This week, we spoke to Katie Waits from Pontypridd about how her first few months at Cardiff University have been.

How did you find the transition from high school to university?

Katie’s time at Cardiff started a bit wobbly, like many students she had first-time nerves and missed home.

“Generally, I’ve had an enjoyable time but initially it was difficult to make friends and I’ve had to learn to be a lot more independent.

“I quickly overcame these issues and threw myself into the aspects of university life I enjoy. For example, I’ve joined the Harry Potter society and used this to make friends with similar interests to me. Living just half and hour from home has helped me manage the transition as well and really enhanced my experience”

Why Cardiff?

“As a Russell Group university, Cardiff is an ideal choice for those wanting to aim high. I went to the Open Day and the English department was displayed amazingly, the course seemed really interesting with lots of choice in terms of modules – you can almost design your own course.

“As well as the great reputation, I was drawn to Cardiff for personal reasons. It’s just half an hour from home which is perfect for me, as I know I can suffer quite badly with homesickness. Having lived nearby for all my life, I was already quite familiar with the city which helped my transition.

What are your highlights?

“The lectures, definitely! I love to learn new things, and couldn’t wait to get back to it, especially having been away from education since June. So far, they have all been informative and incredibly interesting.

“Doing a joint-honours has meant that I get to study two subjects, which prevents either one getting boring. I’ve never studied journalism or media before and it’s fascinating learning the history and theory behind it. English has also introduced me to new ways of thinking, which is exciting!

How about outside of studying?

“Being close to home, I get to see my family a lot and I’m also still in touch with friends from school but I’m also enjoying having the independence to experience a new city.

“I spend a fair amount of time walking the streets of Cardiff (everything is in walking distance) getting familiar with living in a city rather than a town. I especially love the parks in Cardiff – they’re beautiful in Autumn because of the colours.

“It’s also been great to meet people in person that I got to know over Facebook during the Summer. There were a few Facebook groups set up for people that would be studying the same course, and I’ve made friends with some lovely people who I can sit with in lectures and chat with in a coffee shop.

“Cardiff is also the home of many popular TV programmes – for example Doctor Who and Sherlock. Also, the new Journalism building is right next door to the new BBC building, a perfect location for someone with an interest in the media, like me!

How was the applications process?

“It was straight-forward. The English course didn’t require any interviews or tests, the only tricky bit was the personal statement but thanks to help from the Seren Network, I managed to perfect it. The RCT hub co-ordinator encouraged us to send our personal statements to be reviewed by him before sending them off, which was a huge help. It was also helpful to meet speakers and instructors that had previously studied at Cardiff, giving us an insight into what tutors at Cardiff would be looking for.

Any tips?

“Yes! Number one; make sure you have a strong personal statement that reflects your passion for the subject, this is what will set you apart from the rest of the applicants. Secondly; there can be a lot of pressure to apply to certain universities, but you need to apply to the one you think you’ll enjoy the most. I felt like I’d enjoy my time at Cardiff, did my research and weighed up the pros and cons.”

Professionals:

Mike Nicholson – Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach, University of Bath – Supporting Competitive Applications

Mike joined the University of Bath in October 2014, having previously worked as Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach at the University of Oxford (2006-2014) and Head of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Recruitment at the University of Essex (1998-2006). Mike heads the team responsible for managing undergraduate student admissions, student recruitment (UK and international), funding guidance, access and widening participation, and learning partnerships. Mike is currently on the AQA Council, and co-Chaired the Social Mobility Practitioners’ Group established by Universities UK to advise the Minister for Higher Education on supporting progression from under-represented groups in society in 2016. He has recently joined the Evaluation Group for the Welsh Government’s Seren Programme. He was UK Chair of the Higher Education Liaison Officers’ Association from 2014-2017 and served as a member of the UCAS Council until January 2017. He represented English universities on the Welsh Qualifications Reform stakeholder group, and was involved in the SPA National Expert Think Tank on Qualifications Reform in 2015. Mike graduated in 1990 from the University of Sheffield with a degree in English and History. He also attended Allegheny College, Pennsylvania for a year as an exchange student.

