September sorted
Preparing for University 2020
Welcome Congratulations on receiving your offer of a place at the University of Chester. As you’ve chosen us as either your Firm or Insurance choice, you’re a step closer to what is going to be an unforgettable and life-changing university experience – your Chester Story.
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Contents 4-5 Getting Ready 6 Before You Arrive 7 Blended Learning 8 Real-world Experience and Free Language Tuition 9 Getting Active and Staying Safe 10-11 Guaranteed Accommodation 12 Confirming Your Place 13 What if Chester is Your Insurance Choice? 14-15 Your Induction 16-17 Freshers’ Week 18 Aspire Books Scheme 19 Money Matters 20 We Know Things Change 21 Talk to our Students 22 Things to Note 23 Checklist
Contact Details If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: www.chester.ac.uk enquires@chester.ac.uk 01244 511000 3
We know it’s been a bit of a worrying time lately, and you’ll have lots of questions and concerns before starting university in September, but don’t worry, we’ve got it all sorted out for you. This guide should reassure you that your university experience this year will be every bit as exciting and fulfilling as students starting in previous years. If you’re not sure about anything, please get in touch – you’ll find useful contact details throughout this guide. You can also visit chester.ac.uk/us to find more information about the University and your course, and better still, you can even chat to one of our students to get a first-hand insight into what it’s like and what opportunities are available to you at Chester. #MyChesterStory
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Getting Ready To help you hit the ground running, you’ll need to complete all the activities on PASS, our Pre-Arrival Student Site before you start in September. pass.chester.ac.uk Logging in is easy – you’ll just need your student number, which is on the front of the letter you were sent with this guide (so keep it safe), and your password, which is your date of birth in the format CheYYYYMMDD (unless you’ve already changed it). Rest assured, you can access PASS on your mobile. All you need to do is download the University app. m.chester.ac.uk If you do have any problems accessing PASS, just get in touch. T: 01244 511234 E: lis.helpdesk@chester.ac.uk 5
Before You Arrive To help you settle in, we’ll be starting our pre-induction schedule a little earlier than usual this year and we’ll be in touch with the details of all the events, so keep an eye out for any you might be interested in. You can join the Facebook Offer Holders Group and some departments will be hosting virtual pre-arrival socials so you’ll be able to meet your classmates and lecturers before you start. You’ll also be invited to join our ‘Preparing for University’ live online chat in August, where you’ll have the chance to get your questions answered. As well as being able to chat with our students before you start, you’ll be able to buddy up with one of our Peer Mentors who can share their experiences and answer any queries you might have about university life in the first year. You’ll also be allocated a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) before starting in September, who will be there to support your personal development to ensure you reach your potential. Not only that, they’ll be there to help you with the transition into university, giving you a head start, as well as being a friendly face that you’ll recognise when you arrive.
Make friends before you start university. facebook.com/groups/ uocofferholders 6
Blended Learning We’ve been working hard to come up with a plan to ensure that you’ll have a safe and memorable student experience with the same high-quality teaching. We’re taking as much as we can from the traditional experience and adding in some new elements. So, what will teaching look like? Well, for the next academic year (2020/21), we will be offering a blended learning experience that puts as much emphasis on face-to-face teaching as it does with online teaching. We know how much our current students value face-to-face teaching, so there will be as much social learning in small groups as is safely possible alongside online lectures which can be accessed from anywhere.
chester.ac.uk/ September
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Real-world Experience At Chester, there are lots of placement opportunities available to help you gain real-world experience, develop new skills and grow in confidence. Our volunteering, internships and work-based learning programmes now offer virtual alternatives to ensure that these opportunities are still a significant part of your experience. All evidence of both academic and personal development can be logged in an e-portfolio which will stay with you throughout your university journey and, we hope, beyond.
chester.ac.uk/ September
Languages for All You can also join one of our part-time language courses at a reduced rate of £100, and better still, this fee will be reimbursed once you complete 80% of the course. We offer courses at different levels so you can begin at a level that’s right for you. You can choose from the diverse range of languages courses that we offer, including: Arabic; French; German; Italian; Japanese; Mandarin; Polish; Portuguese; Spanish; Russian; and Welsh. All courses will be offered virtually if necessary. 8
Getting Active Through
‘Chester Rules’ We know that sport and physical activity is looking a little different right now, but don’t worry, we have already come up with a variety of sports and physical activities that can be done whilst social distancing. ‘Chester Rules’ are customised games that can be played without the worry of close contact and we have all the major sports, as well as personal training sessions, Couch to 5K and social walking groups covered, so look out for more information.
