GUIDE for PARENTS and GUARDIANS 2 | University - a Guide for Parents and Guardians
UNIVERSITY A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS 2 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Contents
4 Is university right for them? 10 Choosing the best university for your child 18 Fees and finance 26 Applying to university 28 How to apply What you 32 The offers process need to know 35 Results day 35 Clearing to prepare you and 38 Is Ulster University the right choice for your child? your child for 40 Careers university 42 Teaching and facilities 46 International opportunities 50 Student support 52 Student experience 54 Accommodation 58 Get in touch 4 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Is university right for them?
Sitting down with your child to discuss their post-school plans can be challenging, especially if they aren’t sure what they want to do next. You can help them by being a positive sounding board and asking questions that’ll help them come to a decision that is right for them.
We have designed this guide, so you have the information you need to chat through the options with your child.
6 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
experience that relates to the world study independently without close If the following is important Is it the next best of work e.g. sponsorship officer or supervision is essential. to your child then university treasurer for the charity society or a could be a good fit: step for your child? journalist for the student radio station. Although this is a general expectation of A good place to start is to They can also learn and explore students, course programs will include • Studying a subject that really consider their career plans, within their degree subject by a mix of self-study and collaborative interests them motivation level and how they choosing specific modules or projects working. Personal tutors and support staff • Being able to choose the like to learn. If they answer to discover their interests or develop will also be on hand to help and guide modules and projects that yes to any of the below then specific skills and competencies. students. When researching universities most appeal to them university would be a good and courses, spend time reviewing the • The option to move away option to research further. Do they have their heart set on styles of teaching and assessments to from home and live a specific career? choose the structure that is best for your independently child as well as those which have a It is important to keep in mind that • Meeting new people, making reputation for strong pastoral care. Does your child want to explore for some careers it is essential to go new friends and having new different careers or passions? to university. Your school’s careers experiences At university there are endless teacher will be able to advise you • Getting involved in activities If they go to university, several opportunities for them to broaden and your child about these careers, such as sport, theatre or career options will be open to them horizons, and get work experience their degree requirements and if your politics regardless of what subject they study. and awards outside of their academic child needs to study any required • Having time to explore studies but they must be motivated to subjects required to study the degree. interests, values and career If your child is unsure of their career make the most of these. direction or wants to explore many options before any big Is your child a self-motivated decisions about jobs must be different potential paths through Do they want the freedom to work experience, placements and learner and comfortable with made choose what to study? extracurricular activities a university independent study? degree may be best for them. They At university students usually get Motivation is very important in the freedom to choose the course, can take advantage of clubs, societies achieving success, and for most and positions of responsibility to get modules and projects that best match university courses being able to their interests and aspirations. 8 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Alternative training Getting them career options to university ready There are a range of options A university degree improves career available for your child to further their prospects and earning potential. training. These include employer On average, people with higher and apprentice programs where education qualifications earn more your child could earn money whilst over their working lives than non- acquiring job skills. Options include: graduates. • degree apprenticeships Going to university can give • Higher Level Apprenticeships your child a head start as they (HLA) develop transferable skills valued • school leaver programmes by employers, such as the ability to work with others, critical and You can find out more information analytical thinking, research skills, about these programs including how problem-solving and communication to apply at skills. These skills, together with an ucas.com academic qualification, will give them theuniguide.com an advantage in the ever-competitive world of employment. 10 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Choosing the best university for your child
If university is likely to be Make sure these criteria reflect the the next step for your child, specific needs of your child and family. For example, if your child is this is when the research a practical learner, you might want phase begins in earnest and to consider those courses that are can be the most daunting. highly applied and include hands on assessments and work experience. The end goal of the research phase is to agree the five courses that students will add to their UCAS form. Before Top Tip: Make a checklist deciding on “The Final Five”, they will of your negotiables and non- need to shortlist their potential places. negotiables when choosing where to go. This shortlisting phase may include reviewing the prospectus together, visiting the universities at Open Days or attending Applicant Events.