Kirstie Ralph – Outreach Officer, University of Nottingham – University Panel Discussion

I’ve worked in HE for 4 years in several roles, including Student Recruitment, Admissions and most recently Widening Participation so have a broad knowledge of the University sector and practice in advising students in different settings. Until earlier this year I was working in an outreach capacity at the University of Cambridge, which had its own unique opportunities and challenges. I have since moved to Nottingham to concentrate more on project work, including the Brilliant Club and working on a new access initiative for White Working Class boys.

Carolyn Goodwin – Education Consultant, Carolyn Goodwin Consulting – Modern Foreign Languages

Former Primary Languages Adviser for Wales, Carolyn is currently Freelance, running training for courses in primary methodology. With 15 years secondary teaching experience, Carolyn also lived and taught abroad and is passionate about encouraging young people to “think global”.

Your Global Future – what next after the languages classroom? Whether you have ever studied languages or opted for a different route, this session will explore the range of exciting skills and opportunities and experiences that you may not realise are waiting for you. Don’t just study your subject, live your subject.

Alice Else – Student Recruitment Officer, London School of Economics and Political Science – Supporting Competitive Applications

Alice Else is a Student Recruitment Officer in LSE’s Student Marketing and Recruitment team. She is responsible for recruitment from the UK and has particular responsibility for liaison with schools and colleges in the UK, including organisation of LSE’s Advising the Advisers conference for heads of sixth form and higher education advisers. Alice regularly visits schools and colleges in the UK to talk with prospective students, their parents and advisers covering all issues regarding applying to and studying at LSE.

Anna Williams – Schools Liaison and Marketing Officer, Bangor University – University Panel Discussion

Responsible for providing a service to schools and colleges throughout Wales, giving guidance and support to prospective university students. Other responsibilities include marketing through the medium of Welsh and various events such as the Welsh Bacc conferences, Bangor University’s presence at the National Eisteddfod and the Urdd Eisteddfod. She is also responsible for the continued partnership with the North Wales Seren hubs (Anglesey & Gwynedd, Conwy & Denbighshire, and Flint & Wrexham), and attends recruitment events across the UK.

Louise Crane – Mezzo soprano and singing teacher – Applying for the Creative Industries/University Panel Discussion

Since making her debuts at Glyndebourne, English National Opera and the Belgium Royal Opera, Louise Crane has established herself as one of this country’s most sought-after and versatile mezzo sopranos.

She gained AGSM Diploma at the Guildhall, and subsequently won awards from Clonter Opera Trust and the Peter Moores Foundation, as well as a college scholarship, to study at the RNCM. After a season with Glyndebourne Festival Opera Lo won the Peter Stuyvestant Foundation Scholarship to the National Opera Studio where she completed her studies.

Her many & varied roles have included Mother Goose The Rake’s Progress  l; Giovanna Ernani, Ismene The Siege of Corinth, Death Le Rossignol and Smaragdi Francesca da,The Magic Flute and Mistress Quickly Falstaff ; Marcellina The Marriage of Figaro ; Flora La, Jocasta Oedipus Rex and Filipyevna Eugene Onegin ; The Sorceress Dido and Aeneas . She made her debut with English National Opera in Jonathan Harvey’s Inquest of Love and subsequently took part in the opera’s revival at the Brussels Opera.

Increasingly in demand for concert engagements at home and abroad, Louise has broadcast Rossini’s Stabat Mater with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, appeared on Friday Night is Music Night and toured with the Basque Symphony Orchestra of Spain and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and has recorded extracts from Handel’s Messiah for Classic FM and performed the same work in Britain and the Far East. Louise was also a member of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and  toured with the company in Britain and the USA and has had a long and regular association with Opera della Luna, Louise appears as a guest artist with Impropera, giving regular performances in London’s West End and King’s Place as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe.

She is a singing teacher at the Birmingham Conservatoire and also runs vocal workshops for choirs and trains business people in the art of presentation and use of vocal skills.

Louise is currently playing Juno Orpheus in the Underworld for Opera della Luna at the Iford Arts Music Festival, and on tour in the UK.

