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Moving in and first impressions

Wed 7 July 2021 - 11:01

By UCAS in First year

So one week ago I moved in!  I’m really lucky because my accommodation is right next to LCoM so I can get to classes and lectures within five minutes. 
 
Everyone was so incredibly friendly when I moved in – any initial nerves I may have had were immediately forgotten as I met all the other undergrads moving away from home for the first time as well.  My flat is perfect for me and as soon as we’d unloaded everything from the car and started to unpack, I felt very at home and knew I’d be really happy living here for the next year (or three, if I decide to apply for this accommodation again).  The block has a common room, friendly reception area and a laundry so, other than shopping or going into college, there’s almost no reason to leave although who wouldn’t want to when you have the whole of Leeds on your doorstep? 
 
My first night alone here was a very strange experience…  I have a studio...

Why study a postgraduate programme?

Wed 15 May 2019 - 13:37

By Jessica Stokes in First year

Name: Jessica Stokes

What course are you studying/have you studied?
I started off studying a BSc in Biology at Swansea University before doing a Masters by Research in Veterinary Parasitology at the University of Bristol. I’m currently doing a PhD at the University of Liverpool on Schmallenberg virus (a disease of sheep and cattle that is spread by midges), as part of my BBSRC funding I was required to do an MRes in Clinical Sciences at the University for my first year.

What or who inspired you to study for a postgraduate qualification?
I’ve always been fascinated by diseases, so studying them after my undergrad seemed the perfect thing for me, but it was my mum that inspired me to carry on to a PhD. She completed hers in marine...

Career with benefits - Sophie Lea

Tue 6 November 2018 - 15:51

By Sophie Lea in Teacher Training

I studied a BA Hons Primary Degree 5-11. I have always wanted to work with people and feel that I am doing something worthwhile and positive. When I trained, there were lots of applicants so I can remember that it was competitive. It was good to hear from current students/teachers during interview days. My interview involved a presentation and group discussion.

Placements in school were by far the most valuable part of my training to prepare me for the job. There were lots of practical tasks in seminars, as if we were the children. Guest speakers were the most exciting part of lectures, I remember a lecture by a children’s author being really interesting.

When you start placement/your career, you must prioritise. It’s very easy to get caught up doing unproductive tasks. Every night I ask myself ‘What do I need to do for tomorrow to run smoothly?’ I would also say it’s important to keep things in perspective. When you’re on placement some lessons go well and some don...

First lectures of term

Thu 10 January 2019 - 16:23

By Charlotte Stevenson in First year

Now that freshers week is officially over, it's time to get down to the basics of all things literary at York St. John. It was a little intimidating to get out of bed this morning and to know that the busy day ahead of me would formally introduce me to all things seminar and lecture wise but it was also really exciting to be able to place in my bag each of the dog eared books from this past summer and to know that this would be the beginning of sharing their stories and their characters with new class mates, all possessing their own different ideas.

The first two classes of today were based on Reading texts 1, which is one of my three modules for this semester. In reading texts, we get not only a lecture but an additional seminar. In the first term, we are also lucky enough to have what are known as personal development sessions. They are quite similar to the other classes in ways, so perhaps the best way of defining them is some where between a seminar and a lecture. Over...

Private renting for students

Thu 10 January 2019 - 16:23

By money.co.uk in Money

Taking the leap into private accommodation comes with more freedom but more responsibility.

Here’s how you can protect the deposit you pay at the start of your tenancy.

Before you move in

After you find a property, you need to do the following:

• Pay your tenancy deposit and any letting agent fees.
• Sign a tenancy agreement with the letting agent or landlord, and keep a copy for yourself.
• Get a copy of the property inventory and the keys on the day you move in.

What is the tenancy deposit?

It is a one-off payment you make at the start of...

Freshers fair, first lecture + a surprise visit

Fri 18 September 2020 - 15:37

By Charlotte Stevenson in First year

Waking up early is something I didn't realise I was out of shape in until today - and that was like 8am wake up, so heaven knows I am going to deal with getting up at 7am tomorrow, wish me luck!

So yes, up early and off to the freshers fair with my friend Rebecca, which was pretty great. Freshers fair is basically the first impression clubs and societies make on you so they are all scrambling to get to you first, which leads to a hall full of people excited about their clubs and societies trying to get you involved, which is simultaneously exciting and terrifying. There were lots of freebies too - including a free film club which sounds really cool. Something to do with the picture house in York so I will definitely have to check that out. There was also orchestra, a magazine offering internships, and some hiking + scouting clubs which sound quite fun to be a part of so I will definitely be looking into those, along with the York St John Sharks (swim team) And no freshers...

Update: I'm going to University!!!

Thu 10 January 2019 - 16:24

By Itunu in Applicant

Hola Bonitos. It seems so bizarre to finally be writing this I AM GOING TO UNIVERSITY!!!
 
It’s been a long road *cue the dramatic music* and I thought I wouldn’t make it. There were tears, headaches, lessons where I sat there half-asleep, sleepless nights, mornings I Usain Bolt sprinted for the bus (eww) but it’s all over. I am finally going to the University of Birmingham to study Politics and International Relations and I am so (insert word for a culmination of every feeling ever).
 
The fact that I’m writing this one week before I pack my things and become a fully-fledged Brummie is a testament to the fact that I can’t believe this is happening. I don’t really know how to feel about it all. I am excited, but it’s the kind of excitement before you go on a rollercoaster. You stand in the queue buzzing but you’re also hoping that you don’t fall out of the ride or throw-up. It’s like...

Freshers' Advice

Fri 18 September 2020 - 15:39

By Anna James in First year

Hello!
 
I can't believe that after all the excitement and everything, I'm finally moving into Hope in just over 2 weeks! It doesn't feel real, but I can't wait to get there and get started!
 
I recently went away with a few of my friends who are all a couple of years older than me and while we were away, they gave me some amazing advice for freshers.
 
The tips they gave me were too good not to share, so here we are! Some are pretty self-explanatory, while others are a bit more detailed! Hope this is helpful/interesting!
 
1) Student Loan
It has to last you three months, so don't spend it all in the first week!
 
2) Don't eat out/get takeaways all the time
As my friend Rachel beautifully put it: "there's an oven with...

Do you need to take an English test to study at university in the UK?

Thu 10 January 2019 - 16:22

By UCAS in International students

By Petra Olsson from Cambridge English Language Assessment

In 2015, the UK’s Visa and Immigration service (UKVI) changed its rules affecting the English language tests needed to work or study in the UK. Many students have found the new rules complicated and are not sure if they need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) or another kind of English test. This quick guide outlines the key facts about who needs to take a SELT and, more importantly, who doesn’t!

What are the different types of English...

Preparing for your final GCSE year

Thu 10 January 2019 - 16:24

By Charlotte Stevenson in Applicant

Some of you may have taken GCSE's for your options for the past few years, others not, but the pressure is probably feeling a lot more evident now that it is your last year of GCSE's and hence a lot more work - with a lot of subjects to study and get to grips with at once, it can feel like there is a never ending stream of work to do and the nerves might build as a result.

My first piece of advice, and it might sound like an obvious one, is try not to be too stressed! Whilst the future will need you to have good grades, this is not all that matters. The main thing that matters is keeping a healthy balance and environment - one in which you can work your best,  but also enjoy all the fun that comes with being in your last year of high school, whether that be getting involved with projects to raise awareness for charities as part of the student council or as a prefect (I can't believe it's been so long since I was a performing arts prefect now!) or getting to spend time...

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