What can you do with £9000?

First of all, why hasn’t Harry written a blog since the end of August?

a) Third Year is difficult

b) Third Year is difficult

c) I’m lazy

d) Third Year is difficult

Good, glad that’s dealt with. Moving on…

Dreary afternoons in the library spent weeping over my dissertation has led me to wonder what else I could be doing with my £9000 a year. So, I did a little research, and found some pretty interesting alternatives. Here are my top 5:

You could take 26 baths a day or flush 450,000 toilets*

It costs £700.80 to bath twice a day for a whole year. Not feeling like a degree? Then you could run 25.68 baths a day instead. Or instead flush it (literally) down the toilet…450,000 times.

*I didn’t say this list would be useful.

Buy a really expensive drink

A bar in London is selling a cocktail, called the ‘Gigi’ for £8,888. Screw 9am lectures, you could have a combination of vintage champagne and an ultra-rare Armagnac brandy that pre-dates the Boer War.

A waterproof pool table

Ever been swimming, and thought, “this water is really missing the facility to be able play pool”? Well you could use your well-borrowed money to buy a waterproof pool table, solving a problem you never knew you had.

Buy a massive gumball machine

Ever wanted a bubble gum machine that was as tall as you? Me neither. But for your tuition fees you could have 3! Money well spent I say.

A Gold Lego Brick

No Lego set is complete without a 14K solid gold Lego brick. For $14,499.99 you could have one. Now I know this is more than a years worth of loan but you got to save up for some things.

Bet that degree seems wasted now…

 

 

Is ‘Clearing’ a second chance or a flawed gamble?

Last Thursday afternoon, after initial A-Level results had been released, a record 41,000 university places via clearing were advertised on the UCAS website – in comparison with 37,000 in 2015. This corresponds with a record number of 64,000 students who found their place at university last year through the clearing, almost a 70% increase from 10 years ago.

Clearing gives students a second opportunity for those who missed out on their initial five choices. It means that most can continue their ambition of studying at university, and save many from a sense of failure having not obtained the grades they needed. However, with thousands applying for a limited amount of places, many of them are already taken by lunchtime on results day leaving very little time for a decision. It is rare that the clearing options are a close match to your original choice, making it quite a sizeable gamble.

Many students are now finding their university places via clearing, with many sidestepping the initial process and being placed directly through clearing. 3,600 students have currently been placed like this, compared with 1,200 in 2012. With all these statistics in mind, UCAS is now considering altering the university entry system. The problem with the clearing process, is that despite increasing numbers of students now being accepted into a university, a lot of these choices are made in the heat of the moment and mean that many students end up unhappy with their choice and drop out.

Half of 18 year olds that miss out on their chosen places, re-apply a year later with a 90% success rate. This raises the question of whether the clearing process is an effective way of getting students into university? With a year to reconsider their options, students are perhaps more likely to be happy with their choice of university and course. Having not been through the clearing process, I cannot comment on how unhappy or happy students are that have been through the process. However, a working party council set up by the Academic Registrars Council has recommended that changes being made to the system should include the ability to reactivate previous offers, but more importantly be given more time to consider their options after having seen their A-Level grades.

Student Mental Health – an Epidemic?

For most, university represents the best years of a person’s life. However, for many, university is a mental pressure cooker in which the stresses of being away from home exaggerate financial, relationship and academic issues. In December of 2015, a survey by the National Union of Students (NUS) found that the majority of students (78%) had suffered from mental health problems at university, a third of which said they had suicidal thoughts and over half (54%) admitting they did not seek support. Anthony Seldon, vice-chancellor at the University of Buckingham and a mental-health campaigner, has said: “Britain has a near epidemic of mental health problems among its students.”

These thoughts have followed from a recent survey carried out by the Architect’s Journal found that more than a quarter of students studying architecture at university are being treated or have been previously treated for mental health problems. With architecture being a seven year course, anxiety over increasing debts and heavy workloads that frequently require all-nighters, were sourced by undergraduates as the causes for these mental health issues.

These rather provoking figures are leading to some important questions being asked. Are universities doing enough to help with those students suffering from mental health issues? Are the huge student loans contributing to this increase in mental health issues?

With the recent news that some universities are increasing their tuition fees for the first time since they trebled, the stress and strain over financial security will only develop further and consequently increase the amount of students suffering from mental health issues. On top of this, as of this month, maintenance grants have now become maintenance loans for those poorer students. Jane Duncan, president of the Royal Institute of British Architecture, has said: “I am concerned that the combination of tuition fees, rising student debt and the necessity for many students to take on paid work outside study can trigger or exacerbate mental health problems.” The rising debt for students is becoming a major issue in the UK. Not only is it preventing some prospective students joining university in the first place, but for those who are there, the extra stress that is being added by debt worries is potentially causing a rise in mental health issues.