Steve Minney – Head of Undergraduate Recruitment, Swansea University – Supporting Competitive Applications

Steve has worked in the fields of student recruitment, admissions policy and widening participation for over two decades within higher education. A former chair of HELOA Wales and experienced school governor, Steve is particularly interested in character education and changing definitions of successful learning.

Rhiannon Jenkins – NACE Associate, Wales – Sharing Research and Best Practice

Rhiannon Jenkins is NACE Associate, Wales. In this role she focuses on delivery and networking, building on the extensive work that NACE has developed in Wales. A bilingual speaker, Rhiannon works within various educational settings, delivering consultancy work, CPD and INSET days whilst also assisting on the promotion of the NACE Challenge Development Programme throughout Wales.

She has held positions as a deputy head, advisory teacher (Welsh and English) and a university lecturer in all aspects of literacy. Having contributed to a number of national initiatives relating to Welsh-medium provision, she is currently the Welsh first language subject specialist for Welsh Government. She has taught in the Welsh-medium sector throughout her teaching career, and has worked throughout Wales as an independent trainer and consultant.

Rhiannon was a key player in the Welsh medium provision of the Pisa Intervention Project that disseminated quality teaching practice across Wales. She was also instrumental in developing the elements and aspects of the Literacy and Numeracy Framework in Welsh. She commissions and monitors Welsh medium resources for schools for the Welsh Government. In addition, she has worked as an independent external mentor for newly qualified teachers (primary and secondary).

Dr Jo Marchant – Head of Widening Participation at King’s College London – University Panel Discussion

Jo Marchant is Head of Widening Participation (KS3) at King’s College London. Previously, Jo worked for IntoUniversity where she helped set up a learning centre in Brighton. Prior to that she lectured in History at the University of Westminster. Jo studied History at LSE and completed a PhD in Victorian London at the Institute of Historical Research.

Students:

Vicky Speers – Graduate Ambassador, University of York – Adjusting to University Life

I’m a recent graduate from the University of York, graduating with a 2:1 degree in Biology specialising in Ecology, with a focus on plant and soil interactions. My degree provided the opportunity to take part in fieldwork and also large independent projects in a research lab. At university I worked part-time as a student ambassador getting involved in a number of student recruitment and widening participation events which inspired me to take up the position of Graduate Ambassador this year. I was also involved in a number of societies and volunteering programmes while at University which were a great way to meet people and enhanced my university experience greatly.

I grew up outside a small rural village in Northern Ireland moving to York for my studies. This was a large step for me and required time for me to adjust, not only to my new student life living with strangers and a completely new learning technique, but also living in a new country with many differences to my home. This proved to be a very positive experience and helped me to develop my confidence and independence greatly.

Georgina Taylor – Seren Network Ambassador, Theology and Philosophy Student, Cambridge University – Opening Student Keynote

My name is Georgina Taylor and I was part of the Bridgend Seren Network hub! I am currently in my first year studying Theology and Philosophy. I am a member of Selwyn College at the University of Cambridge. For my A Levels, I studied English Literature, Religious Studies, Geography and the Welsh Baccalaureate. The Seren Network helped me immensely with the application process for University. In the future, I hope to work in the either the charity sector or a Sixth Form College.

Iona Wyn Jones – WP University Preparation Team Intern, University of Bath – Adjusting to University Life

I am an intern in the Widening Participation team at the University of Bath. I moved to Bath in 2014 from Snowdonia to study biology. Following the completion of my undergraduate degree, I completed an MSc in Biotechnology at the University of Nottingham. I aspire to use my passion for learning and education to help others reach their full potential.

Marie-Teresa Vander Sande, Program Director, MIT – MIT Session, Opening Address

Marie-Teresa Vander Sande has had extensive experience in the MIT Industrial Liaison Program working with companies in a variety of industrial sectors. From 1985-1987, Marie served a large portfolio of both U.S. and Japanese companies, focusing on the materials and manufacturing sectors. Marie rejoined MIT in October 1994 to work with client companies in the electronics and communications sectors. From July 1997 to June 1999, Marie served as Manager of Communications in the MIT Office of Corporate Relations, where she oversaw the ILP conference series, The MIT Report, and other information products and services. From June 1999- May 2010, Marie resumed working with corporate clients in both Europe and the US through the MIT Industrial Liaison Program. She has recently rejoined the MIT Office of Corporate Relations as a Senior Industrial Liaison Officer.

