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Five apps for surviving freshers’ week

Thu 20 June 2024 - 13:25

By Ability Net in First year

September is coming and we all know what that means – the famously frantic freshers’ weeks are upon us! It might be your first time away from home or perhaps you’re just concerned about getting organised, or how you’re going to afford the weekly food bill.

Every year, AbilityNet helps thousands of students with a range of disabilities to get the most from their time at university, and we know that preparation is key. That’s why we’ve put together a list of apps that we think might help you prepare for the start of term…

1. Organisation – ‘Swipes’ – this handy app is essentially a funky to do list – it allows you to ‘swipe’ tasks to the right to complete them or to the left to remind you later. It’s a nice way of prioritising the things you can do right away and things you can put off until you’re ready. Make your way through your daily tasks, and even get a nice satisfying fanfare at the end.

2....

Ben Fogle: Haven't got the grades you hoped for? Be positive!

Thu 11 July 2024 - 09:37

By Ben Fogle in UCAS advice

I will never forget the day I finished my final A level exam. FREEDOM. The summer that followed was one of the happiest times of my life. No worries. No revision. No pressure. But all good things come to an end, and before the summer was up it was results day. I still get just a little bit sick thinking about it. It was many years ago now but in many ways, it feels like yesterday. It's like a slow-motion rollercoaster. There is nothing you can do to alter or change those results.
 
So much pressure is placed on those few results. I can remember thinking that my whole life could be made or broken by them. University and thence my career both relied on them. I remember opening the envelope. Heart pounding as my eyes settled on the marks. I could see a D and an N. N? What was that? I had failed.
 
My stomach churned and I was overcome with a wave of hopelessness. I was alone at home with only my dogs for company. I tried to...

How can we help you? AbilityNet student services

Thu 4 July 2024 - 10:13

By Ability Net in Support

Are you a student with a disability or impairment? Or a parent? Or someone working with disabled students in higher education? Would you like specialist advice and expert information on how best to support your/their studies? AbilityNet can help.

AbilityNet helps people of any age and with any disability to use technology, to achieve their goals at home, at work, and in education. We provide specialist advice services, and publish free information resources on our website.

We also raise awareness of the Disabled Students Allowances, and other support universities can provide. Many people don’t realise that they could qualify for extra help, so don’t get the support they need to succeed.

How we can help

We can help advisers and students at all stages of education, in a number of ways:
  • Call our free helpline to discuss questions or issues with individual cases.
  • Come to our inclusive tech for education events – a chance to...

Additional support and financial help for disabled students

Tue 20 June 2023 - 14:41

By AbilityNet in Support

University is a time of independence, new experiences, and new challenges. It’s exciting, but for some these new challenges may be on top of challenges faced every day, challenges that place additional burden that might affect your ability to study.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to study, such as a learning difference like dyslexia or ADHD, you may be eligible for additional support with your studies. This support might be equipment, human support or may be financial help with the additional costs associated with your disability.

This blog will help you understand some of the support options available to you.

Financial support

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a UK Government grant which provides personalised support to disabled students in Higher Education. This is funding you don’t have to pay back and can include specialised hardware or software, or support from specialist staff, to make your learning activities as...

Get set for Clearing - Part One

Wed 26 June 2024 - 11:08

By UCAS in Applicant

Wendy James, Admissions & Student Records Manager, Birkbeck, University of London

It’s really important to remember that studying at university isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ experience. As well as finding the right course, take some time to work out what kind of experience you want out of the next few years, so you don’t get swept up with what your friends are doing, or go for the first option that comes your way.

For example, do you want to study in a city or campus-based provider? If you need to work to support yourself during your studies, what are the employment opportunities like?

If possible, do this before results day – research viable alternatives just in case. If you get the grades, then great, but if you don’t, be prepared! Would you go to Glastonbury without your wellies?

Look at courses, entry criteria, the university environment, facilities, the social scene, bursaries, and...

How to audition for a music degree

Tue 18 June 2024 - 15:04

By British & Irish Modern Music Institute in First year

Tom Picken, British & Irish Modern Music Institute 

So, you’ve decided that a music degree is right for you, and you've submitted your application. You’re now probably thinking about the next step, your audition… The word alone can be enough to make your heart beat and palms sweat! But don’t worry – here are five ways to impress the assessor, and ace your audition.
 
1. Learn the material
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse – this is your time to shine, so make sure you’re prepared.
 
2. Don’t be late
Think of the audition as a job interview. Arriving early shows you’re committed and gives a good first impression.
 
3. Relax
Although you might feel under pressure, your assessor is as keen for...

Going through Clearing? Update your student finance account now!

Mon 22 July 2024 - 13:05

By Student Finance England in Money

Didn’t get the results you were expecting? You might end up using Clearing or Adjustment to find a place on a university or college course. Whichever one you use, it’s important to let Student Finance England know of any changes as soon as possible, as it could affect your funding.

Student Finance England has some words of advice for anyone changing their course at this time of year.

Already applied?
If you’ve applied already, it’s easy to change your details by logging in to your account at www.gov.uk/studentfinance and going to: Your Account>Change your application>University/college course.

Once we’ve got this information, we’ll re-assess your application and let you know of any changes to the amount of student finance you can get as quickly as we can.

Haven’t applied yet?
Don’t panic! If you’ve got a place through Clearing and would like...

Dispelling the myths about A level results day and Clearing

Thu 25 July 2024 - 10:05

By UCAS in Applicant

Isn’t it funny how every year the same myths about A level results day and Clearing appear? We do our best to stamp them out but somehow they still do the rounds. I mean, who exactly is circulating them? And why?

We’ll probably never know, but you can get the truth behind the rumours right here in our dedicated myth-busting blog post. And after reading it, please help your fellow soon-to-be-students by tweeting, sharing, blogging about and – if necessary – shouting these results day and clearing facts to anyone who’ll listen!

  1. Track does not update at midnight or at any time the night before A level results day. Neither...

Worried about moving to uni accommodation? Student Minds has some advice

Thu 4 July 2024 - 13:20

By Student Minds in Support

Moving to university is a massive step in anyone’s life. However, there are many things you can do both before and when you arrive, that will hopefully make your transition smoother and less stressful!

Firstly, I think it’s really important to take a minute (or longer!) to consider whether moving to university this year is definitely the right decision. For most people, it will be – however, if you are unsure, it is important to explore the idea of taking a gap year. I did this completely last minute, but it was the best decision I have ever made, and one I have no regrets about. As I struggled with mental health difficulties at school – primarily an eating disorder and depression, which were particularly exacerbated by exam and academic stress – I needed to take a year out to remove these pressures and focus on myself, before heading back into the education environment, which at times can be...

Packing - 10 Things For Your Uni accommodation

Mon 22 July 2024 - 11:53

By Charlotte Stevenson in First year

Heading off to university for the first time is quite the experience. There will be excitement and nerves alike. There will be new things to experience and lots of people to meet. Unfortunately, there will also be packing - and lots of it! When packing, prioritise and plan in advance so that you are well organised. For me, finding the pros + cons in advance of everything I want to take it makes it much easier to decide on the final list. This way you won't end up taking too much.

However, if you are struggling to get a head start then you're in luck. Tried and tested on my own moving days, here are the 10 items which are must haves when it comes to your student accommodation.


1. Clothes

You're going to be living in your new place for the foreseeable future, so it's important to keep it seasonal. Pack everything from shorts to a rain coat (it is the UK after all).

2. Clean Sheets + Linen...

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