Student Life Apply Issue 2024

STUDENT Apply Edition 2024

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT UNIVERSITY FOR YOU

HOW TO FIND YOUR UNI FAMILY OUR WORLD-CLASS FACILTIES STUDENT LIFE IN PLYMOUTH

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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 @PlymUni @PlymUniApply

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Apply Edition

Inside...

HOT TOPIC P.4 Societies on campus Our students share what they love most about their favourite societies

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:

Tobin BSc (Hons) Business Management Tobin shares how fast-tracking his degree has helped him make an impact in the world of esports. P.11

Elena BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering From fine art to engineering, Elena tells us how she's combined her passions. P.30

FEATURES P.18 Your guide to Welcome Week Alfie is here to give you an inside look at the first weeks of the semester P.26 A building that inspires Explore our ever-evolving campus and see how our worldleading facilities will enhance your education P.50 Student Life with Plymouth podcast The Outreach team host a podcast dedicated to helping you prepare for university

Christina BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice Taking opportunities outside the classroom, Christina reveals how to make the most of your time at uni. 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, insights into university life and an overview of our support services. Download or request your prospectus here:

THE GUIDE P.40 Open Days guide Discover the benefits of visiting our city and University

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SOCIETIES ON CAMPUS The University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) is the heart and soul of our campus. You’ll be able to hang out with friends, access additional support, and have the best nights out, all in one spot.

One of the best ways to meet your university family is through shared interests and hobbies. With over 100 societies and sports teams, there’s something for everyone! Our students share what they love about their favourite societies, from trying something new to making lifelong friends.

Georgia

Student Choir “I’ve always loved singing, so it makes sense that I’d gravitate to the Student Choir! We meet each week for practice, host two concerts a year, and perform at local events like the Barbican Christmas lights switch-on. There’s also a lot of socials like playing board games at Twist, BBQs on the Hoe, and our Halloween scavenger hunt!”

Charlie

ty (PARCS) itecture Socie cture, Rugby, Plymouth Arch cluding Archite in s, tie cie so w fe a different in u “I’ve been cieties of fer yo s. Different so er ches, and rid at ow m ly Sn d ek an t to play in we go I y gb Ru RCS was my ith things – w ps each year. PA sted two ski tri ho s ith people on w er e rid lis ow cia Sn use I got to so ca be , gh ou .” th es favourite guest lectur eat events and gr at se ur co y m

Christina

Cheerleading “In my opinion the best society is Cheerleading, but I might just be a little biased! I’ve been with them since my first year. I've been able to try tumbling, stunting and a little bit of dancing. We’ve also got our spirit team, who cheer at games, and two teams that compete against other universities.”

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FIND OUT MORE about our societies.

Alfie

Scuba Society “As a member of the Scuba Society, I’ve seen some amazing loc al marine life and go t the chance to explore more of Plymouth’s Nationa l Marine Park, while meeting new people on each div e. I’d recommend new students join a society as it’s a great way of continuing existing hobbies, trying so mething new and meeting new people!”

Lucy

Make a Smile “There’s a society for everyone. In Make a Smile, we volunteer at events supporting disadvantaged children, helping them to enjoy their childhood. This society is non-committal.

You join a group chat and sign up to the events you want to do. There is no pressure to attend any. It’s a perfect way to get your volunteering hours up and give back to the local community.”

Bethany

Plymouth Night Patrol “There’s just so many clubs and societies to choose from!

I’m part of the Plymouth Night Patrol, who are trained and volunteer as medical first responders on the main student nights of the week. It’s a really amazing society to be a part of – it’s so well organised and we have good socials too. These have included a formal awards evening, movie night, pizza night, and lots more!”

Ed

Law Socie ty (UPLS) “Joining th e Law Soci ety has be and it's a so en such a g ciety I can reat experi not recom networkin ence mend eno g opportu ugh! From nities like o event, to co ur annual ch mpetitions eese and w such as ne many chan ine gotiations, ces to deve there are so lop key skill field. I’ve al s and explo so made so re the legal many frien socials, wh ds through ich have in our regula cluded a Le a Lecturers r gally Blond vs Studen e night and ts quiz!” even

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CAR EER MY THS: BUSTED! University is a pretty big investment of time and money, so is it going to be worth it?

You might be questioning whether university is right for you. If you're still figuring out your future plans, we're here to help. We've taken some of the more common questions (or myths!) about university and put them to our Careers team.

I CAN’T AFFORD TO GO TO UNIVERSITY. If you're eligible for student finance, you can take out a government loan to help with your living costs. You only start repaying your student loan once your earnings exceed a certain

threshold, and then what you pay will be directly linked to what you earn above that threshold. Any balance outstanding is written off after 40 years.

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I DIDN’T TAKE A LEVELS, SO I PROBABLY CAN’T APPLY FOR UNIVERSITY. Universities consider a whole range of qualifications and experiences that they feel will be suitable to meet the entry requirements, including BTEC National Diplomas at Level 3, new T-Level Level 3 qualifications and the Access to Higher Education Diplomas. We also offer year-long foundation courses that provide a route to many degrees. Entry requirements are listed on the course pages on our website and, if you’re not sure, our Admissions team will be happy to guide you.

WILL I BE ABLE TO STUDY AND WORK? With a little time management and organisation, many students successfully earn and learn. We advertise a wide range of part-time jobs to our students on our myCareer

platform, from bar and restaurant work to customer contact centres, and oncampus work in the Students’ Union or for the University itself.

For many, this is a financial necessity; however, part-time work is also valued by graduate employers as it shows them that you have important skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability and commercial awareness. In short, you know what it means to be an employee!

EVERYONE’S DOING DEGREES NOW – THEY CAN’T ALL GET THE GOOD JOBS! According to the Universities UK report 'Busting the Myths', just under half (48.5%) of the UK workforce had a degree or equivalent qualification at the end of 2020, and this is unlikely to change. In addition, while the graduate job market has felt the effects of recent economic challenges, the number of graduate jobs advertised remains 20% higher than in 2019.

I’VE BEEN TOLD THAT MY SUBJECT WON’T LEAD TO A JOB. Did you know that 70% of graduate jobs are open to students from any degree?

While some vocational courses are designed to lead into particular professions, all graduates have a range of skills including critical thinking, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving – which are all of primary importance to graduate employers. You can see for yourself by checking out graduate vacancies on sites like Prospects, Gradcracker and targetjobs.

Your degree is just part of the story.

Employers will also expect you to have work experience and to have engaged in activities beyond your academic work – so don’t leave it to your degree to do the heavy lifting. As well as advertising placements, internships, and job opportunities, we will actively help you find and apply for work experience. We also offer our own micro-internships in partnership with employers, and employ Student Ambassadors on a parttime basis.

IT’S NOT WORTH SPENDING MONEY WHEN I DON’T KNOW WHAT I WANT TO BE! How many people really do know? It’s completely fine not to know where you want to be in five years’ time, and keeping an open mind to different opportunities is a good thing. Our Careers Consultants can provide you with one-to-one guidance, helping you to reflect on your experiences. They can help you identify your strengths and priorities, explore the opportunities open to you, and help you to start formulating your career ideas and begin making choices about your future.

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT MY CAREER HALFWAY THROUGH MY COURSE? Your degree doesn’t dictate the rest of your life, so try not to worry about getting 'stuck' on a trajectory that you can’t step off! Even if you are studying strongly vocational subjects, there are plenty of different career options for you to consider. We can talk you through what they might be and help you work out the direction you want to take.

