So, you’re beginning your big year of decision making. And so many decisions to make!

I was in your position three years ago; I lived with my extended family in a village in the South Wales valleys and was studying Sociology, English Literature, Drama Studies and the Welsh Baccalaureate at A Level; all through the medium of Welsh. Today I am in my final year of studying for a BSc. Degree in Sociology at the University of Bath.

The last three years have gone so quickly but I remember how stressful it was at the time when deciding what to study and where. For me, I found it useful as a starting point to follow the advice and guidance out there. I knew I wanted to study a subject which I enjoyed even though I wasn’t sure what type of work I wanted to do. I was also unsure of studying in English because my whole education had been through the medium of Welsh.

Draw up a shortlist

Having decided on Sociology, I drew up a (very long!) shortlist based on the usual factors such as rankings, student satisfaction, living costs etc. It wasn’t practical to visit each place on my shortlist so I started visiting the university websites. The two things which helped most were reading the departmental pages and the student feedback about the course and university life. Both these things helped narrow down my choices. Attending the open days was then key to making my final decision. Meeting lecturers and speaking to students on the same course gave me a real feel for the University, it’s hard to explain but I genuinely felt like I would be happy living there! Being happy living at Bath has definitely helped me make the most of my time here.

Remember to showcase your extra-curricular!

Having made my decision I then knew what was needed to achieve my goal, which helped me focus on my studies and helped with writing my personal statement. I was keen to use the personal statement to show that I had gained transferable skills from my activities outside of school which would help with my attitude and approach to university study. I now realise that those extra -curricular skills have played a big part in helping me adapt to life at university. Honestly, when my results came through and Bath offered me a place – I panicked! How would I manage living and studying in England!? What was I thinking?

My panic, however, was short-lived in the whirlwind of preparation for the move and as it turns out, unfounded! Yes, I was nervous, but so was everyone else! I would highly recommend engaging with the university from day one – they do so much to prepare you and ensure that you have the necessary information and support to make the transition go smoothly. Make the most of Freshers week, join any clubs/societies which interest you and enjoy!

Top tip for degree prep: If like me, you plan on applying to an English university, and have chosen to carry on studying a subject you’ve previously studied through the medium of Welsh, start to read around the subject in English too – there is nothing more frustrating than knowing you understand a topic, but having to explain it using terminology in a different language!

Make the most of all the opportunities and support that are out there for you. Enjoy, and best of luck!

Lowri Morgan

This week, Miles Hermann from the Ceredigion hub, shares his experiences of open days.

In the process of looking to study at university, it’s essential that applicants visit a range of universities, to get a feel for the course and its surroundings.

After some research, I decided to look into studying geography or law, two current subjects especially with politics, environment and places changing rapidly.

Firstly, I received advice from the Seren Network to look at Russell group universities which would benefit me in terms of career prospects. I then created a list of Russell group universities with reference to statistics that showed that the course was successful.

I narrowed it down to three universities ;Cardiff University, University of Liverpool and the University of Bristol. Over the course of year 12 and the beginning of year 13, I planned trips to the universities.

At Cardiff, I looked around the university campus and grounds before sitting in lectures about the course. I enjoyed listening about the different possible modules in the human geography course. Although, I felt that law wasn’t for me, while I found the geography course more current and interesting and the modules appealed to me. I then took time to explore the city and get a feel for the place, which is essential as this may be your home for at least 3 years.

At Bristol, I arrived and instantly was taken by the archaic architecture. However, the courses didn’t appeal to me for law and geography as the modules were mainly physical and not human-based so it is important to look at modules online before sitting in on a lecture in the course.

At Liverpool, I looked at just geography as, at this time, I was sure that this was the course for me. I enjoyed the modules and the fact you could study both physical and human. I also sat in on lectures about finance and went around to see possible accommodation. In hindsight, I should have looked at accommodation at all university open days.

Here are my top tips for anyone attending an open day in the near future:

• If possible look at more than three universities, so that you have an idea of which one offers the best course for you.
• Pre-plan the day, make a list of possible courses you want to see, more than one if possible.
• Whilst at the course introduction make a list of modules you may be studying.
• If possible, spend time asking university staff about the course or your own personal career options.
• Look at the universities facilities, what does the whole university have to offer?
• Look at university accommodation and its proximity to the city/town centre or amenities.
• Visit the town/city as this will be the place you may be living in for three or more years so you’ll need to like where you’ll be staying.