We recommend that together with your child you agree the criteria you will use to shortlist the courses and universities and identify those criteria which will ultimately decide “The Final Five”. 12 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Choosing their subject
Things to consider when choosing a degree: • Are they interested in exploring • Do they have a current subject a completely new subject? There that they love and do well in? are many degree subjects they Will they still be interested in it, in years to come and the potential won’t have encountered before. careers associated with it? Whilst When choosing they should some subjects lead to very specific relate it back to what they enjoy career options, others can provide and how they learn best. Some varied options or the opportunity courses have very high contact to specialise at postgraduate level. time i.e. lots of lectures, tutorials, workshops etc whilst others have • Do they have specific vocational low contact time and more self- aspirations? If so, is a particular directed study. degree subject required or are the options flexible? Universities • Look beyond the course title and colleges set their own entry – remember courses with the requirements for higher education same name can differ greatly courses so they may vary widely. in content between universities. You can find the entry requirements Spend time looking at the course for Ulster undergraduate degrees content and the modules. This on the course finder online will give you an idea about the ulster.ac.uk/courses areas covered by the course and what the university’s specific area of expertise is. 14 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
are required e.g. GCSE/A Level/ Choosing their What to research BTEC will be listed in course entry requirements. Not all universities university Cost: There’s more than meets the and colleges use qualifications and What does a good university eye than just university tuition fees. You grades for entry requirements, some mean to you and your child? should also consider accommodation use UCAS Tariff points instead. UCAS Here are some things to think costs and cost of living including any has an online calculator to help you about when researching travel required, which vary across the work out how many points your where to go. UK. Visit numbeo.com/cost-of- qualifications are worth ucas.com/ living to compare cost of living. ucas/tariff-calculator Note most information can be found in university prospectuses Course provision: Which Duration: How many years will or on their online course pages universities offer the subject area or it take them to get their degree? but we have included other specific course they are interested in? Does this include a year in work sources below where relevant. Do they carry accreditation needed placement? for jobs in industry? Employment/career prospects: Teaching, assessment and Are there opportunities to enhance facilities: Does the course involve their CV by undertaking a paid work a lot of practical work? Is it 100% placement or studying abroad? Does coursework? Is there a lot of group the university have good connections work involved? Are there bespoke with industry? Do students get real facilities? Is there online or interactive world experience on their course? learning provision? Are there opportunities to include a year out in industry as part of their Entry requirements: What grades degree? are needed for the course? These can vary across institutions. Specific Research: Does the university have a subjects and at what level they 16 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
good research focus? Are they linking is available? Do they have any with industry to solve problems, or disabilities or long-term medical How to research leading innovation in certain areas? conditions or specific learning This often positively impacts on the difficulties they need support with? Get online teaching and what they deliver. If so, what support is available from • ucas.com the university? Will they get guidance • University websites Location: Where do they want and advice on academic matters, • Online prospectuses to study and where will they best wellbeing issues, money matters? ulster.ac.uk/prospectus thrive? Home or away? Urban or • discoveruni.gov.uk rural? A small or large institution? Clubs & Societies: Opportunities to What lifestyle do they want? Campus socialise play a huge factor in student Get out there based or town/city based? One satisfaction of universities. They are • UCAS fairs campus or multiple? Are there good also great ways to meet new people, ucas.com/ucas/events- transport links? All these things will stay connected and have fun. There exhibitions affect their experience and are may be societies and sports clubs • University open days - Universities important to think about. they can’t go without. Outside of organise their own open days university what social facilities are for prospective students to Accommodation: Is living in halls of there, such as live music venues, experience university life, speak residence or shared accommodation cinemas or sports facilities? with staff and students, hear important to them? Is it available course talks and tour facilities on campus? What are the ulster.ac.uk/open-days accommodation costs? What are the private accommodation costs for Get informed future years? Are there self-catered • Entry requirements (available and catered options available? from university prospectuses online) Support: Does your child need • UCAS deadlines (see page 28) specialist support? What support 18 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Fees and finance