ALL THE DECENT JOBS ARE IN LONDON. According to Universities UK, most people in graduate jobs don’t work in London and never do. In 2018, 42% of graduating students who went to a local institution stayed locally to work.

Of students who graduated from their degree in 2019, just 22% were working in London six months after completing their studies. Furthermore, Annual Population Survey data shows that just 20% of UK people aged between 16 and 64 with a degree or equivalent qualification lived in London at the end of 2020.

I DON’T WANT TO WORK IN BIG BUSINESS! You don’t have to! There's a variety of exciting opportunities available with small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and 30–40% of graduates work for companies with fewer than 250 employees. Here in the South West, we have a thriving small business community who are keen to recruit graduates for their innovative businesses and the region is a hub for exciting startups if you are looking to start your own enterprise.

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MEET THE CAR E E RS S E RVIC E Wherever you are in your journey, the Careers Service will be there to help.

Their goal is to help you find real industry experiences, increase your transferable skills and support you to make an informed decision about your career path.

FINDING WORK OVERSEAS EBONY, BSc (Hons) ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY My advice for someone considering a placement is to just go for it! My placement was in Tanzania and allowed me to spread awareness of environmental issues. When I saw this opportunity advertised online, I booked an appointment with a Careers Service specialist. In my appointment I was able to get some help with my application, which gave me that extra boost to get into the programme.

They also let me know about some funding that I could apply for to help with my placement. I received the Turing grant and, thanks to that funding, I could cover my living costs while I was in Tanzania.

The work itself tied in nicely with what I enjoy doing the most, which is communications. I had the opportunity to spread awareness and knowledge on environmental issues, and it gave me a little bit of insight into what it would be like dedicating my life to that career path. I really enjoyed every moment of it!

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WE'RE HERE TO HELP Find out how our dedicated Careers Service can support you during your degree and after you graduate.

am more certain about my career path and feel more confident about starting full-time work.

I could not recommend this opportunity more!

AT PLYMOUTH, YOU’LL GAIN MORE THAN A DEGREE Your university experience is about more than your time in the classroom. This is the first exciting step in your career, and we want you to feel prepared for the future.

APPLYING FOR PLACEMENTS LUCY, BSc (Hons) PSYCHOLOGY The Placement team is amazing, and having a specific rep for my course really helped. They knew about the individual placements and could point me in the right direction. The myCareer page also advertises a range of placement opportunities.

When I was ready to apply, I arranged another meeting where my adviser talked me through the process, and also showed me some online resources.

All the support I had helped me to secure my dream placement with the Specialist Parenting Service, who work with parents with learning disabilities in Cornwall. Choosing to do a placement was so helpful in guiding what I want to do in the future. There are things you can

learn in your degree, but it’s completely different putting your knowledge into practice.

PROFESSIONAL MENTORING FRANCESCA, MSc ZOO CONSERVATION BIOLOGY* I took part in the professional mentoring scheme as I wanted some insight into life after graduation and how to pursue my dream career path. I was lucky to be matched with the best mentor I could have asked for. She was enthusiastic and supportive throughout the entire journey and I felt comfortable to utilise our sessions.

Together we updated my CV and I also participated in a mock interview. I've learnt about the importance of work experience, networking and how to overcome barriers in the workplace. After these sessions I

The Plymouth Compass is designed to help you develop the skills you’ll need as a professional in your field, from critical thinking and building a network, to valuing your personal wellbeing and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Find out how these attributes are built into your university experience:

*Now MSc Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Biology.

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WHERE WILL YOU R DEG R E E TAKE YOU?

Our talented alumni prove that there is no single route to a specific career – your degree is just the beginning. The Careers Service is available to you for life, so whether you’re looking to progress in your field, change careers, or return to study, they can talk you through your options.

JENITA, BSc (Hons) BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE GRADUATE After I graduated from Plymouth I was working at a student letting company, wondering what my next step should be. Plymouth’s Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship was the perfect way to get hands-on experience and develop professionally at the same time.

When I applied, I never expected to fall in love with nursing!

One of my first placements was on a stroke rehabilitation ward during the

pandemic. The ward was locked down to visitors, so it was down to me and my colleagues to support our patients in every way. As I got to know them over the next few weeks, I began to see the difference my care was making.

I was two months into my training when I had my first death. I was terrified, but with the help of the senior nurses, I learned what to do and how to do it. This was a turning point. I’d been privileged to be one of the last people to care for this patient, and I

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OVER

95%

of our graduates are in work or further study* *Most recent Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Includes all UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates, who are either in employment or further study, 15 months after graduating.

discovered that I was capable of coping and doing a good job.

There have been plenty of challenges along the way.

Coming from London, I found that in the South West people of different skin tones were underrepresented among the nursing staff. This is what prompted me to get involved in the equality and diversity work at the University. As a young British Asian woman, I felt it was my duty to be a pioneer of diversity among my peers and colleagues.

We’ve already made progress in the nursing curriculum, with new anatomy models having different skin tones. Changes like this make us better healthcare professionals. I was supported through the Mel Joyner Award, which aims to help students from underrepresented groups who are contributing to university life.

Mel was the Director of Student Services at the University during my first degree, and I found that her support and encouragement knew no bounds. Receiving this award for my work with the equality, diversity and inclusion team was validation that I had worked to improve life at the University, much like Mel did.

I chose to study at Plymouth because it was one of the few places that offered a fast-tracked degree in business. This allowed me to complete my studies at a faster rate and gave me the ability to learn skills quickly and immediately apply everything to the real world – it was a complete win-win.

TOBIN, BSc (Hons) BUSINESS MANAGEMENT GRADUATE I’ve always loved cars, especially race cars. However, it’s hugely expensive to drive real race cars, so I got involved in the virtual world through esports and my career has accelerated ever since.

As an emerging industry, esports are now a viable route to mix with drivers from the top of motorsport.

In 2020, I regularly raced against F1 World Champion, Max Verstappen.

I also hosted a head-to-head race against F1 driver Lando Norris and shared a virtual car with Jenson Button.

Competing in esports doesn’t have the same physical challenges as real sport, but it’s still a test of mental power and resilience.

From networking to contract negotiations, my experience studying Business Management has become incredibly useful as so many skills are transferable.

I’ve worked with Quadrant, Lando Norris’ gaming and lifestyle brand, and at Veloce, where I managed and maintained the company’s relationship with McLaren as the Team Leader of their esports team. Now, I’ve set my sights on a new business venture called Pacenote. This service-based company will provide a range of support to individuals and businesses also wanting to take advantage of the growing sim racing industry. My goal is to positively transform the available support for everyone in the sim racing space.

RISING STARS See what else our inspiring alumni have been up to:

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M AKE TH E MOST OF YO U R

MONEY

Like many other students, you may find that university is your first experience of really managing your own budget. Paying rent, doing a weekly food shop and applying for a student loan might seem a little overwhelming, but we’re here to help you through it. Everyone’s budgets and circumstances are different, but our planner sets out the main things you may want to consider.

When you know how much you can expect as a student loan, have a go at practising your budgeting skills!

Student Budget

REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN

Date: Student Loan:

Expenses Rent Food Bills Phone Travel Clothes Course supplies Nights out Subscriptions

Other Income:

Amount

Money Before

Money After

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“Budgeting is super important at university in order to get the most out of your student loan.

