Staffordshire University - Parents' Guide

WELCOME Going to university is a major step in a young adult’s life. It’s also a milestone for parents who want to support them on that journey.

Whether you’ve got direct experience of university life yourself, or your child will be the first in the family to take a degree, it’s bound to be a time where you have lots of questions.

We’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate this. From helping you to support your child to choose a university and course, through to understanding their student finance, we’ve got you covered.

And if you fancy finding out more about Staffordshire University, we’d love to hear from you. Come to one of our Open Days and see why students voted us the 5th best place to study in the UK (StudentCrowd University Awards 2022).

KEY BENEFITS OF A DEGREE

1 2 3 4 5

Higher salaries Graduates earn, on average, tens of thousands of pounds more over their working lifetime.

Career opportunities

A degree opens doors to more career options.

Personal development

University helps young people to become more independent, make new friends and gain confidence.

Widening Horizons

Your child will meet like-minded people, be exposed to new ideas and could even get to travel abroad as part of their degree.

Ready for work

They will get far more than just a degree – they will also have access to work experience opportunities, contacts with industry and careers help.

CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY Choosing where and what to study can be a daunting step – both for young people and their parents.

You can scour prospectuses, course listings

on university websites and league tables.

But there’s no better way to get a feel for where

your child will be studying and how much they will like it than to accompany them to an open day.

Visit as many places as possible before filling in

the application form. Open Days are a golden opportunity to ask questions about a course,

chat to staff, current students and other parents.

If you have time, look around the local area as well.

Some universities are in the heart of city life and others are more campus-based. It’s about where your child will feel most at home. If they prefer to stay local to study, is the university geared up to supporting commuting students? What about access to parking permits or bus routes?

It’s also important to see where your money goes.

Tuition fees cover far more than just lectures and library books. Does the university provide personal tutors? What are the facilities like? And if they want to live on campus, will they be guaranteed a room in halls in their first year?

At course level, you can find big differences between universities. Some degrees are accredited by professional bodies, which can be essential if your child wants to get

into a particular career.

Also look for the opportunities your child will get alongside their degree course.

Will they have the chance to study abroad, for instance, or exhibit their work at major shows?

At Staffordshire University, we have invested heavily in industry-standard equipment, digital innovation to improve learning, and comprehensive student support.

We also offer guaranteed work placement opportunities to all undergraduate students.

Many of our degrees involve live industry briefs, where students work on real projects with companies.

And to get students career-ready, we offer help with CV writing, run mentoring schemes and have a dedicated recruitment agency. Through our Graduate Hub, they can even have access to our careers service for life.

Arm yourself with plenty of information about a university and you’ll make an informed choice.

STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT OUR CAMPUSES STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT STOKE-ON-TRENT Our main campus is in Stoke-on-Trent – a friendly city with a real creative vibe. It’s also well connected, with a mainline train station on the doorstep. It’s only 40 minutes away from Manchester, 50 minutes from Birmingham and 90 minutes from London.

In recent years, we’ve invested more than £80m in facilities on campus and everything has been designed with students’ future careers in mind. One of our flagship developments is The Catalyst, a £43m building which encapsulates our next generation education.

It combines new technologies with flexible study and collaborative spaces, including the Learning Lab and Learning Market. There is also a café and bistro on the ground floor.

Our other facilities include:

CADMAN STUDIOS

CRIME SCENE HOUSE

SCIENCE CENTRE

SMART ZONE

Produce, broadcast and develop in our £11m studios, which house the latest audio and visual technology.

Develop scientific and analytical expertise in our stylish £30m building.

It’s dedicated to scientific innovation and is packed with professional laboratories.

Practise investigative techniques with our fully equipped forensic house. It offers lots of scope for simulated crime scenes.

Students can explore their inner designer-maker with workshop space and high-end engineering facilities, including a range of 3D printers.

STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD STAFFORD

OUR CAMPUSES

Our £5.8m Centre for Health Innovation has transformed the way we deliver courses to healthcare students.

It offers sector-leading facilities for nursing, midwifery and paramedic students. Features include one of the world’s largest ‘immersive’ suites – a training area where incredibly realistic backdrops are projected onto a

floor-to-ceiling space.

Students can be placed at the scene of a road accident,

with passing cars, street lights and noise. And they can even extricate a casualty from a vehicle parked inside the room.

The facilities enable students to learn in a safe environment before working in real-life healthcare settings.

Features at the Staffordshire campus include:

CLINICAL SIMULATION

IMMERSIVE SUITES

SUITES

It’s where you’ll find impressive

Used for treating high-quality mannequin patients. The simulation-based settings include a hospital ward, operating theatre and emergency department.

augmented and virtual reality technologies, which students use to practise their skills in different training environments.

LIFE-LIKE LIVING SPACE

PARAMEDIC TRAINING

Step inside and feel like you’re visiting a

AMBULANCE

real house. Can be used to help treat mock patients.

Students can put learning into action with this fully equipped training vehicle.

LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON LONDON OUR CAMPUSES

Our London campus is based at Here East, one of the largest tech hubs in Europe. It’s set within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – the former home of the 2012 Olympics.