Questions have been raised over whether the institutions are providing suitable services to help combat the risk of mental health issues, and support those who are suffering from these problems. However, what must be asked is whether the stresses that are leading to the rise of mental health problems are being caused by the institutions themselves, and the high prices of university. With university inevitably only becoming more expensive in the near future for all students, it appears that this “epidemic” will only get worse. It is up to the universities themselves to prevent these mental health problems, rather than exert more effort into services that support students with issues.

How much?

I have come to terms that I will come out of Uni with thousands of pounds worth of debt – or at least blocked it out of my mind sufficiently to prevent nightmares. However, after tuition fees, accommodation fees, and the money needed for food and basic survival, there are unprecedented extra costs, that you will not have accounted for.

1. Societies. I am not suggesting that you shouldn’t join societies, because you most definitely should. However just be aware that it comes with extra cost. There will undoubtedly be a joining fee for your club, and then the socials themselves will cost money, whether it is going to the pub or paint balling. Then there are trips, and team kit. All of these seem relatively small expenses, however over the course of a year it seriously adds up.
2. Printing. As a history student, I know how much it costs to print endless pages of reading material and your own work. This is an unavoidable cost but an expensive one nonetheless. Just try and make sure that you print what you need and not any unnecessary extras. Also print everything double sided, as the less paper that is used the cheaper it will be – and better for the environment of course.
3. Public Transport. If you are less fortunate and do not live on/within walking distance of campus, the likelihood is that you will have to catch a bus into uni. Again this may be an unavoidable source of expense, however there are ways to make it cheaper. Buying a bicycle to ride into campus (on sunny days of course) would be cheaper in the long run. For those not interested in the extra exercise, most bus companies within university cities offer student discount on travel. Make sure to research this before starting uni as it will be a real money saver.
4. Mobile phone bills. Consider changing your contract, if possible, to something a little cheaper. Shaving £20 off of your monthly phone bill will help massively over the course of a year – it could fund a few awesome nights out…
5. Speaking of nights out, they are another expensive area of uni life, maybe even the most expensive. When buying pre drinks look for the best deals (yes I mean that naff looking bottle of Tesco value vodka). Look for the best student nights, every university city has them. The cheaper a night out is, the better.
6. Clothes. Everyone loves buying new clothes, however when on a tight budget its not the best idea to go on a shopping spree. If you are truly desperate to update your collection though you can find cheaper options. For those of you with a smartphone the app Depop is ideal for finding cheap but still fashionable clothes. It also acts as a selling base for those clothes you don’t want anymore, which is ideal if you are a little short of cash. Charity shops are also full of great brands if you look hard, and you whilst finding great clothes you can feel happy in the knowledge that your money will go to a worthy cause.

‘Gap Yaahs’ – Are they really worth it?

You haven’t got the grades? You’ve always wanted to travel? You’ve decided after a year of university studies that it isn’t for you? There are many reasons why students take gap years, but are they actually beneficial?

A gap year for many is a chance to travel and see the world, and develop as a person. For some it is a year to take a break from education, earn some money whilst others are spending, and to decide what they really want from their careers. For a smaller minority of people, gap years are forced decisions. Either their A Level grades haven’t been good enough or after a year of studying the relentless lectures and deadlines have been too much.

Gap years aren’t hugely practical, however. Financially they are obviously not cheap (if you’re travelling) and for those who plan to go to university afterwards, it may not be entirely wise. Also, deferring your entry to university may leave you out of the loop, not just in terms of your friendship group, but you will be a year behind some of your peers when looking for future employment; by taking a year out you may lack a vital years work experience. However, on the flip side, your year out gives you something that stand out on a CV. A year abroad, or volunteering is excellent to boost your resumé in such a competitive world for postgraduates.

There are excellent companies that provide gap year experiences. Real Gap Experience, for example, covers all ranges of gap year experiences, and i-to-i which offers opportunities to teach English, work with wildlife, volunteer with children and building projects in locations such as Australia, Costa Rica, China and Cambodia.

Gap years then, are very much a personal choice. It of course depends on money, your education situation and whether it is the best career choice for you. However, if these things are in the all-clear then a gap year is well worth taking. After all, what will you regret more? Not quite getting that first job straight away? Or missing out on a great experience?

 

Exactly.

How to survive exam season: 6 useful tips (possibly)

January exam season is upon us. Universities are littered with broken students, not quite sure what time of day it is and where they live. Its a tough time for everyone involved, but it is possible to make it to the end with some simple pointers*.

