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www.nottingham.ac.uk
Parents’Guide
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Parents’ GuideWelcome
As the parent or guardian of someone thinking of applying touniversity, you are in a position to offer invaluable support andadvice. For most young adults, choosing a university and livingaway from home for the first time is hugely exciting. However,it may also seem daunting at first and your son or daughter willbenefit tremendously from your input.
This guide outlines the various stages and considerations of applying touniversity, including choosing the right course, finance, accommodationand career prospects. It is designed to help you understand the processmore fully, which will enable you to better support your son or daughter.
If you have any more questions after reading this guide, please do nothesitate to contact us using the details on page 39 or come along to anopen day.
Contents page
Opportunities unlimited 04Making the right choices 08Why Nottingham? 14Student and parent case study 18Student support 20Getting to grips with student finance 24The application process 30Going to university – the first few weeks 34What now? 36Contacts 39
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Opp
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Opportunities
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With so many universities and degreecourses to choose from and numerousroutes into higher education, picking theright university isn’t an easy task. Naturallywe are really pleased that your son ordaughter is considering The Universityof Nottingham as an option and hope thisguide will help you support them as theycome to a decision that’s right for them.
As you will see over the following pages,the University offers an exciting blend ofacademic and social opportunities, andimpresses students, parents andemployers alike.
We continue to perform well in studentguides, reviews and league tables: TheSunday Times University Guide recentlyreported that at Nottingham, ‘teachingand research excellence spans all disciplines’.Our reputation for excellence was furthersubstantiated by our results in theGovernment’s independent teachingassessments, in which we scored between22 and 24 out of 24 in 39 different subjects.
The University has also won numerousawards for its campuses. University Park isregarded as one of the most attractive inthe country and its impeccably maintainedgrounds and buildings have helped it wina Green Flag Award every year for thelast seven years. Jubilee Campus has,meanwhile, been praised for its innovativegreen technology.
In addition, we have an extremely stronginternational profile. John O’Leary, editorof The Times Good University Guide 2010,commented: ‘Nottingham is the nearestBritain has to a truly global university,with campuses in China and Malaysiamodelled on a headquarters that isamong the most attractive in Britain’.
The city of Nottingham has two universitiesand a population of around 60,000 students.Research has shown it to have a thrivinglocal economy and companies such asBoots and Capital One have located theirnational headquarters here. Nottinghamalso offers an impressive array of leisure,sports and cultural facilities.
There are many significant benefits to following a path in highereducation. By developing in-depth knowledge and valuabletransferable skills, your son or daughter will have access to agreater and more fulfilling career, as well as better salary prospects.Above all, attending university will enable them to expand theirhorizons, make new friends and become a more confident andwell-rounded adult.
Why choose higher education?
• Academic improvement• Personal development• Career opportunities• Potential financial rewards• Broadening horizons• Expanded social life• Travel opportunities
Opportunities
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How does higher educationaffect job prospects?Now, perhaps more than ever before,students view their time at university as aninvestment in the future, and this attitudecertainly pays dividends. Research showsthat people with a higher educationqualification earn between 20 and 25 percent more in gross lifetime earnings thanthose with two or more A levels. Graduatesare also more likely to be employedcompared to those with the nexthighest qualification*.
We are proud to say that The Universityof Nottingham is one of the top sixuniversities most often targeted by Britain’sleading graduate employers**. The latestfigures from our Graduate DestinationSurvey show that in 2007/08, the averagestarting salary for our full-time, first-degreehome and EU students was £21,023.
During their time at university, your son ordaughter will be encouraged to considertheir future career and make the most ofthe opportunities on offer.
Does the University supportcareer development?Our Centre for Career Development employsprofessional advisers who are on hand tooffer support and advice. There is a well-stocked Careers Resource Area and a varietyof online services including more than 2,650job vacancies advertised online each year.
The centre also organises skills workshopsincluding CV writing, completing applicationforms, interview techniques, and psychometrictests. It maintains close contact withbusinesses, organising over 150 employer-led events throughout the year.
How can studying at Nottinghamenhance my employment prospects?Employers are increasingly looking forgraduates with well-developedcompetencies and transferable social andlearning skills. The Nottingham AdvantageAward has been designed to help ensureemployers notice your son or daughterwhen they graduate.
Completely voluntary, free to all studentsand taken in addition to academic studies,the Advantage Award allows students tobuild up credits through participation in arange of extracurricular activities.
From community work or volunteering withthe Students’ Union, to work experience andcareer planning, these additional moduleshelp students develop transferable skills incommunication, team working, leadershipand networking, making our students evenmore attractive to prospective employers.For more information, please visitwww.nottingham.ac.uk/advantageaward
* According to a report by Universities UK** According to The Graduate Market in 2010,
produced by High Fliers Research
Employers who have recentlyvisited the University include:
• Barclays Capital• BP• Deloitte• Ernst & Young• IBM• Procter and Gamble• Rolls-Royce• Sainsbury’s
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Name: Adam BeddowGraduated: in 2005, with a BSc inBiochemistry and Biological ChemistryGraduate position: Clinical ProjectManager at Perceptive Informatics
“I’ve recently been promoted fromClinical Project Associate to ClinicalProject Manager at a company thatuses technology to accelerate drugdevelopment. My job means I get towork with people all over the world on adaily basis and see projects go fromnothing to completion. Knowing I’mplaying a part in getting new andimportant drugs onto the market is areally good feeling.”
Name: Iona EvansGraduated: in 2008, with aMEng in Civil EngineeringGraduate position: StructuralEngineer with Arup
“As a structural engineer I am responsiblefor realising the vision of the architectand balancing this with the practicalrequirements of construction.Problem solving is a key skill in mywork and my degree taught me howto approach problems logically andlaterally. Overcoming challenges andmaking a positive impact on people’sday to day lives is what makes the jobreally rewarding.”
