University Centre Shrewsbury - Offer Guide by University of Chester

Your Inside Guide to University Centre Shrewsbury Join a community that shares your ambition

Congratulations on receiving your offer of a place at the University Centre Shrewsbury. We all want to belong somewhere, and here, you’ll find people who share your passion. No matter what you choose to study or how you love to spend your time, you’ll fit right in with our diverse and welcoming community. You probably still have lots of decisions to make about which university is the best fit for you. This guide will give you a flavour of how you can live, study and feel at home in a university where you will not only belong, but thrive.

Contents 4-19 Find your people 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16 17 18-19

Our teaching and learning philosophy Sporting Shrewsbury Join the club Languages for all Feel supported Learn from someone who’s been there Volunteering Be a student with a difference

20-31 Find your place 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31

Our learning location A town of culture, history and good times! Food and drink Hotspots and hideaways Green Chester

32-37 Find your future 34 35 36 37

Earn while you learn It’s all about your future Professional placements Think global

38-43 What happens next? 40 40 41 41 42 43

Visit us Choose Shrewsbury Applying for accommodation Applying for student funding Stay in the loop What do I do next?

Find your

people

With social learning opportunities and a range of societies, sports, volunteering and social events, you’ll easily find people who share your interests, so making friends is something you can start to look forward to straight away.

Our teaching and learning philosophy 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 the largest exclusively student-voted higher institution awards in the UK. We’ve proudly been named in the top five in five categories, including third place in the UK for our teaching and learning quality and fifth place in the UK for University of the Year.

chester.ac.uk *Except those designed for fully online delivery and study. 6

Sporting

Shrewsbury

Whether it’s pedalling, tackling, dribbling or sculling, the town and surrounding area has everything to satisfy your sporting needs. Shrewsbury shoots and scores! Footie fever The New Meadow is the home of Shrewsbury Town Football Club where avid fans from across the county come to cheer players on from the stands. For a friendly kick-about there are several places to gather your friends, from the 5-a-side Powerleague at the football stadium itself, to the wide expanses of Quarry Park.

Chilled thrills For the chill factor, head to the Snowboard and Ski Centre and the Ice Rink in Telford, where you can sashay effortlessly or shuffle awkwardly to your heart’s content. 8

Nazam’s top tip: “The University Centre Shrewbury gym is free and is a great place to de-stress, recharge and meet friends”

Ready, steady, run! Shrewsbury provides ample opportunity for you to get out and stretch your legs. Enjoy some crisp morning air with a run in the Quarry Park. It’s a great location for fledgling runners who fancy a walk, jaunt or jog or for energetic enthusiasts looking to smash their personal best. For those looking for more of a challenge, Shrewsbury also hosts 10k and half-marathon events.

Keep fit Our on-site fitness suite means there’s no excuse not to work up a sweat before, after or in between classes. 9

Join the club Chester Students’ Union provides countless opportunities for you to get involved, make friends and have fun during your time at University. “Hello and welcome to Chester Students’ Union (CSU)! We are the elected officers of CSU: President Ellie; Vice President (VP) for Education, Jack; and VP for Student Life, Tom. CSU is an organisation that is separate from the University, and our main goal is to help you love your student life here at the University of Chester. We do this by ensuring the student voice is at the heart of all decision making and is fairly represented at the

University Centre Shrewsbury. We also offer advice to students, run societies that students can get involved in, and run fun events throughout the academic year at Chester, Warrington, Shrewsbury and Birkenhead. To find out exactly what we get up to, and to see what areas you can get involved with, head to our website chestersu.com, and follow us on social media!”

We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of our University community. We value equality and diversity, and promote respect.

chester.ac.uk/respect

facebook.com/ChesterStudentsUnion

twitter.com/chestersu

instagram.com/chesterstudentsunion 11

Languages for all If you’re looking to learn a new skill, there’s the opportunity to join one of our part-time language courses. All of our courses have a reduced rate of £100 and, better still, this fee is reimbursed once you’ve completed 80% of the course – so it’ll be completely free. You can choose from a range of languages including Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Korean.* For further information, you can email: lsp@chester.ac.uk *All courses will run subject to demand and will be offered virtually if necessary.

Feel supported We want our graduates to feel like they can make a real difference in the world, and we’ll give you the tools and support you need to achieve your full potential. Personal Academic Tutor

‘Feedback’ or ‘Feedforward’?

Each first-year student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will support you throughout your degree. Your PAT will guide and inspire you, shaping you into a confident graduate ready for whatever your future holds.

Feedforward is the email advice you can receive before you hand in your assignments.

