Student Life Apply Edition 2023

STUDENT Apply Edition 2023

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT UNIVERSITY FOR YOU

YOUR WELLBEING AT UNI THE FUTURE OF OUR CAMPUS OUR STUDENTS INFLUENCE CHANGE

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Admissions +44 (0)1752 585858 admissions@plymouth.ac.uk plymouth.ac.uk Schools & Colleges Liaison Ruth Bennett, Education Liaison & Outreach Manager outreach@plymouth.ac.uk University of Plymouth Drake Circus Plymouth Devon PL4 8AA United Kingdom

Follow us on social media @PlymUniApply

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Inside...

Apply Edition

HOT TOPIC P.4 Your wellbeing at uni Our students share their top tips for taking care of your wellbeing

We’re delighted to share the Apply edition of Student Life with you.

Inside you’ll find tips on applying, advice from current students and what exciting things you can expect when studying in Britain’s Ocean City.

Going to university isn’t just about exploring the subject you love. Here at Plymouth you’ll be joining a new community and making lifelong friends.

In this issue, our students share their experiences of university life and how they found their place with us. We hope you enjoy reading it.

This is a really exciting time for you in your journey to university and we look forward to seeing what you will achieve with us.

Meet some of this issue’s contributors:

Alvania Lawen

Rachael Palmer

BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability student Alvania shares her passion for environmental conservation and explains how Plymouth has equipped her for her future career. P.25

Eleanor Rockett LLB (Hons) Law graduate From a Law degree at Plymouth to building a successful fashion business, one of our graduates, Eleanor, shows how doors are opened by studying a degree at Plymouth. P.38

BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing student Nursing student Rachael recounts the moment she realised she was becoming a nurse at the University of Plymouth. P.36

D O N ’ T BE A ST R AN GER Visit us at an Open Day

Discover more – order a prospectus

When it comes to finding out if uni feels right for you, nothing compares to an open day.

Talk to current students and quiz lecturers about your course. You can register to attend right here:

Make sure you don’t miss out on crucial course information, top tips from students and insights into university life.

Download or request a prospectus at:

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FEATURES P.8 Your guide to Freshers’ Week Ebony is here to give you an inside look at the first weeks of term P.10 Buildings that inspire Explore our ever-evolving campus and world-leading facilities. Find out where you could be studying P.50 Students Life with Plymouth podcast The Outreach team host a podcast dedicated to helping you prepare for university

THE GUIDE P.42 Open Day guide Discover the benefits of visiting our city and University

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YOUR WELLBEING AT UNI Inclusiveness and wellbeing are at the heart of being a student at Plymouth, and we’re here to support you. Our students share advice on how we can take care of ourselves and each other.

Charlie

BA (Hons) Architecture student “Taking time away from your work is really important. I have found this surprisingly useful, even right up to the deadline, as it gives you an opportunity to step back and think about your work without getting too wrapped up in it. Taking a break for a short walk or to enjoy some good comfort food is always worthwhile!”

Christina

Dave

te with ography gradua ed, in contact BA (Hons) Phot keeping hydr at I’m at d, th in re m su y m “I just make and occupying ying h as possible, ing a film. I’m tr ch friend s as muc at w or ok bo a g re is in ca ad lfre Se . whether i t be t doing work ed down in jus gg bo o to t ge not to important.”

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BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student “It is so important to find a work and social life balance, so don’t neglect things that bring joy to your life! My top tip is to make a timetable with all your classes and time for studying, while remembering to factor in time for breaks, sports and societies.”

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Lauren

Emma

BSc (Hons) Psycho logy graduate “I have found study ing at the University of Plymouth, near the sea, near beau tiful natur al spaces like Dartm oor and Burrator Reservoir good for my mental healt h. The University even ha s Drake’s Place Gardens an d a small reservoir on camp us, which you can go to if yo u need some time out.”

BA (Hons) Acting gra duate “I love bein g outdoors and Plymo uth is full o f amazing p laces to dis cover.

From walki ng around the Barbican to discoverin g forests rig ht on my doorstep, it gives me a great balan ce betwee n the exciting ci ty life as w ell as being min utes away f rom the peace ful countrys ide.”

Gaius

BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology graduate “My time at University would not have been the same without the huge network of support and friendship I discovered within my sports club.”

Louise

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology graduate “One of my favourite ways of bringing joy and warmth in my daily life is through food, and especially cooking.

I LOVE cooking, spending time in the kitchen, at markets, picking a variety of fruits and veg, and making colourful drinks (juices, smoothies etc).”

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s ll a h ed g a n a -m ty si er iv n U in abou t living Living in halls means you’ll be immersed in the student experience from day one! Amhrán, a first year Environmental Science student, shares his university accommodation story.

See our website for more information on our halls and prices.

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I have an en-suite room in Mary Newman which I love because I’ve got a lot of space and my own private bathroom. I’m a STEM student and I have lectures all the time, so being in the centre of campus is so helpful. I can get to lectures really quickly – especially when most of them start at 9am.

You can get to everything from here, too; the train station, the city centre and the waterfront on Plymouth Hoe are only a short walk away.

The best thing about living in halls is how easy it is to meet new people. The free ResLife events are great for that. I went on the trampolining trip at the start of the year – it was our first event where my flatmates went out together.

It was a really chill event and I got a chance to talk to loads of different people; not just my flatmates, but other people living in my block and in other halls.

I’m from Leicester originally, but moved to Paignton for a while.

One of the most important things for me was wanting to live somewhere where I could feel at home and safe, and I do feel safe here. The Security team are always around on campus if you need them. They’re happy to help if you’ve got any problems, even late at night, and they come really quickly. When we called them to help with a broken door after a night out, I only managed to eat about half of my chips before they got there!

The Halls team have been helpful while I’ve been living here, too.

They’re such friendly people and they never judge you for getting locked out or losing your keys, or if you just need to talk to someone.

It’s just really reassuring to know there’s always someone around if you need anything while you’re figuring out living on your own for the first time.

Another great thing about living in University-managed halls is that your shared areas get cleaned every week. Our cleaner is lovely; when she comes to clean our kitchen, she makes time to check in and see how we’re doing.

If we have any problems with maintenance, we report it on the Home at Halls app and someone comes out to fix it. Plus the app tells you when you’ve got post ready to collect from reception, which is useful.

If I could give some advice to anyone who’s worried about moving into halls, it’s honestly to just put yourself out there.

Go knock on the door. I know it’s scary but you’ll meet loads of different people living in halls and you’ll bond with people you never expected to. I’ve even made friends with people I’ve met in the lift! When you start chatting, you realise everyone’s feeling the same way.

A suggestion from me on how to break the ice is to get a takeaway with your flatmates on the first night. Knock on everyone’s door, invite them to do something together or go for a walk. Even if that’s the only thing you do as a flat, you’ve all done it and met each other and you’ll feel way less awkward. You might end up being the bridge that gets someone else out of their shell.

“A good way to break the ice is to get a takeaway with your fl atmates on the fi rst night. Knock on everyone’s door, invite them to do something together or go for a walk. Even if that’s the only thing you do as a fl at, you’ve all done it and met each other. You might end up being the bridge that gets someone else out of their shell.”

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“It’s just really reassuring to know there’s always someone around if you need anything while you’re figuring out living on your own for the fi rst time.”