Name: Mat EllisonGraduated: due to graduate in2010, with a BA in Politics andAmerican StudiesGraduate position: ManagementSales Trainee at Marks & Spencer
“I was offered the position in Februaryof my final year and am looking forwardto the challenge of becoming a managerwithin a large international business. Inthe first year I’ll train as a departmentmanager and hope to move up to storemanager in three to five years.My degree helped me develop skills likewriting reports, and analysing andpresenting information, which were oftentested in assessment centres. In the end,four companies offered me a position.”
Name: Lucy GriceGraduated: in 2008, with a BA in MusicGraduate position: DevelopmentOfficer at the Curve Theatre
“I started work three days after handingin my dissertation! My job has a lot ofvariety and is very customer-focused. Itinvolves everything from working withcorporate sponsors and individual donors,organising events, drafting proposals totrusts and supporting the marketingteam. Curve only opened last year andworking to establish a new venue hasbeen particularly exciting.”
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Making theright choices
Making
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Choosing the right course
Although any degree undoubtedly givesstudents a strong set of transferable skills,choosing the right course will ensure theyget the most of their university experience.
What courses are there?Most universities offer a range of BA(Bachelor of Arts), BEng (Bachelor ofEngineering) and BSc (Bachelor of Science)undergraduate degree courses. In someinstances, one-year foundation courses mayalso be available, as well as four-year degreeprogrammes that incorporate a mastersqualification in the final year.
The University of Nottingham offers a vastrange of undergraduate degree coursescovering a variety of subject areas. A jointhonours degree is a useful option if your sonor daughter wants to study more than onesubject (eg BA History and Politics),while single honours degrees are availablefor those who prefer to concentrate onjust one area of interest.
Subjects at the University are groupedunder five faculties:– Arts– Engineering– Medicine and Health Sciences– Science– Social Sciences
With the exception of medicine, our coursesfollow a modular structure. Modules are self-contained units of study that are usuallyworth between 10 and 20 credits and areassessed through exams, coursework, or amixture of both. In each academic year,students will normally take 120 credits’worth of modules in one, two, or possiblymore subjects. The use of modules meansthat students are able to tailor their courseto their own interests, particularly in the lateryears of their course.
Our prospectus and website providefull details of all courses on offer and theirentry requirements. You can also find ourentry requirements in the UCAS entry profileson www.ucas.ac.uk. In addition, a number ofour academic schools produce a brochurewith more detailed information about theschool and courses on offer. To request aschool brochure, please contact the EnquiryCentre on +44 (0)115 951 5559.
With over 300 universities, higher and further education institutionsoffering approximately 50,000 degree courses, helping your son ordaughter to choose the right course at the right university is animportant process.
In choosing what to study,you might want to ask yourson or daughter to consider:
• what interests they have and whatcourses are available in those fields
• what courses accept the subjectsthey are currently studying
• what kind of career they wantto pursue
• what course structure would bestsuit their needs
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Making
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s Choosing the right university
With so many universities to choose from,your son or daughter would be welladvised to do as much research as possible.Of course, their choice of university willbe influenced by the degree subject theyare considering – firstly, whether the courseis on offer and secondly, whether theinstitution has a good reputation intheir chosen field.
However, it is likely that your son ordaughter is also thinking about otheraspects of student life. For many students,their choice of university is influenced bysome, if not all, of the factors featured inthe questions below:
What financial support is availablefor my son or daughter?This, and other important financialinformation, is covered on pages 24-29.
Will my son or daughter have theopportunity to study abroad?At Nottingham there are opportunitiesfor most students to spend time overseasduring their degree, whether for a semesterin Australia or a summer programme inChina or South Korea.
Studying abroad gives students theopportunity to live and learn in a differentcountry and culture as well as gaining adifferent perspective on their degree subjectand, in many cases, improving their languageskills. Nottingham students who studyabroad report the many benefits of theirexperience, whether it is a wider circle ofinternational friends or being able tohighlight the experiences on their CVwhen they are job hunting.
Nottingham is an international institutionwhich has strong global links with partnerinstitutions as well as our campuses inMalaysia and China. Most of our academicschools also have student exchangeagreements across Europe and the worldunder the Erasmus scheme and theUniversitas 21 programme.
For further information about study abroadopportunities at Nottingham, or to requesta copy of our study abroad brochure,please contact the Study Abroad Team:
t: +44 (0)115 951 5246e: [email protected]:www.nottingham.ac.uk/international/
exchanges
Other factors to consider
• Accommodation• Employment opportunities• Extracurricular activities• Facilities and resources• Location• Quality of teaching and research• Size of university• Study abroad opportunities• Type of university (campus/city)
What if my son or daughter wants tolive at home?More and more students now chooseto live at home – usually due to financialconsiderations, but also because theyprefer to live close to their family.
Over 12 per cent of our students are home-based but that doesn’t mean they missout on a university social life – the RegionalStudents’ Association organises social andsporting activities for all undergraduatestudents resident in the surrounding areas.At the beginning of the first year, theassociation usually organises a shortinduction programme designed to involvehome-based students in various events.
What if my son or daughter wants tolive away from home?For many of our undergraduate students,going to university means living away fromhome for the first time, and universityprovides a good framework to make thistransition as smooth as possible. Studentshave access to accommodation services,support services, social events and, perhapsmost importantly, have the opportunity toshare the experience with people in asimilar position.
At The University of Nottingham, wehave over 8,000 rooms in Universityaccommodation, including catered hallsand self-catered residences. To give youextra peace of mind, your son or daughteris guaranteed catered or self-cateredUniversity-arranged accommodationduring their first year*.
Fees for 2010/11 started at £3,393 forcatered accommodation, £3,696 forself-catered and £4,605 for part-catered,per year, for contracts of between 31 and51 weeks. All bills (heat, light and water),meals for catered halls, Junior CommonRoom (JCR) membership, and personalcontents insurance are included in theaccommodation fee, along with access tothe Student Network or broadband internet.
Your son or daughter will be contacted byAccommodation Services with details ofhow to apply for accommodation whenthey firmly accept their course place.Everything they need to know aboutaccommodation is detailed on theaccommodation website atwww.nottingham.ac.uk/accommodation
Alternatively, you can request anaccommodation guide. Please contactAccommodation Services if you have anyquestions (see contacts on page 39).
