University Centre Shrewsbury

WELCOME

Welcome – you’ve accepted your offer to study with us. There’s no better feeling than finding your people. Having the freedom to be yourself. Pursuing the things you love. Being part of a community that shares your ambition.

This is exactly what you’ll find at the University of Chester.

This guide is here to tell you what you need to know and do before you start with us in September. We will also give you a range of information about societies, sports, volunteering and part-time work. You’ll easily find people who share your interests and passions, so making friends is something you can start to look forward to already.

If you’re not sure about anything, please get in touch – you’ll find useful contact details throughout this guide.

You can also visit chester.ac.uk to find more information about the University and your course, or better still, you can chat to one of our students to get an insight into what student life is like and what opportunities are available to you at University Centre Shrewsbury: head to chester.ac.uk/ask

GET PREPARED

As you prepare to embark on student life, we need you to complete all activities on PASS, which is our Pre-Arrival Student Site.

It’s really easy to use and gives you the opportunity to enrol, access pre-arrival information and much more. Just visit:

pass.chester.ac.uk

Logging in is easy too – you’ll just need the following:

l your student number, which is on the front of the letter you were sent with this guide (so k eep it safe, as you’ll need it a lot)

l your password, which is the letters Che and then your date of birth in the format YYYYMMDD. For example, if your date of birth is 8th September 2002 your password will be Che20020908

You can access PASS on your mobile. All you need to do is download the University of Chester app. If you do have any problems accessing PASS, just get in touch.

T: 01244 511234

E: lis.helpdesk@chester.ac.uk

If you’re keen to find out about being a student at the University of Chester, you can chat online with our friendly student ambassadors and get the lowdown about life at University Centre Shrewsbury. You can also speak to academic staff about the subject area you are interested in.

https://www1.chester.ac.uk/ask

The UoChester app is an essential download for your time at the University. You’ll need it to check into lectures, access your timetable, discover the latest events and much more. Once you’ve received your University login details, don’t forget to download the app before Welcome Week

https://m.chester.ac.uk

We are hosting a ‘Get ready for University with Unibuddy’ event on Wednesday 9th August from 3pm – 5pm. All the details will be included in your invitation email.

WELCOME WEEK

Welcome Week is the perfect chance for you to settle into student life. Our Induction Team have pulled together a schedule of activities to keep everyone entertained. We’ll have events events running across the week, there will be something for everyone – and lots of ways to help you explore the area, make friends and settle in before teaching begins.

You’ll also be introduced to our many support services and will spend some time with your academic department – getting to know your course friends and lecturers and taking part in a range of activities, as well as beginning to understand the expectations of Higher Education (HE).

We’ll be in touch with a full schedule of Welcome Week activities before the start of term.

chester.ac.uk/induction chestersu.com

T: 01244 511550 E: induction@chester.ac.uk

ACCOMMODATION

Our partnership accommodation at Shrewsbury is located at Mardol House and The Tannery halls of residence, right in the heart of the town centre. If you applied for your accommodation before 18th June, you’ll hear from our Accommodation Office shortly, who will give you information on the rooms available to you.

Don’t worry - If you’re waiting to receive exam results and your place at University Centre Shrewsbury is still ‘conditional’, your room allocation will be confirmed after results day, towards the end of August.

Or if you’ve not yet applied for accommodation, don’t worry you still have time to submit an application via PASS, which is our Pre-Arrival Student Site. See Page 4 of this guide for more information on PASS.

For more information on how to apply, please visit our website:

chester.ac.uk/accommodation

TEACHING AND LEARNING

All* the University’s courses are designed around in-person study based on our sites. This includes lectures, seminars and practical classes where you’ll develop your knowledge and skills with your peers.

We also use digital technologies to enhance your learning, such as virtual reality and simulation suites; this will vary from course to course and is tailored to each subject area. Most of our courses also include online learning activities which are essential, and can be completed when and where suits you.

We are proud of our method of teaching and learning and this is supported by the recent Whatuni Student Choice Awards, which are largest exclusively student-voted higher institution awards in the UK.

We’ve proudly been named in the top five in five categories, including 3rd place in the UK for our teaching and learning quality and 5th place in the UK for University of the Year.

*Except those designed for fully online delivery and study.

SETTLING IN

From before you arrive, to those busy first few weeks of term and far beyond, our aim is to make your transition to university as smooth as possible. Here’s a flavour of what you can expect:

Support for Mature Students

If you’re a mature student or will be commuting from home, you’ll receive information before the start of term about special events during Welcome Week which are designed to help you get orientated and meet other people with similar circumstances.

Personal Academic Tutor (PAT)

You will be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) before starting in September, who will be there to support your personal development to ensure you reach your potential. Not only that, they’ll be there to help you with the transition into university, giving you a head start, as well as being a friendly face that you’ll recognise when you arrive.

Learning Resources

The University is committed to providing access to selected e-textbooks during your first year of study, working closely with our academic departments to offer these alongside a wide range of academic journals and other resources. You will receive a full induction to our Learning and Information Services at the start of term.