WE GUARANTEE TO OFFER A PLACE IN HALLS either University-managed or with an accredited private provider, to all new undergraduate students who apply for their accommodation before the date specified on our website and meet the criteria set out in our terms and conditions.

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BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability student, Ebony, is here to give you an inside look at the first weeks of term.

How will I settle in?

The first weeks of term are a whirlwind of socials, activities and lectures, not to mention exploring a new city! There is so much for you to experience at university, and we aim to help you shape your future far beyond your chosen subject. That’s why our Welcome Week activities are designed to help you seize opportunities and build lifelong friendships. “� e more people you know, the more help and support you’ll get, and the more comfortable you’ll feel in your new home. � e big events I went to were the icebreakers at clu� like Pr� m and the Depo, and the SU was packed with cheap deals to get everyone to socialise and spend time together.”

The first hurdle for any student is the move. That’s why we’ll have our friendly student ambassadors across campus to help you with anything you might need. Our cross-university arrivals helpdesks make those first hours as smooth as possible, and get you orientated with the campus.

If you’re living in halls, our Residence Life team will be on hand, even before you move in. They also plan heaps of events during the week, including tours of the city, day trips, and movie nights. Finding your own university community will make settling in that much easier.

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“Focus on what you love doing most!

Friends will come along with that, so join a society, attend classes, and hang out in your favourite places.”

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“I moved from Spain and, at first, it felt like nobody would ever understand the difficulties I was going through. I soon discovered it didn’t matter how far you had travelled, since all new students are learning to adapt to an independent life.”

What’s on?

Freshers’ Week will help you kickstart your student experience. In addition to being a huge support for our student community, our Students’ Union organise the biggest events on campus during Freshers’ Week. Every day has a new fair with opportunities to access deals and discounts, join a society, get involved in sport, volunteer or look after your wellbeing!

“In my first lecture, our academics told us about all the t�es of experience we would get from the course – I could have cried! My lecturers sounded so passionate and inspiring, I couldn’t wait to learn more about my different modules.”

Freshers’ Week is also when you’ll complete your academic induction.

In addition to introductory sessions, your academics will also arrange plenty of daytime activities so you can meet your coursemates.

Our sports teams and societies will be running taster sessions, so you can try out and meet some like-minded people before committing to anything. This is a great opportunity to expand your social circle across campus!

“My taster session with volleyball was initially very intimidating, but people had the confidence to show up with no experience at all! I was incredibly lucky to be invited to join the ladies BUCS team and play in national matches against other universities.”

Our award-winning SU will also be home to a host of evening entertainment. Fancy something simpler? You can always explore the city and meet new people at your own pace.

How will I be supported?

For a lot of students, university is an opportunity to branch out and experience new independence. It’s important to know what support is available so that you feel in control of your wellbeing.

“Immediately a�er I moved in, I started getting emails about English language courses, upcoming events and even financial support! At first, I didn’t think I’d need it, but I ended up looking into mos t of these opportunities. I wish I’d used them sooner!”

The resources that you might need during your time at university, like the Careers Service, Student Funding Unit and Wellbeing Centre will all be signposted in your first few days. If you disclose a mental health condition or disability before you arrive, we’ll make sure that you know where to go when you need support.

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W

hen you are choosing a university, you want somewhere that will fully prepare you for your future career. That means learning about technologies and techniques that you will use on a day-to-day basis in a state-of-the-art environment.

As one of the UK’s top modern universities, the University of Plymouth can live up to such expectations. In recent years, we have invested significantly to ensure our current and future students have access to modern facilities that will inspire their learning. Our principles of innovation, enterprise and sustainability are evident in

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every new development, as we evolve and expand what we can offer in the future in a way that minimises our carbon impact.

That investment currently includes the development of a new engineering and design building on campus, and a new integrated health building next to the city’s railway station. These buildings will re-energise and transform our city centre campus and the surrounding area. They will create outstanding new facilities where you can learn, work and socialise.

We hope they will inspire you to study, learn and become first-class professionals in your future careers.

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For centuries, engineers and designers have developed solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing challenges.

That situation is unlikely to ever change, but as technologies advance, you will need the skills and expertise to keep up with that pace of change. Our new engineering and design building will give you the tools to do that.

A cutting-edge facility, it will house the latest state-of-the-art technologies within 10,000m2 of research and teaching space. Learning to use them, and benefitting from the expertise of our world-leading academics, will help you to contribute to the world’s economic, environmental and societal wellbeing in the future.

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It will give you the chance to learn about artificial intelligence and robotics; materials technology and composites; nano-sized and megasized structures; digitally enabled design, manufacturing and simulation; virtual and augmented reality; and sustainable energy solutions.

Specialist equipment from existing laboratories will be complemented by a significant investment in new technology. That will include: a new control and autonomous systems laboratory; a wind tunnel facility; an energy and sustainability lab; fabrications labs; a virtual engineering suite; a precision manufacturing facility; and a nano-magnetics laboratory.

In additional to these facilities, the building will have a wide range of social and outdoor spaces that reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Landscaped terraces, a woodland edge and wildflower area will bring a tranquil environment to the heart of the campus.

There will be a roof garden providing views to Central Park, breakout spaces and further outdoor teaching space.

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Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng from our School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, said:

“�is new building will offer a state-ofthe-art setting to inspire the engineers and designers of tomorrow. It will give us the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them, but also society as a whole.

“Housing engineering, science and arts together will enable a holistic and creative approach to problem-solving. It will allow us collaboratively to address some of the world’s biggest issues, such as climate change and healthcare challenges. � rough this we can apply a ‘systems thinking approach’ to real-world problems.

It will ensure we don’t solve one problem and inadvertently create another.”

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The past couple of years have shown just how much the nation relies on its healthcare professionals. With over 1,900 hospitals in the UK and the number of employed healthcare professionals at an all-time high, now is a really exciting time to be studying healthcare at the University of Plymouth.

The University provides one of the broadest portfolios of health and social care professional education in the UK. We are also the largest provider of healthcare training in the South West. Our new InterCity Place building demonstrates our commitment to equipping the next generation of nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for 21st century healthcare.

Adjacent to Plymouth’s railway station, InterCity Place will serve as the base for our allied health students. It will be an exciting addition to our existing cuttingedge clinical skills simulated settings.

It will also complement and enhance

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the practice placement work which students undertake in hospitals and healthcare settings. The building will be home to students on a range of specialist health courses such as: Midwifery; Adult and Mental Health Nursing; Child Health; Paramedic Science; Podiatry; Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; Optometry; Dietetics; and Nutrition. As well as learning your specialist subject, you will get the chance to work closely together, mirroring how you would work in a real hospital or clinical setting.

Alongside dedicated classrooms, teaching and social space, the new building will house simulated healthcare environments such as hospital wards, consultation and counselling rooms, podiatry suites, and optometry practice labs. There will even be two simulated ambulances for you to practise paramedic emergency scenarios. The building will also be home to a fully-equipped ‘home environment’ featuring a kitchen, lounge and bedroom so that students can practise care in the community in a lifelike environment.

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Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Professor Sube Banerjee MBE, said:

� e opportunities and “At Plymouth, we are at the forefront of integrative education facilities available will enable interprofessional learning and research in health and and working. Contemporary social care. Our investment in healthcare professionals need to Intercity Place is a physical embodiment of this commitment. be patient focused, dynamic and able to think on their feet.