I do a budget at the start of the year and then adjust it if I need to. Budgeting is particularly important on courses that have placement periods throughout the year.”

Bethany, BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult Health)

“There are so many places in and around Plymouth where you can pick up part-time work while you study. Working in the SU Shop has been a great experience and I’d recommend the SU as it’s a great employer.

Being able to choose my own shifts has been one of my favourite aspects of working here as it’s easy to fit in around classes and my personal life.”

Christian, BSc (Hons) Geology

“The best thing to do when you get your student loan is to budget for the whole semester.

This allows for you to pay your housing on time and create a weekly allowance for yourself.

This can go towards your food shop, any resources you need for your degree and going out.”

Kenzie, BSc (Hons) Business Management

Check out Nabeeha’s takeover on our Instagram.

There are plenty of ways to have an exciting and fulfilling student life without breaking the bank. Plymouth is packed with opportunities for part-time work and budget-friendly activities to make your money go further!

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STUDENT 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.

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 BANK 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.

HOW WE CAN

HELP

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 Financial Support team. The Students’ Union also offers advice on making the most of discounts available exclusively to students through rewards and loyalty cards.

JOBS AND WORK OPPORTUNITIES Our 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 you can make the most of your money

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Take advantage of UPSU's 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. 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.

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 16–25 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.

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 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.

UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION The University has a range of managed 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.

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What I love about living in University-managed halls

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 ensuite 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 Residence Life 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.

“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.”

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 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. You might end up being the bridge that gets someone else out of their shell.”

WE GUARANTEE TO OFFER A PLACE IN HALLS We guarantee to offer a place in halls (either University-managed or with an accredited private halls provider) or in other suitable student accommodation to all new undergraduate students holding a firm offer, who apply for their accommodation before the deadline specified on our website and meet the criteria set out in our terms and conditions.

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YOUR GUIDE TO

WELCOME WEEK What can you look forward to?

Freshers’ Market 10am – 4pm

Campus markets are regularly put on by the SU and have such a great range of local food, plants for sale, and more, so keep an eye out for whenever they’re on!

Treats and Freebies

Take a look at the kind of events you can expect to see on campus during Welcome Week, with insights from BSc (Hons) Zoology student, Alfie!

2pm – 4pm

An exclusive perk of living in University-managed halls is the Residence Life scheme, with so many freebies and trips out. These are great to meet new people, and explore Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Look out for trips to the zoo, cinema and escape rooms, as well as free plants, chocolate and more!

Volunteering Fair

11am – 4pm

A good opportunity to check out the volunteering schemes and local organisations you can get involved with! In my first few weeks, I volunteered with the Barn Owl Trust and Dartmoor Zoo through the Student Led Volunteering scheme, which was great fun and a good chance to meet other students.

Sports Fair

11am – 4pm

A chance to hear from the huge number of sports societies here at the University, learn more about them, and find out what you’re interested in getting involved with!

They usually host taster sessions over the first few weeks, so you can try a few out before committing to any teams.

Student Led Volunteering Hedgehog Survey 6pm – 8pm

Based in Drake’s Place Gardens, I took part in a student run session to set up footprint traps around the campus to survey the local hedgehogs and learn more about what can be done to protect the wildlife on campus.

Karaoke night 7pm – 11pm

Another SU favourite, karaoke night is always great fun for freshers to let loose and enjoy their evening before lectures properly start!

Freshers’ Fair 11am – 5pm

One of the most popular events in the week, the Freshers’ Fair has so many freebies, giveaways, local stalls, competitions and more to get involved with. It’s a great chance to check out all that’s in and around the city!

Course introduction 1pm – 2pm

You’ll have an initial introductory session to your degree, which is focused on getting to grips with the structure of the course, hearing from your course leader, learning more about the University, and meeting classmates.

Comedy night

8pm

Hosted by the SU, the Comedy night has a brilliant atmosphere. Head down and have a laugh with your new friends.

Societies Fair

11am – 4pm

With well over 100 student groups and societies, this fair is your opportunity to speak to the committees and see what they have going on this year. I got involved with the Scuba, Marine Biology, and Environmental Societies in my first year! Joining societies is a great chance to keep your existing hobbies going as well as trying new things and meeting people with similar interests!

Halls of Residence Welcome Event 2pm – 3pm

An event hosted in the student village by the Residence Life team with free pizza, ice cream and goodies, as well as a chance to socialise with other students living in halls nearby.

Jam House 8pm – 12am

A regular SU student favourite event, Jam House gives students the chance to take to the stage, play some music and enjoy a good time in the UPSU building.

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HOW WILL I BE SUPPORTED?

Vintage clothing sale 10am – 2pm

Held in the SU, the vintage clothing sales are always popular with loads of thrifts to buy while out and about exploring the University.

Free swimming 6pm

For a lot of us, 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.

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.

Regular free swim sessions are put on for students at the Plymouth Life Centre and are a great way to clear your head after a busy week. As a swimmer, these sessions have been great to get back in the water at the end of the week.

Noughties night

10.30pm

Another great SU event at the end of Welcome Week, these theme nights are a chance to let your hair down and head out for a few drinks with your new friends!

HOW WILL I SETTLE IN?

Inflatables night 9pm – 10pm

A freshers' event on the SU Roof with loads of fun inflatable challenges and games on campus!

Throwback night 10.30pm – 3am

Again, a chance to meet loads of new people and have a fun night out with those you’ve already met!

Residence Life Trampoline Park 4pm – 7pm

Put on for students in halls of residence, this event is another part of their monthly programme for everyone to have some fun a bit further out of the city and get to socialise with your neighbours!

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.

WHAT’S ON? Welcome 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.

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!

Welcome 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! 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.

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e r o l Exp

the City

VICTORIA PARK

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.

CORNWALL

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UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

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Wild swimming You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

Plymouth Hoe overlooks several beaches with easy access to the water.

Otherwise, just off Royal William Yard, you’ll find Firestone Bay. This official bathing water is a popular spot for swimmers and paddleboarders alike.

“Plymouth is so beautiful, it’s very difficult to choose one favourite place in the city. The 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

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"There is a lot to do in terms of nightlife here. The Students' Union is a prime spot where there are loads of events that take place, and after dark it turns into a club, which is the best I've been to!"

Josh, BSc (Hons) Computer Science student

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 Houseplants, a few minutes away from the campus, 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 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 & Air Plymouth 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 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 everevolving city, with new and exciting venues and events opening regularly; there is always something to discover and try.

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What our students have to say "Rame Head is one of my favourite places to go. You can either walk there along the coast, drive, or catch a bus. I’ve seen a lot of sunrises at this place, and every time is so different. In the morning with friends, surrounded by deer and horses, listening to the birds, there’s a true sense of magic.”

PLYMOUTH IS SURROUNDED BY 120 MILES OF STUNNING COASTLINE AND OVER 50 BEACHES

“There are so many beautiful places to explore in Plymouth, and one of my favourites is the Royal William Yard. Shops, art galleries, and restaurants have moved into the amazing historic buildings – taking a stroll there is a real treat. They also have a great calendar of events throughout the year, including markets, live performances, cinema screenings, and more!”

