Meet the Access and Outreach team

"I was the first in my family to go to uni and I had no real sense of how it worked. I didn’t go to open days and knew nothing about all the opportunities available. I just wanted to move out, study more and get a good job. If I could go back and do it all again, I would join student societies, get involved with the students’ union and consider a year abroad."

"I had so many more questions than I had answers when I decided to go to university. All I knew is I wanted to keep learning and find a job which I loved and made a difference to people's lives. I would encourage you to have faith in yourself and ask questions and people will help you to achieve your goals."

"Do plenty of research and prepare lots of questions to ask university staff and students. After attending an open day, ask yourself ‘could I see myself at this university?’ and ‘would I be happy at this university?’. If you answer yes to both these questions then you’re onto a winner!"

"Embrace diversity and engage with the wide range of opportunities available. University is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and experiences. Take advantage of this by participating in societies, attending events, and connecting with people from various backgrounds. It’s a unique experience and there'll never be a time like it!"

"University is such an exciting opportunity, but if like me, you'll be the first in your family to take on this journey, it can be a little overwhelming. My advice would be to trust in yourself and your ability. When it comes to choosing what course you would like to study and where to study, make sure you make the choice that you feel most comfortable with. We thrive when we do things we love - so keep that in mind!"

"As well as learning more about a subject you love, university is all about learning about yourself! Don’t be afraid to try things you never imagined doing, you might surprise yourself at what you are capable of achieving!"

"Really challenge yourself and try to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I decided to move 300 miles away to go to the University of Exeter, which was one of the things that helped me gain independence and confidence."

"At University, I found it really useful to think about what makes me happy, even if that means changing plans. I learnt to listen and trust myself - that’s all that really matters. Now I help students to do the same and get the right support, information and opportunities through their school or college"

"Don’t be scared to use all the resources on offer. As a neurodivergent student who had no help in my earlier studies, getting to university was a challenge for me. Realising all the support that was out there was a revelation; university can offer so much more flexibility and freedom to work out what’s best for you to make the most of your studies."

"It can feel scary trying something new on your own, but you miss out on 100% of the opportunities you don’t take. You don’t have to wait for others around you to give something a go before you can - if you try something and it’s not for you, chances are you’ve learnt something new about yourself which will help you find something that is for you. Don’t wait for someone else to push you - this is your experience to make the most of. Trust yourself."

"Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Achieving academically is only one part of your life. Growing your support network, embracing new opportunities, and pursuing your other interests are all important too. If you can find enjoyment in, and beyond, learning then you can consider your time at university a huge success!"

"Try not to compare yourself to others, or feel that you must take a linear route to university if that is not right for you. This is your educational journey, no one else’s and so it needs to work for you. There are so many options out there for you to explore!"

"It is important to strike a good balance when studying for your exams, at university and beyond. Your health and wellbeing is paramount. Where possible, have study breaks, step outside and go for a walk or take time away from your screen. I also found that by joining clubs, it was a great way to meet other people and learn something new!"

"As a commuter student I made the most of the free time I had in between lectures to socialise with friends and use the study spaces on campus, this gave me a well-rounded university experience despite not living there!"

"University can offer you ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities. I had the chance to conduct my orchestra, sleep in Durham Cathedral and even do academic research on Beyoncé! Follow your passions and don’t be afraid to get stuck in."

"Don’t feel like you’ve missed the boat if you don’t join a specific society or sports club in first year - there are plenty more opportunities to join things as you go through university. ‘Give it a Go’ sessions can be a great way to try something out without committing, but societies will welcome newcomers with open arms at any point throughout the year. I started a sport I knew nothing about in 2nd year (I’d never set foot in a gym before and had no idea what powerlifting even was, but was tempted by the prospect of a free t-shirt!), then went on to compete at Roses and it’s now my favourite sport - anything is possible!"

"The first few weeks of university are super exciting but can feel really overwhelming - don't feel pressure to be completely settled as this takes time. Get involved in as much as possible but also remember it doesn't need to be straight away. Some of my most memorable moments came from the societies and opportunities I got involved with in my second and third year at university!"

"Universities are big, diverse, confusing, messy, and wonderful, and because of that, you have complete freedom to be whoever you want to be. You will come out as a different version of yourself, so embrace it! It’s a fantastic opportunity to really define yourself, your interests, and your outlook on life. Take as many opportunities as you can and know that you are in the safest environment possible to find out who you are."

"Before I started university, I used to look at university students and think ‘I could never be like that’. Heck, if Jodie from 2020 saw me today, I think she’d think that same thing! It’s easy to let that imposter syndrome kick in when you look at people in isolation of all the messy parts of life. The truth is, that person you compare yourself to has developed over a long period of time. Students don’t wake up on the first day of university and have everything figured out. My biggest tip would be to enjoy the process and let things happen naturally over time. University is a crazy but incredible experience - try to enjoy the madness of it!"