be both exciting and scary. When applying for accommodation you get a choice of either halls or a private home. Some students choose halls but may not get a place. Do not fret as private housing can be just as good, if not better. Universities tend to have several living sites and give you a choice.

Ask yourself what is it that will be priority for you when living with people. Take into account the environment, do you want to be living with the same sex or both sexes, do you want to be in a noisy, energetic surroundings. You will be living with people who you do not know and if you do not like them, will have to live with. Also privacy could be a problem for you, do you want to share showers and toilets or would you rather your own one.

There are different living quarters to suit all needs, just make sure you do not neglect what you think will be important. Private housing can be an advantage because of factors such as privacy. By choosing housing over halls you get the chance to browse various properties to get a feel of what you like. Also you get the added benefit of you get to choose who you live with.

By looking at properties you can save money and get added perks such as Sky television and washing machines.

When applying for accommodation spend a bit more time looking around. If you do make that choice of halls, keep in mind you are only allowed to live there for a year.

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Feeling wobbly about clearing?

APPLYING FOR CLEARING CAN SEEM SCARY AND STRESSFUL IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. rebecca milne explains clearing and how applicants can take the stress away from the process and spend more time thinking about what university and course will be right for them

Be persistent if you can’t get through to anyone straight away

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CLEARING GUIDE

At BPP Law School in London there are places available on our undergraduate law degrees starting 2009.

FIND YOUR NEW ROUTE G

etting your A-Level results is a nerve racking time; opening that envelope and waiting to read what’s inside. You’ll either be happy, relatively content or disheartened by what you see.

If it wasn’t what you expected, don’t think it’s all over, that dream job is still within your reach!

Now’s the time to keep a level head and look at all your options.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? Clearing is a service offered by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), to help students find places on Higher Education courses.

You are eligible for Clearing if:  You have not met the required grades  You hold no offers  You declined your offers  You have applied after the 30th June  You have never applied, but want to now

YOUR GUIDE TO CLEARING Step 1. See what is available Before you do anything, stop and think about which course you think might be right for you.

The UCAS website provides a full list of all courses available during Clearing (www.ucas.com) and official vacancy listings are published in The Independent and The Independent on Sunday.

Step 2. What course is right for you?

Before you call the university of your choice, see which course is right for you. After looking

at what is available, have a look in more detail at the ones you think might be right for you. Keep in mind that where possible the course should be relative to your present qualifications. You’ll find the information about these courses on university websites and the sorts of careers they can lead to.

Step 3. Why do you want to do this course?

Write down which courses, with places available, you think are right for you – try and find a couple (listed in order of preference) as it may pay to be flexible! Think about why these courses interest you and how you think they will help you with your longer term ambitions. Jot down some key points, as you may be asked about this later.

Step 4. Information you will need when you call You’ll need to have the following things to hand when you make your call to the institution:  Your Clearing entry number  Your UCAS personal i.d.  Your exam results  Your list of courses and reasons why you are interested in them Step 5. Making that call As there are only a limited number of places available, the sooner you make the call the better.

When making the call make sure to:  Be persistent if you can’t get through to anyone straight away  Ask to speak to an Admissions tutor if you want more information about a course  Make sure you want the place as you may be offered it on the spot when you phone Step 6. Accepting that place When applicants receive an offer of a place verbally or by email/letter they need to accept it. To accept an offer, enter details of your course

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Discover how our experience can make the difference.

CLEARING GUIDE

If we have whetted your appetite, then call us. We are open Monday – Friday and the weekends of 22nd/23rd and 29th/30th August 8am-6pm to take your clearing calls.

0845 077 5025 admissions@bpp.com www.bpplawschool.com/allclear

Be as prepared as you can be in the lead up to clearing and chosen institution into Track by using the ‘Add Clearing choice’ button. If you can not access the Track system phone UCAS on 0871 468 0468.

If you are interested in applying for London South Bank University through clearing there are various ways you can get in contact with them.

This guide outlines the various ways to get in contact with LSBU if you choose them.

Clearing at LSBU It’s best to be as prepared as you can in the lead up to Clearing, so that you feel in control and to ensure you are making an informed decision about the course which is right for you. In order for you to make the best decision you can, London South Bank make sure that they are as organised and prepared during the Clearing period for potential students. The LSBU Clearing

Hotline opens on Thursday 20 August and the phone lines are open at the following times: Thursday 20 August 8:30am – 6:30pm Thereafter 9am – 5:30pm. The clearing hotline can be reached on: 020 7815 7815 When you make a call to the LSBU Clearing Hotline you’ll reach one of 50 operators, with between 70 and 80 academics who work closely alongside them to provide help and advice. There is also experts available who can talk about the Clearing process, funding and student support.

LSBU also have an Applicant Advice Centre based at our Southwark campus. If you don’t want to call them, you can drop in and speak to an advisor about the sorts of courses that are available, student support and fees. LSBU Student Ambassadors will also be on hand to talk to about

the campus and student life at the University.

Potential students can make an application if they have found a course that is suitable for them.

There’s no need to book and you just drop in and see them at the address: Applicant Advice Centre, Admissions and Recruitment Centre, London Road, SE1 6LN The centre is open on Thursday 20 August 8:30am – 6:30pm, and until mid September 9am – 5pm. LSBU offers a range of exciting courses geared towards future employability. From Arts & Society, Business, Healthcare, Design & Engineering, to Science and Technology.

It’s not too late to set yourself on course for a better future.

Rebecca Milne is Head of UK Recruitment at London South Bank University.

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OPEN DAYS We don't just prepare our students to pass exams and gain qualifications. We ensure they are ready for the real world of work, with a professional mindset that gives the competitive edge.

To find out about our clearing course vacancies and to book a place on one of our Open Days on: Saturday 22nd August 2009 or Sunday 23rd August 2009 Visit www.bolton.ac.uk/clearing or call 01204 903903.

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SURVIVAL GUIDE

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SURVIVAL GUIDE

surviving uni THE FIRST WEEK OF UNIVERSITY CAN BE THE HARDEST WITH EVERYTHING MOVING SO FAST, writes Alexander Walters.

BY FOLLOWING A FEW SIMPLE RULES AND TIPS, YOU CAN SURVIVE YOUR FIRST WEEK AND ALSO MAKE A FEW FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY

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o you’ve finished your A - Levels, had your summer in Ibiza, packed your bags and loaded the car. University the biggest, most tumultuous change in your life so far – awaits, and with it come the delights of Fresher’s Week.

save the heavy drinking for later on the in the week when you’ve made a good impression and everyone is indulging. You don’t want to be the first-night casualty being bundled into the back of a cab by friends you’ve had for five minutes.

Mythology

There are a few things you can do on arrival to ensure instant popularity:

There is a lot of mythology surrounding Fresher’s Week. You will hear tall tales of legendary parties in years gone by, not to mention every university urban legend going. The girl who got a first class degree because her roommate died, the local park housing serial killers by night, etc. etc. You will also be told that it’s a giant free-for-all week of partying and promiscuity, and that girls are more interested in guys that have had a gap-year because they have more ‘life experience’. The last one is about as true as the aforementioned urban legends, and is most likely made up by guys who have been on gap years. In reality, there is a hell of a lot of fun to be had in Fresher’s Week, but it’s important to remember a few things to make your one as memorable as possible.

First Night Nerves The most important thing to remember about Fresher’s Week is that everyone is as nervous as each other. Actually, the guy with the long blonde hair in the corner waxing lyrical about Goan sunsets might not be nervous, but he’s also a prat, so ignore him. The mixture of nerves and excitement makes everyone a bit on edge, so don’t be surprised to find yourself either babbling at every third person you meet, or being babbled to - try not to form judgements of people too early on. There is also a huge temptation to combat early nerves with booze. It’s best to

Making Friends Early

1. Bring tea, coffee, milk, cake and biscuits - With the stress of moving in, organisation is key. If you can sit down your new flatmate with a hot cup of tea when they’re upset after their parents leave, your stock will rise considerably.

2. Learn how to set up broadband - The first thing everyone wants on arrival is to get their internet up and running, and nobody knows how to do it. If you know your WAP from your Wireless, you’re going to be in demand.

3. Bring some booze - When you invite everyone back to yours for that impromptu party, make sure you’ve got something to grease the wheels.

4. Keep it to yourself - If you’ve got any controversial views, try and keep them under wraps, at least for the first week. Nobody wants a furious debate about human rights abuses in China when they’re trying to settle in.

5. Don’t go on - Try not to talk about school too much. Everyone’s been there and everyone’s got that ‘hysterical story’ to tell that was definitely funny if you were there. Now you’re at uni you want to be making new memories, not clinging on to old ones.

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Without a personality and a sense of adventure, these tips aren’t going to last you beyond the first 48 hours, but they should help you get a head start.

the dreaded Fresher’s flu hits. Sadly this one is not a myth; expect to be out of action for at least 48 hours. If you aren’t, then you haven’t been socialising enough!

MOVING out of your comfort zone

3. Guys, bring a football - Nobody ever remembers one and it’s a great way to socialise and get lots of people involved.

The most important thing to remember during Fresher’s Week is that you’re going to be trying loads of new things that you’re never done before.

Don’t just stick to things you think you’re going to enjoy. If you’re into Indie then go to Techno night, if you’re into House music try out some Dubstep.

Your tastes are going to change rapidly over the first few months in university – don’t get stuck in one crowd too quickly, or you’ll be there for the long haul. That said, don’t get pressurised into things you really don’t want to do.

Also remember that university has space for everyone. If at school you got hounded for enjoying World Of Warcraft, chances are at uni there is an entire society devoted to it. You are going to have plenty of options to divide your time and thousands of different people to spend it with.

Fresher’s Week Survival Pack There are some things you just can’t be without in your first week. If you have at least a few of the following then you’ve gone some way to preparing for the most draining week of your life so far: 1. Paracetamol/Codeine - The benefits of these two wonder-medicines cannot be overemphasised. From aches and pains to hangovers, make sure you’ve got a box.

2. Lemsip - A decent anti-flu drink will be crucial during the week after Fresher’s, when

4. Music - An mp3 player and some speakers are an absolute must, and you’ll be hearing so much new music you’ll definitely want to get your hands on some of it.

5. Treats from home - Get mum or dad to cook a big batch of something simple like Chilli con carne before you leave, then bring it to uni with you in Tupperware containers to freeze. The advantage of having delicious, home cooked comfort food when you really need it cannot be overstated. Equally, if you’re learning to cook, you’re going to need a backup option when that dinner your promised to cook your flatmates goes awry.

6. Screwdriver - Trust me on this one. it may be random but it’s an ESSENTIAL. It’s 3am you’ve just come in from a complete piss up and you desperately need the loo. You lock the door and do your business. Next thing you know you can’t get out. This is when that handy screwdriver comes in hand that you have left in the toilet to unlock the door.

Starter kit Get a head start on your peers and you’ll be ahead of the game and everyone else: Bed sheets - These are not supplied so don’t forget or you will be in for a cold night.

Insurance - You may be lucky and have insurance already when you paid your deposit. However it is not always the case and if you have anything expensive make sure it is covered.

TV license - The TV license companies love students. Trust me you will not get away with so just pay for the license and check on how many licenses you need.

Cook book - Your room mates will thank you when your’re pulling out top dishes for the group come dinner time.

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Extension lead - You may have more than two appliances and without the extension lead you’re up a creek without a paddle.

They can be bought dirt cheap at ASDA or IKEA.

With a few of the recommendations above and a positive attitude, Fresher’s Week is set to be one of the most memorable times of your life. As a last piece of advice, make sure you don’t turn down any opportunities, try everything once and make the most of the next three years.

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MEDICINE

Choosing which course to study is an important decision must be thought through carefully 14 ALL CLEAR Summer 2009 13-17 Medical.indd 14

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MEDICINE

KEEPING A CLEAR HEAD applying for a course in medicine is very competitive with many students just missing out on a place.

However, all is not lost as there many different routes to take including clearing, defeRring and considering a different career in the same field .

Jack Sugrue reports

T

here’s no denying it... medicine is one of the most competitive degree courses in the UK. Every year lots of hopeful applicants miss out on one of the highly sought-after places at med school because they don’t quite get the A Level grades they had hoped for. But there is no need to panic – missing out this time doesn’t have to put a stop on your career…

IT’S NOT ALL OVER You’ve received your A Level results and it’s not the news you’d hoped for. You haven’t quite made the grades for med school, but you still have your heart set on a career in medicine. You may be upset, but the good news is that UCAS Clearing gives you another chance, allowing you to find an alternative route onto a degree in medicine or even to find another healthcare course that you hadn’t previously considered.

Don’t panic You’ve got a busy day ahead of you and you will need to make decisions quickly. Choosing which course to study is an important decision and must be thought through carefully, so you will need to keep a clear head and consider options sensibly.