We know that the �ture of healthcare is effective teamwork �ese fantastic new facilities will enable us to introduce creative and bringing together our and innovative approaches Schools of Nursing and to our learning, and give Midwifery and healthcare our students the best possible Professions in a single high quality shared environment will immersive ex perience so that help us build the workforce of the when they graduate, they are ready and able to enter and lead �ture. positive change in health and social care.”

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THINGS I WISH I KNEW IN MY FIRST YEAR OF UNIVERSITY

by Student Information Assistant, Kiara Boobyer The first year of university is where you learn the most, not necessarily in terms of content of your degree, but in terms of life skills and living alone. These tips are designed to help firstyear students make the most of their time as a fresher.

1. TA K E A DVA N TAG E OF THE ADDED E X T R A S T H AT T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O FFE R S These include the Careers Service, library resources, societies, events and competitions. The University is so much more than just the degree, it comes as a package deal – but not all students take advantage of this. The resources and opportunities on offer are endless and you should explore a wider variety even if they’re not directly relevant to your degree.

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2 M A I N TA I N A WO R K- LI FE B A L A N C E You are here to get a degree, but that doesn’t mean you’re not here to enjoy yourself.

Maintaining a work-life balance is indeed a skill that a lot of students struggle with, but learning this early on can enhance not only your university life, but your career journey too. Schedule your breaks, explore classes on offer, join clubs or dedicate time in your diary for other things you enjoy such as books, exercise, or meditation.

4 K E E P O N TO P O F YO U R WO R K LOA D A little bit a day goes a long way, even if it is only 30 minutes.

Putting aside this time reduces the stress and demand that is put on deadlines, allowing you to have a healthy relationship with revision during the exam period and assignment submissions.

5 B U DG E T, B U DG E T, B U DG E T 3 G OOG L E C A LE N DA R I S YO U R B E S T FR I E N D We all need some sort of schedule and routine at university, even if it does change last minute sometimes! Keeping on top of your workload can be difficult but planning will help you balance this, as well as your social life!

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Having the freedom to buy what you want is a privilege.

You don’t have to buy it all to have it all. Learning to live on a budget is all part of adult life, even if you are living off a loan. Don’t forget that the loan has to last you all summer too! Learn how to budget to avoid unnecessary stress.

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6 A L LOW YO U R C A R E E R PAT H TO CHANGE

8 PL A N A H E A D Your time at university is limited, so planning is a must! Use your holidays and time off to complete work experience or take on different projects alongside your studies to make yourself stand out from others. Internships are often advertised months ahead and applying for work experience can take weeks or months to arrange so thinking ahead is important.

The average person changes their job every five years. Therefore, just because you choose a career path at school, doesn’t mean you won’t change your mind once exposed to a wider variety of options and opportunities.

Changing courses is not the end of the world – now is your time to make these decisions and have no regrets. If you are considering whether the course is right for you, book a careers guidance session to chat about your options.

7 UNIVERSIT Y I S N ’ T A LWAYS W H AT I T ’ S M A D E O U T TO B E It’s not all about partying. The workload is demanding, and deadlines are strict and mentally challenging. The concept of university is to push yourself and try new things. Having a mentor is a great way to help you throughout your degree and to help with the transition from being a student to being in a work environment.

10 GA I N WO R K E X PE R I E N C E

9 LE A R N H OW TO R E FE R E N C E N OW If you know it, you know it, if you don’t, you don’t. Do that hard bit now and you’ll thank yourself later! The key is to practise and ask for feedback on all your work so you can gain a good understanding now before your workload builds up.

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It is continuously repeated during your time at university that experience is extremely desirable to employers. Whether it’s a parttime job, related or unrelated to your degree, experience within a working environment is beneficial to gain soft skills that can be transferred across all industries.

Explore opportunities on the jobs board on myCareer and take advantage of the 1:1 support that is available in an information and advice session.

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y t i C e th

There are plenty of unique and creative corners to the city. Whether it’s the converted warehouses of the Royal William Yard or the cobbled streets of the Barbican, Plymouth is bursting with independent eateries, bars and social hubs!

There’s more to living in a city than the nightlife. You might find yourself at Minerva café for the monthly Creative Homework club meet up, visiting The Box for some museum culture, joining sea swimmers for a dip at Firestone Bay or catching a comedy night at the Barbican Theatre.

From hip restaurants to a self-serve wine bar, a rustic bakery and galleries of contemporary art, this former victualling yard is a masterpiece of urban regeneration. The Yard is a great spot for walking with stunning sea views, grabbing an early morning coffee, or celebrating a special occasion. It’s also ever-evolving, attracting new venues and events, like the Illuminate Light Festival.

“Plymouth is so beauti� l, it’s very difficult to choos e one favourite place in the city. � e top locations for me are the seafront, Sutton Harbour and Devil’s Point. I love going to watch the sunrise by the sea as it’s just so tranquil and such a great way to start the day.”

Christina, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student

One of the oldest parts of Plymouth, the Barbican, is a delightful port with narrow cobbled streets and Elizabethan warehouses. By day you can paint pottery and visit the bakery, while taking in beautiful views of the boats in the harbour. By night visit one of the many pubs and bars and join the vibrant atmosphere of live music and DJ sets.

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Shop local Plymouth is home to lots of independent shopping opportunities, whether it’s a treat for yourself or you’re taking something local back home for a loved one!

Plant parents, be sure to check out Nook, the Indoor Jungle and Bud for all your houseplant needs.

Bars within walking distance of campus There’s lots of choice when looking for bars and pubs close to campus, whether you’re looking for somewhere to catch a game, some celebratory cocktails or casual drinks.

Bar Rakuda is at the centre of the Barbican, with an abundance of covered outdoor seating, views over the harbour and live music.

Rakuda is a popular spot no matter what the season!

The Loft is the place to buy, sell and trade vintage clothing and sneakers. From Carhartt to Dickies to Nike, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re a fan of art, there are many small independent shops on the Barbican selling work by local artists and makers, and keep an eye on the Royal William Yard for independent craft markets at Ocean Studios, like Native Makers.

Plymouth is an ever-evolving city, with new and exciting venues and events opening across the city regularly; there is always something new to discover and try. These are just a few of the places you could become a regular of during your time in the city, and there is still so much more to discover.

The Roundabout is a stone’s throw from campus, and a perfect spot to meet after your Friday lectures or to watch a football match with your mates.

Switch and Air are opposite campus on the renowned North Hill; together they make a popular spot with students, as both bars offer lots of drink deals, dancing opportunities, and are open until 6am!

The Nowhere Inn is nestled in the heart of the Student Village and this cosy pub hosts regular quiz nights and live music events – a perfect local on your doorstep.

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With locations on Mutley Plain and Mayflower Street, the Early Bird is a firm favourite in the city. A café inspired

by Australia’s vibrant brunch culture, you can expect all your favourites (with a side of chicken salt fries) and a huge selection of baked treats too.

For a view over King Point Marina, The Dock has a huge breakfast menu ranging from Danish pastries to omelettes and the Full English. If you fancy pushing the boat out you could even make it a boozy breakfast!