* Provided they firmly accept their course place andreturn the accommodation application form by thedate specified
Students at Jubilee Campus Study bedroom
Making
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s What’s the difference between a cityuniversity and a campus university?A campus university is one where theteaching, accommodation and socialcentres are grouped together on a singlesite. At a city university, these facilities arespread across the city. Both types ofuniversity offer different benefits andstudents usually have a personal preferencefor one or the other. We would recommendvisiting both types of university in orderto gain an overview of their differencesand merits.
As a campus university, our sites providea welcoming and secure study environmentfor all students. Academic and leisurefacilities are within easy walking distanceof University accommodation. Nottingham’scampuses are all linked by a free shuttle busservice, and regular buses run fromUniversity Park Campus to the city at leastevery half an hour. Your son or daughter’schoice of course will usually determinewhere they are based.
Why is it important to visit a university?It’s worth encouraging your son or daughterto visit a university before applying. It’s likelythey will be living and studying there for atleast three years so it’s important that it feelsright for them. While a prospectus and guidessuch as this give a good flavour of theuniversity in question, this is no substitute forgoing in person and talking to current staffand students.
Please see page 38 for information aboutvisiting The University of Nottingham.
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University Park Campus Sutton Bonington Campus
Our campuses
University Park CampusSet around a lake in extensive parkland,University Park Campus is a combinationof long-established woodland andcontemporary landscaped gardens and isoften regarded as one of the most attractivecampuses in the country. It features amixture of period buildings and modernteaching and research facilities, with 12halls of residence, a conference andexhibition centre, sports facilities includinga swimming pool, and the Lakeside ArtsCentre. The hub of student life is thePortland Building, with a recentlyrefurbished cafe-bar and nightclub.
Jubilee CampusJust over two miles from the city centre anda mile from University Park, Jubilee Campushouses the Schools of Education, ComputerScience, the Business School and theInternational Office. The Campus offerscutting-edge technology and modernfacilities including on-site accommodationfor 750 students, restaurants, and a libraryand computing centre. The environmentallyfriendly nature of the Campus has earnedthe University numerous awards.
Significant development of the Campusis underway with an innovation park thatopened in 2008 and plans for a further£200m expansion over the next 10 years.The UK’s tallest freestanding sculpture,Aspire, was also unveiled on JubileeCampus in 2008.
Sutton Bonington CampusLocated in the beautiful countryside ofSouth Nottinghamshire, 10 miles southof University Park, Sutton BoningtonCampus benefits from a 24-hour learningresource centre, laboratories, universityfarm, dairy centre, accommodation andgood car-parking facilities. Most biosciencesand veterinary medicine students are basedhere, and the Campus is home to the newSchool of Veterinary Medicine and Science,an important landmark in the expansion ofhigh-quality veterinary training in the UK.
The University of NottinghamMedical SchoolMedical and nursing students are basedat the Queen’s Medical Centre, adjacentto University Park Campus and accessiblevia a footbridge. Students also benefit fromplacements in hospitals across the region.
Jubilee Campus
Why Nottingham?
Choosing The Universityof Nottingham
Does the University have a goodacademic reputation?The University of Nottingham beganlife in 1798 and our heritage is long anddistinguished. We are recognised bothin the UK and overseas as a centre ofacademic excellence – something which isreflected in our consistently high rankingsin domestic and international league tables.We were recently listed, for example, as oneof the top 100 institutions in the ShanghaiJiao Tong World University Rankings andwere voted ‘Entrepreneurial University ofthe Year’ at the Times Higher EducationAwards 2008.
How will my son or daughter besupported throughout their degree?At Nottingham, we aim to support ourstudents from the moment they first enquireabout joining us until graduation andbeyond. Every student is assigned a personaltutor who they can turn to for guidance onacademic or personal matters should theyneed it. We’re a leading player in the use ofPersonal and Academic Records – soprogress can be continually measured.
In addition, we offer dedicated supportthrough Academic Support Services – moredetails of these and other services can befound on pages 20-23.
To ensure our students have everyopportunity to learn, we use a wide rangeof teaching methods, from traditionallectures and small-group tutorials to state-of-the-art multimedia and internet sessions.
In addition, students have access to overa million books and journals, extensivemanuscript collections and an increasingnumber of electronic items through ourlibrary services. The University IT networkand wireless technology is installed acrossthe campuses and computer rooms containaround 1,700 PCs for student use. Mostcomputer rooms are available 24 hours a day,seven days a week. Students can bring intheir own equipment and use the wirelessaccess installed around campus or takeadvantage of the laptop loan service.
The University of Nottingham offers a thriving academic communitythat attracts high-calibre students from across the globe. Below areanswers to some of the questions parents have asked us aboutthe University.
Why
Nottingham
?Why
Notting
ham?
Academic excellence
A remarkable 39 subjects havebeen awarded the highest ratingsof between 22 and 24 (out of 24)in national independent assessmentsof our teaching quality, conductedby the Quality Assurance Agency.
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Library Learning Hubs at Nottingham
Why
Nottingham
?Why
Notting
ham?
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In what other ways will my son ordaughter benefit from studying atThe University of Nottingham?There are numerous opportunities for yourson or daughter to develop their personalinterests and talents while at Nottingham.Our Students’ Union is one of the largestand most active in the UK with over 250societies, sports clubs, student-run services,associations and a wide variety of socialevents. The student-run New Theatreputs on around 20 productions a year.Meanwhile, the Students’ Union runs itsown award-winning magazine, radio station,and student TV station NUTS, offering yourson or daughter the opportunity to trywriting, producing and presenting.