It’s difficult to put an exact • where and what they study figure on the price of going • whether they live at home, halls of residence or private to university, as everyone’s accommodation expenditure will be different • their travel arrangements depending on: • their lifestyle 20 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
NORTHERN IRELAND WELCOMING STUDENTS LOWEST STUDENT FROM 100+ COUNTRIES COST OF LIVING IN UK (Which? University, 2018) #1
Things to consider * Fees correct at time of print. Ulster English Scottish [1] Full-time undergraduate tuition fee Location University University Univerity per year. [2] Based on a single ensuite room at Where you study in the UK will have Belfast campus. an impact on how much you pay in Tuition Fee [1] £4,395 £9,250 £9,250 [3] Based on single ensuite tuition fees, accommodation and cost accommodation at University of Liverpool. of living per year. The table provides [4] Based on single ensuite a snapshot of what students can Monthly rent £450[2] £640[3] £ 611 [4] accommodation at University of expect to pay at different universities Dundee. across the UK*. [5] Based on 3 return flights per year to Travel cost/ N/A £252 £249 Belfast. [5] [6] Based on university accommodation, As a guide we estimate you should Flights tuition fees (39 weeks) and flights if allow for a sum in the region of applicable. £7,000-£9,000 to cover your [6] expenses at Ulster University for one TOTAL £8,445 £15,262 £14,998 ulster.ac.uk/ug-fees academic year. 22 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Loans, Grants and Scholarships Maintenance Loans & Grants must meet the criteria, and the money • Bursaries – usually awarded to does not need to be paid back. students based on their personal Students shouldn’t rule out university Northern Ireland students can apply circumstances, or if they come study based on finance. There are for help with day to day costs whilst • Scholarships – usually reward from a low-income family. loans available to cover tuition fees studying. students who are outstanding in Bursaries can help students and help towards the cost of living. • Maintenance loan – Varying their subject, sport or music. They who may face more barriers to Tuition Fee Loans maintenance loan amounts generally need to be applied for attending full-time education, and are often competitive. enabling them to access Fees do not have to be paid up-front. are available dependent on university. Students can avail of a tuition fee loan study destination and living from Student Finance NI which will arrnagements. You can apply for Information is normally available via cover the cost of fees until graduation. a Maintenance Loan on its own individual university websites. Find out Students don’t have to start paying or alongside any other available more about what is available these back until they have graduated finance, including a Tuition Fee at Ulster University: and are earning more than the Loan. The Maintenance loan salary threshold for repayment (this is must be paid back. Bursaries: dependent on which type of tuition fee • Maintenance grant – Available loan they apply for). for those in households earning ulster.ac.uk/study/bursaries below a certain income and Scholarships: NI/ROI/EU: does not need to be paid back if terms and conditions are met. ulster.ac.uk/study/scholarships studentfinanceni.co.uk studentfinance.ie England: direct.gov.uk Scholarships & Bursaries Scotland: University scholarships and bursaries are available for both undergraduate saas.gov.uk and postgraduate students as extra Wales: financial help. Each univeristy has their studentfinancewales.co.uk own criteria and awards. Students 24 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Support Funds popular courses and require students to partake in additional selection steps All further education colleges including tests and interviews. More provide a Hardship Fund for students information on this can be found at experiencing significant financial ulster.ac.uk/funded-courses problems and to support those coming to university in challenging circumstances. Conditions apply so NI University Fees you should contact your university directly for advice. Ulster University has Students from NI and EU a discretionary fund to support both Full-time undergraduate fees for home UK/home and international students. (NI) and EU students are determined This is a discretionary fund that can by the Department of the Economy provide financial assistance for and are normally increased annually. priority groups. Visit ulster.ac.uk/ financial-support for more details. Universities can charge you up to £4,395 a year for tuition (based on Department of Health funded 2020/21 entry fees). Students don’t courses have to pay this up front. They can apply online to Student Finance NI for Some courses (including nursing and a loan of up to £4,395 to help cover other Allied Health Profession courses) this fee. are funded by the Department of Health for those who have been Students from England, Scotland resident in Northern Ireland for three and Wales years prior to the start of the course, and students from EU countries Tuition fees for students from England, (excluding England, Scotland, Wales Scotland and Wales are £9,250 and the Islands). These are very (based on 2020/21 entry fees). 26 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Applying to university
UCAS is the admissions body that processes all applications to full-time courses at UK universities. 28 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
EARLY SEPT UCAS opens MID JAN Applications can UCAS official be submitted to deadline for ‘on time’ universities and applications colleges
How to apply END SEPT END FEB UCAS cycle ends UCAS Extra opens Applying to university can be completed in four easy steps:
EARLY MAY D B Deadline for ‘on time’ D 1. Create an account at END AUG UCAS.com/apply Deadline for remaining applications to reply to conditions to be met universities if all offers 2. Choose up to 5 courses from were received by UCAS 31 March across 120 UK universities 3. Write and submit a Personal Statement CYCLE 4. Pay the application fee (£18 for EARLY JUNE Deadline for ‘on time’ one course or £24 for multiple) MID AUG ‘On time’ applications - All applications A-level results day made by UCAS official deadline applicants to reply to
universities if all offers D
B DBD (Decline by Default) - UCAS will decline were received by D NB: Normally your child’s school/ all offers universities have made applicants on 2 May college will oversee the submission of their behalf the application and advise how the application fee is to be paid. MID JULY MID/END JUNE Deadline to reply to Deadline to reply to universities if offers universities if all offers UCAS will check the application were received by were received by
11 July 6 June and send it to all the universities the D
B student has applied to. None of the EARLY JULY END JUNE D Key dates Last chance to apply Last day to make universities will know where else through UCAS Extra For exact dates an application they have applied, so they will be Clearing begins before Clearing considering the application totally for each year visit UCAS will decline your independently. offers on your behalf if you ucas.com miss these deadlines 30 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
The Personal Statement Tracking the application students, your child may need to making their offer or application interview or take a test as part of decisions. Some may wait until The personal statement gives the selection process all applications have been students the opportunity to promote • Once you submit your made and not begin decision themselves by covering their academic application you will receive an • If their course does have an communications until mid-January interests, work experience, relevant acknowledgement from UCAS extra selection step, they will be at the earliest. achievements, hobbies and interests and often from the university you contacted by the university about which make them suitable for their applied to. what extra steps they will have to • You can check the status of an course choices. • Each course will have its own take and how it impacts on the application via the UCAS Track entry requirements, and some timing of offer making. system. Tips on getting started and how to write may have additional selection • Upon receipt of your application, • Universities are unable to give a personal statement can be found at requirements like a portfolio there may be a delay in an offer applicants updates on their ucas.com/personalstatement review or interview. This will be being made. This may be due to application directly over the outlined in the course prospectus specific selection steps required phone, in person or via email. Any or can be found online on the for your course. Don’t be alarmed. change in the status of a UCAS university course pages. • Universities will have their own application will only be made • For some Department of Health approach to the timing of available via UCAS Track. funded courses for NI domicile 32 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
The offers process The response your child will receive could be one of the following:
Receiving your offers • Conditional offer: Students As universities may send their offers at are offered a place subject different times, you will not be able to certain conditions, normally to make your final decision in UCAS based on exam results. until you receive all decisions from the • Unconditional offer: Students universities you applied to. have already met the entrance requirements and the university You may receive communication or would like to accept their invitations to visit from universities that application. have extended an offer to you. This is another great research opportunity. • Decline: There are several reasons why universities may Top Tip: Choosing a firm decline an applicant, for Upon receipt of your final outstanding choice can be difficult. Talk to example if the course is full. decision, UCAS will inform you of them about what they want your decision deadline. • Withdrawn: Both your family to get out of a course and member and the university can their university experience. If withdraw the application either they’ve already decided on because they didn’t respond to firm and insurance choices, any correspondence from the ask them why. Go back to university or they didn’t attend an your shortlisting criteria. If interview etc. they seem a bit unclear or haven’t considered some key factors it could throw up the need for a second think. 34 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Responding to offers some students are applying Direct Results Day What if they get higher grades Once students receive their offers, to Clearing. You can find out more than expected? information about this at ucas.com they need to respond in the following If your family member has met the If students exceed the conditions for ways: university’s conditions of their firm their firm choice and want to explore choice, they will receive confirmation alternative options, they can use • Firm acceptance: They can have that they have been accepted to that Clearing Plus to research and apply for only one firm acceptance, and UCAS Extra course. They will be asked to confirm other options. Visit ucas.com
this is their first preference out of Competition can be very that they will proceed with their firm to learn more about Clearing Plus.