Nestled on the edge of the Royal William Yard, the Hutong café has become famous for its bagels with an array of fillings, and their specialty coffee. A great place to stop off when going for a walk around the yard or for a dip in the sea!

This independent family-run café is completely vegan, making it the perfect spot to find all your plant-based favourites. Boasting organic coffee, loose leaf tea, fresh bakes and heavenly sandwiches, Power Plant Café is a go-to when out in the city centre.

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A taste from around the world The city also supports a wide range of world food restaurants, supermarkets and stalls. There are plenty of opportunities to try something new or, if you’re an international student, a chance to find some home comforts.

A trip to Plymouth indoor market will lead you to the discovery of many different restaurants and food stalls all with authentic, made-to-order cuisine. Here are just a few of the east end’s most popular spots:

Minerva is a trendy café that boasts a brunch menu full of flavour, including pancakes and an array of topped sourdough toasts. The café also collaborates with local artists, sells clothing and frequently holds evening events.

A Taste Of �ailand: serving up authentic Thai food from pad Thai to Panang curry, the varied menu has something delicious for everyone.

Everest Flavours: a taste of Nepal in Plymouth, Everest Flavours brings you the best of Nepalese food, snacks and drinks.

SoulFood Vendor: Jamaican dishes made entirely from scratch. Whether you’re sipping on a rum cocktail or tucking into a tasty goat curry, everything is served with passion and flavour. @Kitchen: one of Plymouth’s most popular spots, @Kitchen offers up healthy and authentic Vietnamese food and drinks. The team’s second venture, Tea & Bun, is another firm favourite of the market, serving bubble teas and savoury steamed bun snacks.

Perhaps you want to cook at home? There are a number of world food supermarkets in the city centre; Worldwide Food Supermarket and Asia Oriental are just a couple that sell a variety of products from around the world.

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25 Hear more from Alvania. Head to her takeover on our Insta highlights

Get to know our BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability student from the Seychelles, looking to make a difference and impact change.  Grew up on a farm in the Seychelles, loving and caring for the environment  Enjoys getting hands-on with practical work on her course  Hoping to continue on to a masters programme  Aspires to be an advocate for her island nation

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WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY YOUR COURSE WITH THE UNIVERSITY? Since a very young age, I have been incredibly passionate about environmental conservation. I have tried to help my country to the best of my abilities through volunteering. I knew that it was time to put the knowledge behind the passion. I found the BSc (Hons)Environmental Management and Sustainability course perfectly equipped with what I needed to help my country.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PASSION FOR THE SUBJECT AREA THAT YOU STUDY? The natural environment to me is literally everything. To put into context, I grew up on an island and to narrow it even further, I grew up surrounded by a farm.

All I know is how to love and care for the environment. I’ve seen the beauty of the ocean, of the plants and of animals. My country’s economy depends explicitly on that: tourism, fisheries and agriculture. We have an economy that thrives on nature. Understandably, it was quite alarming to me when I learnt that our planet was under threat. As a small island state with

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such a large oceanic space, we absolutely cannot afford these threats and no one is coming to save us, we must save ourselves.

For that, knowledge is imperative.

GIVEN YOUR PASSION FOR YOUR SUBJECT AREA, WHY DID YOU DECIDE THAT THE UNIVERSITY WAS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU TO PURSUE YOUR STUDIES IN THIS SUBJECT AREA? Coming from an ocean country, it was essential for me to be reminded of why I am pursuing this degree, and what better place than Britain’s Ocean City!

I have been searching for the perfect university for this course since I was 15 years old and along the way I got many great reviews about the University.

These reviews came from past Plymouth students and people who knew of this university. I must say, the most prominent review came from Dr Sylvia Earle, whom I had the humble opportunity of hosting a beach cleanup with. She asked me about my future plans and when I mentioned that I was considering UoP, she confirmed that the University was a great one and added that it had one of the best marine labs in the world.

That for me sealed the deal.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE? I love that we get hands-on experience on the course. Being able to see and do the practicals we read about really helps with understanding the purpose of certain methods and the module itself. I also really love the staff within the course – especially knowing that they themselves are incredibly passionate about the environment – and getting to read papers they write about our current climate situation.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LIVING IN PLYMOUTH AND THE SURROUNDING AREA? I love that the city is not a huge city. As someone who comes from a small island, a huge city would have been very overwhelming for me. I therefore appreciate that this city is not massive but still has the awesome aspects of a modern city which can’t be found on small islands, like the convenience of deliveries.

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Find out more about our BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability course.

HOW HAVE ACADEMICS AND SUPPORT STAFF SUPPORTED YOU IN YOUR LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT? A great concept that I have been met with during the course is tutorials. I felt relieved that I would be able to ask as many questions as I needed if I did not grasp a concept well during the week.

My group have a great tutor who is approachable and great with I love how accessible the library is, tips which I appreciate. Also, on how I can speak to someone from one of the field trips I had the the Caribbean, France, Mexico, opportunity of meeting my then South Africa and Seychelles ‘future lecturers’. all in the same day. I love the societies and how active and WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS passionate they are. Everyone BEYOND GRADUATION? is fully engaged with what they If I find a way to fund it, I would choose to do, and that is really love to do a masters degree motivating. Also, going up the in Marine Conservation or education ladder really brings Environmental Sustainability. Prior you closer to what you are most to starting university I interned passionate about. I am now in in two fantastic organisations a place where I am surrounded in Seychelles and feel that by like-minded individuals with knowledge from such degrees different experiences who are would bridge many gaps there. willing to share and I love it.

WHAT’S YOUR LONGER-TERM CAREER AMBITION FOR THE FUTURE? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5, 10, 20 YEARS’ TIME? WHAT MAKES STUDYING WITH THE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL?

“I truly feel like I belong to this course and to this University.

Everything about it resonates with me.”

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I see myself advocating for my island nation through organisations within Seychelles and coming together with other small island states to live a naturebased life to mitigate climate change. In 20 years’ time, we would have hopefully convinced our ‘Big Brother’ countries to stop using fossil fuels and find better alternatives.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEBODY WHO’S CONSIDERING STUDYING YOUR COURSE WITH THE UNIVERSITY? WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO CONVINCE THAT PERSON TO GO FOR IT? I would tell them about all my great experiences so far: that the cost of living is significantly cheaper than other cities within the UK, that the level of safety is better than most other cities, that the University is very hands-on, the staff pay particular attention to our questions during lectures as well as through emails, that the course is well organised and planned well in advance which means that we can plan our study times well and be organised ourselves.

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M AKE THE MOST OF YOUR

MONEY AT UNIVERSITY With the cost of living rising in the UK, we know how important it is to consider your finances before you apply to uni.

We want to do all we can to ensure you can live your best student life, whatever your financial situation may be. The University has a range of services, facilities and offers to help.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE There are lots of different ways we can support you.

The University offers various bursaries and funds to support students who are experiencing financial hardship. You can also get advice from our friendly and experienced staff in the Student Funding team. From money management, to student loans and banking, they’re here to help. The Students’ Union also offers advice on making the most of discounts available exclusively to students through rewards and loyalty cards.

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JOBS AND WORK OPPORTUNITIES The University Careers Service offers job support during your time at uni, after graduation and beyond. The team can help you secure part-time work that fits around your studies. If you need advice on interview preparation, are looking for employment or need help with your CV, they can take you through the resources and guide you to the next step. You can also arrange a scheduled face-to-face or virtual appointment, and there is no limit on how many times you can see our Careers Advisers.