What sports opportunities are available?The University offers excellent sportingfacilities. We are a member of BritishUniversities and Colleges Sport and acoaching fund supports our many universitysports teams, including football, rugbyunion, basketball, badminton, rowing,cricket, hockey, netball, squash and tennis.Sports bursaries are available to eliteathletes and we are also signed up to theGovernment’s Talented Athlete ScholarshipScheme (TASS) which offers funding forexceptional sportsmen and women whowish to undertake academic study. Forfurther information please visitwww.tass.gov.uk
Is the University continuing to develop itsfacilities and academic provisions forstudents?In the last five years, we have strategicallyinvested more than £200m in buildingsand equipment and appointed more than500 new academic and research staff.
Does the University have a strongresearch profile?Much of the research carried out atNottingham is internationally renownedand the University attracts world-classacademics. The discovery of MagneticResonance Imaging (MRI) took placehere and is now a vital technology usedworldwide. In the latest independentResearch Assessment Exercise, whichassesses the quality of research in UKuniversities, more than 90 per cent ofour research was classed as being ofinternational quality, and nearly 60 percent as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationallyexcellent’. The results placed us in theUK top 10 in 27 different subjects.
What opportunities are there to keep incontact after graduation?After graduation, your son or daughter willautomatically become part of our activealumni organisation, a worldwide networkof over 190,000 members. Exclusivenetworking, social and entertainmentevenings and reunions encourage futurecontact between friends and graduates ofthe University.
The city of Nottingham
What is the city of Nottingham like?With a proud history and culture,Nottingham offers all the excitement ofbig-city living while retaining a strong senseof community. The city has two universitiesand around 60,000 students. Packed full ofbars, shops and restaurants, the city centrecombines modern buildings and historicarchitecture. It has over 1,000 shops andhas been named ‘culinary capital’ ofthe UK.
Is the city well connected?Nottingham is situated at the heart ofEngland and more than 20 million peoplelive within two hours of the city. NearbyEast Midlands Airport has low-cost flightsto Europe and beyond and there arefrequent bus and rail services to major UKcities (including London every 30 minutes).
What cultural events and facilities doesNottingham offer?Culturally, Nottingham is a vibrant andexciting city whose attractions include theTheatre Royal, Nottingham Playhouse andNottingham Castle. The city revels in itscultural diversity, with art galleries, theatres,concert halls, comedy clubs, and independentcinemas all within easy reach. Nottinghamalso has a number of music venues attractinga wide range of acts, from the biggest rockand pop stars to unknown groups emergingonto the music scene.
What sporting facilities are availablein Nottingham?Nottingham boasts more sports facilities perperson than anywhere else in Europe. Yourson or daughter can go ice-skating at theNational Ice Centre or white-water raftingat the National Watersports Centre, watchthe Ashes at Trent Bridge, world-class tennisat the Nottingham Tennis Centre or thebeautiful game at either of the city’s famousfootball clubs – Nottingham Forest and NottsCounty. Whatever their sporting interests,they will be well served in Nottingham!
What else is there to see and do inthe area?The city is close to areas of outstandingnatural beauty. The Peak District, as wellas historic buildings like Newstead Abbey(home of Lord Byron), Southwell Minsterand Wollaton Hall are easily accessiblefrom Nottingham. Of course, there isalso Sherwood Forest, once home to theworld’s best-loved outlaw, the legendaryRobin Hood.
For further information on visitingNottingham and the many attractionson offer, you might like to visit:• www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk• www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham• www.visitnottingham.com
Nottingham Castle – image courtesy of Nottingham City Council The Cornerhouse, Nottingham city centre
Student and parentcase study
“When I was applying to university, I did alot of independent research, then discussedit with my parents who both gave mehelpful advice as to the cities they thoughtI’d enjoy studying and living in. My parentswere fully supportive of my choice,especially after they visited Nottinghamon an open day.
I think like everyone I was nervous on myfirst day, but equally, I was excited aboutstarting my university life. It was sad to seemy parents drive off but being surroundedby a group of people in the same positionas me made it easier.
I immediately felt at home in my hall ofresidence and Nottingham in general.Freshers’ Week was great for getting toknow new people and joining societieshelped too. Although I didn’t go homevery often, I made sure I kept in regularcontact with my family and friends.
My parents have spent a few weekendswith me up in Nottingham, and as I’ve gotto know the area, I’ve found some greatplaces to take them.”
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Parent
Name: Julia Lynch,mum to Tara
“Tara is independent and I trusted herinstinct when it came to selecting heruniversity, but we made sure to discussher options in depth so that she was asinformed as possible. We scanned leaguetables, read prospectuses and asked parentsin a similar situation about their child’sexperiences of university.
Initially, Tara went to look at the universityon her own. However, once she had madethe decision that Nottingham was for her,I travelled with her to visit on one of theopen days. It gave me peace of mind tosee the great facilities and campus and thestudent volunteers were more than helpfulin answering all of our questions.
As the start of the first semesterapproached I cautioned against taking toomuch but Tara didn’t heed my advice! Wedrove up to Nottingham and found her hall,helped her with her luggage and then lefther to settle in. Of course it was difficult toleave her but I didn’t want her to see meupset as she was so excited to be startinga new chapter in her life.
I’m delighted Tara chose Nottingham. Shefound her course stimulating and I wasreassured by the support she received.”
Student
Name: Tara LynchCourse: BA in Art History
Julia and Tara Lynch at Tara’s graduation ceremony
Top tips for parents
Julia’s tip: research is key but trustyour child to make the right choiceregarding their university career andsupport them in their decision.
Tara’s tip: where possible, go alongto open days with your son ordaughter. Having a second opinionis very helpful.
StudentsupportSt
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Student support
What if my son or daughter needs supportduring their studies?Our Student Services Centres, of whichthere is one on all three campuses,provide both information and support forall our students throughout their universitylife. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable and,most of all, there to help with any queriesor information.
What if my son or daughter has personaldifficulties they wish to discuss?Our free confidential counselling serviceprovides an opportunity for students totalk to professionally qualified counsellors.Staff are experienced in dealing withproblems such as anxiety, depression,family concerns, bereavement, difficultiesin adjusting to university life and otherstudy-related or personal issues.