You’ll also have to make lots of telephone calls, during each of which you’ll need to speak clearly with admissions tutors. You’ll need to obtain concise information from them and convince them why they should offer you a place on their course. You won’t be able to do this if you’re frazzled, so aim to stay calm.

Ricky Lawless, who got his place on a Diagnostic Radiography degree at St George’s, University of London through Clearing advises: “It’s very important to be confident and not to panic.” Before you begin any calls or looking through clearing listings on the day, take some deep breaths. Take five minutes to relax and focus calmly on the task ahead.

Consider your options Chances are you’ve been so focused on getting into med school this year that you’ve not considered anything else. And because places on medical courses are largely oversubscribed, they are extremely unlikely to be available through Clearing. So it’s highly likely that you’re going to have to reconsider which course you would like to do or the timescale you’d like to do it in. But you have lots of options, which is great.

Alternative routes to a career in medicine Studying on a five year MBBS (MBBS5) straight from A Levels is not the only way to train in medicine. A popular alternative route that is worth considering is joining an undergraduate degree that offers the option of transferring onto the MBBS course in the third year - this is usually only an option if you are transferring between courses within the same university. St George’s offers this to students on its biomedical science degree. Not every student on the course will be able to transfer onto the MBBS course, but it is an option for those who study hard and achieve excellent grades.

Kathryn Beards, fourth year MBBS5 student at St George’s, University of London, was devastated when she didn’t quite make the A Level grades to train as a doctor. But she opted for her back-up plan, which was a place on the University’s BSc biomedical science degree. She achieved a first, was granted a transfer onto year three of the five-year MBBS course to train as a doctor and is just about to start her final year.

“I was hoping that I might be able to transfer over to medicine after I’d completed my BSc and that is exactly what happened,” Kathryn explains, “I am actually really pleased at how things turned out – I now have a BSc to add to my name, as well as (hopefully!) an MBBS.”

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MEDICINE

Ultimately it’s your decision so you need to be making the call MBBS degrees can also be studied as a four year degree option (MBBS4), which is open to students who already hold a first degree. This gives you the opportunity to experience studying another subject, and even gain some experience working in another sector, before committing to a career in medicine.

Defer your application Taking a gap year before joining university is an increasingly popular option for students. This can help build life experience and confidence, which are both highly regarded by universities and employers alike, particularly if you use the time to get study-related experience.

other health professions There is a wide range of valuable careers available in the health sector that can be equally rewarding and offer high earning potential, so consider these as well. The NHS’s website is a good source of information on the different types of careers available in the health profession www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/career.shtml

Research and prepare So you’ve decided that finding an alternative course this year is right for you. You now need to begin the Clearing process.

Ensure you can access the vacancy listings

on the first day of Clearing, which this year takes place on 20 August. You’ll find them on the UCAS website or in the national newspapers.

Write down the courses that interest you, making a note of the course codes and who to speak to.

Consider the location of the universities you have selected courses at. Are they within a distance you are happy to travel to and from as frequently as you would like? Is it a remote campus, when you want to study in a bustling inner-city location? From September this will be your new home, so you need to do as much as you can to ensure that you will be happy there.

what answers you’ll give when tutors ask why you want to do their courses, and what skills and interests you can offer. Martha says: “It’s not sufficient to provide a series of “I don’t knows” when we’re asking you why you want to study with us. We need to find out about you.”

And remember interviews are a two-way process - you need to make sure the university and course is right for you too. Prepare some questions that you’d like to ask the tutors. Each interview is a chance for you to collect vital information to help you decide where you want to spend the next few years of your life.

Don’t delegate No matter how shy or upset you might be, make the calls yourself. Martha Hebblethwaite, Student Recruitment Manager at St George’s, University of London, advises: “Getting somebody else to make the call for you is the huge mistake. It doesn’t give you the opportunity to ask questions and could indicate that you’re lazy and uncommitted.

Ultimately it’s your decision, so you need to be making the call.”

However disappointed you may be, try to keep a positive mindset. This could be the start of the best few years of your life. This is your chance to find an exciting course that you might enjoy even more than your original choice. A positive mindset will help you to present yourself in the best possible light when talking to tutors. It will also assist you in making an informed and sensible decision on any offers you receive.

Think of each Clearing conversation you have as an interview. This will get you into the right frame of mind. Would you turn up to a face-toface interview unprepared? Have a think about

Jack Sugrue is the outgoing SU President and a third year BSc Biomedical Science at St George’s, University of London, who regularly writes for the University’s student magazine.

The interview

Stay positive

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Clearing opportunities The Manchester College is a newly formed institution resulting from the merger of City College Manchester and Manchester College of Arts and Technology in August 2008. The college has sites located across Manchester, each providing further and higher education and professional training in a range of subjects.

The Manchester College still has a number of places available for 2009 entry on a wide range of higher education courses in:

• Business and Management

• Design and Visual Arts

• Care

• Sport and Fitness

• Computing and Networking

• Music • Theatre

• Creative Digital Media

Call 0800 068 8585 or visit www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk

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29/07/2009 16:06:40

LEAVING HOME

THE UPs and THE downs With university comes responsibility.

There are various problems you will come up against, including feeling homesick. With all these responsibilities comes wisdom. You are not alone, with the help of others and following some handy tips you’ll get through this toO

Keeping in touch is an important part of coping with homesickness

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LEAVING HOME

W

hat if I don’t make any friends? What if I find the course too hard? How am I going to cope doing everything for myself? How do you cook Spaghetti Bolognese??? If any of these questions run through your head when you think about leaving home for university, you are not alone. The fear of leaving home is a universal problem; it’s only natural to be apprehensive about the unknown.

There is no wonder cure for such concerns. If there was, part of the excitement of preparing for university would surely be lost. There are however, a number of ways to combat the feeling of homesickness, both before leaving for university and whilst you’re there.

CLOSE TO HOME Chances are you’ve already done a few trips away from home, either with the school or with some friends, so you should have a pretty good idea of whether you’re prone to homesickness. If you are, it’s worth considering applying for universities nearer to home. This needn’t feel like a compromise; as long as you’re not sacrificing a place on the course or university of your dreams, there is no sense moving hundreds of miles away if you think you might want to pop home every so often. Having your family only a short drive away may offer you the reassurance

you need to cope with living on your own.

Joanna Cohen studied Primary Teaching at the University of Gloucestershire, and was living and studying less than twenty miles away from home.

However, that didn’t mean she was smothered by parental visits. “Being close to home was a big factor in my decision. But as it happened I didn’t go home much at all and I think I ended up having less contact with my parents than others whose families lived hours away!”

Useful skills It is often the things that you take for granted at home that can suddenly become the cause for anxiety when you leave. So if you never cook at home, or can only stare in confusion at the washing machine, it may be worth spending the summer figuring a few

of these things out. Ask whoever does the cooking in your household to give you a few lessons and get a couple of handy recipes to take with you.

Thanks to my mum’s basic method for cooking beef mince, I could turn out Bolognese, chilli con carne and cottage pie with relative ease when I arrived at university. Similarly, in regards to washing your clothes, it is worth a few practice runs at home first.

A PERSONAL TOUCH Walking into your new room at university for the first time can be a daunting experience. Whether it’s a brand new en-suite, the oldest, most rundown block on campus, or a room in a shared house, it is likely to be bare at first glance. There is no better remedy for making yourself feel at home than making your bed and putting up some posters. These personal touches will bring warmth and comfort to your new room.

Keeping in touch Keeping in touch is an important part of coping with homesickness, but it is essential to strike a balance.

Avoid setting a time in the week when family will phone; it’ll only make the feeling of homesickness worse when a family member fails to phone on time, and it may clash with activities you don’t want to miss out on. Instead, make sure when you leave for

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LEAVING HOME

NEW FRIENDSHIPS Making friends is always at the top of everyone’s list of concerns when they start university. This concern is understandable as you will potentially be spending the next three years of your life with these people.

Laura Maksymowicz, a Physics graduate, was apprehensive about leaving her family home: “Living with strangers was a big concern. You go from not knowing someone to living with them, with nothing in between. But my new friends soon became like a surrogate family to me, which helped with the move.”

The first few weeks of university will be the busiest of your life

university, you have good phone deals at both ends.

This way it won’t matter how many times you call because it won’t be costing either of you.

Students nowadays are lucky because there have never been more ways to keep in touch with people from home. Thanks to the internet, social networking sites and instant messaging services, there’s no reason to worry about losing contact with your mates from school.

KEEPING BUSY The first few weeks of university will be the busiest of your life so far. You’ll have meetings to attend, buildings to find, events to go to, people to meet and new places to discover. Although the majority of it won’t be stressful - you’ll be in exactly the same situation as everyone around you, and will share in the fun and confusion. The craziness of Freshers’ Week is partly designed to keep you busy and keep your mind off home.

Hollie Jones, Welfare Officer for the University of Birmingham Guild of Students suggests checking out your university’s Student Union website and the National Union of Students website (www. nus.org.uk) before leaving home. “Find out about your Student Union, where the range of diverse opportunities to meet people and get involved is endless. Examples of these opportunities include

volunteering, student politics and student groups from chess to water polo and rock music and more.

There are far too many to name!”

HELP IS AT HAND Universities are well prepared to ensure all students settle into university life. Most offer some form of student support system within their halls of residence, as is the case at the University of Birmingham; “The Guild of Students operates a student mentor scheme.

Mentors are students who are trained to support students living away from home, by providing a listening ear and making you know where you need to go next if you want help,” explains welfare officer Hollie Jones.

The majority of universities also provide each student with at least one tutor, who will happily discuss any academic or personal concerns you may have, and if you feel you need to talk to someone anonymously, many institutions operate late night telephone listening services.

The most important thing to remember is to stay positive. Leaving home may be scary, but it is also exciting and after just a few weeks you will be revelling in the independence it brings. Keep in mind that help is never far away, and embrace the opportunities university offers.

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St. George’s University’s student body represents some of the world’s most passionate medical scholars.

Here students gain unique insight into a variety of cultures, ways of thinking and an understanding of how medicine evolves on a global scale. s 3TUDENTS AND FACULTY HAVE COME FROM OVER COUNTRIES s #LINICAL TRAINING IN THE 5NITED +INGDOM AND THE 5NITED 3TATES s /NE OF THE WORLD S MOST ACCREDITED AND APPROVED MEDICAL PROGRAMS s MILLION TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED CAMPUS

18 - 20 Fear of Leaving.indd 21

www.sgu.edu/som 0800 1699061 ext. 280

31/07/2009 16:28:20

CHOICES

Each and every university has its own flavour enhanced by the local dialect and culture 22 ALL CLEAR Summer 2009 22 - 23 University Systems.indd 22

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CHOICES

PICK ’N’ MIX CHOOSING THE RIGHT UNIVERSITY IS A VERY BIG DECISiON AND CAN ULTIMATELY DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE. YOU ARE NOT ALONE AS THEIR ARE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP. kATY pARKES SPEAKS TO STUDENTS AROUND THE COUNTRY ABOUT THE TIME THEY HAVE SPENT AT THEIR UNIVERSITY

C

hoosing my university was the first decision I made independent of my parents. It was the beginning of living independently. It may well be the first decision that influences my career.

It has been the decision that led me to three very happy years. Each university prospectus highlights in bold, underlined and italics the phrase that choosing university ‘is the most important decision you will make’. So where to begin?

GETTING OPINIONS I asked my brothers and sisters what they thought.

Already a mistake. They listed endless ingredients; Cost of living, funding, fees, city, campus, course, union, academic reputation, weather, parking, whether you could afford the train ticket to the open day, the list goes on and on.

So I asked the internet; it would not bawl ideas at me, it was on mute. I found myself reading the Times Good University Guide. At the top were Oxford and Cambridge, with only the boat race to distinguish between them. I remembered that Hull has been named the ‘Friendliest University’ and I have read that Manchester receives the most applicants, which has been spun to become; ‘Manchester the Most Popular University’.

However the tables did not send any epiphany, only more confusion. Thumbing through the prospectuses offered no elimination either. I still wanted to go to all of them. The prospectuses were all on recycled paper, they all claimed to be multicultural and cosmopolitan universities set in lively cities. I needed men on the ground. So I asked people at different universities what it was that made their university experiences so good.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY Cambridge describes itself as the home of ‘world leading experts’ which turns out ‘highly employable undergraduates.’ Work is a priority. The terms are crammed into eight weeks and exams are plentiful.

Students are required to write a formative essay each week which allow for writing skills to improve and for students to formulate their own arguments.

The University is designed through colleges which creates a strong and familiar community rather than the Union being the centre of student life. The academic requirements alter social habits, discussions of Britain’s talent take place in the 24 hour wood panelled libraries that are straight out of Hogwarts rather than the nearest Wetherspoons. Students can let their hair down with the proliferation of lavish May Balls and garden parties as exams come to an end.

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY Cardiff University describes itself as ‘an attractive and internationally renowned university’ . The

must have is an umbrella, it rains a lot in Wales.