Getting About and
Staying Safe
You’re probably wanting to avoid public transport at the moment and might be worried about how you’re going to get across the city. Our campuses in Chester are ideally located with everything you need within walking distance. In fact, walking is probably the best way to get around Chester and is another great way of keeping yourself active! Cycling is also a good way of getting around Chester and there are numerous cycle paths available that make our campuses even more accessible. Wide city streets, large parks and easy access to the countryside make Chester the ideal spot. Our Warrington Campus is easily accessible for our commuting students and for those living on campus, you’ll have everything you will need on your doorstep.
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Guaranteed
Accommodation You should by now have received your Student Accommodation Guide in the post with lots of information about all the different accommodation options available and how to apply. You may want to spend a little bit of time thinking about what is important to you in terms of accommodation and research the different options. Remember, here at Chester we don’t allocate the accommodation on a first come, first-served basis. As long as you submit your application on PASS before Monday 20th July, your application will be considered fairly, and you’ll be guaranteed a place in University-owned or Partnership accommodation. If you apply after this date, your application will still be considered but priority will be given to those applications we receive before the deadline. For more information on how to apply, please visit our website chester.ac.uk/accommodation T: 01244 513000 E: accommodation@chester.ac.uk
Opening this September Tudor Place, a brand new self-catered en-suite accommodation block just a couple of minutes’ walk from our Parkgate Road Campus in Chester.
Tudor Place accommodation 10
Grosvenor House accommodation at Parkgate Road 11
Confirming Your Place So, you’ve chosen Chester as either your Firm or Insurance choice, now what? Well, what happens next depends on whether you’ve already got your Level 3 qualifications (A-Levels, BTEC etc). If you’ve already got these, please scan the original copies or evidence from examining boards and email them to our Admissions team referencing your UCAS personal ID number by Friday 24th July. If you’ve accepted a conditional offer and are awaiting your results, the process of confirming your place will depend on the type of qualification you’re taking. If you’ve got any questions or concerns about confirming your place, please contact our Admissions team. chester.ac.uk/place T: 01244 512528 E: admissions@chester.ac.uk
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What if Chester is Your
Insurance Choice?
The university you selected as your Firm choice might have just pipped us to the post when you replied to your offers, but as your Insurance choice we will be here for you if things change. If your results come through and you decide that Chester is the place for you (even if you meet the requirements of your Firm choice), don’t worry! Just get in contact with our Admissions experts who will talk you through the easy process of what you need to do next. If you don’t get into your Firm choice once you get your results, this doesn’t mean you won’t be going to a university you really wanted to (that’s why you selected your top 2). Your place at Chester will be subject to meeting the conditions of your offer from us. You’ll need to check UCAS track to see if your place has been confirmed. Even if Chester is your Insurance choice, we would recommend that you still apply for University-owned or Partnership accommodation by the deadline (20th July).
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Your Induction Before the start of September, you will receive an Induction Pack with all the information you’ll need to prepare for Induction Week. This will include the all-important information on how to register and choose your modules, and additional details of the unmissable schedule of events Chester Students’ Union have lined up for you.
Taking place from Sunday 13th September to Friday 18th September, Induction Week is the perfect chance for you to settle into student life. During this week, amongst other things, you’ll get the chance to spend some time in your academic department – getting to know your course friends and lecturers and getting stuck into a mixture of online and face-to-face departmental activities. It will also give you the chance to settle into your new home from home before teaching begins. But first things first, this is the time for you to explore what the area has to offer and make new friends on campus. chester.ac.uk/induction T: 01244 511550 E: induction@chester.ac.uk Please note, this information may differ if you are a Nursing or Midwifery student. You will receive information regarding your dates for Induction Week shortly. 14
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Freshers’ Week We all know how important it is starting university and your academic studies, however, settling into a new city with new people and new beginnings is also a huge part of your student experience! That is why Chester Students’ Union host Freshers’ Week during your first week to help you fit right in and make new friends. Freshers’ Week welcomes all University of Chester students to come together and socialise. We’re currently working hard, alongside the Students’ Union, to create new and innovative ways for students to be able to get to know each other. This will include a range of online and group social events which will take place as part of Freshers’ Week. This is also your chance to enhance existing skills or discover new ones by joining a club or society (or create a society of your own), or head into the Union to see what opportunities are on offer. chestersu.com
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Aspire Books Scheme FREE BOOKS*! Yes, you heard us – at Chester, we want to make sure you have access to the resources you need to support your learning. That’s why we’re offering eligible students a pack of complimentary textbooks, as chosen by your programme leaders, during the first week of term.