Elena, BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

Louise, BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology

"Before I came to Plymouth, I didn’t know much about Dartmoor. I’ve been up here a few times with friends, whether we're going for a nice hike and a pub lunch, or wild camping. You can even find somewhere to do a bit of climbing, there’s just so much you can do here.”

Rhys, BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability

“If you don’t have a car, taking a boat trip from the Barbican is a great way to explore.

One of the most popular trips is to Cawsands, a tiny fishing village. We found a tapas place with a stunning view, and the village itself is very cute. When we got back to the beach lots of people were swimming in the sea and enjoying the sunny weather.”

Lucy, BSc (Hons) Psychology

s e t i b t s Be h t u o m y l in P

There’s something for everyone when you’re dining out in the city, thanks to the vibrant collection of independent cafes and restaurants. You’ll have plenty of time to discover your own favourites as you explore, but for now we thought we’d share some of our students’ recommendations.

The Early Bird The Early Bird is a firm favourite in the city and a regular guest at our Campus Market. Inspired by Australia's vibrant brunch culture, you can expect all the classics (with a side of chicken salt fries) and a huge selection of baked treats too.

@Kitchen If you're after authentic Vietnamese food, look no further! A beloved addition to Plymouth’s market, the team have helped establish the city’s East End as a foodlover's paradise.

Twist With classic dishes, happy hour cocktails and hundreds of board games, Twist has become a regular hangout for many of our students. It’s the perfect way to level-up your game night!

Power Plant Cafe This independent, family-run cafe is entirely vegan, making it the perfect spot to find your plant-based favourites. Boasting organic coffee, fresh bakes and heavenly sandwiches, it’s a goto when you're in the city.

SoulFood Vendor Jamaican dishes made from scratch. Whether you’re sipping on a rum cocktail or tucking into a tasty goat curry, everything is served with passion and flavour.

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A BUILDING THAT INSPIRES A BIGGER, BETTER, BABBAGE BUILDING When you’re choosing a university, you want somewhere that will invest in you as a student and prepare you for the future.

As a Gold standard university across all categories of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), including student experience and outcomes, we’ve proven that our students are at the heart of everything we do.

One of our biggest projects on campus has been the revitalisation of the Babbage Building, our state-of-the-art home for engineering and design. We could talk about our specialist equipment,

which includes a new control and autonomous systems laboratory, a wind tunnel facility, and an energy and sustainability lab. We could also tell you how Babbage is designed to bring together engineering, science and the arts to enable holistic problem-solving of the world’s biggest issues, like climate change and healthcare. Instead, we thought we’d let our students share their perspectives on what our new facilities mean to them and their education.

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CHARLIE BSc (Hons) Computer Science WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE YOUR COURSE? Since I was old enough for sci-fi shows and to play video games with friends, I always wanted to understand how computers worked. When I started experimenting, I realised I was more interested in app and web development, so I decided to pursue software development as a speciality.

I decided to go to university late in the summer, but I’d visited Plymouth before.

I found the campus and the surrounding city suited my lifestyle the best. I’m a very outdoorsy person and love to spend time swimming, hiking and generally being outdoors. Plymouth being on the coast and right next to Dartmoor National Park meant I had the best opportunity to carry on this lifestyle.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WITH THE NEW BUILDING? Babbage has a lot of useful new spaces that I already use, as well as some that I’m going to get to use next semester. The specialist computing labs will be where I have my lectures, and I’m really excited to get to use them to enable me to work faster on my projects.

Overall, I’m most excited about Babbage being a refreshed study space dedicated to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) students. This shows that the University is supporting us to achieve the best possible outcomes in our fields. The new labs are closer to the kind of hardware we’d use in the industry, so we can get a better feel of how we’ll be working as graduates. To me this is vital, as preparing for the workplace is the main reason we chose to pursue a degree.

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NILESH MEng (Hons) Civil Engineering WHY PLYMOUTH? I chose Plymouth because it combines academic excellence with an exceptional location. What sets the University apart is its dedicated focus on student wellbeing and comprehensive support services, covering crucial aspects such as funding, career guidance, academic assistance and mental health resources. The friendly and approachable atmosphere during open days convinced me that the University is the ideal place for my education.

WHAT DOES THE NEW BABBAGE BUILDING MEAN TO YOU? Civil engineering combines my fascination of construction with my love of science. Babbage supports this, with a range of specialised laboratories from structural tests to the development of novel composite materials. These state-of-the-art facilities will elevate my academic experience. It also inspires a

sense of innovation and creativity; being part of a space that fosters a dynamic and practical approach to engineering is what excites me the most about the new Babbage Building.

HOW WILL THE FACILITIES HELP YOU BECOME WORKPLACE-READY? The collaborative spaces are an informal setting where students can interact and work together, enhancing those transferable skills like communication and teamwork. The facilities in Babbage also serve as a bridge between academia and the professional world.

Next semester, I’ll be participating in a real-world interdisciplinary project that integrates challenges from core civil and coastal engineering studies. With this set-up, I’ll be graduating with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to thrive after graduation.

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ENGINEERING A NEW CAREER BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering s t udent, Elena, came to the Universit y as a mat ure s t udent looking for a career change. She tells us abou t her s t udent experience and the impor tance of reaching ou t when you need suppor t.

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"I particularly enjoyed getting to know my coursemates better through networking activities and group challenges. It’s felt like a very natural way to build strong friendships."

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY? I initially completed my undergraduate degree in Fine Art in 2011, but after several years, I found that I really loved creative problem-solving. I decided to pursue a career change from arts to engineering. I completed an Access to HE Diploma in Science and Engineering, but before making my final decision I visited the University during an open day. I was impressed with the passion shown by the tutors and students, and the facilities looked great! At the time, the Babbage Building was being updated as the new engineering building, which was really exciting. It felt like the University was heavily investing in engineering, so it seemed like the right place to be!

I was delighted to successfully gain a place on the course, especially as I’ve been living in Plymouth for many years now and feel very settled here. I love the city and have made wonderful friends. Staying in Plymouth made sense since going back to university would feel quite strange, and all my friends and support network are here.

FIND OUT MORE about our accredited BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course.

I also have a physical disability and several chronic health conditions. I am now using a wheelchair most of the time, and I have found the University to be very supportive!

HOW DID YOU ADJUST TO UNIVERSITY LIFE? I was understandably very nervous when I first started, but I quickly settled in and made friends. It was helpful to establish a routine and treat my studies almost like a job.

I really enjoyed being a student again, which confirmed that I had made the right decision to come back. I spent a lot of time exploring the campus, including the library, cafes, and various study spaces. Within days, it felt like home.

I have loved learning again. The introductory lectures for each module were exciting, and any anxiety about keeping up was soon set aside. My tutors were friendly, approachable and always willing to help with any questions I had.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WISH YOU KNEW BEFORE YOU STARTED? As a mature student, I spent a lot of time before I started worrying that I wouldn’t really

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WANT TO HEAR MORE FROM ELENA? Ask her your questions on our website.

fit in with everyone else. However, in my experience everyone gets on with each other well, and there are actually quite a few students on my course who are also returning to education after a break.

I was also worried that my access course might not equip me with the same level of knowledge as A levels would have done, and that I might struggle to keep up with the content. I actually found that the course was very well paced and brought everyone up to the same level. I put a lot of effort into learning the concepts and practising skills between lectures, and this really paid off.

I was also quite nervous about my disability and how that might impact my ability to take part in lectures, labs, and other learning activities, but I have found that the course has been entirely accessible to me, and I haven’t faced any disadvantages.