The city is small and everywhere from castle, to station, to sea, to park, to shops, to cinema, to supermarket, can be reached on foot. It is an ever growing city establishing itself as a capital.

The constant retail development (it is home of the second largest Topshop in the UK) and landmarks such as the Millennium Stadium and the Millennium Centre are at the core of creating an exciting and cosmopolitan city with a strong student focus. Cardiff remains one of the most cost effective universities with the average pint at £1.60, a month’s rent at £240 and there is even a four course curry banquet for £5.

The Welsh language and culture adds an intrigue to student life. Welsh Love spoons adorn shop windows whilst Cawl, Laverbread and Bara Birth are regular features on food menus. The attraction of Cardiff is the fact it is a compact capital city which will not break the bank. In terms of academic study; the first year requires only a pass before it is discounted allowing for a year of settling in and milking that freshers freedom.

ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY St Andrews describes itself as the ‘third oldest English speaking University’. It is situated in Scottish seaside golf town, already it is breaking the mould. The University offers four year courses (typical of the Scottish Higher Education System) with only the last two years counting towards your degree whilst the first two years just require a pass. In the first two years, students are required to take two additional elective modules to complement their degree. Socially St Andrews is a small town, Oceana nightclubs are replaced by pubs and bars and the late night activities are dinner parties in student houses while lazy weekends can be spent on the windswept beaches. The university is not absorbed into a larger city, consequently it is a very social although some may find it claustrophobic.

SUBTLE DIFFERENCES Each and every university has its own flavour enhanced by the local dialect and the local culture. However these are subtle differences. At the core of the university experience is oneself.

It is about working independently, meeting new people, attempting different pastimes and challenging oneself. Every university whether it be Oxbridge, Cardiff, Chichester, Falmouth or Manchester offer the opportunity of living your life independently. The one resounding similarity between university experiences is that it is fun, very fun. So when students are making this life changing decision perhaps the seemingly insignificant reasons to go somewhere are entirely legitimate reasons to go.

Summer 2009 ALL CLEAR 22 - 23 University Systems.indd 23

23

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31/07/2009 16:31:24

STUDENT LIVING

LIVING THE LIFESTYLE

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Y ST

LIVING IN A STUDENT HOUSE IS MORE OFTEN LIKE WORLD WAR THREE THAN THE NEVER-ENDING SLEEP-OVER WE HOPED FOR. BUT BEING AWARE OF THE PITFALLS IS HALF THE BATTLE, SAYS LUCY BUSUTTIL. PLAYING

BY THE RULES WILL HELP PREVENT IN-HOUSE BATTLES AND ALSO GET YOU THROUGH UNIVERSITY IN ONE PIECE

Summer 2009 ALL CLEAR 25 - 27 Flatmates.indd 25

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04/08/2009 17:04:25

STUDENT LIVING

Don’t get into religious/ political arguments

Always, always wear a towel big enough for your modesty when you leave the bathroom

Students all have fierce opinions, be they ecoactivists or newly-ordained vegans. Some of them will just be going through a phase - university vegans famously only last a year of only being able to cook oven-chips before they crack.

The trick to living with passionate types is not to allow them to convert you, but to respect their rules anyway. You might think it’s ridiculous that your housemate’s cupboard has an alarm on it, but it’s only because someone once used his pan for a Full English and didn’t clean up afterwards.

Respect their space Don’t leave stuff lying around – ever. This is a tedious rule as, after all, it is your house and you should feel at home in it. But the last thing you want is your squash racket and lecture notes left outside your door by your housies like little piles of shame.

The same goes for the washing machine, dryer and (if you’re lucky) dishwasher – don’t leave your stuff in there. Everyone uses them.

Have other friends.

If you are always hanging round with your housies, it’s unsurprising if they’re sick of the sight of you by the Easter holidays.

Join societies, make course mates and try to get out of the domestic routine. They’ll soon be happy to see you when you get home! You will also avoid one more “Hollyoaks or something decent?” debate.

Stand up to your landlord together AS ONE Student landlords are famous for giving students the run-around, and unless you stand up to yours together you will lose. Classic ruses include deposit hijacking, refusal to fix things and dodgy Ikea fitted cabinets which break at the first gust of wind.

Many universities offer housing support and advice. Ask at yours (or at the citizen’s advice bureau) if you are unsure about anything. Many student unions also campaign for 11 month rents – which is only fair, as few students occupy their houses for the full year.

Don’t eat anyone else’s food!

Stand up for yourself over THE bills.

You’ve got home from the pub, you’re starving, and you just want a sausage you found in the fridge.

Which is OK, because you’ll replace it, right?

We all make these excuses, because some food thefts seem less criminal than others. We’d all agree that scoffing your housemate’s birthday cake is a no, but many of us nab a bit of milk for our tea.

But even that dribble of milk is wrong – because when everyone’s nabbing the milk, whole pints start going missing and the one person who actually bothers to buy milk has to start drawing lines!

The other golden rules of fridge sharing? Try not to make compost in the vegetable drawers!

If everyone else wants the most luxurious broadband package around, and you don’t have a laptop, stand up for yourself – you don’t have to pay a share. But if you then use someone else’s computer for one sneaky email peak, don’t be surprised when you’re treated like Meg from Family Guy for the rest of the term.

Same goes for the house phone. It’s best to avoid getting one in these days of cheap mobile minutes. But if you do, and you call your boyfriend in Australia for a three-hour banter about the berks you live with, it’s best to snatch that bill before it hits the mat and scribble a cheque!

Watch your bathroom etiquette...TRUST ME Bathrooms are a house-sharing minefield. If your classic time to luxuriate in the tub for an hour is 9am, maybe you should consider delaying that pleasure for your housemate who has to get to work by 10.

Above all, avoid being disgusting. Wash the bath regularly, pull your hairs out of the plughole if you’re a girl or a hippy and never use anyone else’s razor to shave any part of you. And always, always wear a towel big enough for your modesty when you make that long trek across the landing!

Accept your differences Housemates are like boyfriends and girlfriends – you can’t make them change their ways. If someone is fundamentally tidy, they’ll never change – nor will someone fundamentally untidy.

The only thing you can do is to try to see things from their perspective. If no one else wants the heating set to sub-tropical, try wearing a jumper.

If everyone else washes up the moment the fork hits the plate, try washing up every day. Uni is about trying new things.

Behave in the bedroom Bedroom noises are a classic house-sharing gripe.

If you want to express your love for your partner noisily, it seems unfair that your housemates should disapprove. But your ‘Afternoon Delight’ could be disturbing a tea party with their maiden aunt!

Prevention is better than cure – which is why you should make sure you rent somewhere with proper walls. Many student homes only have MDF partitions in what was once a roomy family house.

Have fun with them!

Most of this advice makes the housemate relationship sound like cold business. And it is – but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Unlike your family, they won’t love you whatever you do. The sad truth is that by the third year, many housemates complain that they can’t stand each other.

Share your DVD box sets if they have a break up.

Ask yourself: when was the last time we rode down the stairs on a mattress? Never, ever underestimate the power of rice-crispie cakes – you can make thirty for £2, thanks to Tesco value, and they’ll be appreciated in many more ways than just fiscally.

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04/08/2009 17:05:07

Get your career off to a great start by studying for a degree at TVU. We offer courses in: !CCOUNTING AND &INANCE s !IRLINE AND !IRPORT -ANAGEMENT s "USINESS AND -ARKETING s #OMPUTING AND )4 s #ULINARY !RTS s %VENT -ANAGEMENT s (OSPITALITY -ANAGEMENT s ,AW AND #RIMINOLOGY s 4RAVEL AND 4OURISM * Times Higher Education, July 2008

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Medway 31/07/2009 17:01:12

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make the right choice • The top university in the UK for the help and support offered to students* • Ranked within the top 15 in the UK for overall student experience* • One of the best university locations in the UK- a student-centred city on the North Wales coast • Low cost of living - ranked the second most economical place to study in the UK • Travel expenses paid for Clearing applicants who want to visit COURSE VACANCIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AREAS: Agriculture, Conservation & Environmental Sciences; Accounting, Banking & Economics; Biological Sciences; Business Studies & Marketing; Chemistry; Computer Science; Creative Writing; Criminology; Electronics; English; Forestry; Film Studies; Geography; History & Archaeology; Journalism; Law; Law with Business or Languages; Linguistics & English Language; Management; Marine Biology; Media Studies; Modern Languages (French/German/Italian/ Spanish); Music; Ocean Sciences; Psychology; Sociology; Sport Science; Zoology.

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31/07/2009 17:02:53

International focus

S

t. George’s University is an international centre of education located in Grenada, West Indies.

Founded over 30 years ago, St. George’s gives students a global educational experience unlike that from any other university.

International Perspective St. George’s University actively explores and initiates worldwide partnerships, and has drawn faculty and students from more than 140 countries. With this international focus, students are given the opportunity to develop the distinctive social and professional skills they need to practice medicine on a global scale.

Successful Graduates More than 7,300 graduates have pursued careers in all specialties and sub-specialties across the globe.

Curriculum St. George’s University provides a range of entry options and an extensive, firm foundation to students with varied academic qualifications in the four- to seven-year programmes that lead to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Students presenting Advanced Level, IB diploma or GCSE credentials are placed into the appropriate term based on their individual qualifications.

Medical students may earn dual degrees within the School of Medicine, such as the MD/MSc programme and the MD/MPH programme.

Students have access to the on-campus Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation which draws researchers from around the world and collaborates with prestigious North American, European, Caribbean and African institutions.

Grenada Campus The wireless-enhanced, state-of-the-art True Blue Campus is an architectural masterpiece on the southwestern corner of Grenada, on a peninsula overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The diverse campus has recently seen the construction of more than 50 new buildings, including a library, anatomy labs, dormitories, lecture halls and a research institute.

Nobel Prize winners sit on the University’s academic board, and professors and visiting scholars hail from esteemed institutions worldwide, including Harvard University and the Rockefeller Institute.

Support Services Student Support Services are deeply ingrained into the culture of the St. George’s University community. The Student Success Division helps students adapt their learning styles to various teaching methods with course tutorials, personal evaluations, and seminars in time management, study skills and note taking.

For more information on St. George’s University, visit www.sgu.edu.

SGU Faculty Medical students benefit from a low student-tofaculty ratio in the Basic Sciences years.

St. George’s University boasts a strong and experienced faculty. In the Basic Sciences years, students learn from more than 150 fulltime faculty members augmented by at least 150 Visiting Scholars each term. In the Clinical Sciences, students are taught by over 600 clinical faculty members in over 52 affiliated clinical centres.

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FINANCES

r e t f a g n i k o o L The stereotypical image of the impoverished student eating cold baked bins from a tin is as clichéd as the idea that most students spend all night getting drunk and all day sleeping it off. But being a so-called poor student can actually be financially rewarding in some ways. Lucy Durnin gets the inside tips on how to save money but still have FUN…

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FINANCES

s e i n n e p e h t er W

hen you start university, it’s probably the first time that you’ve been solely responsible for your own daily living budget so it can be easy to lose track of your spending.

The chances are you’ve gone from having a measly sum of money in the bank to finding a healthy balance when your loan comes in.

The temptation is to immediately think: “Great! Now I can buy that new ipod/mobile phone/pair of designer shoes”.

I knew one not-so-smart individual who blew his entire loan on a wide screen television during the first term of uni. The only upside to his purchase was that it provided him with some good company when he was holed up alone in his room, too skint to go out with everyone else.

The important thing to keep in mind is that your loan is not an opportunity for a spree; that money has got to last you for an entire term.

But if you make smart choices and know the right places to look, being a student doesn’t have to mean being poor.

Bag a Bargain Your first job should be to get yourself an NUS extra card. There are around 600 student unions across the UK affiliated to the National Union of Students, which represents the interests of over seven million students in further and higher education.

Not only do they campaign for the rights of students and provide advice on uni life, becoming a member will enable you to register for an NUS Extra card which will get you money off on books, clothes, gigs and eating out.

There are currently over 80 national discounts available online or on the high street including 10% off at Superdrug, 5% off at Amazon and 2 for 1 main meals at ASK. The cards cost £10 and are valid for 12 months. They can be bought from your student union or from www.nus.org.uk. An alternative student discount card can be found on the website www.studentdiscounts.co.uk Aside from the £1.75 postage charge, the card is free and can get you money off of shops, bars and restaurants. When you’re in need a break from the books, you can also get money off on days out such as £12 off of entry to Alton Towers.

Extra Curricular If gigs are your thing, don’t waste time and money buying tickets through expensive agents. Visit Student Nights Out, a site set up by students who got sick of queuing outside venues to get tickets for their favourite events.

Their solution was to create a website where like-minded students can search for events, buy tickets online and get guaranteed entry.

To use the service and get the latest information on student nights out, visit www. studentnighttickets.com to register as a member of the SNT community.