Good luck!

Darllenwch yn y Gymraeg

Please note more details will be issued later this week to the person who made your booking containing all event logistics. In the meantime, here’s an overview of what to expect…

1,200 of Wales’ brightest students, 30 universities, 30 outstanding speakers – all in one place. We hope you’re as excited as we are!

This year’s Seren conference has been aptly named ‘Above and Beyond’, because that’s what Seren is all about, helping Wales’ brightest students go the extra mile and aim for the best universities in the UK and beyond.

Throughout the two-day event, at Cefn Lea in Newtown, both students and teachers take part in ‘stretch and challenge’ activities, including academic masterclasses, advice and guidance sessions, and professionalism workshops.

All students will take part in their selection of the following workshops. Don’t panic if you don’t know which sessions you’re attending, on arrival you’ll be given a programme and a lanyard reminding you where you need to be and when.

Here’s a reminder of the three strands:

Professionalism sessions

-Plotting your career path

-Standing out from the crowd

Academic masterclasses

-Humanities

-Language, Literature and Culture

-Natural Sciences

-Engineering, Physics, Maths and Computing

-Medical Sciences

-Oxplore

Information, Advice and Guidance sessions

-Getting career-ready at uni

-Adjusting to university life

-Effective study skills

-Admissions tests

-Finance, bursaries and scholarships

Alongside your masterclasses, which will be led by leading university academics, here’s a flavour of some of your keynote speakers:

Elin James Jones – Brexit Scrutiny and Communications Manager, House of Commons
Tomos Wood – Seren alumnus and University of Cambridge student
Liam Rahman – Yale University graduate, and Yale Alumni Schools Committee member
Dr Matt Williams – Access and Career Development Fellow, Jesus College, University of Oxford

Dr Michael Englard – Director of Research, Higher Education Access Network

Other key highlights

• Fancy studying in the States? For the first time, Yale will have a presence at the conference, and will be on-hand to explain their Yale Global Scholars Programme
• Oxford and Cambridge Universities, which increasingly coordinate their activity in Wales through Seren, will also be in attendance as part of this and will also lead specific sessions, including ‘navigating the application and admissions process’
• More than 30 universities will be exhibiting – so make sure you get some questions ready!

If you have any questions relating to the event, please email seren2017@cazbah.biz

We look forward to seeing you there!

Darllenwch yn y Gymraeg

David Harrison is from Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing

Thinking about going to university is a big step into the future.  You’ll be encouraged to think of the possibilities: so many universities, so many courses – and the opportunities: going to new places, even new countries, working with different people, experiencing different things.

And then people start talking about meeting requirements, being interviewed, even sitting admissions tests.  I am frequently asked why universities have admissions tests and it always leaves me momentarily feeling like the bad guy. I’m telling you there’s this ‘barrier’ stopping you from taking that big step and enjoying those possibilities and options.

Then I take a breath and tell myself, I’m a good guy. Then I’ll tell a potential student about how taking an admissions test is actually a good thing for them. They honestly are a way for the university to see if you have the aptitude and ability to do well on their course. Emphasis on the ‘you’. These tests don’t depend on how good your school is or how good your teachers have been. They are all about your ability to think and apply your knowledge and understanding.

And then I’ll tell you something you won’t believe at first. But once you understand it is true then you’ll smile. The truth is that these admissions tests are an opportunity for you to show the university just how good, how amazing you are. Show them your true potential and let them know that you to be a student at their university.

If you don’t believe me, then come along to my sessions at the Seren 2017 conference. I’ll explain just how admissions tests work, what they are testing and the best ways you can be prepared for them. With teachers, I’ll talk through the different admissions tests used by universities and discuss effective ways to ensure students are fully prepared them. Throughout the day, I’ll be happy to answer questions in-between sessions.

As a first step towards that, take a look at the Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing website and make use of the wide range of free preparation materials, guidance, past papers and other resources available. Everything there has been produced with the aim of making our admissions tests accessible to everybody and to enable you to show your true potential.