What if my son or daughter is unwell?The University of Nottingham HealthService at University Park provides a fullrange of NHS services. As well as GPs, aphysiotherapist, psychiatrist, general surgeonand nurse practitioner in mental health arebased here, and the University is attached toa hospital, the Queen’s Medical Centre.
What if my son or daughter hasfinancial concerns?The Financial Support Team, based in ourStudent Services Centres, offer adviceabout all aspects of student finance. Theycan help students apply for various financialsupport funds and grants.
What services of prayer or worshipare available on campus?The Portland Building houses a multifaithquiet room, Muslim prayer rooms and achapel. A team of chaplains and faithadvisers offer friendship, advice andsupport as well as services of worship.There is similar provision at all campuses.
What support is available if my sonor daughter has study problems?The Academic Support Team, based in ourStudent Services Centres, offer opportunitiesfor students to discuss concerns about theiracademic work – including writing, managingtime, and preparation for exams. Our tutorshave extensive experience of working withstudents to develop strategies for study.We offer both one-to-one sessions andsmall group teaching; the service canbe confidential.
As a parent, you‘ll obviously be concerned about your son ordaughter’s welfare during their time at university. You can be assuredthat we provide practical advice, help and support to ensure yourson or daughter is healthy and happy throughout their time with us.
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Student Services Centre
StudentsupportSt
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independent legal advice if they need it?The Student Advice and RepresentationCentre provides information on all studentissues, including finances, tenants’ rights,course changes and academic appeals.
My son or daughter has a disability,dyslexia or a long-term medical condition– what kind of services are available tosupport them?Academic Support includes the DyslexiaSupport and Disability Support Teams,who are able to provide individual adviceand support to students, referring themto the departments that can make therequired adjustments. Each academicschool has a Disability Liaison Officerto provide initial advice.
Support will be available to your son ordaughter at all stages of their contactwith the University, from pre-applicationuntil graduation.
How can my son or daughter accessthese services?If your son or daughter requires someform of support for a disability or long-termmedical condition, it is important that theylet the University know as soon as possibleso that we are able to ensure timelyprovision of the appropriate supportservices.
What is the Disabled Students’Allowance?Disabled Students’ Allowances are grantsto help meet the extra costs of studying thatstudents face as a direct result of a disabilityor specific learning difficulty. They aredesigned to help disabled students studyon an equal basis with other students. Theamount to which your son or daughterwould be entitled does not depend on yourhousehold income and they would not haveto repay the allowance.
Disabled Students’ Allowances are paid ontop of the standard student financepackage and cover:
• specialist equipment needed for studying;for example, computer software
• a non-medical helper, such as a note-takeror reader
• extra travel costs your son or daughterfaces because of their disability
• other costs – for example, tapes orBraille paper
To apply, your son or daughter will have toapply to Student Finance and will need toprovide written proof of their disability froman appropriate medical professional. If theyhave a specific learning difficulty such asdyslexia or dyspraxia, Student Finance mayask your son or daughter to have anindependent assessment to establish this.
How can my son or daughter get involvedin the wider community?Helping others is a great way for your sonor daughter to make a real differenceduring their life at university whiledeveloping valuable life skills. Based withinthe Students’ Union, the Student VolunteerCentre (SVC) offers a range of rewardingvolunteering opportunities and, with over1,900 active volunteers working with 120different organisations, this is anincreasingly popular choice. Currentprojects span the arts, sport, conservationand education – in the last year, forexample, SVC volunteers have plantedtrees, knitted hats for premature babiesand helped local school pupils at ahomework club.
Is there part-time work available?Many students choose to subsidise theirstudies with a part-time job, although werecommend that students do not work morethan 16 hours a week during term-time.The Centre for Career Development canoffer support in finding a part-time jobthrough vacancies advertised on ourwebsites and via Unitemps, our studentrecruitment agency. On campus, part-timework may be available in hall bars, theStudents’ Union, shops and through theStudent Ambassador Scheme. Nottinghamis a thriving student city, and there are lotsof vacancies there too.
What is the Student Ambassador Scheme?The Student Ambassador Scheme offersthe opportunity of flexible hours andcompetitive rates of pay for students whoare willing to represent the University atopen days, campus tour days, in schoolsand colleges, and at national UCAS events.The scheme provides students with anenjoyable and rewarding experience thatlooks great on their CV.
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“Support will be availableto your son or daughter atall stages of their contactwith the University,from pre-applicationuntil graduation.”The Student Services Centre
Student ambassadors on a campus tour
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Getting to gripswith student finance
If your son or daughter joins The Universityof Nottingham as a full-time, first-year UKundergraduate student in 2010, they willbe charged an annual tuition fee of £3,290(or £1,640 if on a year out later on in theircourse)*. The only current exception to thisis courses funded by the Department ofHealth.
At Nottingham, we’re committed to makinghigher education both accessible andaffordable. Around a third of all new full-time UK students choosing to come toNottingham are likely to be eligible forsignificant financial support through theUniversity’s bursary scheme, in addition toother higher education grants.
Bursary figures for 2010 entry appearon our website: www.nottingham.ac.uk/financialsupport
* Tuition fees are expected to rise annually by a smallinflationary figure determined by the Departmentfor Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
What is a ‘bursary’?Students eligible for a bursary are awardeda sum of money by the University to helpfinancially support them while they arestudying. A bursary is non-repayable.
There is a government requirement foruniversities to provide a minimum bursaryof £329 to all students liable for the£3,290 tuition fee and in receipt of fullUK financial support. The University ofNottingham’s bursary scheme is much moregenerous than that, and in 2010/11 suchstudents will be eligible for a bursary of upto £1,100.
Your son or daughter does not have to fillin an application form for their Universityof Nottingham bursary, but they willneed to have applied for income-assessedgovernment support. Their Universitybursary payment is then activated by yourson or daughter via their student portalonce at Nottingham.
Naturally, the financial considerations of higher education are asimportant to parents as they are to students. It can be a challengeto understand continually changing systems, but we hope thefollowing section will help you support your son or daughter inplanning their finances.