all the offers they have received. high for some courses which choice and they can now begin their • Insurance acceptance: As well can mean that even the best final university preparations. What if they get lower grades as their first choice, they can also performing students don’t than expected? have a backup, which is called always get an offer. If all If they haven’t met conditions of the If students receive lower grades than their insurance. five applications have been firm choice but meet those of their expected and they are not accepted to • Decline: Once they have rejected or all of the offers insurance choice, then they will convert either their firm or insurance choice, they selected their firm and insurance have been declined, an to their insurance offer. may find an alternative course through choices, they then need to application to another course Clearing. decline all other offers. or university can be made The university may, at their discretion, through UCAS Extra. accept students that fall slightly short of If the decision status in Track appears as If they change their mind about what the entry conditions. They will contact “pending” on results day this means the or where they want to study or if they UCAS Extra is available from those students who are eligible. university is yet to make a final decision do better than expected, clearing mid-February until the end of on the application. may provide them an opportunity to June. Further information is There may be several circumstances explore alternative courses. available at ucas.com that occur between the making of their They may want to research other firm and insurance choices and results options on Clearing Plus whilst they wait Alternatively, they may decide that day. The good news is there is plenty for the decision from their offer holding they want to know their results before of support available if they need to university. applying to university. Increasingly make a different decision.
36 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
What if they change their mind and contact centre for applicants to about where or what they want to discuss their alternatives with admissions study? and academic staff. If students have a change of heart, Applicants can receive verbal offers they can release themselves from their from universities at these events or call firm or conditional choice via Clearing centres and will be asked to apply to Plus. Clearing Plus will show them what the university via UCAS track. Subject courses or universities are available to to conditions being met, an offer will them. be extended to the applicant which is then accepted and processed by the What is Clearing/Clearing Plus? university once all checks are complete. Clearing /Clearing Plus is a process which allows students to search and apply for courses that still have What is Direct to Clearing? vacancies. Your child may decide that they want to know their results It is important not to panic but to before applying to university. carefully research options before Increasingly students are selecting a course through Clearing. applying Direct to Clearing. Through this process they Traditionally courses will advertise their will only be able to apply to Clearing options on their own website those courses with Clearing from July and additional courses may Vacancies. You can find out be added up to and post results day. more information about this at Following the publication of results, ucas.com Ulster University holds an advice day CAREER FOCUSED 38 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
EMPLOYABILITY
2,000 Is Ulster University STUDENT WORK PLACEMENTS the right choice for EVERY YEAR your child? 94% OF GRADUATES IN WORK OR FURTHER STUDY AFTER 6 MONTHS (DLHE Survey, 2016/17)
We place ambition at the CONNECTED AND heart of everything we do to CONNECTING YOU STUDENT FOCUSED ensure our students excel and unleash their full potential. TOP-LINE # We do this by providing first 1 OVER LARGE NI UNIVERSITY class resources and facilities FOR STUDENT 200,000 SATISFACTION within a supportive learning ALUMNI WORLDWIDE (National Student Survey, 2019) environment. We are career focused, connected to INTERNATIONAL industry and transformational NORTHERN in our research ensuring your IRELAND child is set up for success. WELCOMINGWELCOMING STUDENTS STUDENTS LOWEST STUDENT FROM 100+FROM COUNTRIES 100+ COUNTRIES COST OF LIVING IN UK (Which? University, 2018) # # 24,0001 1 TRANSFORMATIONAL
STUDENTS OVER £45M 7.6 MILLION INVESTED IN RESEARCH EVERY YEAR 40 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Careers - Setting Industry placements Many of our courses offer local, them up for the national and international placement future opportunities getting students industry Career Planning ready. Our Employability Choosing Ulster means choosing a • Most students can undertake and Careers team will: student experience focused on career industry placements between • Offer face-to-face and online “The first-hand success. Our graduates leave Ulster their second and third year of help and advice. experience University with the skills, confidence study. and knowledge to be successful in a • Introduce students to top gained working • They will work with one of our competitive job market. employers via recruitment fairs within an industry connections, either on campus. locally or abroad, for between engineering We work with government agencies, six and twelve months. • Help them create a winning CV environment public bodies and the private sector and excel in interviews. to design career-focused courses • Upon completion, they receive alongside with many providing: a separate qualification to • Provide a range of work professional their degree; a Diploma in experience opportunities. • Work-based learning from engineers Professional Practice (DPP). placements to real life case • Help students achieve The EDGE encouraged and studies. • A great way for them to meet Award - formal recognition motivated me to and impress potential future for extra-curricular activities • Professional qualifications or strive in my final employers as well as gain real recognised by employers. accreditation from industry life experience. year of study.” leading bodies. • There are also opportunities ulster.ac.uk/careers Lauren Doherty for shorter internships or work Technology with experiences and some courses Careers at U lster Design include rotating placements as @CareersAtUlster part of the course e.g. clinical placements. 