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Choose to live with passion and intent…

Thu 21 March 2019 - 15:46

By Andrew in Applicant

My last blog was about the things a mature student needs to consider… I’ll start my latest blog with a brief update on where things are at with me, as there were a few things I left open…

My health; I had my back surgery early last month; the surgeon is happy it went well. I had a badly slipped disc, so they cut away the part of the disc that was sat on the nerve.  I’m still having issues with the nerve, as it was damaged, but the hope is that it will settle before too long.  The great news is that last week I was given the all clear to start my rehab, so after four months of living a painfully sedentary existence, I’m now able to swim, do yoga & Pilates and play a little golf.

My long overdue return to work; I previously touched on my nervous breakdown on the...

Reflections of a first year by Julian Carter-Tugwell

Wed 7 November 2018 - 16:33

By Julian Carter-Tugwell in Mature students

As I write, I’ve just completed my first/fresher year at the University of Gloucestershire (UoG), and it’s been both an eventful and incredibly fulfilling experience so far.

Returning to study wasn’t a decision that I took lightly. At the age of 47, not unlike most people of that age, I had acquired a good set of life’s baggage and responsibilities. I also had a modicum of security in permanent employment, and a natural reluctance to jeopardise this. However, on the flip-side, I had a growing realisation that my career had reached an impasse. I had never really achieved the happiness and...

The Final Countdown

Tue 6 November 2018 - 15:32

By Lauren in First year

This is it. Those final weeks that make or break your A-Levels. Some people have been preparing for months; some weeks; others days. But how should you be feeling? Everyone is taking exam stress in different ways. I have seen so many breakdowns in lessons juxtaposed with people who appear to not even care. I am lucky. I have an unconditional offer to study next year but that doesn’t mean I am not feeling the pressure just like everyone else. Despite reading almost every article going on unconditional offers, I still worry that if I crack under the pressure and get 3 Us that I will not be able to study Music next year. All my life all I have wanted to do is study Music and the thought of not doing that makes me want to cry inside so I cannot imagine what those who have conditional offers are feeling right now.

I recently read an article about the brains of teenagers and how they should not be subjected to major exams such as GCSEs at 16. It claimed their brain is...

Reflections on this year

Tue 6 November 2018 - 15:31

By Enia in First year

After nearly completing my first year of uni (!), I thought it may be good to reflect on my experience and give some tips for anyone starting next year:

1. You will meet some great people
One of my major concerns about going to uni was about whether I’d find friends and people on my wavelength. Happy to say, there are so many people in a university that you’re more than likely to find people like yourself. Don’t worry if it takes a bit of time, or if your friends change over the first year – you’re still getting to know these people and finding your feet!

2. ...

Being a mature student

Fri 27 May 2022 - 10:44

By Jayson Rawlings in First year

Jayson Rawlings
Jayson completed his Sport and Education Studies BA (Hons) in 2017, gaining a first class honours.
Jayson worked for the British Army for seven years before leaving in 2009 to work for the local government in IT project management. It didn’t take long for Jayson to realise this wasn’t the path he wanted to follow, and he left the job to begin caring for his grandparents and mother. It was then that Jayson decided to follow his dream of becoming a physical education teacher, and enrolled onto an access to higher education (HE) course at Bournville College.

After completing the course, Jayson began his sport and education studies course at Newman. Jayson had to manage his time well, as he was not only studying, but was a carer for his family throughout his studies. Jayson had to deal with the loss of his grandparents and continue caring for his mother, while focusing on his degree.

Jayson explains: ‘Student Support were absolutely amazing...

Money saving tips for travellers

Wed 7 November 2018 - 16:33

By UCAS in Money

Create a budget:
Before you start looking at flights and dreaming of 5* holidays, take a look at your finances and be realistic with what you can actually afford. If you’re looking for
a summer escape with your mates, agree how much you can spend on flights and accommodation before you decide on where to go. If you’re travelling for a long time don’t forget to budget for three meals a day, transportation to and from the airport, visas, keepsakes, entry fees to attractions and a new passport if it’s about to expire.
 
Plan in advance but remain flexible:
Travelling around the time the schools break up is the most expensive time to get away. Last minute deals do exist, but by far the cheapest way of travelling is to book months in advance. You’ll snap up some gorgeous accommodation on the cheap by doing this....

Thinking of starting uni this year?

Mon 24 June 2019 - 15:27

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Thinking about starting university this year? You can still apply for courses until 18:00 (UK time) on 30 June.

Where can I find vacancies?
You can find all course vacancies in our search tool.

Once you’ve found some you’re interested in, it’s still worth giving the uni a quick call to make sure they have vacancies and will consider your application.

How do I apply?
So you’ve found some courses you want to apply to and you’ve made sure they’ve got vacancies – the next step is completing your application!

There’s lots of advice to get you started on our website. You may need a little extra help with some parts of the application, such as the education section and your personal statement. If so, check out these great videos for lots of great advice.
 

Once you’ve completed your...

It's not too late to use UCAS Extra

Mon 10 February 2020 - 10:22

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Have you used all five choices but not holding any offers? You may be able to apply for more using Extra! If you’re not sure how to use it then we’ve got it covered in this short blog post.

When can I use Extra?
If you’ve used all five choices and don’t hold any offers, you can use Extra up until 4 July. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible or not, sign in to Track to check your status. If you have an option to Add Extra Choice then you’re in Extra.
 
...

How to get your rental deposit back

Wed 7 November 2018 - 16:32

By money.co.uk in Money

University is probably the first time you’ll move out from your parents and be left to fend for yourself. Not only will you have to decide who you want to live with but you’ll also have to sort out all the paperwork and take on the financial responsibilities that come with renting a place of your own. It’s important you understand everything you need to do to make sure your tenancy goes smoothly and you keep on top of all your monthly bills. Here is how to make sure you get your tenancy deposit back...

The spark that showed me I'd made a difference - Ryan Watson

Thu 21 March 2019 - 14:59

By Ryan Watson in Teacher Training

Teaching is not something to go into light heartily, despite the fact I sort of fell into it. I found myself completely mesmerisedby the way primary education works today; being only 22 years old I assumed things wouldn't be that different from when I was at school.
 
However, the passion and excitement that is weaved into the curriculum is a wonderful thing to witness but also to be a part of. For me, each class I've worked with (for a considerable amount of time that is) I have loved each and every child because there has been a moment or a spark that has showed me how I've made a difference to that child's life.
 
It is those kinds of moments that make it all...

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