HOW’S IT BEEN MAKING FRIENDS? It’s been great! I’ve made friends through my course as well as through my part-time work as a student ambassador, so there have been plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar interests. I particularly enjoyed getting to know my coursemates better through networking activities and group challenges.

It’s felt like a very natural way to build strong friendships.

I’ve found that everyone has such different backgrounds and stories, and it’s so interesting to get to know the people around me!

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES OF PLYMOUTH SO FAR? My favourite memories so far have been spending time with my friends between lectures. There are lots of lovely places to go in the city – cosy coffee shops for when the weather’s not so nice, and the

Hoe, Barbican and city centre are wonderful places to go when the sun is shining.

My absolute favourite place is the Royal William Yard! It’s a fantastic place with a rich history.

I particularly love the architecture, arts, and culture. I’ve attended a few arts festivals there and it has always been a fantastic day out. There are also some great restaurants and cafes there too, so it’s well worth a visit!

The Barbican is another great spot. The cobbled streets give it so much character, and I love to wander by the boats in the harbour. It’s also home to the National Marine Aquarium, which is such a fun day out. I’ve lived here for a while now, so I particularly loved showing my friends some new places they hadn’t explored yet. It made me realise how lucky I am to live in Plymouth!

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and everything to be in place for me. Nothing was too much trouble and I felt well supported through the whole process.

At the University itself, one of my proudest memories was presenting our first year group project. We had worked so hard on our project and had such a great time presenting it together in the Roland Levinsky Building. We had some amazing feedback, and it was such a fantastic start to our engineering careers.

HAVE YOU USED ANY OF THE UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICES? Owing to my disability, I have had a lot of support from the Disability team. They’ve been exceptional in making sure I had everything I needed when I started, and they have always been a really useful point of contact throughout the year – it’s great to know that support is there when you need it! As an example, when it was time for me to start using my wheelchair full time on campus (after using crutches most of the year), Disability Services arranged for my support plan to be updated

FIND OUT HOW

our Student Hub can help.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND OTHER STUDENTS REACHING OUT FOR HELP? Absolutely. My advice would be to never suffer in silence! The Student Hub is there to help you through all kinds of situations. By discussing any issues you might be having, you can then know that you’ll be supported, and you won’t feel quite so alone. The student support teams are experienced in solving problems and will have likely come across similar situations before. I believe there is no problem too big or too small.

Letting people know is the first step in getting things sorted!

For me, being open and communicating about my health conditions was really important in making sure that my course

was accessible to me. Staff went above and beyond to include me and provide the things I needed to access my course. If I hadn’t shared my needs, I believe I would have had a much different experience.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE STARTING UNIVERSITY SOON? I would say take the time to really enjoy it! I think it’s easy to just think ahead to the degree at the end of your studies, and the job that you might have in the future. While these things are extremely important, it’s also important to enjoy the journey!

Make lots of friends, and make sure to spend time relaxing and having fun between your lectures, coursework, and exams. Spend some time getting to know the city – you’ll have such fond memories to look back on someday!

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A NEW HOME FOR HEALTHCARE The University is the largest provider of healthcare training in the South West, and InterCity Place is one of the newest additions to our campus.

Here, we’ll be teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals the knowledge and skills they need to graduate as competent and confident practitioners.

InterCity Place builds on our existing, cutting-edge clinical skills simulated settings while enhancing the practice placement work which students

undertake in hospitals and healthcare settings. If you’re considering a career in nursing or midwifery, or as an allied health professional, you’ll be able to work closely with students from other courses, mirroring how you would work in a real hospital or clinical setting.

From simulated healthcare environments such as hospital wards, consultation

and counselling rooms, podiatry suites, and optometry practice labs, through to a simulated ambulance for you to practise paramedic emergency scenarios, InterCity Place is already enhancing and benefiting our healthcare students.

Don’t just take it from us! We sat down with some of our current students to hear their experience of studying in InterCity Place.

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FIND OUT MORE Study BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy.

ESME BSc (Hons) OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR COURSE?

Study MOptom (Hons) Optometry.

I was inspired to pursue healthcare after witnessing the vital role of NHS health practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. After researching the many roles in the industry, I decided to apply for occupational therapy due to the person-centred and holistic nature of this practice, which aligns with my personal values. The emphasis on promoting independence and empowerment of service users across a range of settings also drew me to the profession, and I have already found it incredibly rewarding. Throughout this course, I’ve had the opportunity to develop as a learner, professional, and person by experiencing both practical and theoretical teaching.

This combination has enabled me to thrive within an academic environment by providing opportunities to apply my knowledge and skills to practice.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE PLYMOUTH?

Besides the course itself being well-rated, I was drawn to Plymouth as a location because it enables me to pursue my love of open-water swimming, explore the wonders of Dartmoor, and engage in a lively local scene.

The University also provides specialist support for my learning needs through access to study skills tutoring, wellbeing services, and funding for equipment provision to facilitate my academic studies.

WHAT DOES INTERCITY PLACE MEAN TO YOU?

InterCity Place provides much scope for developing my clinical skills in preparation for placement and beyond. The community flat allows us to practise completing home visits, washing assessments, and kitchen assessments to simulate scenarios we may come across in the future. Access to the ward simulation also gives us the opportunity to improve our clinical skills in an acute setting.

Being able to practise these skills in a realistic environment has enabled me to build confidence in my clinical ability, and the capacity for more immersive learning has facilitated a greater application of knowledge suited to a vocational degree.

The location is also great! I love being nearer campus so I can feel more involved in university life, and being close to the train station means it’s easy to access for commuters. The cafe is also a well-received addition with friendly staff and access to caffeine, providing much support during our studies!

SARA BSc (Hons) OPTOMETRY* WHY DID YOU PICK YOUR COURSE?

I chose Optometry because of my experiences going to opticians and the hospital as a young child. I have a condition called amblyopia and astigmatism, which meant I needed eye patches to help correct my vision.

The care I received was excellent, and I want to be able to provide this to others – optometry allows me to do this! Optometry is also a strong career pathway as there are many different options after university; I could go into research, work for multiple or independent companies, or work in hospitals.

WHAT KIND OF FACILITIES ARE THERE AT INTERCITY PLACE?

I get to use all the optometry equipment, including the skills suite and the focimetry and dispensing rooms. Our tutorial rooms are great for meetings about group work and the cafe is perfect for somewhere to relax between sessions. I’ve also been around the optometry research floor and got to see some of the research being carried out there.

WHAT DOES INTERCITY PLACE MEAN TO YOU?

On a practical note, it’s closer to the main campus, so I don’t have to travel to the north campus as often.

InterCity Place has also enhanced my studies as the practical rooms are larger, so there’s more room for us to practise. There’s also more equipment available to us, so we aren’t limited to selected time slots.

I’m also excited to see our lecturers conducting their own research.

This excites me because we can view research in action – something we couldn’t do before. The new facilities are helping me to become more professional and workplace ready, as they are lifelike and simulate real environments within the optometry field.

*Now MOptom (Hons) Optometry.

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CHAMPIONING

CRIMINAL JUSTICE BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice student Christina moved from Germany to pursue her passion. Here, she shares how volunteering has shaped her worldview and prepared her for life after graduation.