The campus is dedicated to equipping students with the professional digital skills of the future. And with so many innovative companies on our doorstep, there are great industry links in areas such as cyber security and games design and development.

As our building was the former broadcasting facility for international media covering the Olympics, it’s got superfast networks capable of dealing with high levels of data.

Our features include:

DATA JUNCTION

DIGITAL LOFT

A mega-laboratory with advanced wireless casting and presenting facilities, learning spaces and a cyber and networking lab.

Features teaching and collaboration zones, a presentation space, virtual conferencing and private

pods for work.

PRODUCTION WAREHOUSE

RELOAD CAFÉ

Home to a number of independent learning areas as well as our game studios, providing the best industryapproved facilities for students.

A showpiece retro-gaming café. The perfect place to grab a bite to eat and socialise between classes.

NEXT STEPS OPEN DAYS Come along to one of our Open Days and you’ll get a brilliant insight into our friendly student community.

We hold them at various points throughout the year at our campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and London.

The events include: Subject talks led by academic staff. Your chance to ask questions and delve into what your child could be studying on a

particular course Our Information Fair covers all non-course related enquiries for your young person.

They can meet our student support teams

who can help with finance support,

wellbeing and accommodation Tours of our facilities and the chance to chat to current students Student finance talks. Packed with information on how the fees and loans system works, along with additional support Student-led accommodation tours at our Stoke-on-Trent campus. Explore inside some of the student halls and houses.

If you can’t make it to an Open Day, try one of our Campus Tours. These tours are not subjectspecific and are led by student ambassadors.

Find out more at www.staffs.ac.uk/openday

OFFER HOLDER DAYS These invitation-only events give applicants an opportunity to have a deeper dive into their chosen subject at Staffordshire University. They can meet their future lecturers, hear from existing students and get a taste of life here.

The Offer Holder Days are a great way for them to connect with future course mates too.

UCAS FAIRS These are a great way to find lots of universities and apprenticeship employers exhibiting under one roof.

UCAS Discovery exhibitions are held at venues

across the UK.

They include expert talks, university stands and advice on different pathways and career choices. The events are free to attend.

For details, see www.ucas.com/exhibitions

HOW TO APPLY

Most applications to universities in the UK are submitted through the admissions service UCAS. You can also search the UCAS website for a wide range of undergraduate courses.

Your young person can apply for up to five courses at once. As part of the application process, they will also be asked to compile a personal statement.

For tips on writing a statement, visit www.helpinghand.staffs.ac.uk

CHOOSING A COURSE With so many subjects on offer, it can be difficult to narrow down what degree to study. Here are some pointers to consider: What subjects does your child enjoy at school or college?

Would they prefer to continue studying a subject they know or try

something new Do they have a career in mind? If so, try to research what qualifications they might need and if a particular degree

subject is required Are they keen on traditional academic work or do they prefer more practical learning? Degree apprenticeships are an increasingly popular choice for those who like hands-on activities. Apprentices are employed in a specific field, do a combination of on-the-job training and university work, and get their tuition fees

paid for them What grades are they predicted to achieve at school or college?

Some degrees have higher entry requirements than others.

Universities tend to publish the requirements for individual

courses on their websites.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS If your child intends to start university straight after sixth form, the main UCAS application deadline is in January during Year 13. Some courses, such as medicine, have earlier deadlines. They will then receive replies from the individual universities, letting them know if they have been made an offer.

They will be asked to select a firm and an insurance offer – your child’s first and second choice. These are usually conditional on them achieving certain grades or UCAS points.

The offer is then confirmed on results day in August. If they miss

out on their place, they can search for other courses at different universities using the Clearing system.

For more information on how Clearing works, visit www.ucas.com

IS UNIVERSITY AFFORDABLE It’s natural to worry about your child managing their finances independently, but the student finance system means they can apply for upfront support while they study. They will only start paying their fees in instalments after they graduate and earn at least £25,000*. University is more affordable then you think.

STUDENT LOANS If your child is planning to study at a university in the UK, they can apply for a student loan through the Student Loans Company. This consists of two parts: A Tuition Fee Loan, which covers the full cost of the university fees The basic rate of a Maintenance Loan to help with living costs, such as rent and bills.

They may be eligible for a higher Maintenance Loan depending on your family’s household income. For the 2023-24 academic year, the maximum Maintenance Loan is £9,978 for a student living away from home (outside London) or £8,400 for students living with their parents (outside London).

For more information, visit www.gov/uk/browse/education/student-finance.

Beyond this, parents may contribute to additional living costs.

*Correct at the time of going to print.

PART-TIME WORK Many students get part-time jobs so they earn while they learn.

At Staffordshire University, we can support them in their search for work.

Our Students’ Union offers opportunities in retail, hospitality, administration and content production. Getting a job at a venue on campus is a great way to fit work round study commitments.

We also have our own recruitment agency, Unitemps. It’s geared to matching students and graduates with business offering part-time and full-time jobs, internships and placements.

Students can register at www.unitemps.com

OTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT Some students may be eligible for extra funding, such as the

Disabled Students’ Allowance.

Individual universities also offer support through bursaries and scholarships.