Peer Mentors

Signing up to the University’s Peer Mentoring scheme allows you to connect with a 2nd or 3rd year student as soon as you start your University adventure. Our mentors are here to welcome you to the University Centre Shrewsbury community, answer your questions – big or small –and share their experiences with you.

Alongside having a connection from the get-go, your mentor will also be there to give you tips and guidance on a range of topics, such as; accommodation; student loans; workload management; and clubs and societies. Our Peer Mentors have received training and are clued up on University and external services; so, if they can’t help you directly, they should be able to point you in the right direction!

Once you have had confirmation of your University place, you will receive an email with details of the scheme and the link to the online application form, which only takes a few minutes to complete. Once you’ve been matched up with a Peer Mentor, you can get in touch with them before you even arrive.

SUSTAINABILITY

We have a dedicated Sustainability Team in place, to ensure that the University of Chester leads by example, putting sustainability at the heart of decision making and service delivery. We run a number of initiatives and campaigns to encourage behaviour change across the University, until sustainability becomes embedded in all that we do. Here are some of the ways students can get involved:

l Carbon Literacy Training

l Annual Sustainabilit y Festival

l Become an auditor for our climate action programme

l Attend Let’s Talk Transport meetings

Each year, we host Work Based Learning students who work with us for five weeks on a variety of projects e.g. designing active travel routes and creating engaging content for student and staff inductions.

chester.ac.uk/sustainability

ALONGSIDE YOUR STUDIES

Social Capital

Social Capital might not be a term familiar to you but for example - how easy do you find talking amongst strangers? Do you know how to create a network which will help you?

It is important to us to support you with the right contacts and allow you to gain robustness, self-worth and resilience. We want to create a culture of opportunity, self-development and aspire for you to have a strong feeling of belonging at the University Centre Shrewsbury. We understand that the student population is diverse, and students are empowered to bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to university life.

Real World Experience

Here at the University of Chester, we have a whole series of social capital workshops and events about other cultures, global challenges, and networking. Our aim is to equip students with the skills and connections to contribute to their community. You could also do this by learning a language for free or take up volunteering – whether for just a few hours – or a longer commitment – this is another way we can connect you into the real world.

Languages for All

You can also join one of our part-time language courses at a reduced rate of £100, and better still, this fee will be reimbursed once you complete 80% of the course. We offer courses at different levels so you can begin at a level that’s right for you. The diverse range of languages courses that we offer include: Arabic; French; German; Italian; Japanese; Mandarin; Polish; Portuguese; Spanish; Russian; and Welsh. Please check the website for more details on the language courses available at your site.

Sport and Physical Activity

Whether you are a seasoned competitor, new to sport and exercise or simply just want to give something a go, then university is the place to do it! Sport and physical activity can improve your physical, mental and social wellbeing and is a great way to meet people and make friends for life.

At University Centre Shrewsbury, we offer great facilities with the Shrewsbury Active Zone, our new gym facility which is the ideal way to stay fit before, between or after lectures.

We have passionate professionals and a first-class support network to help you engage in sport at any level, settle into life at Shrewsbury and enhance your student experience.

GETTING ABOUT

Our sites in Chester, Warrington, Shrewsbury, and Birkenhead are well connected to public transport routes across the North West, with train stations and bus stops located nearby each of our sites. Active travel (walking, running, cycling, wheeling) is encouraged for those living nearby, with cycle storage and changing facilities available at each site. Those aged 16-25 can purchase a young person’s railcard, saving 1/3 on rail travel. Some mature students can also access this discount by purchasing a 26-30 railcard.

Find out more about commuting and travelling to and from the University of Chester: chester.ac.uk/commuting-students

CONFIRMING YOUR PLACE

So, you’ve chosen University Centre Shrewsbury as either your Firm or Insurance choice, now what? Well, what happens next depends on whether you’ve already got your Level 3 qualifications (A-Levels, BTEC etc). If you’ve already got these, please scan the original copies or evidence from examining boards and email them to our Admissions team referencing your UCAS personal ID number.

If you’ve accepted a conditional offer and are awaiting your results, the process of confirming your place will depend on the type of qualification you’re taking. If you’ve got any questions or concerns about confirming your place, please contact our Admissions team.

T: 01244 512528

E: admissions@chester.ac.uk

WHAT IF SHREWSBURY IS YOUR INSURANCE CHOICE?

The university you selected as your Firm choice might have just pipped us to the post when you replied to your offers, but as your Insurance choice we will be here for you if things change.

If your results come through and you decide that University Centre Shrewsbury is the place for you (even if you meet the requirements of your Firm choice), don’t worry! Just get in contact with our Admissions experts who will talk you through the easy process of what you need to do next.

If you don’t get into your Firm choice once you get your results, this doesn’t mean you won’t be going to a university you really wanted to (that’s why you selected your top two). Your place at Shrewsbury will be subject to meeting the conditions of your offer from us. You’ll need to check UCAS Hub to see if your place has been confirmed: accounts. ucas.com/account/login

WE KNOW THINGS CHANGE

Every year students join us after making a last-minute change of course, so don’t worry. We’re used to dealing with this and are well equipped to ensure a smooth transition. Get in touch and our Admissions experts will happily advise you on your options.