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Find out more

about how we can help you make the most of your money

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Take advantage of the Give it a Go programme, which offers a weekly timetable of exercise activities including badminton, yoga, and climbing. All activities have equipment provided and are either free or low-cost.

The SU Gym offers low student pricing and a cooling-off period for subscriptions (new members receive a refund if they change their mind). There are free menstrual products and showers across campus, and free toiletries in the Hive in the Students’ Union. You can also find free mental health support, counselling, and pastoral and spiritual support at the Student Wellbeing Service in the Student Hub. FOOD AND DRINK Students can heat food for free using the microwaves in the Students’ Union and Charles Seale-Hayne Library. There are plenty of water bottle refill points around campus to ensure there is no need to spend

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money on water. A variety of good value meals and snacks can be purchased at the campus cafes and customers who bring a reusable cup can receive a discount on drinks. Make sure you download the Too Good to Go app! You can reserve discounted food from the campus cafes and restaurants around the city centre at certain times of the day.

TRAVEL Students can apply for a range of bus discounts for travelling around the city. The Students’ Union also offers help with applying for discounted bus passes. There is also the 1625 railcard which enables you to save at least 1/3 on train fares throughout the UK. The University supports active travel by providing free and secure cycle stands. Plymouth City Council also provides a range of cycling offers, including free bike loans, maintenance courses and training.

UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION The University has a range of Halls of Residence to suit different budgets, so you can choose the right home for you and your financial situation. The Students’ Union Advice Centre supports students with a wide range of accommodation issues, such as contracts, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, inventories, bills, council tax, gas safety and moving out.

Plymouth is the 7th most affordable city in the UK for students (Superprof, 2022).

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BUDGETING TIPS 1. DON’T SPLASH OUT TOO MUCH ON ACADEMIC BOOKS in the first year – look out for second year students selling their old books.

2. USE A BUDGETING APP if you struggle to keep tabs on how much you’re spending.

3. A PART-TIME JOB can be a great experience if you can manage your time well while you’re studying.

“�ere are lots of opportunities for fi nding a part-time job in Plymouth whether it be in the city centre or even working for the University as a Student Ambassador, meaning you can choos e the t� e of job which will best fi t your schedule.”

Gaurav, Bachelor of Dental Surgery graduate

4. TRY NOT TO EAT OUT TOO OFTEN but when you do, always try to use vouchers and discount codes.

5. DOWNLOAD THE UNIDAYS APP AND BUY A 16–25 RAILCARD as this will save you lots of money when travelling and shopping.

6. DON’T KNOCK SUPERMARKET BASICS until you’ve tried them. Rather than buying branded foods, go for cheaper alternatives.

7. HAVE A SEPARATE ACCOUNT to your loan and rent so you can see what you are spending your money on and what is coming in and going out.

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“I calculated my monthly expenses and how much on average I would spend a month, to figure out my monthly outgoings and how much money to leave myself with as my monthly budget. Overall, budgeting will be different for everyone depending on income and lifestyles.

However, definitely ensure you are putting money to the side for rainy days but also don’t forget to treat yourself as you only live once!”

Shaina, BA (Hons) International Business graduate

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CHA MPIONING

INCLUSIVITY S I M R A N KO O N ER  Founded Women in Computing and STEM Support System  Passionately encouraging and supporting women in STEM  Our Plymouth computing graduate

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WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? I’ve lived in Bristol all of my life.

When I moved to Plymouth to study computing, I realised I had the opportunity to expand my friendship group, develop my skills and learn about my weaknesses as a person.

Being an introvert, I had always struggled with talking to new people and presenting in front of others.

I became a student ambassador, a course representative and a PALS (peer assisted learning scheme) leader. Within these roles, I not only helped other students but also developed as a person. It made me realise that I know more about my subject than I think, and that I have skills that I can apply to whatever I do and whatever company I work for.

With this new-found confidence, I secured a graduate position. I strongly believe that it is the different experiences that I had at Plymouth which have pushed me to do things I would never have thought possible.

Struggling with anxiety means that

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it was a huge achievement to go for a job interview in a different town, on my own, and to apply for a role which I wasn’t fully confident with.

In the end, it was my personality and willingness to go for such a role that set me apart from the other candidates.

My passion is to achieve a work-life balance. I went to university to get the skill set needed for working life and to find something I could enjoy, but not make work my entire focus.

Plymouth helped me to find out who I am.

YOU DO A LOT OF WORK SUPPORTING WOMEN IN STEM SUBJECTS – HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THAT TO CHANGE IN TEN YEARS? I knew that as a girl studying computing I’d be in the minority, but I wasn’t prepared for how alone I could feel. It was this that sparked the idea of setting up the Women in Computing and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Support System.

Almost straight away I realised that the group needed to be expanded to all women in STEM subjects. The aim was to provide both academic and personal support; sometimes it simply involved going out for a chat and some food. It highlighted to me how many students actually need support.

I also created links with the BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) group at the University as I realised that there can never be too much available support from a cultural point of view. Looking to the future, I would like to create a similar support system in the workplace. I believe every company needs one. A lot of women don’t feel that they can speak their minds unless they have a support system behind them.

HOW DO YOU RESPOND WHEN FACED WITH A PROBLEM? Being a planner, I analyse the situation. I draw up a mind map of the pros and cons and go with the best solution. If this doesn’t work, I don’t

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“I strongly believe that it is the different WHAT DO YOU KNOW OF THAT YOU experiences that I had at Plymouth BELIEVE COULD REALLY CHANGE which have pushed me to do things I OUR WORLD FOR THE BETTER? That’s easy – recycling! We are all would never have thought possible.” aware of the problems our planet knock myself down, I just go for the next best solution.

is facing and I try and do the small things to reduce my footprint.

From campaigning for more water fountains at the University to taking metal straws with me on a night out, I believe every small act is important.

WHAT DO YOU WANT THE WORLD TO LOOK LIKE IN TEN YEARS? I would like to see technology used to the absolute benefit of mankind, but there needs to be a balance.

Continuing improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) can be useful in so many ways, but it needs to be controlled – I don’t want robots to take over.

From flying cars, to automatic systems on our phones, these can be really good ideas that solve potential

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problems, but they cannot be at the cost of human safety and security.

Our personal information – whether in banks or social media – needs to always be rigorously protected. It is so important that data safeguard measures are continuously built into our developing computer systems, so our online identities, and therefore our personal lives, do not get taken advantage of.

My hope is that we will see a world where more girls are empowered to help guide us through the advancement of AI and contribute to technologies which benefit everyone. So it becomes a world where girls working in STEM are not

simply the minority, but an integral part of industries making a positive difference.

Find out more We offer a range of computing degrees tailored to the needs of industry.

Choose what suits your interests and make a positive impact, like Simran

IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO SHARE ONE MESSAGE TO THE WHOLE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Be you and don’t be scared. I’ve struggled with anxiety, depression and insomnia and took a gap year before my final year at Plymouth to work through these issues. I am now in a stronger place and am working on creating a mental health app for my dissertation. I’d like others to know there is a great deal of support available and that there is always someone to talk to.