To find out if your child may qualify for one of these awards at

Staffordshire University, visit:

www.staffs.ac.uk/student-life/fees-and-finance/additional-funding.

Students can also apply to our discretionary Student Success Support Fund

for short-term help if they are facing severe financial hardship.

PICKING THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION For many applicants , a big part of the university experience is getting to live away from home for the first time. They forge new friendships, become more independent and take on extra responsibilities.

But letting go as a parent is hard. If your child studies close enough to return home regularly, you’ll get used to doing that extra laundry load. It’s about giving them space to settle in at university, while reassuring them you’re only a phone call away if they need help.

The first step is sorting out where they will live. Most universities have halls of residence, although these rooms might not be available to every

first-year student. Other options include private student halls, which

can be pricier, or renting a private house with other students.

Check if utility bills are included with the rent. It might sound nice to have an

on-site gym, but if the halls are some distance away from the campus, there

may be trade-offs. If renting privately, see if the university has a list of

accredited landlords.

HELP WITH SETTLING IN At Staffordshire University, our Residence Life team organises a packed programme of welcome events and activities

throughout the year.

We also have ResLife Assistants who offer guidance and information. They are students themselves and have experience of living in the accommodation. Whether it’s advice on the nearest supermarkets or best places for a night out, or simply a cuppa and a chat, they are ready to help.

Security is also paramount. Our Campus Safety and Security Service can be contacted 24/7 and makes regular patrols.

Students have access to a SafeZone app, which can be used to alert security in an emergency. There’s a friendly campus-based police officer too.

ACCOMMODATION AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY We have a wide range of student halls and houses on our Stoke-on-Trent campus. If a student’s course is taught in Staffordshire, we offer dedicated houses on the Stoke-on-Trent site, with a regular, free shuttle bus for them between the two campuses. For those studying at our London campus, we have excellent links with other accommodation providers nearby.

If your child puts us as their first choice, they will have a guaranteed offer of accommodation for their first year. Some second and third-year students also choose to live on campus.

We have a variety of options at different prices, all providing contemporary and comfortable living close to the main University buildings. They include en-suite facilities at Clarice Cliff Court, shared halls at Leek Road and our shared Leek Road Houses. Your child will get their own private bedroom, along with a communal kitchen and social space to chill out with flatmates.

There is also an on-site laundrette.

The rent will cover all their utility bills, contents insurance, high speed internet access, free membership of our campus gym and a TV licence for communal TVs. Find out more at www.staffs.acv.uk/student-life/accommodation.

LIVING OFF CAMPUS If campus-based accommodation isn’t what your child is looking for,

don’t worry. There is ample privately rented student housing near to

our Stoke-on-Trent campus.

The Students’ Union runs the free lettings service GreenPad, which puts students in touch with approved landlords. GreenPad checks all the accommodation to make sure it’s suitable.

STUDENT SUPPORT At Staffordshire University, you’re never just a number.

Our staff really care and want students to have a happy and successful time here. Whether your child has a concern about money, a query about their studies or a personal issue, we can help.

Our Student Support and Wellbeing Services comprise of four teams, each focusing on a different area.

They include the Student Support and Experience Tea Student Inclusion Tea Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding Tea Multi-faith Chaplainc Childcare Services

BEFORE STUDENTS START Our digital student community, Staffs CampusConnect, is where your child can get to know other students before they begin their course. They can also take part in regular live Q&As on different topics.

Once they have an offer of a place, download the app

and start chatting. They can join an array of online groups to meet students who’ll be doing the same subject, who share their interests, or who will be living in their student hall.

There are also groups for international students, mature students, LGBTQ+ students and more.

STUDENT CONNECT The central point of contact on our Stoke-on-Trent campus.

Our Student Connect team can offer advice and support or signpost people to other services.

They can also turn to the Student Support and Experience team for advice on everything from managing their money to accommodation and issues affecting their studies.

BEACON Beacon is the first digital coach in any UK university.

Students can use the app to get their timetable, find information about lecturers, ask questions, get a new student card or explore activities on campus. It also has resources such as Black-bullion, which can help with budgeting.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING Moving to university can be exciting and liberating, but students also need to look after their physical and mental health.

If your child is struggling to cope with their mental health,

they can book an appointment with our team of practitioners both in and out of term-time. If they are experiencing homesickness or finding it difficult to make friends, one of our peer mentors can help. The mentors will listen to concerns in a supportive and constructive way.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT Our Academic Skills Team can help students become more effective learners and develop their research and study skills.

A student can make one-to-one appointments with

the skills tutors.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION We are a fair and inclusive University, where everyone has the chance to achieve their potential and feel valued.

All of our buildings are accessible for people with disabilities.

We also support the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for those with invisible disabilities to show they may need assistance.

The Students’ Union is home to a Disabled Students’ Network, Women’s Network, LGBTQ+ Network, and a Race and Cultural Inclusion Network. These help to ensure the voices of underrepresented groups are heard on campus.

Some also organise social events.

The Multi-faith Chaplaincy caters for students from all religious backgrounds. It provides services, events, pastoral care and help in finding places of worship in and around campus.