If you fancy a trip away during those legendary uni holidays, you can find cheap flights and hotel deals through STA Travel.

Flying everywhere around the world from Australia, New Zealand and Asia to Europe, America and Africa, the organisation specialises in finding the best travel prices for students and adults under the age of 26.

You can also score some great seasonal offers through their website, such as free travel insurance and cheap railcards, plus they guarantee to beat the price of any airfare you have been offered.

Ring their headquarters on 0871 230 0040 to find your nearest branch or visit their website on www.statravel.co.uk.

Look after the pennies…

When it comes to money, it’s the little things that really do make a difference.

For example, if you’re an Orange mobile customer, go to the cinema on a Wednesday night to take advantage of the Orange Wednesday two-for-one offer.

And when you’re out shopping, always ask at the till if they have a student discount; you’ll be surprised at how many shops do offer money off. Waterstones, New Look and Warehouse all offer 10% discount so make sure you always carry your university card with you to prove you’re a current student.

Of course you don’t want to be lying awake at night worrying about money; that’s not what being a student is all about. But make the right choices and you can turn your student identity to your financial advantage.

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SUMMER WORK

Earn from a working break STUDENTS USUALLY FIND THEMSELVES STRAPPED FOR CASH DURING THE LONG BREAKS. FINDING WORK CAN BE HARD, BUT BY SEARCHING OUTSIDE THE BOX YOU CAN FIND A JOB THAT IS DIFFERENT AND ALSO A LOT MORE FUN THAN PUSHING BOXES ABOUT

O

ne of the best things about being a university student is undoubtedly the holidays. Six weeks at Christmas, three weeks at Easter and up to four months over summer when you can earn some much-needed extra cash.

Not so long ago, it was easy enough to go into a recruitment consultants or a local business and find some casual work for the holidays. But with the economic climate as it stands, unemployment is high and the current jobs market is more competitive than ever.

So rather than resign yourself to several weeks of daytime TV, why not consider a job that isn’t your average 9-5…

Mystery Shopper Mystery shops are an integral part of the retail and food industry as they give companies an insight into the daily functioning of their stores.

There are a variety of organisations that require mystery shoppers including Intelligent Marketing Solutions www.ukims.co.uk or www. grassrootsmysteryshopping.com.

Once you’ve registered, assignments are offered to you or can be requested at the website. Work can include testing fast food, staying in hotels and test-driving new vehicles.

Payment varies and is paid directly into your account with expenses repaid. As an added bonus, items purchased as a test purchase can be kept by the mystery shopper.

TV Extra Work An extra or ‘background support artist’ as many like to be known, can appear in TV shows or films. Some TV extras are trying to increase their acting experience and build up contacts within the industry. Others are there so they can tell their mates they were on television.

The pay is also quite good. Equity rates for around nine hours work is around £65, although larger companies may pay more. You can also get extra for overtime and unsocial hour’s rates are available for bank holiday or night shots.

Do list any unusual skills on your CV. A director might be looking for someone who can dance, juggle or play the piano and you’ll stand a better chance of finding more work and better pay if you reveal your hidden talents.

You don’t have to be a tall, slim movie star to be a TV extra either. You can be any age, sex, race, size or appearance. Most casting directors

will be looking for the girl or guy-next door to fit naturally into the back of a scene.

You can find adverts for work on gumtree or casting calls on StarsInMyEyes.tv.extra.

Alternatively, search the Yellow Pages for local acting agencies or sign up for free at www.beonscreen.co.uk.

Summer Camp If you are super enthusiastic with a have-a-go attitude, Camp America is for you. On a typical day you could find yourself teaching a tennis class, riding a banana boat, looking after a table of kids and singing round the camp fire.

To secure a placement at a US summer camp or resort, you need to complete an online application form before you are designated a placement. Staff will provide you with assistance in obtaining a J-1 visa and arrange your flights and medical insurance. You will need to pay a total of £469 to cover costs but will receive wages ranging from $575 US dollars to $1350 US Dollars, depending on your role. www.campamerica.co.uk

TOP three STUDENT JOB SITES Search for all types of temporary work in the UK and abroad, including au pair positions, ski seasons and summer work in the USA. Complete a job seeker profile and attach a CV so that employers can find you or search their vast database of available posts from the runof-the mill admin section to the more unusual, adventurous positions. www.summerjobs4students.co.uk The Employment4students website brings you the latest student, part-time and temporary jobs as well as internships and graduate positions. Search through a range of job categories and narrow your search by region. The site also offers advice on good interview techniques and tips for filling in application forms. www.e4s.co.uk This fun, funky site takes a realistic attitude towards student work. The search bar features a tool to type your desired area of employment titled “I can cope with” or you can tick a box reading “I’ll do anything”.

Location, salary and descriptions are given for all jobs and a ‘crazy jobs’ section is available for more outlandish posts. www.justjobs4students.co.uk

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SUMMER WORK

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A TALL, SLIM MOVIE STAR TO BE A TV EXTRA EITHER. YOU CAN BE ANY AGE, SEX, RACE, SIZE OR APPEARANCE

Why not consider a job that isn’t your average 9 - 5

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VOLUNTEERING

thinking out VOLUNTEERING NOT ONLY HELPS OTHERS, BUT IT ALSO HAS POSITIVE EFFECTS ON YOUR LIFE AND CAREER. SO GET INVOLVED, HELP SOMEONE ELSE AND DISCOVER THAT VOLUNTEERING REALLY DOES BETTER YOURSELF AND PEOPLE IN NEED

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VOLUNTEERING

side the box U

niversity opens doors to the widest variety of activities imaginable. At each university there are hundreds of clubs, teams and societies, offering students the opportunity to try new things and gain new skills. Amongst these will be a volunteering organisation - a chance for students to give back to the wider community.

Volunteering may be something you’ve never done before in your life, or it may already be a big part of your life that you wish to continue. Either way, it is an activity that provides participants with wide-ranging personal and professional benefits making it well-worth considering.

GET INVOLVED Usually run through the Student Union, but sometimes by the Careers Service or as a separate entity, a university’s volunteering department is often a major project. The University of Birmingham’s Guild of Students alone has over 150 different volunteering opportunities for students to choose from.

“Students can volunteer for student-led volunteering projects and for a range of local and national charities or with voluntary, community and public sector organisations in the local area,” Joanna Watson, Volunteering Activities Coordinator at Birmingham explains.

“The huge variety of projects we offer gives students the chance to volunteer with a diverse range of people…The roles are varied and could involve running a play scheme or activity club, befriending or mentoring someone, teaching or sports coaching, giving advice or counselling, conserving

the environment, fundraising, marketing or campaigning, conducting research or even volunteering abroad!”

And if none of the schemes on offer take your fancy, students are actively encouraged to set up their own project.

Getting involved in volunteering is an opportunity to build up a wealth of key skills on your CV that will really impress potential employers. Teamwork, management, organisation, communication and commitment are just a few of the many transferable skills you are likely to gain.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS Talking to Developments, a government magazine, business tycoon Duncan Bannatyne explained why employers look favourably on volunteering experience: “When I employ someone I look for initiative and drive; someone who is a self-starter and can work well as part of a team…Volunteering shows you have the desire to do something extra with your life and help others in the process. These are qualities employers are looking for on a CV and show more about a person than their qualifications alone.”

GAINING EXPERIENCE As well as more general life skills, volunteering can offer the chance to gain more direct experience for a particular job. For example, if you want to work in conservation there might be a project running to help preserve a local wood, pond or park area, or your desired job may require experience working with children.

This was the case for Silvana Mengoni, a University of York Psychology student.

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VOLUNTEERING

“I originally wanted to go into Educational Psychology, which is a hugely competitive area to break. I needed experience working with kids so I did the YSIS scheme - it is a scheme in which students help out in local schools -, renovated a youth room, and coordinated kids club - a weekly activities day for the disadvantaged children.”

If the idea of coordinating and leading projects sounds a little beyond your current capabilities, don’t be put off. Prior to university, Silvana had no experience, as is the case for most student volunteers. Volunteering departments in universities are wellestablished and have teams of staff dedicated to helping participants complete any required training, as well as being available for support, advice and information.

REAP THE REWARDS Many universities also run reward schemes to encourage greater commitments to volunteering. Joanna Watson explains that at Birmingham, “some degree modules include an element of volunteering and there are also plans in development for volunteering to count towards a PSA (Personal Skills Award.)”

Similarly the University of York has the York Award, a certificated programme that requires students to plan and pursue an active programme of personal development, combining academic, work experience and leisure activities. Such programmes provide a recognisable and recorded achievement that makes a welcome addition to any CV. There are also many schemes across the country that offer certificates and prizes for students who have recorded a certain number of hours of service. There are also regional and national competitions that are recognising different projects.

Whilst there are plenty of one-day activities available, it is necessary to remember that volunteering does on the whole require a high level of commitment. At times it will be hard

work, sometimes boring and at the end of a residential trip with school children you may feel like you’re reaching the end of your tether; but it is always worth persevering. The rewards of giving up your time for the sake of others will always outweigh the downsides.

Silvana doesn’t regret helping to renovate a local youth room, despite the many pitfalls they encountered. “We were a pilot project and everything over-ran and lots of things went wrong. It was also hard-work managing the group of sixth formers who were involved. But parts of it were really good fun and we did win a regional volunteering prize and get a free trip to Blackpool. The effort was definitely worth it in the end.”

The best part of volunteering at the University of Warwick for History graduate Anna Burton, was the opportunities it brought for meeting and working with a variety of interesting people. “I made friends with so many great people, and after university I ended up working for a charity in India, where I became close to people I would never have come into contact with had it not been for charity work.”

LEAVING YOUR MARK Volunteering at university isn’t just about the work you’re doing at the time. It’s the after effects for the people your work is helping and for yourself. Through the people you meet you can discover other projects, make new friends, create a stronger link with the community outside of your university, and ultimately have fun making a difference. Volunteering itself is a whole new experience and comes with rewards. As you consider which university you might attend, take time to check out the volunteering programmes on offer and think about how you might like to get involved.

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www.

How do I choose which uni and course to apply to?

Get advice from the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest student community www.thestudentroom.co.uk 37 student.indd 37

04/08/2009 09:48:08

WORK PLACEMENT

THE REAL cONSIDERING TAKING A SANDWICH COURSE AT UNIVERSITY? AS THE DEMAND FOR HIGHLY QUALIFIED WORKERS INCREASES, GAINING A YEAR IN INDUSTRY SEEMS TO BE THE BEST CHOICE FOR STUDENTS

WORLD

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WORK PLACEMENT

A

s you plough through all the information about the different university courses you are considering, you’ll probably be thinking about what these courses entail and which modules will be on offer. You’ll also come across a number of courses which include the option of a year in industry. You may have dismissed an extra year of university as something you do not want to do, or think fulltime work at this point in your studies is far too scary. Or perhaps the idea of experiencing real working life appeals to you, but you’re not sure what taking a year out actually entails. Whatever your initial thoughts are, it is worth spending some time seriously considering applying to courses offering a year in industry placement.

They provide industry experience and new skills, as well as an income and a chance to meet new people and explore a new place.

A CUT ABOVE THE REST Year in industry placements generally take place in the third year of university, extending what would be a three-year Bachelor’s degree to four years. Whether there are courses that offer such a placement is dependent on the type of subject.

Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll find these incorporated into a History or English Literature degree, if a subject has a vocational edge, and an obvious industry related to it, it is likely a number of universities will offer placements. The subject range is vast, from Travel Management, to Law, to Molecular Cell Biology, so it is always worth checking if a placement year is possible in your chosen subject area.

With an increased number of people going to university and gaining degrees, competition for jobs is extremely high. Any experience you can gain prior to the arduous task of job hunting will be hugely beneficial.

Ceri Roberts graduated from the University of York with a degree in Molecular Cell Biology in 2008 and believes her industry placement was integral to securing her current job as a trainee clinical scientist. “Quite a lot of employers [in my field] are looking for at least 12 months of lab experience. I learnt so many new skills, became

much more confident in my work and very much doubt I would have secured my gradate job without that extra year’s experience.”

ONCE IN A LIFETIME If you’re not yet sure what job you want to do after university, do not see that as a reason to dismiss the idea of a year in industry. Very few university applicants know what they want to do in four or five years time. A placement year is as much an opportunity for you to figure out what you want and don’t want to do after university, as it is to impress future employers with your experience.

Becky Lewis, a Genetics graduate, also from the University of York, undertook a year in industry at the Forensic Science Service in Birmingham.

It helped her decide that Forensics is not the career for her, but that doesn’t mean she regrets choosing to do a placement. “I’d recommend it to anyone. I now have a better idea of what I do and don’t want to do. I know that I can survive in a research/laboratory environment and I have more confidence in these areas because of it.”