Marie’s industry and consulting background is both rich and varied. She worked at GE Aircraft Engines in Lynn, Massachusetts, as a Materials Engineer; at Arthur D. Little, Inc. as a professional staff member in the Materials Group; and for Millipore Corporation, managing the market research function in the Strategic Planning Group. In addition, Marie opened the US office for a small French consulting firm and has worked both as an independent consultant, performing marketing studies and technology assessments, and as a freelance writer, producing technology overviews and advertorials. During her most recent hiatus from MIT, Marie wrote several articles for the MIT TechInsider and worked as a consultant to Reykjavik University on developing graduate engineering programs. From January 2009 to June 2010, she served as the Executive Assistant to the Provost at Reykjavik University in Iceland.

Tomos Wood – Engineering Student, University of Cambridge – Opening Student Keynote

I am a second-year engineering student at Queens’ College, the University of Cambridge. I live in Anglesey and speak welsh fluently. I attended Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor, and went through the Seren Network experience during sixth form. I studied Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Physics and the Welsh Bac at A-level and am happy to answer any questions you may have on life as a STEM-subject student.

Peter Redshaw – Graduate Ambassador, University of York – Getting Career Ready

I’m a recent law graduate from the University of York, graduating in Law with a Year Abroad (Hong Kong). I graduated with a first class degree from the Law School and ranked second in my cohort.

I’ve carried out extensive careers preparation during all four years at university, both with the assistance of the university and arranged independently. I’ve taken part in approximately 8 internships during my time at university, equating to roughly 3 months’ worth of practical experience. All my internships were directed toward law as that was the career I was interested in at the time. I was even fortunate enough to carry out work experience while studying in Hong Kong.

While at university I also worked as a student ambassador, working in Student Recruitment and Widening Participation at a variety of events. It was this part-time work which encouraged me to take up my current

role at the university.

In terms of next steps, I will be moving to work for a start-up Bioinformatics company in Cambridge next year. This career move away from law was a result of my work experience enabling me to recognise my own strengths as well as better understanding as my own interests.

Joseph Phillips – Student, St John Baptist Church in Wales School – Opening: Student Keynote

I am 18 years old from Aberdare, some of many hobbies include; mountain biking, motocross and supporting my local rugby team. In addition to this I am also a volunteer for the Welsh Ambulance. I am currently studying Maths, Physics, Geography and Welsh Baccalaureate at A Level with a hope to study mechanical engineering at university. My interest in this field has only been enhanced the several opportunities I have been presented with, including; Yale Young Global Scholars, an introductory course with the Open University, UNIQ summer school, the Step Up Plus programme and work experience. From each of the above I have improved many skills which will aid me, given I am successful in attaining a career in the engineering industry.

Lucy Nottingham – Education Adviser, University of East Anglia – Effective Study Skills

An internationally renowned university based on a distinctive and attractive campus, in the historic city of Norwich, University of East Anglia pride themselves on the excellent academic, social and cultural facilities which we offer to over 15,000 students. UEA is a UK top 15 university, ranked 15th by The Times Good University Guide 2019 and 14th by The Complete University Guide 2019. Lucy has worked for the University for almost 10 years supporting students to choose the right university, and make their applications for Higher Education.

Tom Long – Student, Haverfordwest High School – Opening: Student Keynote

I’m a year 13 student from Pembrokeshire studying Chemistry, Physics and Maths & Further Maths. Last summer I went on the Seren-Yale YYGS summer school and it opened my eyes to the opportunities that are available to Welsh students. I have since applied to Yale and I’m awaiting their decision. In the conference I’ll be talking about the opportunities available to students and why they shouldn’t hesitate in making the most of them.