One-to-ones, events and activities The team run regular group activities and have lots of pre-recorded sessions. If you want to develop a specific skill, or plan for the future, book a one-to-one with an adviser.

The Skills Pod Want to know more before you enrol? Listen to The Skills Pod on Spotify to brush up on your skills.

Online resources As a student you can access the Academic Skills and Maths and Statistics Moodle spaces for a wealth of online resources.

Academic Skills Support

Wellbeing and Mental Health

Studying at university may seem a little different than what you’re used to, but the Academic Skills Team have got all the tools to prepare and support, including: • Academic integrity and referencing • Revision and exams • Critical thinking • Reflective learning

The University has a Wellbeing and Mental Health Team comprising of Student Wellbeing Advisers, Mental Health Advisers and Student Counsellors who support students with practical information and advice about student experience.

Disability and Inclusion The Disability and Inclusion team work collaboratively with students and academic departments to ensure that students are supported throughout their studies.

To find out more about any of our support services, visit: chester.ac.uk/student-support or email: studentservices@chester.ac.uk

For more information, email: disability@chester.ac.uk

Learn from someone who’s been there All new students have the opportunity to have a Peer Mentor – a current student who can give you advice and recommendations on all things student life at University Centre Shrewsbury. For more information and to sign up to be matched with a Peer Mentor, please email: peermentoring@chester.ac.uk 16

Volunteering Volunteering at university is a great way to meet like-minded people, build your transferrable skills and give back to your local community. The team also run bespoke student-led volunteering opportunities that any student can get involved with! All volunteers receive full training, so all you’ll need is buckets of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. In return, you’ll develop key employability skills, like teamwork, planning, confidence and much more.

To get involved and find out more email: volunteering@chester.ac.uk

At University Centre Shrewsbury, we host charity pop-up stands and offer volunteer appointments online to help you discover your next voluntary project. Even better, once you start clocking up some volunteering hours, you can apply to our University of Chester Volunteering Awards and gain recognition for your commitment.

Start your own project Do you have an idea for your own student-led project? Whether you have a full project in mind or just some initial thoughts, it all starts with an idea. The Volunteering and Mentoring team can meet with you to discuss your ideas, as well as provide you with resources, training, support and opportunities to establish, advertise and promote your project. 17

Be a student with a difference The Chester Difference Award [CDA] is the University’s skills award which recognises the wide-range of employability enhancing activities that you undertake whilst studying at the University of Chester. The CDA is designed to help you: • Articulate your skills • Develop techniques to showcase skills and experiences to future employers • Progress your career thinking • Understand the recruitment process • Boost your confidence • Build and grow your network • Become a student with a difference The CDA is a journey that is versatile, meaning you can choose from a variety of sections that are personalised and tailored to your own personal goals, aspirations and achievements. The CDA is also flexible to your studies and can be completed at your own pace. The CDA is open to all students and graduates (up to two years), so you have lots of time to achieve the award! chester.ac.uk/chester-difference-award

Find your

place

Shrewsbury is a vibrant town with a friendly community and countless activities to discover. Whether it is cosy cafe culture, lively bars, adventuring in nature or joining a sports club, every day offers a thriving student experience.

Our location Here at University Centre Shrewsbury, we strive to offer students a well-rounded and supportive university experience in the beautiful medieval town of Shrewsbury. Surrounded by the Shropshire Hills and full of Tudor-style buildings, criss-crossing cobbled passages and curiously-named streets, Shrewsbury will feel like home in no time. Residing in a loop of the River Severn and boasting everything from cultural hotspots, culinary delights, retail treats and an active sports scene, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. So, dive into our friendly, vibrant town - we can’t wait to welcome you!

Guildhall Guildhall is the main centre for teaching and learning. Nestled on the banks of the River Severn, it is only a short walk from the winding streets of Shrewsbury – perfectly positioned to enjoy your studies and the local area. The building boasts modern computer suites, lecture and seminar rooms, open-plan laboratories, a spacious library, as well as a student common room, lounge, fitness suite, courtyard, and on-site café. For more information about University Centre Shrewsbury, visit:

chester.ac.uk/university-centre-shrewsbury

Culture fix Film fanatics From blockbusters to 3D, arthouse to IMAX, movie buffs can take their pick! Head to the Old Market Hall (known affectionately as the OMH) in the square for a comfy night of cinema with your favourites. Sit back and relax with your favourite beverage and soak up cult classics, world film and much more.

Perfect for popcorn-lovers and movie moguls, Cineworld in Old Potts Way is Shrewsbury’s multiplex cinema and boasts a wide range of films, large screens and great facilities. For a high octane cinema experience the super screens at IMAX Telford are just twenty minutes up the road.