Placement years can also provide a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to work for a big-name company, even if only for a year. For example, at the University of Manchester, a Computer Science student managed to secure a place working on one of the Harry Potter games at the video game developer EA for the year, whilst another was fortunate enough to have spent the past year working for the Formula One driver Jenson Button’s current team, Brawn GP. The real world after university can be a scary place for new graduates, with many experiencing full-time employment for the first time and not knowing what to expect. A year working in industry gives you an insight into this world whilst you are still a student.

Undertaking a year in industry could also help you financially. Depending on the university, students on placement usually only pay around half the fees for that year, and still receive half their student loan. In addition to the loan, they also receive a salary. These vary considerably, within and between industries and areas of the country, but you can expect between £10-15,000 a year, possibly more with London weighting.

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AC MY CH CO FE ST OO SE FO TH LA CO UT GY SE

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STUDENTS RETURNING TO STUDY FIND THE FINAL YEAR PROJECT A VERY MANAGEABLE ACTIVITY

And remember, officially you’ll still be a student, and therefore will still be eligible for all the usual student discounts. Manage your finances well, and you could alleviate some of the financial pressure during the final year of university.

INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE Some students choose to find a placement closer to home and live with family for the duration in order to save the money they earn during the year.

Michelle Hester, a Bournemouth Law graduate, moved back into her old bedroom at her parents’ house for the year. “I deliberately only looked for placements in driving distance from my parents’ home so that I could save as much money as possible,” she says. Michelle got on so well at her placement firm that not only did they extend her contract, she also secured a graduate job there, and she is now excelling as a trainee solicitor.

A placement year not only offers experience that will benefit your future employment, it can also be invaluable to your studies, especially in more practical subjects where skills learned in the workplace can be transferred to final year projects. Alexandria Walker, a Director of the Computer Science department at the University of Manchester explains: “Experience shows that students returning to study find the final year project a very manageable activity and 98% of returning students raise their overall average

mark, quite often resulting in lifting the level of their final degree classification.”

For many students who opt out of taking a year in industry, it is the fear of leaving friends to complete final years without them that is the most influential factor in their decision.

However, Ceri Roberts admits: “ I completely underestimated how much fun I would have on my year away. I made friends from all over the country, but the people I met at York are still some of my best friends.”

Don’t let a fear of commitment put you off. The majority of courses are run on an opt-in opt-out system, giving you the chance to change your mind, often as late as the second year in the course. It is wise to remember though, that most courses will set a target grade for participants, and therefore you will be required to work hard in your first two years to earn the right to take part.

setting yourself up Applying for a course that incorporates a year in industry is about providing yourself with the most opportunities for the future. Unlike in the past, it is now necessary for young people to do more than just a degree in order to gain the best jobs.

A year in industry will help you to improve your CV and your confidence, gives you professional experience and new skills, as well as introduce you to new places and new people.

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ACCOUNTINGAMERICANSTUDIESARTASTRO MYANDSPACEBIOLOGYBUSINESSCHEMIST I CHIROPRACTICCOMMUNITYREGENERATION COMPUTINGCONSTRUCTIONCREATIVEAND FESSIONALWRITINGCRIMINOLOGYCULTURA STUDIESDESIGNDRAMAEARLYYEARSANDCH OODEDUCATIONELECTRICALANDELECTRO SENGINEERINGENGLISHEVENTSFILMSTUDIE FORENSICSCIENCEGEOGRAPHYGEOLOGY 0800 6 129 129 THSCIENCEHISTORYHUMANITIESLANGUAG www.glam.ac.uk LAWMANAGEMENTMATHEMATICSMEDIAAN COMMUNICATIONSMIDWIFERYMUSICNURS University of Glamorgan UTRITIONPOLICESCIENCESPOLITICSPSYCH GYPUBLICANDEMERGENCYSERVICESPUBL SERVICESSCIENCESOCIOLOGYANDSOCIAL

glamorgan making the right choice Done better than expected in your exams? Want to go to university this year?

Here at the University of Glamorgan we have limited places on selected courses starting this September.

Contact us today to find out what Glamorgan can offer you.

Limited places available in the areas of:

• Aeronautical Engineering • Aircraft Maintenance • Business • Humanities • Law • Science

Cardiff • Pontypridd • Caerdydd

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31/07/2009 17:50:42

I went to prague for a week and stayed for three years

Name: Matthew Butler Course: HND Business / BA (Hons) International Business Management Institution: Prague College Studying at Prague College has changed my life and I would recommend it to anyone. When it came to picking the right university my first thought was choosing a place that was close to home. Living in Manchester meant I had a wide variety to choose from. I was still unsure which university I wanted to go to, until I found Prague College and knew it was the place for me.

When I applied for Prague they gave me an immediate response, offering me an interview over the phone or at the school. I decided to go to the school in person as it gave me an excuse to visit the city again. I was met by friendly staff and I had the opportunity to meet some of the students, many of whom were a long way from home.

HELP IS AT HAND I was offered a place at the school and took it without thinking twice. I’m at the end of my first year here and I don’t regret it for a moment.

I am studying business and I recommend the school to anyone else thinking about studying business. In the UK I was tutored by a business teacher who read from a book for hours on end.

Here at Prague College I have teachers that

explain the material using their own real-life experiences and keep the material interesting.

The class sizes are small — I have not been in a class with more than 20 students in it. The teachers know who I am and are always around when I have questions, whether they are about the material or a project that I am working on outside of the school.

I started on the Edexcel HND Business course and will be graduating from the Teesside University BA (Hons) International Business Management course that Prague College offers in cooperation with that university.

Matthew Butler

MAKE THE MOST OF IT Another great experience that can be associated with the school is living in Prague. Prague is a beautiful city and is in the heart of Europe. There always seems to be something going on in the city, whether it’s beer festivals or food festivals.

There was even a fringe festival similar to Edinburgh’s! Prague is also famous for their beer and the city is full of bars and clubs that go on until the early hours of the morning.

If you are looking for quality education, life experience, culture, a rich social life and skills that can help you succeed in the real world then I recommend Prague College to you. www.praguecollege.cz

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d w o r c e h t f o E N o udent stereotypes

suspects of st al su u e th p u s d n u ro Alexander Walters

The kid who’s just discovered Alcohol Most likely to be seen: In the PUB mate!

Will always have: A pint/tedious story to tell about downing pints.

Most students like to drink. In the first couple of weeks, people often end up with an amusing story to tell about how they woke up naked in a clock tower, painted red and surrounded by pigeons, with no idea how they got there. Sadly there is always one student who never gets over the novelty of living away from home and being old enough to get served.

Every morning they will waltz in to lectures nursing an over-acted hangover and telling anyone who will listen how they drank ‘their own body-weight in beer’ the previous night. In reality they have about three pints before vomiting on their shoes and collapsing in to bed, but they would have you believe that they could go head to head in a drinking bout with George Best and come out sober.

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STEREOTYPES

The Gap Year Bore Most likely to be called: Gary Calls himself: Sharif Most likely to be seen: Cornering someone at the bar.

Will always have: A long story about Goa. Especially popular in Fresher’s Week, the gap year bore will not stop going on about the ‘life-changing experience’ they had in Thailand, which in reality means getting blind drunk on vodka-red bull buckets before being mugged at Haad Rin beach. They will tell anyone who will listen about how magical the sunsets are in Goa/Kenya/Thailand/Vietnam/ Laos – delete as appropriate, and will have a liberal attitude to personal hygiene. They will generally be wearing some shoddy bracelets/necklaces with beads on them, and often they will insist on maintaining some decidedly ropey looking dreadlocks on the grounds that they were done in an ‘ancient traditional way’ that brings spiritual peace. The reality will be that they paid way over the odds for them at Botswana Airport and are too scared of what’s growing in them to get them undone…

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PROFILE

u s in e ss s b l a n io t a n r e t H u lt in

H

decisions will be announced on the 28th August 2009.

Registration for students offered a place at Hult International Business School will take place on the 3rd September. Classes will commence on the 7th September.

The scheme benefits include:

ult International Business School is proud to have introduced the A-Level Support Scheme initiative, that was put in effect on the 1st August 2009.

The scheme is designed specifically for A-Level qualified students across the United Kingdom and Europe affected by the recently announced shortage of UK university places.

Students who refused a university place on the 20th August 2009 will be eligible to apply for the Hult A-Level Support Scheme.

1)

2)

3)

4)

support scheme initiative This offer is also applicable for any student who participated in the UCAS 2009 application process, regardless of acceptance status by their firm or insurance choices.

Students willing to take part in the scheme must complete their application by the 24th August 2009. Students may elect to participate in the scheme at any point in time before the deadline.

The application for admission must include: 1)

A1740 Clearing Ad

Complete Online Forms www.hult.edu/application 17/7/09

14:29

chool

2) 3) 4) 5)

A-Level results (released 20th August) Statement of purpose (essay) Letter of Recommendation (academic) £50 Application Fee

Successful applicants will be called for personal interviews between the 25th August and the 27th August 2009. Official admission

A 50% reduction in normal Hult Fees (Usually £12,500) Up to 30 advanced placement credits to be awarded on a discretionary basis by Hult’s Admissions Committee.

Opportunity to pay in two installments through the year with a discounted facility. (£400) Smaller additional merit-based scholarships might be assessed on a one-on-one basis.

If you are interested in discussing your admissions possibilities, feel free to contact the Recruitment staff at our Clearing / A-Level hotline on: Phone Number: 0207 341 8555 Email: undergraduate@hult.edu

Page 1

Nottingham... a great place to study New College Nottingham offers an exciting range of university-level courses in the following subject areas: n Art, Design, Fashion and Media n Business, Computing and Law n Food, Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism n Music and Sonic Arts (Performance and Technology) n Theatre Arts (Acting, Dance and Technical Theatre)

w! o n l l a C

As well as high standards of teaching and student support, ncn offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere, plus some excellent facilities all within easy reach of Nottingham city centre with its lively nightlife, cultural hotspots and bustling shops.

There are lots of reasons to choose ncn.

Clearing Op en Days ncn City (Ad ams) 10am–3pm Tuesday 25 A ugust Wednesday 26 August ncn Clarendo n 10.30am–2.3 0pm Thursday 27 August

To find out more about our university-level courses and open days, contact the Higher Education Support team:

0115 910 4584 he.team@ncn.ac.uk www.ncn.ac.uk

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Allclear courses extra

6/3/09

4:21 pm

Page 1

TRINITY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

The success continues...

Undergraduate degrees Business & Management Computing & IT Creative Arts & Humanities Early Years Education Education Social Sciences Sport, Health & Outdoor Theatre & Performance Theology & Religion Tourism & Community Development

01267 676767 www.trinity-cm.ac.uk

...it`s got to be Trinity!

‘‘

Great degree courses… fantastic social life… and a lot more!

Deciding what degree and where to study can be challenging. You’ll need to match the course with your interest; talent and career aspirations and you’ll also need to consider which university is likely to give you the best environment to help you to succeed.

Trinity… has excellent standards During last year the university has received excellent reports by both the UK governmentfunded Quality Assurance Agency on the management of the academic quality and standards of its degree programmes, and by ESTYN on its initial teacher education and training provision.

is a campus-based university All facilities, including accommodation, are on one campus, making it a safe and welcoming environment for students. The added value is the opportunity to develop additional skills and to become involved in many activities.

has great courses 98% of our students are in employment or further study within 6 months of graduating. Our degree courses are vocational in nature and students are given work experience opportunities, either as part of their programmes, or through work placement schemes.

43 Student Stereotypes.indd 46

provides a supportive environment The pastoral care of our students is of paramount importance and we offer a range of services to help you to succeed.

offers a range of scholarships A number of scholarships and bursaries are offered as part of the College’s commitment to widening access to HE. Some are means-tested; others are open to all students who apply and include departmental bursaries, conference and travel, as well as work-placement bursaries.

Students from FE Colleges can also apply for the FE / HE progression bursary.

offers an excellent social life The Students’ Union has great facilities that provide a place to relax outside lectures.

Whether it be to meet friends or to enjoy the many events provided in the evenings, the aim is to provide you with an enjoyable and memorable experience of your university days.

The many clubs and societies mean that there are plenty of opportunities to develop interests and to compete in numerous sports.

My time at Trinity has been brilliant.

Everyone is really friendly and helpful and it doesn’t take long to feel at home.

The course is really interesting, covering a wide range of topical issues. We went on an educational visit to New Zealand in the second year which was a wonderful experience that will stay with me forever The resources at Trinity are good, there are a number of IT suites available, an extensive library and fully stocked Teaching Resources Centre.

Living on campus is an excellent way of getting settled into a new place. Facilities are good and the atmosphere is lively.

Joanne Gillespie BA Social Inclusion & Education Studies

04/08/2009 09:30:15

STEREOTYPES

Fear of being branded a ‘geek’

Faker Most likely to be seen: In clubs complaining that they’ve got to go home because they’re ‘tired’.

Will always have: An encyclopaedic knowledge of their subject.