Professor Peredur Lynch – Professor in Welsh & Medieval Literature, Prifysgol Bangor University – Maximising your Bilingualism

Professor Peredur Lynch is a prominent Welsh academic and he has worked in the higher education sector since 1985. At present he is a Professor in the School of Welsh at Bangor University and as a Celtic scholar he also regularly visits universities in north America and mainland Europe.

Ben Lund-Conlon – Access Officer (Post-16), UCL – University Panel Discussion

Having grown up in rural Devon, I moved to London for university and never looked back. Since graduating I have worked in school liaison, university outreach and widening participation both for a small subject specialist institution and a large multidisciplinary university, UCL. I have coordinated subject-specific masterclasses and conferences, summer schools with a focus on graduate careers, and I particularly enjoy hosting workshops for students writing their personal statements. I am now UCL’s primary contact regarding the national Realising Opportunities programme.

Owain Williams – Student, Coleg Cambria Yale – Studying in the US

Hi, my name is Owain Williams, from Wrexham’s Coleg Cambria Yale, and I study A levels in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. Last summer, I had the pretty special opportunity to go to the Frontiers of Science and Technology course at Yale University as part of the Yale Young Global Scholars Program. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and fully funded courtesy of the SEREN Network. There, I learnt a lot, but more importantly broadened my horizons about foreign cultures, and even met Kanye West’s next-door neighbour and Priyanka Chopra’s third cousin. Next year, I plan on going to university to study maths, and from there, who knows.

Grace Kendrick – Student, University of Bristol – Adjusting to University Life

My name is Grace Kendrick, a Law Masters student at the University of Bristol. I have loved studying in Bristol and decided to complete my MA here upon the completion of my History undergraduate degree in 2017. My favourite part of being a student here is the encouraging staff, the freedom of research and the opportunities to develop key skills alongside your degree. I also love spending time exploring Bristol at the weekends! My favourite things to do are walking across Clifton Suspension Bridge to the deer park, having lunch at Harbourside, or visiting one of the exiting museums.

Abbie Mountford – Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Assistant, University of Manchester – Adjusting to University Life

I am a Psychology graduate from the University of Manchester, and now work within the Student Recruitment and Widening Participation team.

Adam Amor – Director, Buffoon Film and Media – Applying for the Creative Industries

Adam is a Director at Buffoon Film and Media, a video production and live streaming company based in Port Talbot. Working across the UK, Buffoon produces video content and live streams event for clients such as Tata Steel, UK Government, Nintendo and the Football Association of Wales.

A former student of Ysgol Ystalyfera, he started in business at 14 with a music promotion company but then decided to venture into film at 18 and started Buffoon.

You can find out more here https://www.buffoonfm.co.uk/en/about-us

George Stamets – PhD Researcher, University of Leeds – Politics, Philosophy and Economics Masterclass: Philosophy “An Introduction to Philosophy and the Free Will Debate”

George is a third-year PhD student in Philosophy at the University of Leeds, where he works under the supervision of Professor Helen Steward. He grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, USA, and did his undergraduate work in Politics and Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh. He completed an MA in Philosophy at Florida State University. His primary research interests concern the metaphysics of agency and the free will debate. He also has significant interests in ethics generally (especially meta-ethics and social and political philosophy), metaphysics (especially causation, laws of nature, modality, and personhood) and Epistemology. Outside of academics, George enjoys frequent treks into the British countryside, playing in softball tournaments across the UK on summer weekends, and doing some digital and film photography, especially of landscapes and wildlife.

Emyr Davies – Human, Social and Political Sciences, Cambridge University – Opening Student Keynote

Hi, I’m Emyr. I’ve just finished my first term studying Human, Social and Political Sciences at Jesus College, Cambridge. I come from Llandrindod Wells in Mid Wales.

Exciting news! This year, we have launched an app for our Above and Beyond conference. You can download it in the Apple or Android store by searching: ‘Seren Events’ or ‘Digwyddiadau Seren Events’

Now that you have downloaded the Seren Conference 2018 event guide here are a few hints and tips about how to make the most of your experience:

To ensure all text is displayed in Welsh please select Welsh as your chosen language in the settings on your device.

