Get ready. For your journey to Manchester
Hear from three of our students about what student life is like at Manchester
FROM YOUR OFFER AND FINANCE TO ACCOMMODATION HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
WHY I CHOSE MANCHESTER BY NANA ANSAH
PLUS
TIME TO OWN IT * IT’S THE MANCHESTER APPROACH TO WELLBEING * KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY *
Your road to Manchester
2
Life up north
In Manchester, ambition and ideas come to life. World-changing partnerships are formed and life-changing friendships are forged. We are a University of revolutionaries, trailblazers and innovators, in a city with heart and soul. Now is the time to begin your own journey here and tread your own path. It’s time to get ready for Manchester. Here is what you need to know and do.
4
Time to own it
6
Why I chose Manchester
8
Six ways to wellbeing
10
Wellbeing and me
12
Your offer and what next?
16
Stay in touch and dates for your diary
For further information and exclusive content, visit our website: www.manchester.ac.uk/getready
If you do not wish to receive further print marketing communications from the Student Communications and Marketing Team at The University of Manchester, please email: printoptout@manchester.ac.uk with your name and University of Manchester ID number. MANCHESTER 2019
1
Emma McDougall
Manchester’s appeal is as diverse as the people that call it home. Whether it’s our holistic approach to student care, our reputation for knowledge, the eclectic mix of learning facilities - from the historic to the brand new - or the unmatched offer of activities, sport, music and culture on our doorstep, everyone has a different reason for making the University of Manchester their top choice. For Mickey Eva, choosing Manchester was the best decision of his life. A masters student in global urban development, from the Philippines, Mickey has grasped every opportunity the University, and the city, have to offer. “Manchester seemed to have everything,” he says. “Really good culture, really good music, sports; and the uni itself was really well-ranked. It’s a really nice city. People say ‘hi love’ or ‘you alright darling?’ It’s like a breath of fresh air. Another big draw for me was the LGBT culture. It’s one of the best decisions I have made in my life to choose Manchester. It is a melting pot of different cultures. “I had no idea what Manchester looked like, so I did a lot of Google Maps street view, videos, blogs and vlogs. What really helped me was also what the University can offer for a student experience.” Mickey arrived in the UK for Welcome. “Two words: information overload. But there is such a huge support system, so many people wearing purple jackets. I was really anxious when I was coming here. It’s natural. Just throw yourself into it. Be open and receptive to people’s advice. There are so many study rooms, counselling, careers workshops; they’re all online you just need to take the initiative. For sure it is going to be a rollercoaster, it is fun and you grow as a person.” Emma McDougall, a final year psychology student, says: “The idea of moving from a little village to a massive city was really appealing, with all the opportunities that were here. I came here four times before I actually decided where I wanted to go. I felt like I was already a student! 2
GET READY GUIDE
“In the first week or two, it’s so daunting - and it felt supportive here. After the first two weeks I felt like I had been here forever. You find your way around so easily. The campus has got a nice feeling about it.”
Mickey Eva
Airam Perez Guillen
Students plan their days differently. “I work better whilst I’m at uni,” says Emma who credits her time at Manchester with boosting her confidence. “I treat uni as a 9-5 and enjoy my evenings and weekends. “Everybody is here to learn. The careers service is amazing. The teaching is really good - the amount of extra stuff they put on. There is just a real community vibe.” What’s the best advice current students can offer to new students? Airam Perez Guillen, a second year electrical and electronic engineering student, from Spain, says don’t miss out. “Don’t miss stuff you can sign up to in your first week and all the events they do at University,” he says. “You can sign up to societies and meet a lot of people. “The first day was a lot to take in. Student ambassadors help a lot; I became one myself and it was great. “I met great people who have the same passions. If you have an opportunity to meet with past students you should. We have peer assisted study scheme, second years look after first years. And always carry an umbrella!” Emma adds: “Take the advice you are given. Don’t think you are the only person who is feeling a bit homesick or doesn’t know their way around. Everyone is in the exact same boat. Just get involved.” MANCHESTER 2019
3
Now is the time to feed your mind, put in the hard work and get the very best out of yourself as you look towards the finish line - whether it’s exams, coursework or, for those applying for a postgraduate degree, your final year at university. It’s your time to own your next steps: to empower yourself and your future. A move to university at Manchester will open up an incredible new world of knowledge, friendships, culture, opportunities and independence and we can’t wait for you to get here. In preparation for University, buckle down and set yourself a revision timetable if you need it but don’t forget that it’s ok to look up from your books. Take regular breaks to refresh your mind, drink plenty, eat well, breathe in fresh air and, build in incentives like time with friends or watch a movie for when you meet your study milestones. Don’t allow revision to make you feel isolated; if you’re struggling seek help and extra support from the people that lift you up best, be it friends, family or teachers. Exams and coursework will soon be out of the way and you’ll have the summer ahead of you. Have fun; maybe even have an adventure. If you’re working to save money, enjoy your downtime. Your friendship group are probably about to head off in different directions and while there are plenty of ways to stay in touch, make the most of hanging out with friends and family before you start your next chapter in a new city. All the while, fix your thoughts on the big picture. While you’re still waiting to start your journey at Manchester, think where you want to be at the end of it. Your time here will allow you to create your own future - whether it’s carving the path to your dream career or working on world-changing research. Picture the future you want and own it.