Our financial estimator
Our online financial estimator will giveyou and your son or daughter an ideaof how much it will cost to study atThe University of Nottingham andwhat their outgoings might be whilethey are here. Please visitwww.nottingham.ac.uk/financialestimator
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Final-year students
Living with parentsLiving away from home
Full-year students
Living with parentsLiving away from home
StudentfinanceSt
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What is the Maintenance Grant?In 2010, new full-time students fromhouseholds with an income of up to£50,020 will be eligible for a non-repayableMaintenance Grant of up to £2,906 a year(see table 1, opposite). The amountreceived will depend on your residualhousehold income.
What about student loans?There are two types of student loan availablefrom the Student Loans Company – one tocover the tuition fees that your son ordaughter will be charged for their course,and one for maintenance to help with theirliving expenses.
For fees: if your son or daughter wishesto defer the cost of their tuition fees untilafter graduation, they can apply for a loanup to the amount that their universitycharges for their course; in the case ofThe University of Nottingham, this will be£3,290 per year in 2010 and the moneywould be paid directly to the Universityby the Student Loans Company.
For maintenance: student loans are themain source of financial assistance forstudent living costs while at university.Twenty-eight per cent of the maintenanceloan is subject to means testing. The actualamount available depends on where theylive and study, what they study, the currentyear of study, the length of the academicyear and family residual income. See table 2(opposite) for more details.
A loan is available for each year of studyand is usually paid in three instalments(so once a term) over the academic year.If your son or daughter receives amaintenance grant then their studentloan for maintenance will be reduced by50p for every £1 of grant received.
How and when should my son or daughterapply for financial support?Student Finance England covers all aspectsof applications and allows your son ordaughter to apply for student finance at thesame time as applying for their universitycourse*. See www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance for comprehensiveinformation on the application process.We would always recommend applyingfor support as early as possible.
When does my son or daughter have topay tuition fees?Full-time students will not have to pay anytuition fees up front or while they arestudying. Instead students are able to deferpayment by taking out a student fee loan.
When do student loans have to be repaid?Your son or daughter will start repayingtheir student loan after they leave highereducation and are earning more than£15,000 per year. Table 3 (opposite)provides a rough idea of monthlyrepayment rates.
* Alternative services are available for studentsoutside of England and can be accessed via thesame site
Government grant
£2,906 per yearPartial grantNo grant
Income assessed(28%)£1,075£1,386
Non-incomeassessed (72%)£2,763£3,564
Maximum(100%)£3,838£4,950
Table 3 – Student loan repayment table
Income assessed(28%)£975£1,283
Non-incomeassessed (72%)£2,508£3,300
Maximum(100%)£3,483£4,583
Monthly repayments from April(after graduation)£0£7.50£15.00£22.50£30.00£37.50
Income each year
£15,000 (or below)£16,000£17,000£18,000£19,000£20,000
Table 1 – The Maintenance Grant
Residual household income
£0 - £25k£25k - £50,020Over £50,020
Table 2 – Maximum student loan (maintenance) rates
Repayments as apercentage of income
0.0%0.6%1.1%1.5%1.9%2.3%
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Budgeting effectively
To help your son or daughter manage theirmoney effectively, we have collated theother costs they are likely to have to meet.These fall into two categories: costs relatedto study, and those built in to everydayliving circumstances. Costs will of coursediffer from one person to another and mayrise slightly for each academic year.
For further information or advice on financeor budgeting, please contact our FinancialSupport Team: +44 (0)115 823 2071 [email protected]
Study-related costs
Printing and photocopying: eachundergraduate receives a free allowanceof £6 a year. For additional printing andphotocopying, the University charges 6pper A4 sheet and 12p per A3 sheet.
Books: if students buy new books, theycan expect to spend up to £400 a year.However, some books may be availablesecond-hand or borrowed from the librarywhich can reduce this cost quite considerably.
Course costs: some courses requirestudents to buy certain clothing, equipmentor materials, go on field trips or undertakeother practical activities.
Exam resit fees: UK undergraduates haveto pay £75 to resit examinations if theyhave failed exams at the first attempt.
Graduation: students do not pay tograduate, but they do have to wear theappropriate academic dress. Gown hirecurrently costs £39 and guest tickets cost£20 each.
Living costs
Table 4 (see opposite) lists the mainliving costs faced by a full-time first-yearundergraduate. These figures are basedon a student living in a catered hall duringthe 31 weeks of term-time. Table 4 excludespersonal expenditure, such as:
• social and sports activities• TV licence and telephone• birthday presents• holidays• medical costs (for example,
contact lenses)
Table 4 – Living costs
Cost
£4,300*
£800
Included in accommodation fee
Students are exempt
£500
£127
£500
£130
£6,357
Please remember that these are estimated costs which may rise annually. The figures donot include the cost of accommodation, food or utilities outside term-time.
* Unless otherwise indicated, these figures are based on information from the National Union of Students’Welfare Unit. The accommodation figure is based on a single study room in catered halls (accommodationfees will vary depending on the university, site and room type).
Area of expenditure
Accommodation
Food (in addition to that providedin catered accommodation)
Gas, electricity and water
Council tax
Travel
Insurance (please note that personalcontents insurance is included in thefee for University accommodationat Nottingham)
Clothing
Laundry
Total cost
Top tips for living ona student budget
• Open a student bank account beforearriving at the University
• Seek advice from the FinancialSupport Team if necessary
• Only buy with cash• Make shopping lists• Return library books on time• Use your student discount card
Theapplication
processTheap
plicationproc
ess
The applicationprocess
Your son or daughter can apply for amaximum of five courses; this could meanapplying for five different courses at oneuniversity, one course at five differentuniversities, or a combination. However,students can only apply for four medicine,veterinary medicine or dentistry courses;their remaining choice must be adifferent subject.