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THE MOMENT RACHAEL REALISED...

Rachael recounts the moment she realised she was becoming a nurse.

I decided to become a nurse because I wanted to be that person a patient remembers was there for them on every step of their journey and made a difference, big or small.

I was really interested in human biology and what causes certain conditions at school, but after doing lots of work experience I realised that nursing is so much more than that, and that’s really special.

The moment I realised I was becoming an adult nurse, was on my first ever placement on an Acute Stroke Unit in my first year. A patient I was looking after had had their second stroke in hospital and his family were saying their goodbyes. I came in a couple of days later and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw his name on the handover sheet. I went to see him in my break to say hello and his wife said, “Look who’s here to see you, do you remember Rachael?” and he opened his eyes and turned his head towards me and said, “Of course I do”. He went to a community rehabilitation centre later on and after reading their feedback and understanding my part in his journey, that was the moment I realised that I was becoming a nurse.

My most challenging moment so far has been when another member of staff and I were repositioning a patient. A man in his 90s who’d had a stroke. I looked down and he’d started to turn purple and was struggling to breathe. I suspected his airways may be obstructed by vomit because he’d been feeling nauseous that day. I pulled the emergency bell and

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we put him in the recovery position. He recovered with some intervention, but afterwards when doing his observations and holding his hand, he was really scared and wouldn’t let go. I realised then how privileged we are as nurses to be with people at their most challenging times, and that’s really special to me.

That experience made me think of nursing as a human profession at the most basic level. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, we care for all people from all walks of life.

There were 75 years between that man and me, but there I was, holding his hand and helping him through. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of days later but I will never forget the kind words that his wife said to me about the differences we made.

This career isn’t without nerves and challenges. Our roles and responsibilities, our assessment and supervision and the patient population are ever changing, and we have to adapt to different challenges. But I also feel an incredible amount of solidarity with my cohort, with nurses of the nation, and support from the University.

I take my hat off to all staff who worked flat out in the last few years of the pandemic to now and beyond. We are within touching distance of completing our degree, and my diversity of placement experiences and support from brilliant nurses and lecturers along the way has led me to this point. We can do it, #WeAreNurses.

“I realised then, how privileged we are as nurses to be with people at their mos t challenging times, and that’s really special to me.”

GRADUATE READY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health) Make a difference to someone’s life when it matters most. Our degree will prepare you to care for adults with acute/long-term illness, in a multitude of healthcare settings. Working closely with other healthcare professionals, patients and their families, you will gain the necessary experience, competencies and skills needed to join the thousands of our graduates working as registered nurses.

UCAS tariff 104–120 points Duration 3 years full time (with placements)

Rachael Palmer BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) student

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Phoebe Wilson BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child) student “The moment I realised I was becoming a nurse was after my first day of clinical placement. Following six months of theory which I loved, I was excited but anxious about my clinical placement. I’d built up big expectations that I was worried weren’t going to be fulfilled, but I’m so happy to say that I was so supported by my mentors and I was given the opportunity to do so much more than I could ever have imagined.”

Watch Phoebe’s story:

Hear more from Alvania. Head to her takeover on our Insta highlights

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Eleanor’s GRADUATION STORY Eleanor shares how a Law degree from Plymouth has allowed her to realise her dream career as she builds an exciting and successful business in fashion.

“Compared to other universities that I have studied and taught at, Plymouth has an unrivalled sense of community”

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Find out more

about our LLB Law degree

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Tell us what you have been doing since completing your studies.

After graduating with a first-class Law degree from Plymouth, I began an MA in Fashion Design Management at London College of Fashion. Using my knowledge and experience from studying law, I then started Rockett Fashion, a business consultancy company, in January 2020. I also now work part time at the University of the Arts in London as an Intellectual Property Educator.

What was your main reason for choosing to study your course at Plymouth?

I actually joined the University through the Clearing process on results day, as I didn’t achieve a place on the dentistry course I initially applied for – I know, things have completely changed since then! I loved the University and the city when I visited for an open day, so my decision to apply through Clearing was a quick one. The leap from the sciences to a law degree felt scary at first, but it soon turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life – I couldn’t have loved my time at Plymouth more.

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How did studying at Plymouth change your career aspirations and plans?

I spent the first two years of my degree absolutely convinced that I wanted to be a solicitor and it wasn’t until I started working on my dissertation – “Trashion”, which explored intellectual property and copying in the fashion industry – that I considered an alternative career in fashion. I had so many opportunities during my time at Plymouth which exposed me to various career options, and I was both Vice-President of the Law Society and Chair of the Fashion Society. I think my experiences are testament to the fact that a law degree can prepare you for so many different careers, and it is always highly regarded by employers. The research skills that I gained through my law degree have set me up very well for the academic work that I am now involved with part time, and I hope to undertake a PhD in Fashion Innovation in the next few years.

“�e leap from the sciences to a law degree felt scary at first, but it soon turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life _ I couldn’t have loved my time at Plymouth more.”

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What is your favourite memory of studying for your degree at Plymouth?

Freshers’ Week and my graduation day will always stand out in my memory and living by the sea was a huge bonus when choosing Plymouth. Still, I would say that the last months in the run up to final exams form some of my favourite memories at University; I would spend my days in the library with a big group of law students, revising together and finalising our last few pieces of coursework. We knew that our time would be up soon, and everyone would be moving to different parts of the country, so we wanted to squeeze everything out of those last few weeks together. After a long day of revision, we’d head to the SU open mic nights or Wednesday sports socials; I still don’t know how I managed to cram so much into our last few weeks!

How have the �nding opportunities at Plymouth helped you?

The funding opportunities offered by the University have been invaluable to my growth as a businesswoman over the last two years, and my brand would not be what it is today without the opportunities provided by The Cube (a business support facility offered at Plymouth).

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In an effort to gain pitching experience and meet business experts, I entered as many competitions for funding through The Cube as I could, and I was lucky enough to win a few too. I found the free legal and accounting advice offered

by The Cube particularly valuable, especially for those areas of business in which I lacked experience.

What has been the mos t exciting moment in your career so far?

A few weeks into running my consultancy business, one of my clients launched her brand at London Fashion Week. It was so exciting to see how her brand had evolved from idea to reality in such a short space of time, and then get to support her during her brand’s first showcase. Of course, waiting backstage, knowing that the seats lining the runway were filled with celebrities, buyers, and fashion icons, was incredibly nerve-racking, but I’ll never forget that experience. Since then, my client’s successes have only continued; she has dressed celebrities including Kanye West, and her designs have been stocked at Browns, a top London store.

Why would you recommend undertaking a course with the University?

I can’t recommend the University enough. I had an incredible three years and part of me wishes I could do it all over again. There were more opportunities than I can count through sports and societies within UPSU, and the staff of the Law School were dedicated and inspiring as they helped me to explore my routes into the fashion industry through my law experience.

Compared to other universities that I have studied and taught at, Plymouth has an unrivalled sense of community.

“Even now, when I am running a business and beginning my career as an educator, I continue to receive outstanding careers and enterprise support from the University of Plymouth team.”

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O P E N D AY S T HINKIN G O F V I S I T IN G US? HER E’ S T HE INF O R M AT I O N

WHY ATTEND A UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH OPEN DAY? As well as the stunning location, short walk to the city centre and the free pasties, there are so many reasons why we think you should visit one of our campus open days.

