Applying, Step 4: Finance and Money!

If you haven't already, I've just received my reminder to reapply for student finance. The website is www.studentfinance.gov.uk

Survival is a very important part of studying, and if not working full-time hours around your studies, Student Finance is the first place you should go, there are loans available at very reasonable interest rates (make sure you check them carefully for any surprises as you are charged from your very first payment), and grants available for those with children, adult dependants, and even just you yourself if you are over a certain age and living independently. You are not obliged to take any of these, and can pick and choose, for instance in my first year I took out a loan but now I am trying to get my income from other sources that I don't have to repay (grants, tax credits, casual work etc.).

Tuition Fees however, unless you are lucky enough to have a sponsor, you must apply for (and as soon as possible) to pay for your course. You must be careful to dot the i's and cross your t's here as you cannot attend your degree units without your fees, and you cannot get your fees without attending study (these are all paid directly to your university). There is a Student Finance desk near SiD (student information desk) that will help you if stuck but do get over there soon as possible if you're having any issues - the last thing you want is someone telling you to come back next year!

And don't forget your supporting evidence, the Student Finance website is marvellously laid out so after making an account and applying, your instructions and reminders will show up on your account page. Hop to!

Applying, Step 3: Which University?

Feeling I'm in a bit of a time paradox as I observe my frantic 3rd-year counter-parts as they complete and hand in their dissertations and final assignments, and at the same time find myself relating to next year's "wannabe students" as they try to decide if the UoB (University of Bedfordshire) is right for them. 

It's been a great experience reaching out to the 3rd years, this happened via our society across the 3 years and really a good way to step outside of our year group. They have all been incredibly supportive and helpful, and making us think twice as we've made certain decisions. "I made that mistake in 2nd year" and "I wish I had done things differently because I am paying for it now". We all know how regret is a hard thing to live with - and the best sight is hindsight - coupled together it has encouraged a lot of us to buckle down and hope to end the degree with as little regret as possible - which basically equates to a lot of hard work and lack of sleep.

Makes me grateful to have chosen the university I am in now, as I decided to take the route that would allow me to stay with my fiancé and family network close by, and allowed me to get a job I knew I could hold on to at the end of the day. A lot of convenience factors were taken into account, but then I'm a "mature student" and had to make the choices accordingly.

If I had been unattached, then I would have broadened my horizons and used university to accomplish some of those '7 Things Before You're 25' (seriously a great starting point if you want to be independent and grow up). But in all honestly, my Bucket List has a LOT of ticks on it, and I have it in my confidence to get what I want out of life, and that's why choosing a university close to my present location worked for me. UoB may not be a top or well known university, and there are numerous things I would like to see changed (cleaner toilets for one - ahem! ladies!), but then that's why I'm a Student Representative, attend Portfolio Executive Committee meetings and get involved with making it what I want it to be. That is one thing I feel UoB is great in, giving the students a voice and allowing them to dictate.

Considering the degree I was interested in was also a big factor. For me, the UoB is the only university doing the Child and Adolescent Studies' degree. It's a brilliant, broad strokes degree that I can use to learn about the human services, and in my 3rd year I can choose the units that best suit the direction I am choosing to take. If I were doing another degree, a more specific degree, I might have felt differently.

I will leave you on a few pointers to consider...

Pick a University with…

• good student participation - education should be a two-way street
• genuine teaching staff - you can't learn from someone you don't respect
• travel connections that suit you - considering your family/relationships and how easy you may want to get to them
• the course that you want! and if there is the option to choose a firm choice and an insurance choice then shoot high! 

Applying, Step 2: Applications

Although I usually post on a Friday I thought my wee words of wisdom might be useful to anyone out there who is at this moment struggling with sending in their applications for university next academic term - and who may just be sending it off for a social science's degree. The deadline is Wednesday, 15th January at 6pm - London time! Go to this link for any last minute decision makers or breakers!

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Writing my application was a lot harder than I thought it would be, a lot of question answering, online forms, and general digging for evidence. I originally considered it to be my grades that would be my downfall, however with encouragement from the lecturers and staff I had met at the Open Days, I applied first, rather than wait to get a chance through clearing. While time-consuming, most of it is straightforward clicking and personal details, but as I said, I just had to dig out all my old school days certificates, GCSE's, NVQ's, even things like ICT, or Child Safeguarding. I searched high and low for all the evidence I could find to show that I had worked hard academically and made as much use of my time as possible through experience and worthwhile projects. I also contacted my former NVQ Assessor, a wonderful, relaxed and experienced woman, who straight away agreed to be a reference for my application, as she knew my work ethic as well as the studious side of me in my written work. Someone like that is probably your best bet because you want the university to know you're a worthwhile person as well as can hold a pen and formulate some ideas on paper.

Finally, I needed to write my statement. Never ever written anything like it before! I decided to go for the straightforward approach, and just tell my life story from beginning to end, trying to join the dots to show that this degree was perfect for me. Perfect because I had done volunteering for a community centre who supported young people; perfect because I had worked in nurseries for two years and knew the foundations to childhood that could be built upon within the degree; perfect because although I've tried out different career paths, I have always been drawn to supporting others, especially children and families. Perfect because I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life! - but this degree could open up so many ideas and pathways to my future.

Your life story may not be as long as mine was, you may have nothing in the way of experience, but somewhere, inside, you have something that wants to give to and help others, whether behind the scenes or on the frontline. And it's that something that you need to put in your statement.

Good luck!