Your son or daughter’s school or collegewill provide the necessary informationabout applying to university. Applicationsare now completed online via the UCASwebsite. It’s extremely important to meetthe UCAS deadlines, details of which youcan find at www.ucas.ac.uk
International students will need to checkUCAS deadlines, as different dates apply.
With over 50,000 courses in the UCASsystem, it is very important that your sonor daughter double-checks the UCAScourse and institution codes whencompleting their online application.
Each application is subject to ‘invisibility’– this means that a university cannot seewhere else your son or daughter hasapplied until they have made their firmand insurance choices.
What are personal statements?An important part of the UCAS form isthe personal statement. Along with theirpredicted grades, the personal statementprovides a valuable opportunity for yourson or daughter to describe their ownstrengths and stand out from otherapplicants. In cases where a universitymakes the offer of a place without aninterview, the personal statement is achance for your son or daughter toexplain why they want to study theirchosen course and to personalise theirapplication with details of theirextracurricular activities, work experience,achievements and abilities.
To gain a place at university, your son or daughter needs to applythrough UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) –the central applications agency that deals with all undergraduateapplications to UK universities.
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Writing an effectivepersonal statement
• Keep a good structure• Use a strong opening paragraph• Show enthusiasm for the subject• Demonstrate understanding ofthe subject
• Highlight any relevant workexperience, interest and hobbies
Theapplication
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Dates
• Year 12 and beginning of year 13
• 15 October deadline for applications toOxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistryand veterinary medicine or veterinaryscience (check with UCAS for art anddesign courses)
• 15 January closing date for most coursesfor equal consideration
• October onwards
• Generally, the end of April(dates may vary according to when yourson or daughter receives their final offer)
• Mid-August
• On and after results day in August
• On and after results day in Augustuntil 31 August
Please note that the deadlines given above are only to be used as a guideline. Please check with UCAS for exact dates.For more detailed information on the application process, how to complete the application form and exact deadlines,contact UCAS on +44 (0)871 468 0468 or visit the website, www.ucas.ac.uk
Application tips for yourson or daughter
• Start early• Research thoroughly• Visit your preferred universities• Use the advice and guidanceavailable
• Ask questions• Meet the application deadlinesGood luck!
What your son or daughter needs to do to apply
Visitors at a University of Nottingham open day
What to do
Decide what course and where• Find out about subjects and universities• Discuss predicted grades with a teacher or tutor• Visit universities• Decide which courses at which universities (five choices)
they want to apply for
Complete the application forms• Write a personal statement• Teachers/tutors write a reference• Complete the UCAS application and submit to UCAS• Sit any relevant additional admissions tests (eg LNAT, UKCAT)
Wait for decisions• Receive confirmation of decisions from UCAS• An unconditional offer means your son or daughter has got
a place, if they want it, with no conditions attached• A conditional offer means your son or daughter may have
to get certain grades to get a place (eg BBC at A level)• Attend UCAS visit days or interview days to help confirm choice
Accept/decline offers• Decide on a firm (first) choice (*CF/UF) and an insurance
(second) choice (**CI/UI)• Respond to UCAS – UCAS will inform your son or daughter
of the deadline they need to reply by
Results day• Has your son or daughter met their required grades? If so,
they should wait for confirmation of a place at their firmchoice university from UCAS. This can also be viewed onUCAS Track
• If your son or daughter has missed their required grades,they need to check with their firm choice university as theymay still be offered a place. If not, they should contact theirinsurance university
• If not accepted, enter Clearing• If your son or daughter achieved higher grades than those
required for their CF choice, they may be able to apply for analternative course or university through the Adjustment process
Clearing• This is the process by which students who are not holding an
offer at university may be offered places at other universities• Your son or daughter should contact the universities they are
interested in by telephone to find out if there are placesavailable. Vacancies can be viewed on the UCAS website
Adjustment• The Adjustment process enables students who have met
and exceeded the terms of their CF offer to register forAdjustment and approach other universities or courseswhich may have higher entry requirements
• The university will tell them if they can be offered a place.If the student cannot find a new place, they will still beaccepted at their original choice
* CF Conditional offer, firm choiceUF Unconditional offer, firm choice
** CI Conditional offer, insurance choiceUI Unconditional offer, insurance choice
Going
touniversityG
oing
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iversity
Going to university –the first few weeks
One of the best things about beginninguniversity is that most new undergraduatesare in the same boat. Your son or daughterwill have the opportunity to meet peoplefrom all walks of life who are sharing thesame experience at the same time, and thisis perhaps why friendships made atuniversity often last for life.
With a whole host of welcome events toenjoy, most students settle into universitylife very quickly. However, the move intohigher education can require a period ofadjustment and your son or daughter mayencounter common problems such ashomesickness, worries about fitting in andmaking friends, and study concerns. Inthese circumstances, we find that studentsvalue the support of their parents. In fact,just being there at the end of the phonecan prove tremendously reassuring. AllUniversity accommodation has phone andbroadband internet points, so it's easy tokeep in touch!
If things get particularly tough, and yourson or daughter feels they need extrasupport, the University has an excellent freecounselling service. For more informationabout this, please contact the StudentServices Centre: +44 (0)115 951 3710or [email protected]
What happens during Freshers’ Week?Traditionally, Freshers’ Week is whenstudents familiarise themselves withtheir new surroundings, meet new people,make friends and generally settle intouniversity life.
Alongside the numerous social eventsorganised by the Students’ Union, thereare also opportunities to join a wide rangeof clubs and societies and take part inactivities such as ice-skating, Hall Olympics,and the spectacular Big Day of Fun on thefinal Saturday. During the week, studentsare also expected to register for their courseand arrange payment of tuition fees.
Your son or daughter can find out more aboutFreshers’ Week at www.weekone.co.uk
After all those months of revision, exams, waiting for resultsand preparing to leave home, your son or daughter is finally readyto begin life as an undergraduate student. At The University ofNottingham, we send all students a pre-arrival welcome pack,which covers what to expect and what must be done during their firstdays at the University. It also includes their moving-in dates.
