Event speakers:
University applications and admissions - Craig Dove, Student Recruitment Manager, University of Sussex
University finance and budgeting - Marica Shelbourne, Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer, University of Huddersfield
University study skills - Bethan Ford, Schools Liaison Officer, University College Birmingham. Bethan mentions a few useful links in her session:
Study environment -https://www.ameritech.edu/blog/tips-make-environment-best-study-space/
Study timetable - https://www.theexamcoach.tv/the-blog/how-to-make-a-revision-timetable-that-works
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Event Summary
This webinar is hosted by Jon Cheek, the Founder and Director of UniTasterDays who touches upon the guidance and help provided to students to help them make good choices when considering university. This is followed by three guest speakers who each talk about different aspects of university.
Session 1: University applications and admissions
The first guest speaker is Craig Dove, the Student Recruitment Manager at University of Sussex. He explains the process of applying for university, why it is used and how universities assess your application. This is all done through UCAS and is heavily monitored by your college/sixth form who help you to complete one online application. Craig explains what the application consists of, the process after you register and touches upon deadlines for certain courses. This information may seem overwhelming which is why it is important to do your own research thoroughly and Craig suggests when this should be undertaken. As a student it will be important to know the different types of offers universities can present and what these means for you. Craig explains these offers and what can be done if your application is unsuccessful from a university.
Session 2: University finance and budgeting
The second guest speaker is Marica Shelbourne, the Schools and Liaison Officer at University of Huddersfield. She introduces student finance, what it is, what type of support you can receive and how to manage your finances. Marica explains what a tuition fee loan is which is available to everyone who will go to university. This is something which is paid directly to your university and will have to be paid back once you earn a certain amount. This is different to the support maintenance which is paid directly to you. Marica explains what this loan is for and how much you can receive – as this will vary for everyone. There are ways to find out how much you can receive and Marica clarifies what these are. For students who are from low-income families, additional support is provided but this will vary from university to university. Marica touches on disabled student allowance and NHS course bursaries also available. She finally explains how to apply for any type of student finance and shares student budgeting tips, as well as ways you can receive additional sources of income at university.
Session 3: University study skills
The third guest speaker is Bethan Ford, the Schools Liaison Officer at University College Birmingham. She speaks about enhancing skills which will improve your studying. To do this, first and foremost it is vital that your environmental setting supports your learning. Bethan shares the types of things to keep a watch out for that are distractions and suggest changes you can make to your environment to enrich your studying. To optimise your learning, it is vital to have the correct mindset where you are able to prioritise what is important. Bethan recommends ways to utilise your time effectively when you have a lot to get through and ways to set achievable goals. She offers an effective technique for time management and the benefits of developing this. Finally, Bethan explains how to join online study groups to stay motivated, shares tips for avoiding distraction and highlights the importance of keeping in mind the end goal.
Session summary from Rubaya Zaman, a final year English Literature student at the University of Birmingham,