This is a particularly irritating group, although they are common at university. They will always be found outside the faculty office on deadline day clutching a meticulously prepared and perfectly formed essay, complaining: ‘I’ve done, like, no work at all for this, it’s so rubbish, I literally didn’t do any work at all’.

In fact they have spent the last three weeks painstakingly preparing every minute detail of it, working in the library at odd hours to ensure they are never seen. This behaviour is most likely born of the fear of being branded a ‘geek’. Still more irritating is their propensity to act with ludicrously feigned shock upon receiving their, usually perfect, mark. “Oh my god, I can’t believe it, that’s so lucky! I did, like, no work at all for this!”. Give it a rest you know how much blood, sweat and tears went into that work.

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04/08/2009 17:22:56

The Rah Most likely to be called: Tarquin or Jocasta Most likely to be seen: In Jack Wills.

Will always have: A trust fund.

Most commonly found at the not-quitesure-how-uncle-Bertie-didn’t-get-me-into-Oxbridge universities. The rah likes Jack Wills tracksuit bottoms, bracelets, deck shoes and money. Rahs tend to congregate around each other and talk in an odd accent that is both nothing like their parents’ and nothing like East London, but appears to want to be both.

They are wholly oblivious of anyone who isn’t like them, which is the majority, but their overwhelming sense of selfentitlement makes them appear more numerous than they are.

The rah female will most likely be good looking (rich dad plus trophy wife divided by Waitrose food = good genes) but inordinately stupid (dad’s looks, mum’s brains). They will make a specific effort to look as scruffy and unkempt as possible. Tracksuit bottoms combined with dog-eared Pashminas are the order of the day, as are an incessant cacophony of shrieking and mind-bogglingly stupid questions in lectures that makes you cringe when you hear them.

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PROFILE

ou m y l P t a n e k o w a C r e at iv e ta l e n t s

th

Anna Pearce – BA (Hons) Illustration and Print What were you doing before you came to Plymouth College of Art? After two years of not being at work, I started the Saturday workshop in illustration just to have some time for myself being creative.

I was gutted when it came to an end. I felt like I had been woken up from a coma! I’d always kept drawing but hadn’t realized how important it was to me and realized if I wanted to be happy this is what I was supposed to be doing and signed up for the BA (Hons) in Illustration.

What made you choose Plymouth College of Art over other institutions?

The College feels like a big family! I think the colleges strengths are the facilities where you have access to great facilities, such as photography studios, equipment and 3d workshops and its staff.

What have you enjoyed most about being a student and your

I see more opportunity in my future

time spent at Plymouth College of Art? Firstly, the development of my skills, but also as a person too. I’ve changed a lot; I’m more confident and just see a lot more opportunity in my future.

Making so many friends from all walks of life that

share your passion is great. Secondly, having so much one to one time with tutors so your individual development is continuously addressed and pushed forward has been invaluable. www.plymouthart.ac.uk

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The Keeno Most likely to be called: Brad or Jemima Most likely to be seen: In the gym.

Will always have: A team hoodie on with a stupid nickname on the back.

There will always be one person in your halls or flat who will constantly go on about how much sport he or she is doing. Whether it’s the football team, the swimming team, the Capoeira society or, usually, all three, you won’t stop hearing about it. They will be irritatingly chipper, and when they ask what you’ve been up to, they will respond in the most patronisingly encouraging way. “Oh, you went clubbing last night? That’s great; I don’t know where you get the energy from!” Maybe you get the energy from sleeping occasionally and having a social life. They will insist on adding a prefix and suffix to their name. This usually helps with their insecurities as they feel the need to refer to themselves in the third person. For instance: ‘The Robster’. Rob it is then.

Insist on adding a prefix and suffix to their name

Text: Alexander Walters Illustrations: Matthew C Stokes, www.mattcstokes.com

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PROFILE

al care n io t a n r e t in n a Fo u n dat io n s fo r

er

Name: Nuno Galvao Studied: Hospitality management At: Glion/les roches, switzerland Nuno Galvao Pinto had teenage visions of travelling the world to exciting locations and fabulous hotels. This became a reality when he chose to study Hospitality Management at Glion in Switzerland, one of the leading business/hotel management schools.

Good memories “Glion gave me not only the necessary foundations for a successful career in the industry but it’s also where I met some of my best friends.

“Twelve years later and we are still very close, even though we’re all in different parts of the world. Lots of good memories from our times at Glion: skiing, lots of parties and… oh yes… studying” His first job was with a 5-star hotel in Brussels as a receptionist, working his way up to assistant manager within two years.

He then became rooms division manager at a hotel in Luxemburg and travelled the

Glion is also where I met some of my best friends

world in management positions. Now aged 30 and following seven years working in hotel development, he took his increasing interest in finance to set up his own company in the UK

specialising in hotel investments in emerging markets like Angola and Libya, using Glion alumni contacts to develop the business.

W W W. G L I O N . E D U

IN I NSSTTI T I TUUTTEEOOFFHHI G I GHHEERREEDDUUCCAT ATI O I ONN

SSW WI ITTZZEERRLLAANNDD

Join us for an international career in Business, Hotel Management, Event, Sport and Entertainment Management.

Our graduates have exciting careers that take them all over the world to vibrant cities like Barcelona, New York, Shanghai or Rio de Janeiro.

Our graduates receive an average of 3 job offers upon graduation.

Industry hiring managers rank Glion and Les Roches among the top 3 hospitality management schools in the world for an international career.

(TNS, UK, Global Research, 2007)

Campuses in Switzerland, Spain, China, USA and Australia.

PLACES now AVAILABLE

for OCTOBER 2009 and JANUARY 2010

Contact Lyndel Harrison for further information or to apply. Places are limited.

Tel: 020 8748 5283 E-mail: laureate-uk@triagonal.net

W W W. L E S R O C H E S . E D U

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LOCATIONS

THE BIG LONDON

CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY ISN’T JUST ABOUT THE COURSE, THE LOCATION’S PRETTY IMPORTANT TOO. THE UK IS BLESSED WITH SOME OF THE MOST INTERESTING, DIVERSE AND VIBRANT UNIVERSITY CITIES IN EUROPE, AND HERE ARE OUR TOP FIVE PICKS

EDINBURGH

Perhaps a predictable choice, but undoubtedly the greatest student city in the UK. London is vast, and as a result has a vast variety of options.

From world class nightlife to incredible cultural diversity, students in London have it all. It’s no surprise, then, that London holds a student population of 378,000. London is not renowned for being friendly, but if you’re in a student community then this rarely matters.

Make no mistake, studying in London is not cheap. Accommodation can be expensive, but good deals can be found. The Tate Modern and The British Museum are free, as is the use of the British Library. Students can also make use of the capital’s vast transport network.

QUICK ROUNDUP:

For those who can brave the cold, Edinburgh offers all the diversity and vibrancy a capital should. With an ancient, historic city as your playground, not to mention one of the widest cultural landscapes in the UK, it ticks almost every box. The city is a beautiful place in which to live, made all the more palatable by the incredibly high standard and good value of student accommodation. Edinburgh is much more friendly than neighbouring Glasgow or Dundee, and is truly sophisticated in its approach to life. Riddled with famous galleries and practically overrun with theatres, most notably active during the city’s legendary festival, it offers everything a student could wish for.

Edinburgh only narrowly misses out on top spot due to its sporadic nightlife, having lost many of its best underground venues to closure in recent years.

Universities: University of Arts, Birkbeck, Brunel, City, University of East London, Goldsmiths, Greenwich, Imperial College, King’s, Kingston, London Met, LSE, London South Bank, Middlesex University, Queen Mary, Roehampton, Royal Holloway, St.Mary’s University College, Thames Valley, University College London, University of Westminster.

Universities: Edinburgh University, Napier University

Friendliness: Nightlife: Culture: Variety: Value:

7/10 10/10 10/10 10/10 7/10

Friendliness: Nightlife: Culture: Variety: Value:

9/10 7/10 10/10 9/10 8/10

Total:

44/50

Total:

43/50

QUICK ROUNDUP:

52 ALL NAVIGATOR CLEAR Summer 2009 2010 52 - 53 Cities To Study In.indd 52

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LOCATIONS

G FIVE BRISTOL

LEEDS

NEWCASTLE

Bristol has long been popular amongst students due to its small town friendliness coupled with big-city variety. From the stunning vista from Clifton Suspension bridge to the quaint charm of the town’s old market, it’s definitely one for the aesthete.

Couple this with one of the country’s leading underground music scenes and a laid-back, continental attitude to life and you’ve got a winner. The city is home to the famous Old Vic theatre and a number of museums and art galleries, and is only let down by its relative expense to other cities. Accommodation can be spectacular, particularly around the affluent area of Clifton, but can also be spectacularly expensive. If you are getting extra money thrown your way from relatives or have a well paid part time job, then Bristol is perhaps the ideal destination for the more well off student.

Leeds is the ideal choice for students who like to party. With an enormous student population, a nightlife scene that caters for all tastes, and an array of different bars and clubs throughout the city, it is a wonder that Leeds students get any studying done at all. Musically it is an incredibly diverse city, embracing all scenes and providing a wealth of life music venues and festivals, the most famous of which is the yearly Leeds Festival. In terms of culture, Leeds has several renowned galleries, theatres and museums, including the recently opened Leeds City Museum. It is also a haven for shoppers, making it a popular choice among visiting parents. Enjoying the benefits of being both excellent value and a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Leeds just pips Newcastle as our Northern university city of choice.

Newcastle is a great destination for students who want a bit of everything in equal measure. Despite being a large city, it is known for the warmth and charm of its locals and its fun-loving atmosphere. It offers a great mainstream nightlife scene, with a high density of pubs and clubs within the student price range, although those with more underground tastes will be disappointed.

Culturally Newcastle has plenty of theatres and some decent festivals, and price-wise it is a significantly cheaper option than studying in the South, with accommodation being notably good value around the Heaton and Sandyford areas.

Football fans will be particularly attracted to the city’s strong footballing tradition and obsession with Newcastle United, with the St James Park stadium offering public tours of the ground for only £10 .

QUICK ROUNDUP:

QUICK ROUNDUP:

QUICK ROUNDUP:

Universities: University of Bristol, University of the West of England

Universities: University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University

Universities: Newcastle University, University of Northumbria.

Friendliness: Nightlife: Culture: Variety : Value:

10/10 9/10 8/10 9/10 6/10

Friendliness: Nightlife: Culture: Variety: Value:

7/10 9/10 7/10 8/10 9/10

Friendliness: Nightlife: Culture: Variety: Value:

8/10 7/10 7/10 7/10 9/10

Total:

42/50

Total:

40/50

Total:

38/50

London holds a student population of 378,000

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04/08/2009 09:46:24

Knowsley Community College Knowsley Community College is based near Liverpool, and boasts modern facilities and a fantastically friendly staff, who go out of their way to help you to settle in, make new friends, and achieve your full potential. In a recent National Student Satisfaction survey which covers Universities and Colleges offering degree level courses KCC’s overall satisfaction rate came out as an impressive 6th out of the 257 institutions surveyed.

KCC also gained a Grade One (Outstanding) from Ofsted for Equality of Opportunity (April, 08).

We offer Foundation Degrees validated by Edge Hill University in the following areas: BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT COMPUTING BUSINESS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCOUNTING ASSISTING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE INTEGRATED PRACTICE – EARLY YEARS THEATRE, APPLIED DRAMA & CREATIVITY TOURISM & LEISURE MANAGEMENT

Phone Student Services for details about enrolment (27th Aug – 4th Sept) and for information about these and any other courses at the College: 0845 155 1055.

Or log on to: www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk

Come and study on the beautiful t n e south coast of England. c a r e e r d e v e lo p m The Bournemouth & Poole College offers an excellent student life, with plenty to see and do whatever your interests are and is recognised for having excellent facilities and resources both at our own campuses and associate/ partner university. Shopping facilities are excellent, and those who like to eat out will find a host of international cuisine to cater for all tastes and budgets.

In addition, there are excellent theatres, galleries and museums as well as a vibrant night life and social scene! The region’s excellent transport links mean that heading further afield is cheap and easy to do.

Louise Rowe, Tourism & Events Management FdA Louise studied Art and Design at The College with the view to becoming a Costume Designer.

She began singing for a band and got involved in organising gigs which she really enjoyed so decided to enrol on the Foundation Degree in Tourism and Events Management. Louise says: “It has definitely been the right choice for me.

It has provided me with the opportunity to be both innovative and practical in my work and has given me valuable insight into the industry.

Work placements also give you the additional experience, which I will utilise during the second year. This course is perfect for anybody with creative flair, who is also academically minded. I would recommend Foundation Degrees for your career development.”

There is limited availability on some of our courses for September so apply today to secure your place.

A great place to live...

A great place to study

The Bournemouth and Poole College have a few places available on some of our Foundation Degree programmes run in conjunction with our partner universities.