If things didn’t go quite go to plan and your grades aren’t what you were expectingdon’t panic.

We recommend contacting us to see whether or not we are still holding your place. We are always happy to help, and if you have been unsuccessful in gaining a place on the course you applied for, we may be able to offer an alternative (subject to availability).

If you’re having second thoughts about the course you have applied for, we’re here to advise you on your options and to help you come to a decision that’s right for you. Just give us a call if you have any queries.

Visit the clearing pages on our website for more information about the clearing process and to find out about some of our students’ experiences of applying through clearing.

chester.ac.uk/clearing

T: 01244 567470

E: admissions@chester.ac.uk

MONEY MATTERS

It’s time to talk finance. Not the most exciting topic, we know, but it’s a necessary and important step in your lead up to starting university. If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to apply for student finance as soon as possible. Where you live will determine where you need to apply for student finance and what support is available to you.

We’re here to help you through each step, just take a look at the finance pages on our website for more information.

chester.ac.uk/finance

If you’ve already applied but your choice of university or course has changed, you will need to update these details on your student finance account: gov.uk/student-finance

T: 01244 512810

E: finance.tuitionfees@chester.ac.uk

Cost of Living – Student Support

The cost of living increase is impacting everyone and we know that some people are finding the balancing of finances difficult, but we’re here to help. At University Centre Shrewsbury, we are determined to support our students, as studying is a valuable lifechanging experience. We’re also the 2nd in the UK for Cost of Living Support (Submissionbased Award) in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, so we know how to help!

We have a range of initiatives which support students whilst they are at the University of Chester. We can provide a Financial Assistance Fund to eligible students who are having financial difficulties. Student Services can also support students with the Your Money team and their Student Money Advisers who provides money related support to all our students during their time with us.

Whilst at the University Centre Shrewsbury, you can take advantage of meal deals, food offers and warm spaces – we all know more than ever that every penny counts.

Right now is the time to start planning your finances for the year ahead and we’ve got a few tips and hints to help:

1. Budget - Once you know how much you’ll receive from Student Finance, and how much you’ll need to cover your rent. Get your free handy budget planner online.

2. Get cooking - Your diet has a direct effect on how healthy you feel, how well you’re able to focus on studying, and how much money you have in your bank account.

3. Get a student bank account - Banks offer lots of perks to students to get them to sign up, such as cash, railcards and an interest-free overdraft. Get into the habit of checking your bank statement regularly so you know exactly what you’re spending.

4. Make sure you’ve applied for student finance - The earlier you apply, the earlier you’ll have your funding confirmed, and you’ll know how much money you have to budget with when you start university.

For more information regarding cost of living as a student, check out:

www1.chester.ac.uk/cost-of-living

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

Whether you are looking to earn some extra money while you’re studying or you’re looking for something to help in your future career aims, our Careers and Employability team can help. This could be through: UniJob - our paid jobs on campus scheme; parttime jobs local to your studies or paid workplace experiences, internships and placements.

Make sure to pack your current, in-date passport and/or birth certificate and to make a note of your National Insurance (NI) number if you are seeking work once you get here, so that the required Right to Work checks can be conducted.

For more information about part-time work whilst at the University of Chester, visit:

chester.ac.uk/earn-while-you-learn

THINGS TO NOTE

The term dates for 2023/24 are as follows:

Term From To

Autumn 18th September 2023

Spring 2nd Januar y 2024

Summer 22nd April 2024

Nursing

Unlike other undergraduate courses, Nursing courses run for a calendar year rather than an academic year. Further information on this, plus other matters concerning Nursing students, can be found on PASS.

pass.chester.ac.uk

Mature Students

If you are worried about returning to education, our Wellbeing Advisers are on hand to help:

T: 01244 511550

E: wellbeing@chester.ac.uk

15th December 2023

5th April 2024

5th June 2024

Disability and Inclusion

If you need to know more about Disability and Inclusion support, contact us now to discuss how we can help:

T: 01244 511550

E: disability@chester.ac.uk

chester.ac.uk/our-services

DBS

For courses that involve regulated activity, you will receive instructions on completing your DBS check following your unconditional Firm offer. Further information can be found at: chester.ac.uk/dbs

Parking

Non-residential students may be entitled to apply for a parking permit. For more information, please email:

E: parking@chester.ac.uk

CHECKLIST

Apply to Student Finance

Download the University app

Access PASS

Apply for student accommodation

Provide proof of qualification(s) (if applicable)

Submit photograph online for student identification card

Sign up for a Peer Mentor

Remember NI number and proof of ID for term-time employment opportunities

Special Circumstances

Complete Declaration of Health questionnaire*

Complete DBS Disclosure**

Apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance

Disclose to Disability and Inclusion Support

*Sent out following confirmation of place to all Nursing, Social Work and Teacher Training applicants.

**Further information to follow subsequent to confirmation of place for all Early Childhood Studies, Education, Nursing, Primary Education Studies, Social Work and Teacher Training applicants.