Culture vultures Shrewsbury enjoys a thriving cultural scene with live performances in dance, drama, music and comedy available at venues throughout the town. Check out Theatre Severn, perched on the banks of the Severn and only a stone’s throw away from the University Centre, or be inspired by local talent at The Hive on Belmont offering a diverse and vibrant programme from open mic nights,

world-class jazz, folk concerts and creative workshops. Like the town itself, the old nestles comfortably alongside the new in the Museum and Art Gallery. There’s 750 years of history to explore here, with a regular-changing programme and Stop Café on hand to serve you up some tasty treats.

Savour the flavour Get it fresh Found in the same building as Mardol House (our student halls), the Market Hall is where you’ll find fresh fruit, veg, meat and cheese from local producers and at great prices. Try the quirky and quaint Bird’s Nest and House of Yum - both well worth a visit.

Plus, every first Friday of the month, well-known local producers and traders descend on the Town Square for the Shrewsbury Farmers Market. Find a whole host of local treats to tempt your taste buds.

Chain reaction For familiar favourites, Starbucks and Costa can be found on the corner of The Square and Grope Lane. Plus for fast and flavourful, you’ll find KFC and Subway situated in town, whilst Nandos and Pizza Hut are just out of town. Add some Italian flavour to your night, with the bustling vibes of Ask and Pizza Express. Buonissimo!

Hotspots and hideaways From comfy sofas and sociable tables to busy dance floors the bars, pubs and clubs in Shrewsbury have something for every night owl. Colourful cocktails For contemporary cool, Blind Tiger in Hills Lane is the place for cocktails and conversation – as well as a board game or two. Enjoy the whimsical character of The Libertine in Butcher Row and treat yourself to a coffee, cake or a cheeky cocktail. The bar staff can rustle you up anything from a caramel latte to a pornstar martini.

If a laid back vibe is more your thing, The Alb just along from the train station is a popular choice amongst our students - especially their eclectic mix of colourful cocktails.

Pub culture

Going out out

Enjoy a walk around the Dingle in the Quarry Park and stop off at The Boathouse. Unwind on a summer’s evening with a glass of bubbly overlooking the spectacular views of the River Severn. With craft beers and real ale set amongst old wooden beams, Coach and Horses, the Nags Head (complete with medieval mansion in the beer garden), The Loggerheads and Admiral Benbow are perfect to quench your thirst.

For a serious Shrewsbury night out, Oil and Montgomery’s Tower are great student bars to begin the evening, with The Hole in the Wall also offering a range of student nights.

Holly’s top tip: “Montgomery’s Tower is a student friendly restaurant during the week and a club on the weekends. The perfect place for affordable food and meeting up with friends for a cheeky cocktail.”

We have entered into a pivotal time for the climate and nature emergencies. Sustainability is at the forefront of the University’s agenda. We have a dedicated Sustainability team, to ensure that the University of Chester leads by example, putting sustainability at the heart of decisionmaking and service delivery. We run a number of initiatives and campaigns to promote action that positively contributes towards the future we want to see. From contributing to the delivery and auditing of our Environmental Management System, to developing practical skills there are a variety of ways you can contribute to creating a sustainable future. Here are some of the current opportunities for students to get involved with:

Become certified Carbon Literate with our Carbon Literacy Training 30

Annual Sustainability Festival

Volunteer at the University allotment

Attend Let’s Talk Transport Meetings

Become an auditor for our Climate Action programme

Focus dissertation project in relation to sustainability at the University

Join Chester Youth Climate Action Network

Work Based Learning sustainability opportunities

facebook.com/ greenchester

uoc_ sustainability

Email us at greenchester@chester.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Find your

future

Your ambition will take you to great places, and we’ll get you even further with real opportunities and the support you need. What are you waiting for? Your future is just waiting for you to get started.