1. Get all your crying done before revision starts. Nobody wants wet revision notes from all your tears. Crying beforehand also preserves energy that you will need to revise furiously
2. Plan your time wisely. One of the more obvious points but still important. Planning your life around revision, and indeed what you are going to revise and when is crucial important. Just as everybody has been lectured throughout their education, its not beneficial to leave revision to the last minute, and as monotonous as this message is, its very true.
3. Sleep properly. That means early nights and late mornings. Im talking about a good 13 hours kip. None of this “go to bed early to wake up early” rubbish, how are you supposed to operate at 9am? I mean seriously.
4. DRINK. Alcohol will help numb the pain of revision and make you much happier. No, in all honestly drinking lots of fluids (non alcoholic) and eating properly – not just snacking on mozzarella dippers – is key to revision and exams. You won’t feel, and I use the colloquial term here, “blegh”.
5. Make sure to give yourself rest time from revising. Working solidly for 9 hours will just wear your brain out. If you play sport, or just enjoy the gym then make sure you carry on during exam period. Exercise is perfect for the brain to relax. Even if you’re not into that, making yourself a cuppa and watching a movie works just as well.
6. Work hard. Preparation is key for exams but revising hard is still the most valuable thing you can do. Just remember to work hard but also play much harder when exams are done. Good luck!

*N.B. some of these may not be serious.

Housing Hell

Its November. You’ve been at university for two months. Life is starting to settle down; you know where your lectures are (just about), you’ve signed up for societies, decided which flat mates you like and dislike, and the chaos of Freshers Week is a distant memory as your university studies are in full swing.

And then the letting agents swoop. Like feeding time at the zoo, they bombard unknowing first years with pamphlet after pamphlet, normally followed with a quizzical response along the lines of “Next years house? But I’ve only just got here?”.

I agree that it is important to organise your living situation in advance so that there is no panic come the following the September, and I don’t mean to generalise all letting agents into one category. However, the intensity that some letting agents initiate proceedings can be quite daunting, especially to someone who is completely new to the concept of letting a house such as a first year student. The attitude of some of these agents can make the stresses of university even worse. All I suggest is that the people in charge of these companies deal with students with a little more sympathy as they embark on a scary experience, and perhaps don’t punish them for their slight naiveness.

Furthermore, the prices of rent for some of these student digs can be well over what an average student can afford. I study in Cardiff so I am very fortunate that house prices in the capital of Wales are relatively low. However, I’ve heard from friends that live in cities such as Bath who can barely afford to live anywhere near their university campus because of the enormity of rent prices. Again I understand that house prices all over Britain are on the rise but for students who have worked hard to get to university, is it fair for them to be living in sub standard accommodation because they can’t afford anything better?

I feel that letting agents that operate in university cities have a responsibility to make the house hunting experience for first time students a less stressful overall process. Let me know what you think in the comments!

 

Cardiff University Swimming and Water Polo Team ready for the new season

The new season of BUCS fixtures is nearly upon us and nobody is more keen for it to start than the Cardiff University Swimming and Water Polo Club. The season begins for the men and ladies water polo teams in November against Imperial College of London, whilst the swimming team kick off their season with the short course BUCS championships, also in November. Following a highly successful 2014/15 season for the Club, President and first team polo player Kate Thompson is looking forward to what lies ahead; “We’re aiming for the Club to continue to improve and develop within every training session and to maintain and, indeed, build upon the high level of performance that the Club has been achieving over the past few years.”

 

Thompson is not wrong about the high level of performance that exists within the Club. Last season, the men’s polo team made it to the BUCS finals, resulting in a hard fought third place before coming second at the UPolo finals in the last matches of the season. The men’s water polo captain, Daniel Picton, adds; “after a tough season of polo we were thrilled to win a bronze medal at the BUCS finals in Leeds.” The ladies team was no exception, making it through to the BUCS semi-finals and also achieving a superb second place at the UPolo finals. Varsity also saw another victory for the men’s team with a convincing 16-3 win over Swansea University.

 

The swimming team also put in a strong performance during the year making it into the B finals at the BUCS short course championships. Despite a loss at this year’s Varsity, the men’s swimming team captain, Luke McCluskey, remains in a buoyant and positive mood for the new year; “As captain all I can ask for is full commitment from the squad so that we can be as successful as possible in BUCS and hopefully reclaim our titles at both Varsity and the Celtic championships.”

 

Both Cardiff polo teams face stiff competition in the Premier South Division in the form of first teams from Birmingham, Cambridge, Imperial, Oxford and long-term rivals, Bristol. Despite some losses to the squad over the summer, Picton is confident about building on it’s previous success; “Having retained key players and welcomed some promising new freshers I believe it is well within our ability to achieve the same level of success as last season.” Meanwhile, the swimming squad faces a tough challenge in both the long and short course championships but with freshers trials coming up shortly McCluskey is positive about the squad’s chances.

 

Cardiff University Swimming and Water Polo Club not only prides itself at succeeding in its particular sports, but is also keen to emphasise the social aspect of its Club. It’s weekly socials are as important as every training session in the pool. Kate Thompson adds; “As well as aiming high this season we want to remain a social team that is inclusive to all it’s members and allows them to make new friends whilst keeping fit.”