"Comparing universities, I realised that it was quite important for me to go somewhere that had good communication with prospective students. Anytime I had queries during my application process, I got a reply quickly and in a helpful manner.

Plymouth just checked all the boxes!"

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Find out more about studying BSc (Hons) Criminology.

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WHY PLYMOUTH? When I was looking at universities, location was one of my biggest priorities.

Coming from a landlocked part of Germany, where the closest beach was in another country, I wanted to be close to the ocean and close to nature. Knowing that Dartmoor and beaches like Bovisand were a short drive away meant that Plymouth already ticked one of my boxes.

It was also important to me that the city was more of a student city, and not too big. I was hoping to find somewhere that was safe for students, especially at night, as well as easy to get around. So much of Plymouth is in walking distance and simple to navigate, apart from some of the hills!

Comparing universities, I also realised that it was quite important for me to go somewhere that had good communication with prospective students. Anytime I had queries during my application process, I got a reply quickly and in a helpful manner. Plymouth just checked all the boxes!

HOW WERE YOUR FIRST WEEKS? I moved to Plymouth during the pandemic, but my first weeks on campus were still fun! I went to a lot of COVIDfriendly gatherings for societies, including the international and cheerleading societies. Overall, it was a bit of an adjustment as I had just moved to a new country and was trying to find my way around the city. That said, trying to find all the buildings on campus was pretty fun, as it inadvertently gave me a sightseeing tour of the University.

Making friends was a bit of a challenge, as I lived in private accommodation instead of student halls. This meant that I had to find other ways to make friends and, once I got the hang of it, things became much easier. I joined a lot of societies to meet new people, starting with three sports teams, and regularly went to the international socials. In my second year, I decided to stick with just my favourite society – Cheerleading!

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PASSION FOR CRIMINOLOGY? I’m passionate about criminology because I find the criminal justice system so fascinating – and not because of crime dramas, like some people assume! It stems from my hope to learn more about recidivism and how the criminal justice system needs to change. The system itself hasn’t adjusted with the times as much as it could have, so it needs to improve.

I’m very passionate about being part of the change, and I believe that can only happen from within.

The subject itself is so broad, which is why I enjoy it so much. You can branch off into almost anything with this degree. When university gets a bit stressful, thinking of my future goals keeps me motivated. I like to think about where I could be in a few years, and that keeps me excited.

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE COURSE AT PLYMOUTH? Over the past few years, I’ve got help from my lecturers and seminar leads. Every time I have a query, they’re happy to help!

The facilities are also great, with areas like the crime, interview and simulated policing suites. The rest of our facilities are

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spread across campus. I like this though, as it allows me to explore the campus a bit more and breaks up the routine.

My favourite module to this day has to be the ‘Inside Knowledge’ module. You have to apply to be a part of this module, but it’s definitely worth it. Once a week, you and a small group of students travel to Exeter Prison to meet with some of the prisoners, who we call ‘Exeter learners’. Together, we then learn about and discuss topics relating to criminology. This module is a great way to get more insight into prison life and is an opportunity for some handson learning.

IS THERE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITY FOR VOLUNTARY WORK? My time during the ‘Inside Knowledge’ module actually gave me some connections and the opportunity to volunteer with a local organisation, LandWorks. They work to support former offenders and aim to reduce reoffending with unconventional methods. I volunteer there once a week to help with pottery, woodworking, gardening and many other activities that focus on working with your hands. I’ve gained a lot of insight and compassion through my volunteering

there, and I’ve really enjoyed my time working with them!

Through the Careers Service in my second year, I heard about the Plymouth Cold Case Unit (PCCU). I’ve been volunteering with them ever since! The PCCU is a group of diverse and bright people who work together as a team in missing persons cases. Everyone in the unit has to complete several rounds of training to work on these cases. We work closely with an organisation called ‘Locate International’, who are responsible for allocating cases to us involving missing persons or unidentified remains from the Devon area, once these have been given to them by the police.

The unit is now in its second year of running, and it’s been great to see it grow.* WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO WHEN YOU GRADUATE? When I’ve finished my studies, I hope to complete my detective constable training with the Devon & Cornwall Police. There’s a specific criminology employability officer at the University who I’ve gone to for help with my future plans. Looking a

few years ahead, and if I get the chance, I’d like to transfer to London to potentially work for Interpol or Europol. I want to move around internationally with my career, so I’ll see where it takes me from there!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE THINKING OF APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY? I’d recommend checking out universities in person, if you can. If you can’t, see if they’re hosting any virtual open days. As an international student, these helped me a lot when I was choosing where to apply.

If you’re thinking of studying criminology, see if you can do any volunteering in your local area before you start. It’s a great way to help you see if this is the subject for you! Over the summer, I completed an internship with the German police which taught me a lot, and proved to myself that I was on the right course.

*The PCCU was highly commended in the teaching and learning category in the 2023 Vice-Chancellor Awards.

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O P E N D AY S W H Y S H O ULD YO U V I S I T T HE UNI V ER S I T Y O F PLYM O U T H?

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.

“It was a revelation to come to Plymouth. The warmth and friendliness of all the staff and students really made your university stand out. It felt like a family.”

Phoebe, who visited us in September 2023

Book your place for our next Open Day

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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 cafes, 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 living and studying at the University of Plymouth!

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!

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, Plymouth student life, 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.

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

EXPLORE THE CAMPUS Have a look at our state-of-the-art facilities. Check out those that are important to you and your chosen course, as well as visiting the library, the Students’ Union and the 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.

"It can be really helpful to bring your parents or friends as they sometimes ask the questions that you may not even think about."

Tia, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

Matt, BA (Hons) Illustration graduate

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 coastal 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 an ice cream by the sea at the lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe.

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We really are so lucky to live where we do in Plymouth, so come and see for yourself why our students love living here.

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!

FLOSS'S CHECKLIST FOR SUCCESS:

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 and 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.

Plan your day beforehand, making sure you fit in all the talks you want to attend.

Register when you arrive on the day to get a free tote bag!

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 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.

Book your place on a campus tour: CHECK OUT THE CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 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 you the chance to try something

Grab a coffee from one of the campus cafes. Don't forget your free pasty!

Hop on a city bus tour to get a great overview of the city you’ll be living and studying in.

Go on a campus tour – they are so informative!

Ask lots and lots of questions, even if you think they're silly. Our ambassadors are here to help!

Chat to current students about their experiences at the University.

Explore our halls by visiting our show flats and chatting to the Accommodation team.

Head down to the Barbican to explore and grab a bite to eat.

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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY Thalia (right)

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.”

Alfie

Rhys (above)

onmental BSc (Hons) Envir and Management Sustainability member “One thing I re day, apart en from the op 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

Emily

BA (Hons) Education "Attending an open day was what sold me on coming to Plymouth. I was attending on my own and was extremely nervous and scared about getting lost in the crowds of people.

However, as soon as I

will really something that r a long stay with me fo e ready to m e ad time. It m believe in. I fight for what I r seeing the be em also rem n, and there Students’ Unio ch on in the at m y was a rugb pretty cool bar which was e students se d ul to see. I co and thinking, living their life e next year.” m be d this coul

walked onto campus I was greeted by welcoming student ambassadors who pointed me in the right direction. They reassured me that I wasn’t the only person attending on my own, and that I would still be able to get a lot out of the experience."

BSc (Hons) Zoology "When I visited I loved the city and the campus – I thought it was really modern and fresh. It's important when choosing a uni that you look at where you're going to be living, and Plymouth is a fantastic city."