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Nothing beats visiting a university to gain an idea of what your time studying and living there will be like. Have a coffee in one of our many cafés, ponder your course choice in a lecture theatre, quiz a tutor about your career aspirations or speak to the Accommodation team to explore our halls of residence.

This is your opportunity to imagine yourself here, as a student, living and studying at the University of Plymouth!

Meet students and staff

We have over 200 current students working at our open days, ready to answer any questions that you have about the course, living and studying in Plymouth, the clubs and societies and the Students’ Union. Speaking to students and hearing first-hand about their experience will provide you with a great insight into the reality of day-to-day life here – something you won’t get from a website or a prospectus. There will also be staff you can chat to on the day; you can meet academics, admissions staff and student support staff. You will also get the chance to meet other attendees: like-minded potential students who are at the same point in their journey as you.

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Ask questions about your course

Ask our academics and student ambassadors all of your burning questions about your chosen course. How is it structured?

What choice of modules do you have? What are the options for placements? What’s the style of teaching and assessment? What do they like about teaching here and what are graduates doing now? Test their knowledge!

“Campus tours give you a fl avour of the University. You can talk to current students about nightlife and lectures, and learn a bit about Plymouth’s history as well.”

Matt, BA (Hons) Illustration graduate

� plore the campus

Have a look at our state-of-theart facilities. Check out those that are important to you and your chosen course, as well as visiting the more general facilities such as the library, the Students’ Union and sports facilities. Ask questions and find out from student ambassadors where the local hotspots are.

This is your chance to get a feel for the University and its wider location.

“Bring your mum! I wanted to be all grown-up and independent, but I’m really glad I brought her – she wanted to know everything.”

Sally, BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practitioner student

Take an accommodation tour

This may be the first time that you will be living away from home, so now’s the chance to see what your new home might be like. Walk around the Student Village and take a look at the showroom in the Mary Newman Building. You can also chat with our Accommodation team about options specific to your own requirements and budget.

Discover Britain’s Ocean City

Our ocean city location is something really special! At every open day there are guided bus tours of the city so you can see just how close we are to the sea, bars, restaurants and local attractions. You are more than welcome to hop off the tour en route to explore further; wander the historic cobbled streets of the Barbican and grab some fish and chips or sit down with

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an ice cream by the sea at the lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe. We really are so lucky to live where we do in Plymouth, so come and see for yourself why our students love living here.

you the chance to try something new and make friends with people who have similar interests, so make sure you visit the Students’ Union and see the selection of our sports clubs and societies during the day.

You never know, you might find something new that you had never even considered trying before!

Parents and supporters

Students often bring families, friends and guests to our open days. Remember, they want you to be happy with your choice so it is important that they get to see the campus, the facilities and have a chance to speak to University staff too. They’ll be eager to see what the University and city have to offer. We absolutely love welcoming your guests, so the more the merrier.

Get advice on money

Managing your money can be daunting at first, so make sure you go along to one of our budgeting talks, where student ambassadors will give practical tips for helping you manage your money at uni. We also have our friendly Student Funding team available on the day to answer any specific questions you may have about the support available and how to apply for student finance.

Book now We understand that going to uni isn’t just about studying, it’s just as important to get fully immersed in the whole student experience.

Sailing, architecture, amateur dramatics, geology – whatever floats your boat, there’s more than likely a club or a society for you. Going to university offers

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Book a campus tour

If you can’t attend an open day, we would be more than happy to arrange a tour of the campus for you. You can explore the campus on a guided tour with one of our student ambassadors and get your questions answered – tours last up to an hour, so it works for busy schedules.

Chat directly to our students

Open days are crucial in helping with your research and making that all important decision. Get yourself booked onto one of our dates now:

Check out the clu� and societies

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT

Still have questions that need answering? You can chat directly to our current students on our website and read all about their Plymouth adventures via their blogs.

Go ahead and ask whatever uni-related questions you have about studying in Plymouth, find out more about our courses, student life and much more.

Order yourself a pros pectus

A good first step is to go online and order yourself a prospectus. It’s quick and easy to order the latest edition. It includes details on the courses, qualifications, information about student life, how to contact us and so much more!

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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY �alia

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology “I chose Plymouth because it had such a great atmosphere when I visited on the Open Day. It was friendly, informative and exciting. I definitely recommend visiting.”

Rhys

onmental BSc (Hons) Envir and Management Sustainability member “One thing I re Day, apart n pe from the O sties which pa e fre e th from was y, st ta were really e course th of e on g tin mee ve an ga He academics. lk, which is ta g rin we po em

will really something that a long r fo e m stay with e ready to m e ad m It e. tim believe in. I fight for what I r seeing the also remembe n, and there io Un ’ ts Studen ch on in the at was a rugby m etty cool pr as w ch bar whi e students se to see. I could d thinking, an life r ei living th next year.” e m this could be

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Carmen

BA (Hons) Fine Art and History ‘’I wanted to study at Plymouth because of the joint honours degree, but visiting the University at an Open Day confirmed my decision. Everyone was so friendly. It’s like this environment of happiness!’’

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE DO YOUR RESEARCH Look into the detail of each course that sparks your interest.

• Does the course cover modules that are suitable for you? What are the tariff points you need to achieve to apply for the course?

• Are you studying the correct subjects required for entry on to the course?

• What are the studios/facilities like?

• How is the course assessed and does that suit your learning style?

• Is the uni city or campus based?

• What is the city like?

• How far would you have to travel to get to your lectures?

• Are there any work placement opportunities, field trips or experiences offered on the course that would help your studies or your future career?

• Visit online forums and blogs to see what current students and graduates think of the courses and institutions you want to know more about.

• Get prospectuses and course brochures (online or hard copies) to find out more.

T YOU DO PICK A SUBTJEECABOUT ARE PASSIONA

bject you’re er if you love the su You work much hard studying. reer path you g hand onto the ca • You’ll get a helpin want. you through a e careers open to • Find out about th subject you love.

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IVERSITIES DO VISIT THE UYN R RADAR THAT ARE ON OU is like

t what life best way to find ou Open days are the en to explore. ke e u’r universities yo e th at nt de stu a as nd interview peers and tutors (a ial nt te po ur yo t ee •M interview you!). tutors before they offer a Virtual ’t open, see if they isn s pu m ca e th If • eat insights You can still get gr Open Day instead! online.

DO GET ORGANISED If in doubt, write everything down or make a spreadsheet of pros and cons to disc uss with your family or friends.

DON’T BELIEVE MYTHS OR STEREOTYPES Universities want students who are enthusiastic, engaged and passionate about their chosen course.

They won’t be concerned with what you look like or where you come from.

DON’T CHOOSE SIMPLY BECAUSEA COURSE ELSE TELLS YOU SOMEONE TO It’s your lif

e, and you are the one spending thre more years studyin e or g the course of yo ur choice.

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THE UCAS APPLICATION FORM

This is obviously a very important part. Make sure your application and personal statement reflect and detail everything that universities need to know about you.

01.

ALL APPLICATIONS ARE PROCESSED THROUGH UCAS.COM VIA THE USERFRIENDLY APPLICATION FORM.