*Your fees for the course cover the cost of Aspire books and the University of Chester is committed to ensuring all first-year students have access to learning materials when they begin their studies. The Aspire Book Scheme is available for all new first year undergraduate students commencing their studies in September 2020, or later, or moving from a Foundation Year, paying fee levels set for new students for the current year. In addition, we’re also offering eligible students a means-tested £100 Award, to be used towards an extensive range of student essentials. To find out more and to see if you’re eligible, go to chesteraspire.co.uk or email chesteraspire@johnsmith.co.uk. 18
Money Matters It’s time to talk finance. Not the most exciting topic, we know, but it’s a necessary and important step in your lead up to starting university. If you haven’t already done so, we recommend applying for student finance as soon as possible. Where you live will determine where you need to apply for student finance and what support is available to you. We’re here to help you through each step, just take a look at the finance pages on our website for more information. chester.ac.uk/finance T: 01244 512810 E: finance.tuitionfees@chester.ac.uk We also have additional financial support available - we have bursaries for full-time and part-time students whose means-tested household income is less than £25,000, and we also offer a cash award to Foundation Year students. We’ve also got a limited number of bursaries available for care leavers, young adult carers and estranged students. You can contact wellbeing@chester.ac.uk or visit our website for further information.
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We Know Things
Change…
Every year students join us after making a last-minute change of course, so don’t worry if you’re having second thoughts about the course you applied for, it happens! We’re used to dealing with this (you’re in safe hands) and are wellequipped to ensure a smooth transition. Get in contact and our Admissions experts will happily advise you on your options – there are plenty! We’ve got a range of quality single and combined honours courses to choose from, so we’re pretty confident that you’ll find something to suit your interests. If you haven’t changed your mind about the course you applied for but don’t quite achieve the grades you were expecting, don’t panic! First, give us a call to find out if we’re still holding your place. If you are unsuccessful in gaining a place on this course, we may be able to offer you an alternative. At Chester, we offer a Foundation Year on many of our courses which are designed for students who do not have the necessary academic qualifications required to enter directly onto the first year of a degree, but who have the ability and commitment to do so. Visit the clearing pages on our website for more information about the clearing process and to find out about some of our students’ experiences of applying through clearing. chester.ac.uk/clearing T: 01244 512528 E: admissions@chester.ac.uk 20
Talk to our Students If you have changed your mind about the course you applied for and want to do a little more research into the different course options, why not visit our website or chat to one of our students to find out more? chester.ac.uk/undergraduate chester.ac.uk/ask
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Things to Note‌ The term dates for 2020/21 are as follows:
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Term
From
To
Autumn
14th September 2020
11th December 2020
Spring
4th January 2021
26th March 2021
Summer
19th April 2021
2nd July 2021
Nursing and Midwifery Unlike other undergraduate courses, Nursing and Midwifery courses run for a calendar year rather than an academic year. Further information on this, plus other matters concerning Nursing and Midwifery students, can be found on PASS. pass.chester.ac.uk
Disability Support If you need to know more about disability support, contact us now to discuss how we can help: T: 01244 511550 (Chester) T: 01925 534282 (Warrington) E: disability@chester.ac.uk chester.ac.uk/disabilitysupport
Mature Students If you are worried about returning to education, our Wellbeing Advisers are on hand to help: T: 01244 511550 (Chester) T: 01925 534282 (Warrington) E: wellbeing@chester.ac.uk
DBS For courses that involve regulated activity, you will receive instructions on completing your DBS check following your unconditional Firm offer. Further information can be found at: chester.ac.uk/dbs
Childcare If you’re looking for childcare, you will find everything you need to know at: chester.ac.uk/childcare
Parking Non-residential students may be entitled to a apply for a parking permit. For more information, please email parking@chester.ac.uk
Checklist £ Apply to Student Finance £ Download the University app - m.chester.ac.uk £ Access PASS £ Apply for student accommodation £ Provide proof of qualification(s) (if applicable) £ Submit photograph online for student identification card Special Circumstances £ Complete Declaration of Health questionnaire* £ Complete DBS Disclosure** £ Apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance £ Disclose to Disability Support *Sent out following confirmation of place to all Midwifery, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Social Work and Teacher Training applicants. **Further information to follow subsequent to confirmation of place for all Early Childhood Studies, Midwifery, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Physical Education, Primary Education Studies, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Social Work, Sports Coaching, and Teacher Training applicants.
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Share your university journey with us, by tagging @UoChester: #SeptemberSorted #MyChesterStory
Want to find out more? Join our online community and stay connected by following us on social media and by keeping up to date with our blog.
chester.ac.uk/blog E: enquires@chester.ac.uk T: 01244 511000 W: www.chester.ac.uk
The information provided in this guide is provided for your information and convenience only. Any reference made to any person, organisation, activities, products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement, or recommendation by the University of Chester. All prices, details and availability have been included in good faith and are believed to be correct at the time of publishing.
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