Carmen (left)

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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YOUR DEGREE, YOUR CHOICE. BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing student, Aimee, shares her application story.

I remember being in sixth form, sitting in that plastic chair, when the careers adviser asked me that dreaded question, “What do you want to do?”

I didn’t know, so I cycled through the classics. Actor? Scientist?

Politician? Writer. All I knew was that I was passionate about reading and writing, so my adviser helped me find some courses that would best fit. When I did my own research, I kept those choices in mind. I visited some universities to look at their History and Psychology courses, but it was the BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing course at Plymouth that really grabbed my attention.

If you’re researching your options, I’d recommend thinking about things like modules, facilities and the feeling you get when you visit. The same course at different universities will have different modules, so think about what you want to get out of your degree and how the modules apply.

If you’re thinking of applying to a university, it’s a good idea to visit.

It’s the perfect opportunity to find out more about your courses, meet the lecturers, and see what the university itself is like.

When I visited Plymouth for an open day, I was pleased by how bright and welcoming the campus was, as well as how friendly the people were. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; you’ll see lots of student ambassadors who’ll be happy to help.

Having lived in Plymouth all my life, I wanted to try somewhere new.

However, after seeing how good the English and Creative Writing course was at the University, how exciting the modules sounded, and how friendly and welcoming the lecturers were, I changed my mind. In the end, it was perfect for me! I was excited to go to class, and getting the chance to do what I loved meant I really enjoyed my time at uni. Thanks to the skills I’ve gained on my course, and the support and opportunities available at the University, I even got the chance to have some of my short stories published.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” My advice for anyone unsure where to start is to follow your interests. University is the perfect place to do more of what you love – so have fun with it!

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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 have modules that interest you? What are the tariff points you need to achieve to apply for the course?

• Are you studying subjects that meet the entry requirements?

• What are the facilities like?

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

• What are the campus and city like?

• How far would you have to travel for lectures?

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

• Check online to see what current students and graduates think of the courses and institutions you're considering.

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

DO PICK A SUBJECT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT You work much harder if you love the subject you’re studying.

• You’ll get a helping hand with the career you want.

• Find out about the careers open to you through a subject you love.

DO VISIT THE UNIVERSITIES THAT ARE ON YOUR RADAR Open days are the best way to find out what life is like as a student at the universities you’re keen to explore.

• Meet your potential peers and tutors (and interview tutors before they interview you!).

• If the campus isn’t open, see if they offer a virtual open day instead! You can still get great insights online.

DO GET ORGANISED If in doubt, write everything down or make a spreadsheet of pros and cons to discuss 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.

ON’T CHOOSE A COURSE SIMPLY BECAUSE SOMEONE D ELSE TELLS YOU TO It’s your life, and you are the one spending three or more years studying the course of your choice.

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. applications are processed 01. All through UCAS.com via the userfriendly application form. education section details 02. The what you are studying now and what grades you are predicted to get, so this information can be excluded from your personal statement. little bits of your form over 03. Do 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. form is split into sections.

04. The Don’t worry about missing anything out as your application can’t be submitted until all of these are complete. search function lets you 05. The search for the universities and courses you want. You can edit and remove these as many times as you'd like before you submit.

You don’t need to put them in order of preference and the universities don’t know which ones you have applied to.

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THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! Writing a personal statement is likely to be a whole new experience for you, but we’re here to help. This 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 relax and be you, and the words will follow.

01

YOU CAN ONLY WRITE 47 LINES AND A MAXIMUM OF 4,000 CHARACTERS There is also a minimum of 1,000 characters so use these wisely!

THE 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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REMEMBER TO BE HONEST Think about what makes you interesting, special or unique. Try and show your passion for your chosen course.

MAP OUT YOUR IDEAS Set your thoughts in writing and then build these up into paragraphs.

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02 04

75% OF YOUR STATEMENT SHOULD COVER YOUR ACADEMIC STRENGTHS, MOTIVATION AND INTERESTS Why did you choose this course? How will it benefit you studying on it?

THE 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.

Your statement should paint a picture of why you want to study your degree.

Your outside interests and work experience can show more about you. Have you been a trusted person at work? Have you volunteered to help others learn at school?

Any of these things makes you a stronger applicant."

Dr Martin Lavelle

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YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT CHECKLIST Look at course descriptions and identify the qualities, skills and experience the course requires – you can use these to help you decide what to write about.

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, and my teachers to help with subject-specific language in places where there was none.

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 the course.

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

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.

FIND OUT MORE about making your application.

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HOW TO START WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT It can be hard to know where to start with a personal statement, especially if you’re applying to a few different courses. Sometimes, it helps to hear from someone who’s done it all before. That’s why we asked BSc (Hons) Criminology student, Megan, for her advice!

When I was applying to university, I found it difficult to choose a course and location, so I ended up writing several personal statements to suit different courses because I just couldn’t make up my mind! Knowing how to start your personal statement can be daunting, but this is your opportunity to ‘talk’ to the Admissions team. If your course requires an interview, your personal statement could be the deciding factor to get you in the room.

Your personal statement is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate why you think you would be an excellent student for your course, and why the university should consider you. Fundamentally, it’s an academic statement, so it needs to be targeted to the subject you’re interested in. That said, universities also want to know about your more general interests.

WHEN YOU START PLANNING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT, IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO START BY ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS: • Why have you chosen this course?

• Have you had any work or life experience that might be relevant?

• What achievements are you proud of?

• Which skills do you have that are relevant to the course and studying at university?

• What are your future goals and ambitions?

SO, HOW DO YOU WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT? There are no set rules on how to write a personal statement, but there are things you should always cover to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the course.

• Your reasons for wanting to study. You need to explain why you are interested in the course. Be specific, but also show your passion. What do you like about

the subject? Is there a particular module that excites you? How did your interest develop? How will it help you towards achieving your long-term career goals?

• Why you’re suitable. Wanting to do the course is important, but you also have to fit the eligibility criteria. Explaining your skills and experience is so important. To be more specific about how you are suitable, make sure you have done your research and are aware of exactly what the course involves.

• Your related hobbies and interests.

Hobbies are a fantastic way to show that you are a well-rounded person. You could mention clubs, summer school, online courses, or even just museum and theatre visits. Further reading or research relating to your chosen subject could also be mentioned.

• Skills and achievements. Although your skills and achievements should be mentioned, universities will also want to know how you got them, so it is especially important to provide examples. How did you work in a team? How have you developed your communication skills?

How do you manage your time effectively?

• Your work experience. You may not have had experience in your subject area, but any kind of work experience teaches you a range of practical skills. Discuss roles that could be relevant to your course and explain how studying at university would help you get the career you want.

IF YOU’RE NOT SURE HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT, REMEMBER YOUR ABCs! • Activity – what have you done?

• Benefit – what skills has it given you?

• Course – how do these skills relate to your course?

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STUDENT LIFE IN PLYMOUTH PODCAST

JOIN THE CONVERSATION JOE

GEORGIE

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

MATT

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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.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES Outreach Officer Joe speaks to student Jemma and graduate Ben, now a mental health adviser, about looking after the mental health of students and the wide range of support services available to them while studying at the University.

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, tips for employability and how you can make your degree work for you.