• Business and Information Technology • Computer Games • Finance and Law • Marketing • Multi-media • Music and Sound Recording

• Performing Arts • Professional Culinary Arts • Public Services • Tourism and Hospitality Management • Tourism and Spa Management

If you would like to know more about Higher Education at The College visit:

www.thecollege.co.uk/highereducation For more information call The College helpline on 01202 205205 or contact the HE Unit on 01202 205180 email us: heunit@bpc.ac.uk

54 ALL CLEAR Summer 2009 54 Poole.indd 54

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FURTHER EDUCATION

A new direction T not getting into university can be the end of their education for many.

However, all is not lost and there is still hope, students can also obtain a degree by signing up to Colleges of further education

here are many different routes to a degree and not all of them involve university. For those who have not got in to their first choices through UCAS, there are lots of other avenues to try, and some of them lead to Colleges of Further Education (CFEs).

Many people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about CFEs: they are still one of educationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-kept secrets.

Students can get all the way into a job without knowing that they can do everything from basic skills to job-related training at their local Further Education College. Students can learn almost any subject that comes to mind in an FE college, and though they might think of them as just somewhere for evening classes, they are increasingly offering a huge range of Higher Education subjects as well.

The differences between colleges and universities are more than you think. There are variations in the type of courses offered and the cost of studying. Generally, students will go to a college in their local area so the location and ease of access is more convenient. Some colleges specialise quite narrowly in particular areas so the facilities and resources can be of a very high quality.

The differences between colleges and universities are more than you think

Summer 2009 ALL CLEAR 55 - 56 Colleges.indd 55

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FURTHER EDUCATION

FACILITIES

Location, Location, Location In towns and cities there are usually several colleges to choose from, but there’s at least one in every local authority area. Higher Education (HE) courses include sciences, management, hospitality, engineering, tourism, games technology and more. Across London you should be able to find any HE course you can imagine - South Thames College focuses on business, ICT and creative industries.

Those who don’t know where their nearest college is should try the Aimhigher website (www. aimhigher.ac.uk) and go to the “uni finder” page: choose the “Further Education colleges (FE) offering HE” option to get an A-Z listing of colleges or search by postcode. Alternatively, to find a college offering the course or subject desired, go to the UCAS website (www.ucas.com).

Most colleges now offer some HE study and it’s very easy to access. There are many reasons why some students want to stay close to home – or want to study in a town where there isn’t a university – and colleges can make this happen.

SIZE DOESN’T MATTER Most colleges are smaller than universities, although some have recently been formed by mergers. However, many people like the personal touch that comes with smaller organisations. Teaching groups and tutorials are often smaller in colleges, so students can build up relationships with tutors and fellow students.

However in order to offer the Higher Education (HE) course, the college has to meet the same Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and validating body requirements that a university does. This means that all the resources a student needs will be there.

Recently, many colleges have had a complete rebuild or significant refurbishment.

Although there’s currently a halt on this programme, college facilities are as modern as universities with the full range of IT resources, learning resources and student support. The larger colleges in major cities have as much diversity in students as any university – adults, international students, professional and business students and 16-19 year olds.

FROM THE STUDENTS’ MOUTH Research carried out in 2006 by Sali MidjekConway, Aimhigher Development Manager for Bury, showed that most Higher Education (HE) students in Further Education colleges (FE) made a positive choice to go for the personal touch colleges offer, the specialist nature of many of the courses, and the good reputation the college had for the course. Focus group comments included: “You have more time with your tutors … you feel you are more valued by your tutors in a college” and 92 per cent of the students surveyed said they would recommend studying a higher education course in a further education college.

The facilities that universities or colleges offer is vital for students. This can include the quality of the computer rooms and their technology, to the size of the library. Students rely on the facilities as it can signicantly improve their teaching and learning quality. Many universities are investing more money into the facilities such as the sports halls, the libraries, computer rooms and lecture halls. Most of the universities and colleges dedicate a section to facilities on their websites so students can find out what they have to offer.

Subject Specialism Colleges don’t offer the full range of Higher Education (HE) subjects that universities do, but they do offer significant specialisms. Most colleges have one or more vocational specialist areas and can offer HE courses in these areas. Examples include Guildford College, which merged with landbased Merrist Wood College and now offers degrees including Animal Management, Horticulture and Garden Design at this specialist site. Macclesfield College is home to the European Centre for Aviation Training where HE options include mechanical, electrical and aircraft engineering.

Once students start looking at the range of HE colleges on offer at college, they’ll find they can provide a real alternative to university study. In addition to the links with validating universities, colleges are expected to gain the ability to create and award their own foundation degrees, which will be designed with employer input. Therefore the HE course will be even more closely linked to employer needs, skills gaps and future employment.

Type of course Most colleges offer a range of foundation degrees which are two year Higher Education (HE) courses usually closely linked to a career. Foundation degrees (FD) have been put together by colleges and universities in partnership, and are usually validated by a local university – for example, Colchester Institute by the University of Essex. Employers are also involved in course design, so colleges that offer FDs usually have excellent links with employers to allow students to get the most out of the mix of academic and work-related study required. Work placements are part of the course to give students the insights on a specific career. It also brings the subject to life.

Successful completion of the foundation degree gives a qualification recognised by employers across the career range – auto engineering, dance, IT, horticulture, theatre etc.

Students can top it up to a full degree with a further year’s study, either at the college or at the partner university.

Depending on the subject and college, you can also do full BA and BSc degrees at the institute. Otherwise, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs) – vocational qualifications in subjects like IT and business that can also be topped up to full degrees later – are also an option.

BargAin Hunt The fees for Higher Education (HE) courses at many Further Education colleges (FE) are lower than those of universities, so students can save while they learn. Fees for parttime HE study at college are lower again, and one could combine study with a part-time job to help with studies. Grants, loans and bursaries are available in the same way as at university. Added to this, the abundance of colleges in the UK (around 400 in total) will make travel and living costs much lower than for university.

56 ALL CLEAR Summer 2009 55 - 56 Colleges.indd 56

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PROFILE

A n e xc it

d u c at io E r e h ig h o t in y e in g j o u r n

n

Blending traditional and innovative new buildings, each with state-of-the-art facilities, you can enjoy the very best in a city-centre campus with us. We’re investing over £250million in inspirational facilities, so no matter what course you choose you can gain the best working and social experience possible. We offer Higher Education courses in the following areas: l Art and Design l Beauty and Complimentary Therapies l Business Enterprise, Management and Computing l Engineering, Science and Construction l Health, Care and Public Services l Music, Media and Performing Arts l Sports and Exercise l Tourism and Hospitality.

We understand that Higher Education is a big decision, which is why we’re here to help you succeed every step of the way. The reasons to study with us are endless:

Contact 0191 200 4000 for further information or visit our website at www.newcastlecollege.co.uk where you can download a copy of our prospectus.

T on uit ly ion £2 Fe ,5 es 00

l Newcastle city - centre campus location l £21 million Performance Academy l £16 million Lifestyle Academy

l New £3.3 million Aviation Academy l Competitive tuition fees at £2,500 l Strong links with industry and many placement opportunities l Generous bursaries.

ART AND DESIGN PLACES STILL AVAILABLE Two Year Foundation Degrees in: FdA Creative Advertising FdA Animation FdA Editorial and News Media Design FdA Interior Architecture FdA Contemporary Ceramic Practice FdA Fine Art Practice FdA Web Design BA (Hons) Creative Practice (1 Year Top-Up) BA (Hons) Design Management (1 Year Top-Up)

We also have limited places available in:

NCL_555

FdA Fashion FdA Textiles and Surface Design FdA Graphic Design FdA Commercial Photographic Practice

57 newcastle.indd 57

Contact: 0191 200 4110 / 4000 or email enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk Please also see our website at www.newcastlecollege.co.uk 04/08/2009 17:39:23

ADVICE DAYS Colchester Campus Friday 28th August, 10am–3pm Tuesday 1st September, 1pm–7pm Wednesday 9th September, 4pm–7pm

HIGHER EDUCATION OPEN EVENT Colchester Campus Wednesday 14th October, 5pm–7pm NO MATTER WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AFTER YOUR EXAMS, YOU’LL FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED RIGHT HERE. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN PUT YOUR EXAM RESULTS TOWARDS A GREAT FUTURE, CALL OUR CLEARING HOTLINE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL COURSE LISTING.

Tel: (01206) 712152 www.colchester.ac.uk A partner college of

All Clear 09:Layout 1

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A LEVEL RETAKE COURSES

Intensive Tuition Maximum group size of eight Weekly exam practice Medical and Oxbridge programmes

020 7835 1355 BIRMINGHAM 0121 454 9637 CAMBRIDGE 01223 350158 LONDON

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A LEVEL RESITS

2ND CHANCE aLL IS NOT LOST IF YOUR a-LEVEL RESULTS WERE NOT WHAT YOU HOPED FOR OR IF YOU MISSED YOUR PLACE BY A GRADE OR TWO. rESIT COLLEGES CAN HELP YOU GET BACK ON TRACK

The day your A-Level results arrive may well be the most nerve-wracking to date. They are released when most people are trying to put school behind them and relaxing on a beach somewhere, apparently safe in the knowledge that they’ll never see those exam papers again.

So what happens to those who did not get the results they were hoping for?

Last year nearly 588,689 people applied to UCAS and out of those only 456,627 were accepted. This means that well over 100,000 students were forced to decide whether to throw it in altogether, or to take another route into higher education.

Stay calm The key piece of advice is not to panic. Students who make rash decisions about what to do find they have made the wrong one. To plan the next few years of your life you’ll have to ask yourself

some questions and it is important that these are not decided without careful consideration.

At the same time however, if you choose to go through Clearing then you’ll need to get a move on to ensure you apply in good time. Thousands of students go through Clearing each year so the competition is quite high.

If the grades you ended up with were not what you had hoped for, there is an opportunity to re-sit your A-Levels to secure the results for higher education. Students who choose to re-sit generally fall into two categories: those who did not get good enough grades to attend any higher education institutions, and those who did not get the grades for a specific course at their chosen university or college.

If you fall into the latter group there is always the chance that you can apply to other places.

This is why it is very important that each choice on your UCAS application is made carefully – this

The key piece of advice is not to panic Summer 2009 ALL CLEAR 58-60 Resits.indd 59

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A LEVEL RESITS

Re-TAKE COURSES SHOULD also prepare you foR the style of education at university

could save you having to spend another year doing A-Levels. And whatever grades you get, always check with your chosen places whether they’ll accept you. Some universities are underapplied and so are willing to take on students who did not get their expected results. But for those who are not accepted, the quality of the courses at many sixth-form colleges almost guarantee you’ll get in somewhere on the second go.

Shifting sands Andy Thompson, Principal of Cherwell College, a coeducational day and residential college in Oxford, said: “The complexion of applicants for re-sits has changed a lot in the last 20 years. Nowadays students can hold the A-Level results they’ve done well in, meaning they only re-take one or two courses which can be completed in one term.”

Generally, the re-take market is dominated by people without good grades, he says. But like all colleges, Cherwell College accepts a variety of applicants, including those with near-outstanding results but who have just missed their target by a few marks. And the one-to-one teaching on offer there ensures that students who perhaps struggle with academia but have the drive to succeed get the grades they need.

In one such case, Charlie Kendrick arrived at Cherwell with two C grades in Business Studies and Mathematics, which he transformed into two A grades in just one term. He also took AS Level Economics from scratch and in the same term gained a grade A. He is now studying

Economics at University of Manchester. Many students don’t achieve their best A-Level results at the first attempt. This can be down to lack of confidence and nerves, and those who choose to re-sit often find they get markedly better grades the second time round.

Oxford Tutorial College accepts pupils for both A-Level and AS Level re-takes. Students are taught in an informal environment and for more popular subjects groups often consist of 3-6 people, with guaranteed one-to-one tutorial included. Students taking less popular subjects however are given one-to-one for the entire course. In total, students are given about seven contact hours per week.

Forward planning Aside from simply getting good results, A-Level re-take courses should also prepare you for the style of education at university. Tutors will look to develop both subject knowledge and technique, and the small classes allow arguably a more focused method of teaching than schools can manage.

So if your face drops upon seeing your results, don’t panic. You should get in touch with your school straight away and find out the process of applying for re-takes. Some schools do offer them but this is relatively rare. What they can do, however, is point you in the direction of a nearby college and give you prompt advice on the next stage of application. And because it usually takes less than a year to re-sit your exams, you still have time to return to that beach and pick up where you left off.

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PROFILE

W I LT S

R E N N I W A T N E D U H I R E C O L L EG E ST

HIGHER EDUCATION LEARNER OF THE YEAR - BENJAMIN POOLE, MELKSHAM, AGE 22 Ben was nominated for this award by Christine Sanders, Wiltshire College Lecturer in Computing. Ben has studied at Wiltshire College Trowbridge since 2003. In this time he has gained a BTEC First Diploma and a National Diploma for IT Practitioners, both with Distinctions. He then went on to the Foundation Degree in Computing, and he is now on track to successfully complete the BSc (Hons) Computing top-up year.

