Parent’s perspective: preparing and planning for university
WalesOnline hosted an event with University of South Wales live on Facebook to discuss Ucas, student finance and online open days
THE past few months have been challenging for everyone, but the University of South Wales (USW) is open for business and on hand to help students remotely during this time.
As summer approaches, teenagers will be preparing to head off to university and others will be thinking about their next steps as they look forward to sixth form or college. As they consider their options, many will be having conversations with their parents about what to do next. Consequently, USW saw an opportunity to join in with this conversation.
On Thursday, May 28, WalesOnline hosted an event with the University of South Wales live on Facebook and invited questions from those watching.
Abbie Wightwick, education editor at WalesOnline, chaired the panel and was joined by Rebecca Breen, a student recruitment officer at USW, Brad Hurion, a fourth-year student at USW studying a masters degree in electronic and electrical engineering, and Poppy Manning, a third-year USW student and about to graduate with a BA (Hons) in marketing.
The Facebook Live began with a brief introduction to the panel and then Ms Wightwick started the session by asking Mrs Breen for her perspective on discussing university with her children.
Mrs Breen’s eldest daughter graduated from university in 2016 and her youngest daughter is currently in her first year at university.
“The process started in the September of Year 12,” commented Mrs Breen. “We started researching
courses and looking at Ucas, so we could then start planning open days.”
Due to the current situation, travelling to an open day is not possible, but Mrs Breen reassured everyone that students can still find out what the university is like, as most universities are offering online open days. USW’s online open day is now live and it encourages students to visit its website and explore the university.
“The online open day includes virtual tours so you can still get a feel for what it’s like,” added Mrs Breen. “I would also recommend looking at student blogs and contacting the university to discover what courses are available.
“You can also email the student recruitment team to find out more and remember to check out university Facebook pages.”
The open days play a key role in the research that needs to be completed when choosing and then preparing for university.
Everyone on the panel emphasised the importance of research and how the Ucas website is a great place to start.
“I always wanted my daughters to go to university as it opens more doors and it has many benefits, not just academically, but living away from home has benefits too,” said Mrs Breen.
“So for both my daughters, we looked at the universities together on Ucas to find out the best courses and then they did their own research. The course really matters, and I wanted to know the modules and what they would be studying.
“We also looked at Student Finance Wales to find out more about student finance opportunities. Other funding is also available, as universities offer bursaries and scholarships, so I would recommend finding out what each university offers.”
Finally, the Facebook Live audience asked the panel what university life would be like during the current pandemic.
“University will start in September,” said Mrs Breen. “We are sending enrolment and induction material to students over the summer and as we’ve had online lectures since March 23, the university is well equipped to deliver in that way.
“USW is really looking forward to seeing students in September.”
The university has announced this week that there will be a blended learning approach in September, which combines a mix of virtual and on-campus delivery.
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