University offers enhanced support package to new and returning students ahead of A-Level results day

This year, new students coming to University of Cumbria and those returning, will benefit from a new enhanced support package specifically designed to address student concerns about the cost of living crisis.

The package is bursting with benefits that students will be able to tailor to suit their needs and lifestyle. From wellbeing support to professional learning opportunities, the university is supporting students so that they get the most out of their student experience.

The package includes:

• Free breakfast on campus during the week,
• £25 annual gym membership,
• Access to works placements through a dedicated student careers and jobs portal
• Free Microsoft Office software, virus protection and assistive technologies, and
• Access to CPD courses through LinkedIn Learning

The new package has been introduced as school pupils will receive their A-Level results this Thursday, 17 August, and some may look to enter Clearing, the annual process whereby university applicants without offers are matched to universities with available places.

University of Cumbria has a range of places on courses available through Clearing, including; Nursing, Midwifery, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, as well as, Outdoor Studies, STEM, Psychology and Psychological Therapies, Education and Business.

Many of the university's degree programmes include an option to complete a integrated foundation year, which is suitable for applicants who have not met the entry requirements or do not have the qualifications required for their preferred course. 

The university’s Clearing telephone hotline is open now on 0808 178 7373 and applicants can get ahead online at: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/clearing/

The Clearing advice team is made up of lecturers, university staff and students who will discuss the application process, entry requirements, course details and any other queries with applicants seeking information and support. 

For those less confident on the phone or simply want to apply at any time, there is a short application form on the Clearing webpage that will speed up the process.

This year, there is speculation by some education experts* that there may be a downshift in grades to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, which may result in some A-Level pupils getting lower grades than expected.

Sharon Blaylock, Admissions Manager at University of Cumbria is celebrating her 25^th year of Clearing, explains that whatever the results, if applicants need a university place, they should call the Clearing advice team to discuss their options.

She said: “It’s likely to be another tough year for some university applicants. While many will have done well, some will not have got their predicted grades and may not feel ready for university yet or feel they should retake their A-Levels. They may also feel anxious about how they can afford university in the current economic climate.

“My message is that A-levels are a stepping-stone to university but they are not the only route, and so my advice is to ring your university for help and we will be able to guide you on your next steps. Our new student package offers enhanced support to students so that they can enjoy their experience while they study with us.”

It is the second year that T-Level qualifications will be accepted for access onto university courses. T Levels are an alternative to A-Levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to three A-Levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study, or apprenticeships. University of Cumbria accepts T Levels on some of its courses.

Clearing can be extremely anxious time for some students, so the university has created an informative webpage designed to guide them through the process.  

It includes what information you need when you call or chat online, open day dates, how to apply for accommodation, student stories and a handy FAQ for applicants and their parents or carers.

Recent survey data commissioned by Universities UK, a membership organisation that acts as the collective voice of 142 universities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, demonstrates the benefit of going to university.  Of over 7000 UK graduates and businesses leaders surveyed:

• 73% of UK graduates credit going to university with enabling them to find the job they wanted in under a year
• 79% of graduates say going to university enabled them to build skills that have proved professionally valuable
• 71% of first in their family UK graduates said that going to university opened doors to companies for them.

Want more information and advice about university applications through Clearing? Call the University of Cumbria Clearing hotline on 0808 178 7373, or visit  https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/clearing/

ENDS

Media interviews: 

Images:

1. Hero image: stock generic students

2. Sharon Blaylock, Admissions Manager, University of Cumbria

Sharon Blaylock, is available for interview during Clearing week. A hybrid call centre will be based at the Fusehill Street campus in Carlisle and will be accessible to media for interviews on Thursday 17 August.  

To arrange an interview, contact the media team on: news@cumbria.ac.uk or call 01228 279360. 

LINKS:

*Grade shock? : dataHE speculation that by some HE experts that grades will deflate compared to previous years to levels seen pre-pandemic in 2019.

UUK Value of University survey: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/policy-and-research/publications/value-going-university

Clearing hotline number: 0808 178 7373

Clearing webpage:  https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/clearing/

Short application form: https://salesforce-eu.123formbuilder.com/form-65579/

Student support package: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/support-package/