I HAVE MADE GOOD FRIENDS WITH STAFF AND STUDENTS

TOP MARK Achieving the top mark in his class on the BTEC First Diploma, Ben progressed on to the BTEC National Diploma and again did very well. Ben then started his Foundation Degree and completed a five week work placement at erebor ltd. After the placement, he was offered a part time position there as a Software Engineer with a guaranteed full time job on finishing his education.

Ben got top marks in the Foundation Degree and decided to progress to the

Honours year. Ben said: “Working part time at erebor has been invaluable during the Honours year. I have learned plenty about the company that I would never have asked about otherwise.”

Ben added “I have considered a Masters or PhD

as, by the looks of this year so far, I will have the entry grades. During the years I have spent at Wiltshire College I have realised you have to put something in to life to get anything out. I have made good friends with staff and students.”

Wiltshire College

courses

opportunities

success

Got your results and DON’T KNOW what to do next?

NOT SURE if University is the right path for you?

Many students considering their options this summer are still not sure what they want to do.

This is where Wiltshire College fits in, offering you a range of alternatives from A levels to Degrees in a variety of subjects studying at one of our four campuses in Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge.

Animal Science & Management s Art & Design s Photography s Business s Childcare & Early Years s Computing s Games Technology Rural Environmental Management s Digital Media Arts s Film & TV Production s Photomedia s Engineering s Fashion & Textiles s Floristry Garden Planning & Design s Motorsport Engineering s Social Work s Teacher Education

Whichever option is right for you come and talk to us about it – we’re ready to help you get out of your future. s A Levels s Apprenticeships s BTEC National Diplomas s Diplomas Work Based Learning and NVQs s Foundation Degrees/HNCs and HNDs* s Degrees – BSc (Hons), BA (Hons) *Foundation degrees are studied over two/three years or part-time HNCs and HNDs giving students the opportunity to achieve a well-recognised vocational qualification and also provide the option to top up to full degree status. Wiltshire College and partner universities have developed top-up Honours Degrees for most of our Foundation Degrees.

to find out allclearAd.indd 61 Wiltshire.indd 1 61

Come and talk to us in Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury or Trowbridge at the Post Results Information and Advice Sessions: Thursday 27th August 2009

12pm – 4pm

Friday 28th August 2009

10am – 12.30pm

Thursday 1st September

10am – 12.30pm

call 01249 466846 or email HEAdmissions@wiltshire.ac.uk Summer 2009 ALL CLEAR

61

23/7/09 10:31:44 10:08:52 04/08/2009

PROFILE

O I S I C E D L A N I F Y S A AN E NAME: SHAUN CONNELL COURSE: MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS INSTITUTION: BRADFORD COLLEGE Bradford is a town rich in cultural diversity.

Perhaps one of its greatest draws for students is that the town offers cheap living without sacrificing anything in terms of attractions. The town has a cosmopolitan mix, pulsating social life and a bunch of thriving cultural scenes.

SPECTACULAR SCENERY Surrounded by some of Yorkshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most spectacular scenery, such as Ilkley Moor, Bradford has a little something for everyone.

For those feeling the need to escape the urban life, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never too far away from the wide open space.

Bradford College is one of the largest colleges in the UK. Shaun Connell studied a BA (Hons) in Marketing Communications following time spent working in sales. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I loved sales but wanted to pursue a

N

career in marketing,â&#x20AC;? says Shaun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I walked through the front door of the University Centre I had no idea what Clearing was all about. I wanted information on a part-time business course and walked out having signed up for fulltime degree. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything was explained to me and all of my questions were answered clearly. My final decision was easy to make as I had all the information to hand and felt confident that the course was the one for me.

TOP GUIDANCE â&#x20AC;&#x153;I certainly needed some guidance, and the academic and support staff there gave me a lot of help. I graduated with a 2.1, a prize from one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top marketing agencies, increased confidence, great career prospects and a great group of friends.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;My current role means that I spend time at UCAS events talking to future students about their university and course choices. I actively encourage students to go for it and, of course, I encourage them to check out the courses that the University Centre has to offer.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;EVERYTHING WAS EXPLAINED TO ME AND ALL OF MY QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED CLEARLYâ&#x20AC;?

!NXIOUS ABOUT NOT HAVING A PLACE IN UNI THIS AUTUMN (ULT CAN HELP The Hult advantages: s 4OP RANKED INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL BY THE Financial Times AND The Economist s !MERICAN STYLE mEXIBLE EDUCATION s &OCUS ON PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND ACTION LEARNING s /VER NATIONALITIES UNDER ONE ROOF s /FlCIAL ADMISSIONS RESULTS BY !UGUST TH

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62 ALL CLEAR Summer 2009 62 Bradford .indd 62

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How do I choose which uni and course to apply to?

23/7/09 15:17:29

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Get advice from the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest student community www.thestudentroom.co.uk 63 studentroom.indd 63

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DROPPING OUT

G N A H C T H G I SL CHOOSING WHICH UNIVERSITY TO GO TO IS A HUGE DECISION. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CHOOSE THE WRONG UNIVERSITY? LUCY DURNIN DID JUST THAT AND LIVED TO TELL THE TALE…

“Are you looking forward to starting uni?” “Yes,” Came my standard response. “Can’t wait.”

The truth was, I hadn’t even thought about it. I had waved goodbye to my UCAS application, been accepted on an English course, and then deferred my place for a gap year.

I worked; I travelled; I had one of the best years of my life. I didn’t even think about uni, moving away or the prospect of studying. Then, all of a sudden, it was September. There it was on the calendar in bright red ink: START UNI. Ah, I thought to myself. I’d forgotten about that.

Putting my lack of enthusiasm down to nerves, I busied myself making preparations for uni life.

Yet even as we drove down the motorway towards Sussex University, the car sagging from the weight of my worldly possessions, a little voice in my head was saying: I don’t want to go.

CHANGE OF PLAN

MAKE YOUR DECISION, BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND REMEMBER, WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES

With the UCAS deadline looming, I felt pressured into making a fast decision. I had always been an A student in English; I’d just do that. I didn’t take into consideration the fact that despite the fact that I liked writing, I had never really enjoyed the whole poetry/literature analysis business. In truth I found it rather dull.

So when I found myself presented with a reading list of heavy-weight literature in the first week, my heart sank. And as time passed, the feeling that I had made a wrong decision became overwhelming.

When I resolved to drop out of my course and leave Sussex, I felt like I had completely failed. While all my friends were enjoying their new lives there was me, back at home with no idea of what to do with my future.

My situation kick started me into making some serious decisions and I started researching into other courses and other universities in different locations. While Sussex was a great campus-based university, I craved the excitement of city life.

I had always enjoyed writing and the idea of pursuing a career in journalism dawned on me.

Then, while reading through the prospectus of City University, I came across a BA in Journalism. Reading through the course structure, I felt a tingle of excitement and for the first time, enthusiasm.

I reapplied and was offered a placement for the following year, but couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment that my first experience hadn’t worked out.

I realise now I didn’t need to feel that sense of failure. If you make a wrong decision about uni, it’s not the end of the world and it doesn’t mean you’re never going to get a degree. I graduated from City last year with a BA in Journalism and have never regretted my decision to leave Sussex.

The best thing is to take time; make your decision; be honest with yourself and remember; we all make mistakes.

THE LOCATION WASN’T RIGHT Charlotte Clark, 25, dropped out of her Sociology degree at Manchester University but went on to graduate with a degree in Criminology from Canterbury University.

I had visited Manchester University on an Open Day with a friend and was really impressed with the course, the campus and most of all, the city itself. It all looked so new and had loads of fantastic shops and clubs.

But when it came to starting uni, the distance seemed much greater than I remembered. I immediately questioned whether I could deal with being so far away from my family, friends and boyfriend.

Adjusting to City life was difficult. We were given a talk by the police about what areas we shouldn’t venture near.

It was all a far cry from the quiet, village life I had been living in Surrey. I really wasn’t enjoying myself, feeling constantly anxious and homesick. My gut feeling was that I had made a mistake in choosing that uni and I dropped out after less than a month.

When I came home I felt a combination of relief and disappointment. I was certain that I still wanted to go to university so immediately began looking for other places.

A friend recommended I look at Canterbury, a campus-based university not far from where I lived. I had a look round and it was so much better suited to my needs. Luckily there were still places available and I managed to enrol on their Criminology course.

I loved my course; I made some great friends

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DROPPING OUT

N A L P F O E G N and had a fantastic time. I would drive home to Surrey every other weekend to see my family. I also felt safe in the knowledge that I was never that far from my family.

In hindsight, I moved to Manchester for all the wrong reasons. I enjoyed city life for a few days but once the novelty wore off, I was left living in a place that just wasn’t right for me.

I think part of me was trying to prove I could be independent, but there’s no need to feel like a wimp if you’d rather be somewhere nearer home. You have to be honest with yourself and find a place where you can strike a good balance between the two.

You can get yourself back on the right track

IT’S THE WRONG COURSE Carl Peterson, a second year student at Liverpool University switched courses at the end of his first year.

I had decided to do German at Liverpool because, being half German myself, I felt I had a head start. It turns out, that was one of the main problems.

I found the course to be pretty basic and got bored very easily. I was spending most evenings going out with my new friends then not bothering to go lectures and seminars and soon my marks began to slide.

I had forgotten that a big part of why I went to uni was to get a degree. I was putting 100% into my social life and nothing into my academic work. My wake-up call came when I was sent a letter from my course leader telling me to buck up my ideas or leave the course.

The thought of throwing away my degree made me realise how much I wanted to achieve it. I had a serious discussion with my parents about what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to stay at Liverpool and decided that I would rather do an IT course, something I have always excelled in.

I spoke to the head of department of both subjects and they agreed to allow me to switch courses. I had to re-do my first year but now I am much more motivated, focused and enthusiastic about my studies.

I do regret wasting a year but I think my experience is living proof that you can get yourself back on the right track.

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04/08/2009 17:46:39

All walks of life I graduated with a 2:1 in English and it has helped me so much! I now have a full time job in advertising and think going to university was the best decision in my life

University was not right for me Daniel Williams Roehampton University 1st year dropout

Sarah Phillips Sussex University Graduated

George Brown South Bank University 1st year dropout

I feel I made the right choice by taking a gap year as I was able to experience the work life before coming here

It has given me new found confidence and a great social life with new friends

Kane Humphreys

I was pressured by my parents to go to university and I knew I had made the wrong decision

Brighton University 1st year student

A complete waste of money and time. I dropped out first year and managed to get a job that pays great, even without a university degree

David Wright Bangor University 1st year student

Evo Zamfirov Roehampton University 1st year dropout

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the school pressure you into making a choice. You have your whole life ahead of you, do whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you and no one else Laura West Leeds University Mature student

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in my second year I graduated university with a 2:2 and feel that it was a complete waste of time and money. I got a job in recruitment and could have done just as well without going to university

and still loving it Laura Ballinger Chichester University 2nd year student

Ian Wilson Manchester University Graduated

I have a family and husband but I always wanted to go to university to better my career. I feel entering as a mature student was the best way and I am glad I did not attend when I was younger as I was not sure of my life goals

I took a gap year and went to university after working. I think this was a bad choice as I went from having money, to living on tins of beans!

I feel dropping out of university was the wrong decision in the long term

Rachael Keane Liverpool University Mature student

Alison Willis Portsmouth University 1st year student

Louise Dixon Roehampton University 2nd year dropout

Going straight in to university helped me become independent as a person and make friends Natalie Rhodes University of Surrey 2nd year student

I do not regret going straight into university after school as I did not have to take a drop in income to attend Mark Hughes Bournemouth University 1st student

Best choice and will never look back...

Steve Becks Cardiff University 3rd year student

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04/08/2009 09:53:53

READY TO

UP?

RISE

A LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES ARE STILL AVAILABLE IN CLEARING

Set in the heart of north London, we offer a range of world-class undergraduate courses to give your prospects a real lift. So if you want to stand out in the capital, there’s still time to rise up with a Middlesex degree.

• Wide range of programmes, from Art and Design to Product Design, Business Studies to Housing Studies, Computer Science to Social Science Don’t miss out, call free for an instant decision:

0800 069 6113 or text CLEARING4 to 84118 and we’ll call you back.

LOCATIONS ACROSS NORTH LONDON WITH OUTSTANDING FACILITIES – VISIT ON AN OPEN DAY OR CAMPUS TOUR FOR 2009 ENTRY IN CLEARING • Clearing Open Day Saturday 22 August, Hendon and Trent Park campuses

• Campus Tours Every Wednesday plus 20 and 21 August and 24-28 August

www.mdx.ac.uk MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY IN LONDON

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