Welcome
Congratulations on receiving your offer of a place at University of Chester. You can get excited about starting university, meeting new people, and getting stuck into Welcome Week when you arrive!
No matter what you choose to study or how you love to spend your time, you’ll fit right into our diverse and welcoming community. With a range of societies, sports, volunteering and social events, you’ll easily find people who share your interests.
This guide will make sure that you have all the information you need before starting, and if you have any more questions, there are contact details throughout, connecting you with people who understand.
You could also get a head start and make connections on our online community now! Use the QR code on page 5 to join.
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Before you embark on student life here at the University of Chester, you’ll need to prepare a few things in advance of September, including completing an online enrolment and uploading your photo. Look out for a welcome email with more information regarding enrolment and what to do next.
chester.ac.uk/welcome
If you’re keen to find out about being a student at the University Centre Warrington, you can chat online with our friendly student ambassadors and academic staff.
chester.ac.uk/ask
You can also follow our student communications channel Student Shout Out, which will keep you up to date with the latest news and events at the University.
Get Prepared Get Connected Get Involved
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.
m.chester.ac.uk
Join our online community and meet other offer holders.
There’s so much for you to look forward to and we’re here every step of the way. Our aim is to support you to feel right at home as soon as you arrive.
Our Student Experience Team have developed a timetable of Welcome Week events ready for September. We want to give every student the opportunity to interact, connect with new friends, and get stuck in with academic and non-academic activities. You’ll hear more about everything we have planned nearer the time. In the meantime, check out our video from last year!
For more information about Welcome Week, please visit our website:
“This week holds some of my favourite memories from university – signing up for societies, meeting new people and trying new things; it was the perfect start!”
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 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.
Peer Mentors
Signing up to our Peer Mentoring scheme allows you to connect with a 2nd or 3rd year student as soon as you start! Our Mentors are here to welcome you to the University community, answer your questions and share their experiences, giving you guidance on a range of topics, such as accommodation; student loans; workload management; and clubs and societies. They’ll also know about the services that we offer, so if they can’t help you directly, they know someone who can! Once your place is confirmed, you’ll receive an email where you can sign up in just a few minutes, and we can match you with your Peer Mentor, ready for the start of your university journey.
Learning Resources
The University is committed to providing access to selected e-textbooks during your first year of study, working closely with our academic schools to offer these alongside a wide range of academic journals and other resources throughout your studies. You will receive a full induction to our Learning and Information Services at the start of term.
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.
“Beginning university is such a big change and can be really scary. Fortunately there’s lots of support from wellbeing staff, and your PAT, with 24/7 support available if you have any worries. You are not alone - you can do this!”
Ashi
World Ready Get
World Ready Students
By choosing to study at the University of Chester, you’ll be joining a university with a real focus on making you not just ‘work ready’, but ‘World Ready’. But what do we mean by ‘World Ready’, and how do we do this? Well, this ethos and approach to your education is embedded in pretty much everything we do. With built-in work placements and industry links, our courses are closely linked to the real world. Outside the classroom, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive support package to help you gain self-confidence and resilience.
Real-world Experience
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 taking up volunteering – whether for just a few hours – or a longer commitment –this is another way we can connect you into the real world.
Study Abroad
This is a unique opportunity to gain credit towards your degree by participating in various short-term placements around the world. This includes engaging with issues from business to social justice, poverty, development and the environment.
Studying abroad is also a great way of broadening your horizons. It provides opportunities to explore new interests and challenges, all whilst enhancing your academic experience.
“As part of my degree, I had the opportunity to go to Costa Rica for a Spanish language course and to do a study abroad year in Spain. Both of these experiences obviously improved my Spanish, but also built my confidence and my independence in unique ways.”
Physical Activity Sports and
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 Warrington, we’ve got some excellent partnerships in place and some fantastic facilities on the doorstep. We have established links with most local sports clubs - and if you can’t see the sport you want to do or need advice on which club to join then let us know.
We have partnered with local health and fitness providers to offer you opportunities to try new activities or simply have fun with friends. From bowling to skating, trampolining to swimming – the choice is yours!
For more information, scan the QR code here:
Getting About
University Centre Warrington is 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, and 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
Let’s Talk Money
Taking an interest in your finances before you arrive will put you in the strongest position to successfully manage your money as a student.
First of all, if you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to apply for student finance as soon as you can. Visit our website or the government website for more information.
chester.ac.uk/finance gov.uk/studentfinance
How Can We Support You?
At University of Chester, we know studying is a life-changing experience, so we have a lot of support available to help you succeed.
We have Student Money Advisers on hand to offer tailored support to help you tackle any money worries you have. This includes help with budgeting and cutting down on spending, offering financial support to eligible students through our Student Support Fund, and they can also refer you for further support from a range of internal and external teams.
If you have any questions about student finance or your financial wellbeing at university, get in touch with our Student Services Team.
Studying Working Whilst
We recognise that many students work alongside their studies and our Careers and Employability Team can support you with:
l Advice on finding part-time work
l Access to part-time jobs on CareerHub
l Access to jobs on campus through UniJob
l Access to paid internships and placements
l Advice on your CV, applications and going to interviews.
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
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“Studying here has helped me to prepare for my working life. I also built up my CV by becoming part of the UniJob scheme, where I got a paid role assisting around campus, among other tasks.”
Jess
Things to Note
The term dates for 2024/25 are as follows:
For more information, visit our website: chester.ac.uk/study/term-dates/
Nursing and Midwifery
Unlike other undergraduate courses, Nursing and Midwifery courses run for a calendar year rather than an academic year. For further information, please contact the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
E: hmsstudentrecruitment@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: studentservices@chester.ac.uk
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: studentservices@chester.ac.uk
Disclosure and Barring Service (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
Checklist
Apply to Student Finance
Download the University app
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 and Social Work applicants.
**Further information to follow subsequent to confirmation of place for all Social Work applicants.
University Centre Warrington
Across social media @uochester
Student Shout Out is your dedicated student communications channel. They’ll keep you up to date with the latest news, events and opportunities at the University via a weekly newsletter and across their social channels. Follow them now to get connected: @uocshoutout on Instagram, Facebook and X.