“More employers now are asking for a degree, because of the skills that graduates bring. Things like confidence, independent thinking, critical analysis and decision making. University also immerses you into a global, diverse community, and that’s incredibly valuable in its own right.”

Pippa, Careers and Employability consultant

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.

“Keep your personal statement personal. You can’t go wrong then, because it’s unique. I suppose the other thing is to just start writing anything and everything that comes into your head.

Start getting words down on paper, because sometimes you find the most raw ideas will produce the best personal statement.”

FINANCE AND COST OF LIVING Joe chats with students Georgia and Christian about how to manage your spending as a student, as well as working part time while studying and how to make the most of your student loan.

“Money is for spending. I think there are times where you need to tighten your belt and think ‘Do I really need this?’, but then there are other times where it’s an event or an experience that will make life enjoyable. You should allow yourself to just be human and spend money sometimes, it’s okay.”

Georgia, MSc Zoo Conservation Biology*

Caroline, BSc (Hons) Marine Biology

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.

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

DIVERSITY AND TRANSITION TO UNIVERSITY Georgie sits down with Biomedical Science student Malik and Medicine 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.

*Now MSc Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Biology.

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THE PARENTS' AND SUPPORTERS' GUIDE There’s a lot of information out there about the university application process, and you’d be forgiven for finding it a little overwhelming. We’re here to help your family member through the application process and support you through the next few months.

SEPTEMBER: UCAS OPENS FOR APPLICATIONS

SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER: OPEN DAYS

From early September, UCAS will be open for students to start their applications for the next academic year.

We host several open days in the autumn, so that you have the opportunity to visit us before the application deadline in January.

It’s a great chance for you to ask your questions about finance, accommodation and support, as well as explore the city.

OCTOBER: APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY Certain courses will have an earlier deadline, so be sure to double-check the dates for the courses that your family member is considering.

JANUARY – FEBRUARY: OUR ACCOMMODATION PORTAL OPENS Around this time of year, our accommodation portal opens.

Your family member will only be able to apply if the University of Plymouth is their firm choice. We also have an accommodation guarantee – check page 17 for the details!

JANUARY: UCAS APPLICATION DEADLINE The deadline for early applications is usually at the end of January, so make sure you mark this date on your calendars.

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to receive WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM Want updates and THE UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH? reminders?

University is an investment in your family member’s future. That’s why we thought we’d share some of the facts and figures to demonstrate how we can support them during their university adventure.

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assesses and rates universities for excellence above a set of minimum requirements for academic quality and standards. We are one of a select number of UK universities to achieve a triple Gold rating, so you can be assured that your family member will receive a quality education and fulfilling experience.

As a parent or supporter, you can sign up to our mailing list to receive key information, regular reminders and tips to help your family member through the application process.

Our Careers Service work diligently to ensure our students have every opportunity to secure their dream job after graduation. We offer lifelong support and build practical experience into our degrees. Every year, we help over 4,500 students benefit from placements and work-based learning. *Includes all UK-domiciled, first-degree graduates, who are either in employment, or further study, 15 months after graduating.

JANUARY – MARCH: OFFER HOLDER DAYS Once your family member has applied and received an offer, they’ll be invited to attend an offer holder day. At this stage, you might have different questions to when you first applied, and some courses will be hosting interviews on these dates.

AUGUST: RESULTS DAY This is the time to celebrate all their hard work! From 8am, the UCAS Hub will update to let them know if they’ve been accepted into their firm or insurance choice, or if they’ve been entered into Clearing.

Once their place is confirmed with the University, they’ll start receiving the information they need to complete their enrolment.

FEBRUARY: STUDENT FINANCE OPENS Student Finance opens around February each year for courses starting in September. Your family member will need to apply by the deadline to be sure that the loan is ready for the start of the semester.

As a parent, there’ll also be some sections of this paperwork for you to complete.

SEPTEMBER: ARRIVALS WEEK JUNE: UCAS REPLY DEADLINE If your family member hears back from all their choices in May, they’ll need to reply on their UCAS Hub with their firm and insurance choice in June.

It’s the start of their next adventure!

Your family member will get all the information they need before the big move, including their room number. If there's anything you or your family member need, we'll be here to help.

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ADVICE FROM O N E PA R E N T TO ANOTHER We know that it can be tricky to know how to support your child as they prepare for uni, but there are plenty of ways you can be there for them.

We caught up with Mark, father of second year Law student Ed, to share his experience and impart some friendly advice from one supporter to another.

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ED HAS LIVED IN PLYMOUTH ALL HIS LIFE. DID HE CHOOSE TO STUDY HERE BECAUSE IT WAS CLOSE TO HOME? We looked at other universities, but we found Plymouth was smaller and had the University Law Clinic, which was unique. I had also read that about 60–70% of graduates stay in the same area as the university they attend, so we were quite keen for Ed not to go to the back of beyond, so I was thinking that a university in the South West would be good.

HOW DID YOU SUPPORT ED WHEN HE APPLIED THROUGH CLEARING? We got to A level results day and Ed hadn’t made a decision about what to do next. I encouraged him to ring Plymouth’s Clearing Call Centre.

He still wasn’t sure about going to

university; however, I encouraged him to call. I reminded him that even after speaking with the Call Centre, he could still make the choice not to go to university if he didn't feel ready and do a gap year if he wanted.

HOW DID YOU HELP ED GET READY TO MOVE INTO HALLS? It was only once we’d got back from a summer holiday that Ed said he wanted the whole university experience, including living in halls.

Due to the timing it was a bit of a rush, but we managed to secure really nice private halls near campus.

The staff who worked there were so friendly and the location was so close to campus. The thing that really reassured me when we dropped Ed off was meeting one of his flatmates who was just as nervous as him – it

was lovely because they went off to explore their halls together. It’s just another great thing about going to university. It’s not just the degree, it’s everything else: making new friends, how to use the launderette, and how to cook for yourself!

WERE YOU IN CONTACT WITH ED QUITE A LOT IN THAT FIRST WEEK? We were, but we wanted Ed to enjoy himself, and as long as he was happy, that was what mattered most.

DID YOU WORRY ABOUT ED MAKING FRIENDS? Yeah, I think so. All you really want to know about your child is, ‘Are they happy? Have they got good friends?’ I think it’s safe for university students to go out and make friends in Plymouth. They have dedicated student nights and organised events, plus Plymouth is one of the safest cities in the UK. There’s a lot going on for students here; it feels safer and there’s a great night bus service.

WERE THERE PARTICULAR TIMES IN ED’S FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU FELT YOU NEEDED TO PROVIDE MORE SUPPORT? Thankfully, not really. During the first month or so, Ed wasn’t raving about university, but it turned out he just needed time to settle in. When he attended a Law Society Cheese and Wine event on his own, I felt really proud. It was nice to know that he was doing these things without us feeling we needed to encourage him.

There are so many opportunities that wouldn’t come up if you weren’t at university. I have offered support with things like his CV, but he’s done well to do things by himself, which is great.

LAST THING BEFORE YOU GO: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER PARENTS? Go to the open days! Universities look very different in person than in a glossy magazine. Also, be more organised than us; don’t leave it until the last minute – explore options early!

IT’S YOUR OPEN DAY MAKE IT COUNT Over 95% of our graduates are in work or further study* DPC22520

*Excludes those travelling, retired or caring for someone, out of all UK domiciled, full-time first-degree graduates.

Graduate Outcomes survey

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