EDUCATION SECTION DETAILS WHAT YOU ARE 02. THE STUDYING NOW AND WHAT

GRADES YOU ARE PREDICTED TO GET, SO THIS INFORMATION CAN BE EXCLUDED FROM YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT.

03.

DO LITTLE BITS OF YOUR FORM OVER TIME. YOU DON’T HAVE TO COMPLETE IT ALL AT ONCE AS YOU CAN SAVE SECTIONS AND COME BACK TO THEM AT A LATER DATE.

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04.

THE FORM IS SPLIT INTO SECTIONS. DON’T WORRY ABOUT MISSING ANYTHING OUT AS YOUR APPLICATION CAN’T BE SUBMITTED UNTIL ALL OF THESE ARE COMPLETE.

SEARCH FUNCTION 05. THE LETS YOU SEARCH FOR THE UNIVERSITIES AND COURSES

YOU WANT. YOU CAN EDIT AND REMOVE THESE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT BEFORE YOU SUBMIT. YOU DON’T NEED TO PUT THEM IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE AND THE UNIVERSITIES DON’T KNOW WHO ELSE YOU HAVE APPLIED TO.

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THE PERSONAL STATEMENT IT’S ALL 03.

ABOUT YOU!

Remember to be honest

Writing a personal statement is likely to be a whole new experience for you, but we’re here to help. �is your chance to show us who you are and what you want to achieve.

We want to get to know you better!

Remember to rel� and be you, and the words will follow.

Think about what makes you interesting, special or unique.

Try and show your passion for your chosen course.

04.

Map out your ideas Set your thoughts in writing and then build these up into paragraphs.

05.

75% of your statement should cover your academic strengths, motivation and interests

01.

You can only write 47 lines and a m�imum of 4,000 characters There is also a minimum of 1,000 characters so use these wisely!

02. � e form does not have spell check We recommend completing and spell checking it in Word or equivalent and then copying the text across when you are ready.

The form also times out after 35 minutes, so save the form regularly as you don’t want to lose your hard work.

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Why did you choose this course?

How will it benefit you studying on it?

06. � e remaining 25% should cover skills not directly related to your course For example, this could cover your personal achievements, career aspirations, life skills and strengths.

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“As an admissions tutor, when I read your personal statement I look first for enthusiasm about the subject. Which topics have already engaged you and which books have you read? Your statement should paint a picture of why you want to study your degree.

If you know what you want to do after the course that is great, but it is not essential. Your outside interests and work experience can show more about you – including important communication skills.

Have you been a trusted person at work? Have you volunteered to help others learn at school? Have you trained people in a sport? Any of these things makes you a stronger applicant.”

Dr Martin Lavelle

Your personal statement checklist  Look at course descriptions and identify the qualities, skills and experience it requires – you can use these to help you decide what to write about.  Tell the reader why you’re applying – include your ambitions, as well as what interests you about the subject, the course provider and higher education.  Think about what makes you suitable – this could be relevant experience, skills or achievements you’ve gained from education, work or other activities.  Include any clubs or societies you belong to – sporting, creative, or musical.  Mention any relevant employment experience or volunteering you’ve done.  If you’ve developed skills through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, ASDAN, National Citizen Service, the Crest Awards scheme or young enterprise, include them in your statement,  If you took part in a higher education taster course, placement, summer school or something similar, include it.

STUDENT MELANIE’S TOP TIPS: • Don’t copy another personal statement as it wouldn’t mean anything to you. By changing a few words here and there you show no commitment to the course you want to study and you would not be doing yourself a favour.

• Do some further reading into your chosen subject. It may not be a lot, but you would be able to add it in your personal statement – with knowledge comes power!

• Use all the help you can get. I used my friends to help proof and check the grammar I used, but my teachers (form tutor and teacher within the subject area) to help with subject-specific

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language in places where there weren’t any. It may be daunting rewriting your personal statement over and over again, but it is so worth it in the end.

• Always relate whatever you have taken part in in school with what you can bring to the university.

Whether it be your enthusiasm, charity participation or empathy, universities like to see what you have done outside of school, what you have accomplished and what you can bring to them.

• Make your introduction and conclusion short and straight to the point, within your chosen subject area.

Find out more Make your application

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STUDENT LIFE IN PLYMOUTH PODCAST

JOIN THE CONVERSATION JOE

GEORGIE

MATT

Suggestions and feedback If you have suggestions about any other topics you would like covered, we would be delighted to hear from you – just drop us an email at outreach@ plymouth.ac.uk

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The University’s Outreach team is here to help potential students, teachers, parents and guardians with advice and guidance about the next steps into higher education. We run talks and workshops, taster days, shadowing schemes, campus visits and now we are delighted to say we have a series of podcasts!

We aim to cover a variety of topics important to you and have students, alumni and staff as guests to provide their insight into what life at university is like.

The series currently has eight episodes and is continuing to grow! “� e podcast series is a great way to get perspective on life as a University of Plymouth student. We chat with current students about how they engage and get the best out of their University experience so you hear it first-hand.”

Joe, Outreach Officer and Podcast Host

EPISODE 3: APPLYING TO UNI AND PERSONAL STATEMENT Georgie speaks to Marine Biology student Caroline and Admissions Officer Tracey about the process of applying to university, hints and tips about what to put in your application and much more.

EPISODE 4: STUDENTS’ UNION, SPORTS AND SOCIETIES Joe speaks to current Environmental Management student Al and Architectural Engineering graduate Mads, about their experiences of the SU, sports and societies and how it can benefit your overall University experience.

EPISODE 5: REVISION TIPS AND ADVICE Outreach Officer Georgie speaks to Student Learning Manager James and students Elyssa, Ethel, Sam and Anya about revision techniques, how to look after yourself during stressful times, the Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) and more.

EPISODE 1: MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES “Launched at the end of 2021, the Outreach Officer Joe speaks to podcast continues to be well received student Jemma and graduate and we have added listeners from all and now mental health advisor over the world including the USA, Ben, about looking after the Japan and Australia! Future episodes mental health of students and the will cover finance, preparing for wide range of support services university and postgraduate study.” available to them while studying Matt, Outreach Campaigns Officer and at the University of Plymouth.

Podcast Editor EPISODE 2: EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREERS Joe speaks to Pippa and Charlotte from the University’s Career Service. They chat about the support available during and after your University experience and tips for employability and how you can make your degree work for you.

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EPISODE 7: DIVERSITY AND TRANSITION TO UNIVERSITY Georgie sits down with Biomedical student Malik and Medical student Shehany to talk about their experiences at University and student life.

They discuss how they got involved with societies and the opportunities available to them while studying.

EPISODE 8: CHOOSING BETWEEN YOUR OFFERS Joe chats with Admissions Assistant alumni Amy and current Anthropology student Brodie about choosing between your university offers. They discuss how open days and offer holder days can inform your choices, the type of offers you may receive and appreciation for Plymouth.

Student Life with Plymouth Podcast The podcast is available across multiple audio streaming services and can be found at the QR code below:

EPISODE 6: CLEARING Joe sits down with Georgie to talk all things Clearing with Biomedical student Christina (who got her place through Clearing) and Clearing Call Centre ambassador Matt.

They discuss their experiences with what Clearing is, the process and how it can help you if you don’t quite achieve the grades you expect.

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BOOK YOUR OPEN DAY NOW

DPC22520

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