Applying, Step 1: Open Days/which Degree?

Thinking back to this time of year before I began uni: I didn't really have a clue to go about it. I knew I wanted to learn a new skill and have something more to contribute to my career, so I decided to take the time to find out about uni and if it would be what I needed (I had done an advanced National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and enjoyed it thoroughly, but uni is quite a different ball game).

First I found out about Open Days. I can't emphasis enough how important this is, if you are applying to universities away from home then it's equally important. Giving you a chance to walk about, meet students (ask them the questions you may be too embarrassed to ask the lecturers, you'll be surprised with their frank and insightful responses), and find out more about the courses you may be interested in. Keep your mind open to the other degrees under the umbrella of the area you are interested in, even if you think you already know what you want. Tell student ambassadors and lecturers that you are to meet what you enjoy and want to learn, maybe your idea of what you want to become once you graduate, and they will be able to direct you to some good choices.

I remember at the time I applied I was convinced I wanted to teach, so I asked for a degree that might prepare me for a PGCE but still explore other avenues within the care an education world - due to the fact three years is a long time, anything can happen and you can change as a person in your desired and decisions.

During the open day, in saying I wasn't sure on what degree to take, I was recommended a few, however I was also recommended to meet with the head lecturer of the degree. I remember being mortified! Meeting someone I didn't know with no idea of what to talk or what questions to ask, but I tried to come up with a few and I found the lecturers I spoke to very helpful and giving me confidence in the degree that I eventually chose (this also helped with my applying statement which I will cover in a following post).

Personally speaking I chose the University of Bedfordshire (UoB) because it was close and convenient to home and friends, but that's not to say I would have gone if I was not impressed with the staff and environment of learning. Someone else might find that in going to a few universities that they find one that fits them like a glove, and kudos to you, but two years on and I am still happy with the UoB as I find it gives me what I need.

Happy New Year!

In tradition of a New Year countdown, in order of awesomeness are 13 firsts from 2013. You’ll probably have a few questions that I will expand on these in the coming year.

Number 13: Finished academic year of university, something I doubted I could ever do – many thanks to my lecturers and partner for believing in me.

12: Wrote my first essay plan that I then wrote from in class.

11. Wrote my first 2,000-word report.

10: And my first 2,500 word essay.

9: Took part in my first mock case conference in the human services – terrifying but liberating.

8: Attended my first Portfolio Executive Committee (PEC) Meeting as Course Representative for my year group (more on this coming soon).

7: My first research project from secondary research - the research was already done and I applied my own research questions and reported on the findings. Lots of fun!

6: Took part in my first charity event with my society, such a good feeling of spending my time well and for others.

5: Learnt some of my first Mandarin words and phrases – “chigga chigga!”

4: Graduated from the University’s B-Innovate 12 week Business Course.

3: Organised my first social event, thanks to the inspiration of my course society.

2: Although not university orientated, my partner and I founded our own business in July and it has been growing since. This learning curve has boosted my confidence and flexibility in so many ways.

1: Visited Beijing, China, on the Student Exchange Summer Program. Definitely a coolio!

Happy New Year! – Here is to you following your dreams wherever they lead and living and learning to the full in the 365 days to come! x

Thank You Mandela

Wednesday saw the University of Bedfordshire join with students to create a celebration of Nelson Mandela who died last Friday the 5th of December. This was when the staff and students of southern Africa came together; singing, dancing and reading of poems and prayers, I realised how much it means to be with people who know where you have come from, as Alexa told us in her interview below.

As 6 doves were released into the sky, symbolising peace and love for this great man and his nation, I thought about how a man of 95, across the world, had impacted and empowered so many lives, setting a precedent that we and our future generations will live with. This is what I wrote in the memorial book that was laid out for students and staff to write their thoughts in about this man.

Whenever I think of you Mr. Mandela, I remember how one man, just one, can make a difference. You maybe didn't know that your life would effect an entire nation, an entire generation, but you gave your life for others. Thank you for your gift to the world. Thank you for your inspiration.

Some background on Mandela...

the first one

In sitting here, wondering what I should dedicate my first post to, my thoughts wander back to just over a year ago, when I was merely entertaining the idea of university. Wondering if I would fit into the student pigeonhole.

If you're like most people wondering if they should put their hard earned GCSE's or NVQ's in and apply for university, in the UK you've probably heard comments such as "A degree doesn't get you a job!" "It's just a piece of paper!" or even "It's easy!". Well, now in my second year - head brimming with ideas, a fulfilling job on the side, a society full of talented and fun individuals, and a heart full of purpose - I will disagree with each one of those statements.

It's just a piece of paper

Yeah, like any year in school is just a piece of paper. In one year so much of your thinking and personality can change. You can find purpose, excitement and an era of your life never to forget. It is what you make it.

A degree doesn't get you a job.

Being able to speak with confidence about what you know of the ins and outs of social sciences and things happening today in this country; of volunteering you have done and work experience, THAT will get you a great job! It is what you make it.

It's easy!

Lol! No it's not! In my second year I find myself being stretched more than I ever thought possible, and yet I love it! I love finding out what I'm capable of! I love how the lecturers and tutors speak to you with such respect that you realise you deserve that respect because you're working your butt off on that last assignment! It is what you make it.

A degree or qualification can be as worthless as you think it is, or you can begin your career right at the onset and experiment and ask questions and try new things and meet new people, and be ready and raring to go once they let you out those doors after the graduation. I can't wait!