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; part-time jobs local to your studies or paid workplace experiences, internships and placements. To find out about all our earning opportunities visit: chester.ac.uk/earn-while-you-learn

“My UniJob roles have benefited my career plans as they have enabled me to gain experience in my chosen field (Events Management) and have helped me to develop the right skills needed for a job in the future. Moreover, they have helped me to get involved with the community and to broaden my horizons by meeting and engaging with lots of new people”. Carlotta Villa Outreach Advocate and Student Ambassador

It’s all about your future Our Careers team will be on hand to help you from the moment you start university and will support you long after you graduate. They provide a service tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, with a variety of employability-enhancing experiences through the curriculum, employer contacts and advice and guidance. Our Careers team can help you with: • Paid workplace experiences • Job opportunity searches using our inhouse vacancy system • UniJob; our recruitment service for paid on-campus jobs • Networking opportunities, employer links, guest speakers and bespoke advice for • The Chester Difference Award; the University’s skills award • Career guidance – helping students plan and make decisions about jobs, career paths, training and further study • Support for selection processes • Exploring careers and developing skills through Careers Workshops and resources including webinars and videos

your course or sector

• The Venture Programme; supporting

students who are looking to start up their own business or pursue a freelancing career.

chester.ac.uk/careers-and-employability

Professional practice Primary Education Throughout your degree, including your first year, you’ll get school-based learning. Attachment weeks and block placements in schools will enable students to build on their learning in theory and help develop their planning and teaching skills. Childhood Studies with Applied Psychology During your degree, you’ll undertake community-based psychological problem-solving. Students will also have the opportunity to experience work placements, working along side a professional within children, young people’s or family services.

“The small group teaching and all the support has really helped me. I have already learnt so much that will influence my future practice with children and young people, as well as key skills important to help me achieve my degree.” Alexandra Eleftheriou 36

Childhood Studies with Applied Psychology

You will have the opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience another country and extend your network overseas with the expertise of our Study Abroad team. There’s a huge variety of places to choose from, with opportunities in over 300 institutions worldwide, and you’ll be supported by our Study Abroad team all the way. chester.ac.uk/study-abroad

What happens

next?

You’ve made the first step - you’ve applied for the University of Chester. If you like the sound of what our students, our community and our opportunities have to offer, then here’s what you need to do next.

Visit us We’re hosting exclusive events for our offer holders on the following days: Tuesday 19th March 2024 Thursday 23rd May 2024 Applicant Days are a chance for you to visit your campus and sample the Shrewsbury student experience. Attend a subject session within your department, take a student-led campus tour, speak to our student support teams and explore our range of accommodation. Find out more and secure your space at: chester.ac.uk/applicant-days.

Choose Shrewsbury It’s really easy to accept your offer of a place at the University of Chester. Simply log in to UCAS Hub and select Chester as your Firm (F) choice. You’ll also find the deadline for applying and replying to your offers on UCAS Hub. Don’t forget to also reply to each of your other offers. accounts.ucas.com/account/login If you have any queries about the application process, please contact our Admissions team. If you already hold qualifications that are relevant to your offer, or as part of your offer we have requested that you send proof of your qualifications, please ensure you send a scan or clear photograph of your original certificates/results to admissions@chester.ac.uk as soon as possible. Please note that failure to send proof of your qualifications may hinder your enrolment. Tel: 01244 511000 Email: admissions@chester.ac.uk 40

Applying for accommodation If you’re thinking of moving away from home, it’s time to start thinking about accommodation. We offer a range of accommodation types, all conveniently located close to University Centre Shrewsbury. We can also guarantee University or partnership accommodation to all Firm choice applicants who apply by the advised deadline in the spring. Look out for an email from us with the application deadline date. chester.ac.uk/accommodation

Applying for student funding There are a range of financial support packages available to help you along on your university journey. This includes student finance and you may be eligible to apply for bursaries or scholarships. It’s best to apply as soon as possible to ensure everything is in place for the start of term. For full details of your next steps and eligibility, visit: chester.ac.uk/finance 41

Stay in the loop If you choose University of Chester as your Firm or Insurance choice, we’ll be in regular contact with all the advice and guidance you need, as well as important deadlines and things to look forward to. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch if you’re unsure about anything. Tel: 01244 511000 / Email: enquiries@chester.ac.uk. Connect with current students Don’t forget to ask our students about anything that comes to mind via the Unibuddy app or by visiting chester.ac.uk/ask We’ll also be posting student and staff blogs throughout the year at chester.ac.uk/blog.

Unibuddy community You'll have the chance to meet like-minded people on Unibuddy, people who might be planning to do the same course or live in the same accommodation. As soon as you accept your offer with us, we'll send you an email to invite you to be part of our Unibuddy community.

Student Shout Out Student Shout Out is our channel for student updates and news – follow @uocshoutout for a taste of what our students are getting up to over the year ahead.

What do I do Next?

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01244 511000 enquiries@chester.ac.uk chester.ac.uk Across social media @uochester The information provided in this guide is provided for your information and convenience only. Any reference made to any person, organisation, activities, products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement, or recommendation by the University of Chester. All prices, details and availability have been included in good faith and are believed to be correct at the time of publishing.