42 | University - A guide for parents and guardians “Ulster University has a real sense of community and an inclusive atmosphere on site. All the Studying at Ulster staff are really enthusiastic and Academic year Engaging and forward-thinking informed about teaching The academic year is normally divided each of their into two semesters. Some courses e.g. We are renowned for our supportive subjects and this nursing, have a longer academic year. learning environment. Our teaching is reflected in staff are passionate and approachable ensuring students get to grips with the their lectures and latest developments and are taught in seminars. I’ve Semester One: ways that are relevant to the working September - mid January certainly felt a world. Semester Two: warm welcome End January - May since I arrived.” Teaching is delivered through:
• Lectures – formal teaching Anna Stewart Each semester has 12 weeks of sessions, often with a larger group Consumer teaching followed by an exam period of students Management and (January and May). • Seminars – smaller groups used Food Innovation to promote group discussion Full-time students will typically study about a specific topic three modules in each semester (18 modules of study make up a standard • Tutorials – small group three-year degree). opportunities to meet with a tutor to discuss work and to raise points of particular interest or difficulty • Practicals and fieldwork – where applicable to courses • Live industry projects 44 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
State of the art • Performance spaces, artist studios, fashion, textile and print facilities workshops. • Unique - a boutique selling We are constantly updating our student creations. campuses with the latest facilities and technologies to aid the student learning • Onsite engineering labs with the experience and provide a platform latest technology and software. for success. In addition to our many • Pioneering cognitive robotics lab. purpose-built spaces to encourage collaboration, we have interacitve • NIBEC one of Europe’s leading lecture theatres and modern, newly research centres for medical refurbished libraries. Just some of our engineering. facilities across our campuses include: • CST - an industry leader in • Onsite clinics to create real-world sustainable energy research. environments. • Modern, well-equipped • Sports Institute Northern Ireland architecture design studios. delivering expert advice to NI’s • Financial Innovation Laboratory top athletes. to experience a real-life trading • Research equipment to investigate environment. diverse environments. • The Academy restaurant - an • Industry standard television, music award-winning licensed training and radio studios, digital editing restaurant. suites and Apple computer labs. • Food and Consumer Testing • Mock courtroom to simulate real Suite with product development life scenarios, award-winning kitchens and consumer research Law Clinic and Transitional Justice facilities. Institute. 46 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
International Study Abroad Over 300 opportunities • Students can spend either a semester or a full academic year institutions studying abroad at a partner available Go Global university. Whilst Ulster University is based in • They can choose to study in worldwide Northern Ireland students will have Europe, or further afield in North for student the opportunity to get a global America, Latin America, Asia or experience by taking a semester Australia. exchange or year to work, study or volunteer abroad from year one. • Those who study abroad for a year will receive a Diploma in International Academic Studies International placement and (DIAS). internship programmes • A wide variety of academic • Students can choose between summer schools at international short term opportunities to year universities are also available long placements. including the USA, China and • We can connect them with our India amongst others. international partners offering opportunities to work in Asia, America, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and UAE. • Those who complete a placement year abroad will gain a Diploma in Professional Practice – International. 48 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Volunteering “I can’t believe how With lots of volunteering lucky I was to have had opportunities in between the chance to experience semesters students could find a different culture, to live themselves running activities with children and young people, in another country at helping with social work such a young age and to projects, developing business make so many lifelong and enterprise initiatives, running friends. Since I have climate change campaigns, come back to University, supporting health promotion and more, anywhere in the I have noticed a massive world. improvement in my academic work and have become a lot more outgoing. From studying abroad, I also secured a job with a media institute who saw my videos I took when I was away.”
