General

Working alongside your Studies

Studying can be hectic, though you might be in a financial position where you need to find a job alongside university. Part-time jobs can be tricky to get, so below are some tips for finding part-time work:

  • Use Indeed.com, Linkedin, Guardian Jobs or any other job searching platform and apply for a lot of different jobs, it really can be a numbers game when it comes to applying for part-time work. This being said, it is important that you tailor each application to the job that you are applying for - do not use a standardised application for each role. Every employer will be looking for different passions and skills, and it's important your application checks the boxes for them.

  • To figure out how to best tailor your applications, the job description is your best friend. The description should list desirable attributes and skills that they are looking for - so in your application, you can hone in on particular skills that might be appealing for them.

  • Try to include a cover letter alongside your CV. It is easiest to make a standard one, but tailor it and change certain parts of it for each application based on the skills and attributes they are looking for.

  • Think about how your personal skills and attributes can translate to the job you are applying for. What is your unique selling point? Think about what you can offer and what makes you stand out from other candidates.

  • Remember to apply for roles that will allow you to be flexible with hours, that won’t overwork you whilst you’re studying.

 

Interview tips


  • Make it conversational: relax into the interview and try to make it a reciprocal conversation rather than just lots of questions and answers. Ask them how they are, try to build a rapport with them. They are interviewing you to be one of their colleagues, so getting on with the interviewer goes a long way.

  • Stay concise: It is so easy in an interview to go off track and talk a lot, trying to get every single piece of information in your head out on the table. It is important to focus on the question that is being asked of you, at that time. Keep your answer focussed, concise but descriptive and try to give examples where you can.

  • Don’t over-prepare: Prepare a good amount, but you don’t need to rote-learn answers. As an interviewer, it is really clear and obvious when someone has rote-learned what they want to say and they are not being their authentic selves.

  • If you are anxious or nervous, just say that. You don’t need to keep your nerves a secret, just admit to it. Your interviewers are human, they have been in job interviews before and they were probably nervous too. Admitting your nerves shows that you are authentic, genuine and real - and it usually really takes the edge off.

  • Ask questions: It is super important to ask questions in the interview. It is great to weave them throughout the conversation or ask them all at the end of the interview. Asking questions shows that you are interested, engaged, and eager to learn more. Have a think about what is important to you - is its company culture? Values? The journey of the company so far? Think about what is important to you and ask - the more questions the better.

 

Tuition Fees

Repaying your Student Loans- Home Students:
Once you have finished university, you will begin paying your student loan back when you earn over a certain salary, this is called the repayment threshold. If you earn above the threshold, the amount you repay monthly will depend on the amount that you earn. Whether you are an employee, self-employed or if you have moved overseas, you will still need to pay back your loan. The threshold does change from time to time, so for up to date on the threshold check the UCAS website here.

Repaying your Student Loans- International Students:
Once you accept an offer to study at UCA, you will be asked to pay a deposit as part payment of your tuition fees. You will receive an offer letter which will state how much you will need to pay. Once you have paid your deposit, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number will be issued to you, which you will need to apply for your student visa. For the remainder of your tuition fees, you will have an agreed plan with the finance department, stating how much you will need to pay and when. It is very important that you meet this payment plan.

 

What are my grades equivalent to?


Classification Mark Equivalent Grade
First Class (1st) 70%+ A
Upper Second (2.1) 60%-69% B
Lower Class Second (2.2) 50-59% C
Third CLass (3rd) 40-49% D

 

How to make the most of student Life


  • Make the most of the opportunity to learn. If you're struggling, use all the resources you can, including learning development tutors and other academic support.
  • Get involved. There are plenty of clubs and societies to join or set up study groups.
  • Get involved with the Students' Union. You could run for president, part-time officer or even be a course representative - the voice for your coursemates to the university.
  • Make the most of the day. Don’t sleep in too late, get into a good routine.

 

Homesickness

If you have moved away from your home town for university, there is a chance you may experience homesickness. Homesickness can happen when you are away from home for the first time, or if you go away often and it can happen to anyone. Some symptoms of homesickness include feeling lonely, depressed, feeling anxious, social withdrawal, and missing anything that reminds you of home. Below are some tips on how to combat homesickness:

  • Bring something from home that brings you comfort to university.
  • Keep in contact with family and friends from home, via call, facetime or skype.
  • Take care of your mental health, or reach out for support if you need it.
  • Teach yourself to cook the meals you might usually have at home.
  • Allow yourself time to get used to the new environment, new friends and new people.
  • Get involved in campus activities, build yourself a community where you are.