4
GET READY GUIDE
MANCHESTER 2019
5
Arriving at university is not just the start of an academic journey - there is so much to learn and discover about living away from home. We want you to feel prepared and we have plenty in place to help you feel supported, giving you more time to enjoy the vibrant city you will soon call home.
6
GET READY GUIDE
I wanted a good university in terms of league tables. People don’t like to say it but almost everyone has done the same. I then looked at location; whereabouts it was to the nearest city/town centre. I didn’t want to be in the middle of nowhere and have to travel five hours by foot to the nearest McDonald’s. Manchester is a very big city and the University is a bus ride away (or walk) from the city centre so in that respect Manchester came out top for me.
It was very important for me to not only come out with a good quality degree but, above all, knowing I spent my time in a place I enjoyed and felt valued and important.
The biggest overall factor, for me, was how each university appeared to treat their students. I didn’t get the chance to visit Manchester until my applicant day, so I followed them on Snapchat to get an insight – yes my decision was based off Snapchat, what a ‘millennial’ thing to say! But anyway, on their Snapchat, the University always appeared to go above and beyond for their students. From the nap pod to the Wellbeing rooms to revision packs they placed around the library during exams. I was sold.
What it’s like studying here
At the end of the day it’s a big commitment time-wise and financially. Student experience coupled with Manchester’s academic success put it at number one for me.
I am pleased to say Manchester lived up to my expectations if not exceeded them, in terms of that student treatment I keep harping on about. As I prepared for my first exams I experienced, first hand, the University’s wonderful treatment of its students when we needed it most. They ran de-stress weeks with free classes such as Tai chi, Sunrise Yoga and Zumba to
help students stay (relatively) calm and healthy during exams. This, alongside year-round services such as essay-writing and meditation (and that one time they had a bouncy castle and dogs in for Wellbeing Week) prove to me that the University really do want the best for their students. Especially in ways I haven’t seen from any of my friends’ universities. Ha! There’s also the fact that the facilities are a mix of modern and old which are very Instagram-able and lovely to work in. There are lots of societies, the art gallery and museum and four music venues which host incredible artists all year round literally in our Students’ Union! Dua Lipa, Amine and Khalid just to name a few! Manchester’s only slight downside is the unimaginable amount of rain but you kind of get used to it! Good luck with everything.
MANCHESTER 2019
7
For each of the Six Ways to help you to feel good and live well - connect, give, take notice, be active, be healthy, learn and discover – we’ll encourage you with simple ideas and activities to try, with friends or on your own, helping you find a blend of things that fit with your lifestyle. When you first join us, we’ll focus on ideas to help you settle in. So, to connect, you might cook with friends and share a meal or you might want to go big and join a student society. Giving could be an everyday random act of kindness - like holding a door open or it might be signing up to volunteer. We think taking notice is a really important one. In this busy world, our attention is pulled in different directions from the moment we wake up. We suggest putting your phone away, really engaging in your surroundings on your regular journey to
8
GET READY GUIDE
campus to help focus your mind or you might want to go a step further and take a lunchtime meditation workshop or download and use a mindfulness app. Wellbeing is both physical and mental. Keeping active improves energy and sleep and isn’t just for those who want to join a sports team (although we have plenty of those); getting off the bus a stop early will contribute to your daily steps too. Healthy bodies help sustain healthy minds so feeding your body the right foods is also vital. The University has a city of art, music and culture on its doorstep, including our own Whitworth Art Gallery, and the Six Ways urges you to explore it all. While learning is the main reason you are here, discovering new skills or broadening your knowledge outside the lecture theatre can help bolster self-esteem, resilience and social integration.
MANCHESTER 2019
9
Being president of a mental health society here at the University, it’s really important to me that other students are well-equipped with knowledge to promote good mental health. The Six Ways to Wellbeing are part of the University’s advice on how to look after yourself during your studies. Hopefully, by sharing with you my ideas on these tips and tricks for a healthier mind, it will give you some inspiration too! Connect When you’re not feeling great, it can be tempting to hole yourself away in your bedroom or stay in the library for so long that your housemates have nothing to remember you by but a dirty breakfast bowl. But spending time around other people is probably the best way to alleviate a bad mood. Opening up to someone can not only help you but also help your friends feel closer to you, meaning that they know they can count on your support when they need it. It’s important that you do these things in person. I’m a self-confessed phone addict. To me scrolling through social media seems like I’m connecting with people, but really I’m connecting with a screen. I’ll always feel better after having a chat and a cup of tea with my best friends in real life than I would if I just messaged them on WhatsApp. Try to stay off your phone when you’re hanging out with a friend and really connect to the conversatIon. Trust me, you’ll feel much happier and more fulfilled for it.