Catherine McConkey BA Hons Media Studies and Production. International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP) to Connecticut, USA 50 | University - A guide for parents and guardians “As an autistic person I thought I’d never be able to make it in university and while it Student support is certainly challenging, Life as a student is exciting, but it can everybody is so also be demanding. Our Student supportive that Wellbeing team offer professional services that are free, confidential I am able to rise and inclusive for all Ulster students to to the challenge ensure your family member feels safe “There’s always and not only and supported at Ulster University. somebody cope but thrive.” to confide in They will help with: which is very Ronnie Gomersall • free and confidential advice Accounting with • academic concerns reassuring. Specialisms • stress and personal challenges Everyone in • budgeting and money student services management is very helpful • financial support including and welcoming bursaries and fees and all the Our AccessAbility team can advise tutors have been students on support available if they great and very have a disability or long-term medical approachable.” condition.
All Ulster students have access to: Lucia Worth • face-to-face counselling support Nursing (Adult) • 24/7 confidential counselling helpline ulster.ac.uk/wellbeing 52 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Student experience “Going to Ulster Sport for all Students’ Union University was Whether they want to play social Looking after their interests and With four distinct campuses across absolutely life or competitive sport, they can make organising social events, trips Northern Ireland, it is the student changing for me. memories, break records and be part and activities for an unforgettable experience that we offer which sets Before university of something special during their time experience, all students automatically us apart. Life at Ulster is exciting, at Ulster. become members of the Ulster I was a very entertaining and eye-opening with • Excellent sport facilities across all University Students’ Union (UUSU). countless opportunities to jump in shy individual campuses • A great way for them to have fun and get involved. but over the • Clubs and classes for all abilities and meet new people through past year I have our 90+ clubs and societies • 70+ sports clubs to choose from come out of my • Ensuring their voice is heard on shell, resulting in • Memberships at affordable matters such as teaching and myself running student rates facilities One university, four for course rep, • Entry Scheme opportunities for • Helping them to influence change supporting talented athletes unique experiences: being a mind by becoming an Academic Rep your mood ulster.ac.uk/sport • Giving confidential and impartial Jordanstown, ambassador advice via our UUSU Advice Bureau Magee, Belfast, and being on the committee for • Providing support with their Coleraine business ideas via UUSU the Photography Enterpriseuusu.org Society.” uusu.org Caoimhe Clements Photography with video 54 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Accommodation
Our accommodation is based on or near all our campuses, is well priced, comfortable, modern and a great way to help them settle in and make the most of university life.
All Ulster University accommodation has: • Self-catering facilities “At first, I was quite nervous... • High speed Wi-Fi but after moving • Laundry facilities into the halls • Access to gym facilities on campus and • Student hub for socialising Accommodation meeting new • 24/7 resident support guarantee people I have • ‘ResLife’ calendar of social events We guarantee all first settled in year students who have really well!” • Housekeeping service and utilities made Ulster their first included choice a place in one of Jack Earl • Block insurance for contents and our halls.* International belongs *Accommodation must be booked by 7 July. Travel and Tourism • 24/7 security and CCTV Management
ulster.ac.uk/accommodation 56 | University - A guide for parents and guardians Accommodation application timeline
Accommodation applications May open and go live online
Cost and when to apply
We offer several accommodation Accommodation open days options across our campuses across all campuses June to cater for every budget and taste. These range from ensuite to standard rooms, with costs varying New students must have applied for accommodation by depending on location and size of the July this date to be eligible for our accommodation. accommodation guarantee
After A-level results day, allocation Browse the range of accommodation of rooms to all students who have available, take a virtual tour and applied starts.*For those students Mid-August entering clearing, you can still apply review price lists at for accommodation ulster.ac.uk/accommodation Allocation of all rooms July completed. We look forward to welcoming you on campus!
*Those offered an unconditional offer may receive their room allocation earlier in the summer. See for yourself: Accommodation open days: June 2021 Explore our halls from home: Virtual 360 tours online FIND OUT MORE: ulster.ac.uk/accommodation
Campus accommodation starts from:
Belfast Coleraine Jordanstown Magee £ 115 £99 £99 £85 per week* per week* per week* per week*
*Correct at time of print 58 | University - A guide for parents and guardians
Get in touch
Families play an invaluable role in the life of any new university student as a source of guidance, support and encouragement. We hope this guide has given you the information you need to help and advise your family member during this transition period, but if you have any further queries or concerns, get in touch with us.
T: +44 (0)28 9036 6565 E: [email protected]
ulster.ac.uk
‘Study at Ulster’ READY. Disclaimer Correct at time of print (August 2020). The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities.
Visit ulster.ac.uk for further details.