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• Extra cash (in case funds don’t clear)• Biscuits or chocolates to share withnew friends
• Mobile phone• Alarm clock• Passport photographs• ID (passport or driving licence)• Address book• Tin opener
• Bed sheets and towels• Young Person’s Railcard• Map of Nottingham• Bank account details and chequebook• TV, computer and stereo(a TV licence is needed if living inUniversity–arranged accommodation)
• Photos and posters
The list – some packing suggestions for your son or daughter’sfirst few weeks
What
now?W
hatno
w?
What now?
Further sources of information
ProspectusUndergraduate prospectuses provide anexcellent introduction to any university andshould be the first place that prospectivestudents look. You can order The Universityof Nottingham prospectus online or bycalling the Enquiry Centre on +44 (0)115951 5559.
University websiteUniversity websites will usually have themost up-to-date facts and figures. All ourundergraduate courses appear within theundergraduate study pages. Within a mainuniversity website, most schools anddepartments have their own pages detailingtheir courses and any specialist informationthey think your son or daughter shouldknow. Some universities also have virtualtours of their facilities. Take a look atour website: www.nottingham.ac.uk
UCAS entry profilesYou can check UCAS entry profiles,including profiles for The University ofNottingham, at www.ucas.ac.uk
School brochuresMany academic schools also have subject-specific brochures. To download a pdf ofa school brochure, please visit our website:www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/download.php
Higher education fairsEvery year (usually between March andJuly), a series of fairs and conventionsfeaturing exhibition stands andrepresentatives from most universitiestakes place across the UK. Students andparents can collect prospectuses and visitthe stands if they have specific questionsto ask. To find out when and where yourlocal event is taking place, your son ordaughter should check the UCAS Eventswebsite – www.ucas.ac.uk/events –or their school or college for details.
University visitsNearly all universities offer the opportunityfor you and your son or daughter to visit.At Nottingham we hold open days andcampus tour days and you can alsoarrange your own visit. See page 38 formore information.
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We hope you have enjoyed reading the Parents’ Guide and that it willhelp you to support your son or daughter through higher education.If you have any further questions, please call our team in the EnquiryCentre who will be happy to assist you. We wish your son or daughterevery success in their studies.
Contacts
Wha
tno
w? University visits
What happens at an open day?Our open days provide a taste of life asa University of Nottingham student,and attract some 30,000 visitors each year.Campus-wide open days take place inJune and September each year and providea unique opportunity for parents andstudents to experience the University first-hand. Visitors will be invited to attend talksoffering information specific to TheUniversity of Nottingham as well as adviceon general aspects of university life. Your sonor daughter can gain a valuable insight intolife at Nottingham by talking to currentstudents, discuss courses and admissionscriteria with academic staff, or just soak upthe atmosphere by exploring the groundsand visiting the accommodation, sportsfacilities and other amenities.
To find out more about our open days,please contact the Enquiry Centre:t: +44 (0)115 951 5559e: [email protected]
Upcoming dates and further details canbe found at: www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays
What are campus tour days?The University runs a number of campus tourdays at University Park, which are designedfor students who may have missed theannual open day events, and give visitors ageneral overview of studying at Nottingham.
Visitors have the opportunity to attend awelcome presentation about university life atNottingham, go on a guided tour, or exploreUniversity Park using a self-guided tourbooklet. During the guided tour, you canview accommodation and the sports centre,where student ambassadors will be on handto answer any questions.
To find out more about our campus tourdays, please contact the Enquiry Centre:t: +44 (0)115 951 5559e: [email protected]
Upcoming dates and further details canbe found at: www.nottingham.ac.uk/campustours
Can my son or daughter visit theUniversity at any other time?If your son or daughter wants to visitthe University on an informal basis,they are welcome to come and have alook around. The Visitor Centre in the TrentBuilding on University Park has maps andself-guided campus tour booklets to helpvisitors find their way around and explorethe campus. If they would like to visitSutton Bonington Campus, Jubilee Campusand the Faculty of Medicine and HealthSciences, your son or daughter shouldcontact the Enquiry Centre.
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Accommodation Services• Queries about student accommodation
t: +44 (0)115 951 3697e: [email protected]: www.nottingham.ac.uk/accommodation
Admissions Office• Queries regarding the processing
of students’ applications
t: +44 (0)115 951 4749
The Enquiry Centre• Request a prospectus or school brochure• Open day and campus tour enquiries• All other student-related enquiries
t: +44 (0)115 951 5559e: [email protected]
General switchboard• Redirecting general enquiries
t: +44 (0)115 951 5151
Student Services Centre• Incorporating Academic, Financial and
Disability Support; and the Fees Office
t: +44 (0)115 951 3710e: [email protected]: www.nottingham.ac.uk/ssc
Students’ Union switchboard• Students’ Union activities• Clubs and societies• Student Volunteer Centre
t: +44 (0)115 846 8800w: www.su.nottingham.ac.uk
Widening Participation Team• Local outreach activities• Summer schools• First-in-the-Family scholarships
t: +44 (0)115 951 5075e: [email protected]: www.nottingham.ac.uk/widening
participation
Contacts at The University of Nottingham
Directgov• Information on all aspects of higher
education and financial supportfor students
t: +44 (0)845 300 5090w: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
NUSNational Union of Students• Information about all aspects of
university life
w: www.nus.org.uk
UCASUniversities and CollegesAdmissions Service• Applications• General advice and guidance regarding
university entrance, choice ofdegrees, etc
• They also publish a guide on how toapply and a guide for parents
t: +44 (0)871 468 0468w: www.ucas.ac.uk
Courses and Careers UK• General advice and information on
applying to and attending university
w: www.he.courses-careers.com
External contacts
University of Nottingham open day
For general undergraduateenquiries contact:
The Enquiry Centret: +44 (0)115 951 5559f: +44 (0)115 846 8062e: [email protected]: www.nottingham.ac.uk
This publication can be provided inalternative formats. If you require analternative format, please contact usto discuss your needs:t: +44 (0)115 951 4591e: [email protected]
V2/09/09