Some of the menu items are bilingual – My Timetable, Floorplan, General Info, Inbox, Twitter, Facebook and Feedback

However for the more detailed timetable, session descriptions, speaker biographies and exhibitor profiles – you will need to click on either the English or Cymraeg menu item to access this content in your preferred language.

Timetables:

You will notice that there are 6 different timetables displayed under each language – one for students and one for professionals (teachers and staff) on each of the 3 days of the conference.  Firstly it is really important that you are looking at the right one before you start to set up you own personalised timetable through the ‘My Timetable’ function.

My Timetable:

The My Timetable feature enables you to customise your own schedule by adding sessions from the main timetables located in the English or Cymraeg folders to the My Timetable module.  Just make sure you are looking at the timetable for the day you are attending the conference (4^th, 5^th or 6^th) and that you are looking at the correct strand – Student / Professional.    You can even set up alerts so that you know where you are due to go next.

Feedback:

At the end of the last session of the day you will be given 5 minutes to reflect on your experience and to let us know what you thought of the event.  Please take the time to click on the feedback menu item on the app and complete the short online survey.  This will help us improve and build on the success of the Seren conferences in the future.

This week, Phil Lynes from Student Finance Wales gives the lowdown on how you can get help from Welsh Government with support for living and tuition fees, meaning you can focus on studying, not making ends meet.

If you’re thinking about your next steps and are considering going to university, it’s worth knowing that there is financial support available to cover your living costs.

All eligible Welsh students starting an undergraduate course can apply for support to cover their living costs – so rent, bills and spending money – while they study. The support on offer is a mixture of grants and loans that reach the equivalent to the National Living Wage.

This means you can focus on your studies and spend less time worrying about whether you have enough money to live on.

For students with relatively low household income, most of the financial support for living costs will be a grant which does not have to be paid back.

Who is eligible?

First time undergraduates (full and part-time) starting a course could be eligible. Students aged over 60 may be eligible for a fee loan and a grant for study/living costs, but won’t be eligible for a maintenance loan. All students from Wales can apply, no matter where they plan to study in the UK.

How much will I get?

The minimum grant you will get is £1,000, which you do not have to pay back. If you’re studying full-time as an undergraduate, through a mixture of grants and loans, you could be eligible for up to £11,250 a year towards your living costs if you live away from home and study in London, and £9,000 per year in the rest of the UK. Part-time undergraduates will receive similar support, on a pro-rata basis based on course intensity and household income.

Grants will be means-tested to support those who need them most. If you are from a lower income household, you will receive the highest grant. You can take out a maintenance loan to top up what you get. The maximum loan amount will depend on how much grant you receive.

If you are studying full-time you could also get up to £1,500 towards reducing your maintenance loan when you make the first loan repayment under the Welsh Government partial cancellation scheme.

What about tuition fees?

Most students won’t have to pay anything upfront for their course. Full and part-time students can apply for a separate loan to cover tuition fees. Tuition fees are set by the university or college. In Wales, tuition fees have been capped at £9,000 per year but in other parts of the UK you could be charged up to £9,250 per year for a full-time undergraduate course.

Student Finance Wales provides a loan to cover your tuition fees, which you will have to repay once you start earning over £25,000. Loans to cover tuition fees are not means-tested. You’ll be charged interest on your Tuition Fee Loan from the first day the money is paid to your university or college until the loan is repaid in full or cancelled.

How do I apply?

Students who a starting a course in 2018/19 can apply now. Further information for students starting a course in 2019/20 will be available later in the year.

Applying for student finance is simple and is done directly through the Student Finance Wales website www.studentfinancewales.co.uk. The online application system for students applying for 2018/19 is now live. The application system for full-time students starting their course in 2019/20 will be open in the spring. Part-time and postgraduate students will be able to apply in early summer.

Student Finance Wales is a service delivered by the Student Loans Company. It provides student finance on behalf of the Welsh Government to students from Wales entering higher education in the UK.

Remember you can apply for grants and loans to help with your living costs and a loan to cover your tuition fees upfront.

For up-to-date information about when you can apply, follow Student Finance Wales on Twitter and Facebook or bookmark the website.