10
GET READY GUIDE
Take notice Sometimes we get so completely carried away with what we have to do for University, that we forget all the other things that are going on around us too. It’s important to take a break every now and then, and actually just engage in your surroundings. One of my favourite places in Manchester is Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens and it’s the perfect place to go and immerse yourself in nature for a break from the walls of the library. You should also take notice of your own emotions. Listen to yourself and know your limits. It might seem like a good idea to pull an all-nighter to get an essay out of the way, but will you really do your best work at 2am? I’ve found mindfulness meditation really useful for making me more introspective and in tune with what I’m capable of. Ever since I learned that you can get a Headspace subscription for free if you have a student Spotify subscription, I’ve been hooked. Learn and discover
This one can be difficult for those of us on a budget but there are definitely ways you can give without having to plunge yourself deeper into your overdraft.
I know you might be thinking that you will learn enough in your lectures, seminars and extra reading to last a lifetime, but stick with me here. Life is more than your degree; so much more. No matter how much you love your course, there will always be something else that you can be passionate about.
One way you can do this is through volunteering and giving up your time for a worthy cause. The University’s Volunteer Hub is a great place to start, as they have a load of great opportunities available for a huge range of different charitable organisations. One of my friends helped refugees with their English skills through Enactus and another volunteers on a Wednesday evening, cooking meals for vulnerable women in Manchester.
For me, I get my daily dose of non-academic learning from listening to podcasts. There’s nothing that brightens up a miserable 8:30am journey on a crammed Magic Bus more than listening to some genuinely interesting people talk about genuinely interesting topics. My favourites include No Such Thing as a Fish and The Dollop, but there are hundreds out there for you to try. The best bit is they’re all free!
Give
By Lauren Goodfellow, undergraduate Biomedical Sciences student
It can even be as simple as sending a quick ‘How are you?’ text to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, or making your housemates a cup of tea whilst you settle down to watch I’m A Celeb. Just making that bit of effort to brighten someone else’s day is sure to help brighten yours too.
MANCHESTER 2019
11
Now you are beginning to familiarise yourself with all that The University of Manchester has to offer, here are a few things you can do to set yourself up for student life.
12
GET READY GUIDE
MANCHESTER 2019
13
Funding
Your offer If you are an undergraduate offer holder, you can check UCAS Track on exam results day to see if you’ve been accepted. If your offer from us was unconditional, you just need wait for further instructions from us about the registration process. Postgraduate offer holders can access our self-service tracking system by clicking ‘track your application’ at: www.manchester.ac.uk/pgt-admissions
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial support during your studies, all of which are set out at www.manchester.ac.uk/ funding-opportunities. You can find details of government maintenance loans and grants and tuition fee loans including who is eligible and how to apply. We also outline the University’s awards, bursaries and scholarships. Please note we do automatic assessments for bursaries in the first 6-8 weeks of term and will email you in November if you are eligible for an award.
or www.manchester.ac.uk/pgr-admissions You should have already received an offer letter directly from the academic school you have applied to, detailing any conditions where relevant. Schools will be happy to answer questions directly and you can find contact details at: www.manchester.ac.uk/schools.
Budgeting and cost of living Manchester’s affordable cost of city living makes it a great place to study and we have lots of tips to help you make the most of your money here: www.manchester.ac.uk/ money-matters Plenty of the city’s shops, bars and restaurants run discounts for students and saver tickets are available on buses, trains and trams. Get your hair cut with salon trainees and cook with friends so you can split the cost. Check noticeboards on campus for secondhand textbooks and download a banking app to help you keep track.
Accommodation You do not need to wait for your exam results to apply for accommodation. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of getting the room that you want. Provided you have submitted your application for a place in university halls by 31 August, then once you confirm you are taking up your offer to study, you can expect to receive an accommodation offer, via email, over the summer. www.manchester.ac.uk/ accommodation If you prefer to explore private rented accommodation, Manchester Student Homes can help you to find accredited properties, so you can be assured of standards. They also offer advice and a free contract checking service: www.manchesterstudenthomes.com.
For the average cost of living for an undergraduate or postgraduate student at Manchester, for one academic year, visit: www.manchester.ac.uk/living-costs.
14
GET READY GUIDE
MANCHESTER 2019
15
We will stay in touch with you so be sure to add us to your safe senders list and keep us posted if your contact details change so you don’t miss any important information.
Key dates
16
SEPTEMBER 2019 Welcome and Semester one start
Meanwhile, you can keep in touch with us and follow us on social media too: www.manchester.ac.uk/getready /TheUniversityOfManchester
20
13
DECEMBER 2019
13
JANUARY 2020
Christmas break
More details www.manchester.ac.uk/key-dates
JANUARY 2020 January start
@officialuom @OfficialUoM OfficialUoM study@manchester.ac.uk
16
GET READY GUIDE
MANCHESTER 2019
17
Created by the Division of Communications and Marketing H
If undeliverable please return to: Student Communications and Marketing The University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL United Kingdom Royal Charter Number RC000797 M2497 04.19