Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, make sure you feel prepared for the new academic year with our handy checklist of actions for the summer…
POINT ONE: DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER…
Whether you are a new starter, or a continuing student progressing into your next academic year, you’ll need to remember to register onto your course each year, which usually takes place in August.
As a new student, once your place is confirmed you’ll receive an email with your login details about a month before the course is due to start. Continuing students will need to re-register via their SOLE page, even if you’ve previously selected your modules for this year. You’ll be invited to do this via email and so continue to check your university email account over the summer months for useful updates and information.
Once you’ve fully registered you will see your “Certificate of Registration” under the personal details tab of your SOLE page, and you should receive an email to confirm you’ve completed this step. You’ll then be able to access your course details and all University resources, including applying for your parking permit if you need to park on campus – applications will open in late August.
POINT TWO: APPLY FOR YOUR STUDENT FINANCE…
If you haven’t applied for your student funding for the next academic year, it’s not too late, but you’ll need to start this process as soon as possible if you will need this in place to cover tuition fees or will be relying on this to help with living costs.
The University Money Advice pages contain lots of helpful information about financial support for students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. If you have any concerns about your own financial circumstances, you can also arrange to meet with a Money Adviser by contacting firstpoint.
You can find out how to apply for student finance, check your eligibility or start the process on the Gov.UK Apply for Student Finance Webpages here – or find out more about the different application process within Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
POINT THREE: WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED A DBS CHECK FOR PLACEMENT…
You may have selected a module for the next academic year, which involves a work placement and depending on your placement, you may have been asked to make a DBS (or Disclosure and Barring Service) check application.
Before you make an application for a DBS, please ensure you have secured your placement opportunity and have been advised that an enhanced DBS check is required. You only need a DBS if you are undertaking a placement which involves regulated activities with children or vulnerable adults, and you can find guidance regarding the DBS eligibility requirements on the government webpage here.
Once you have confirmed your placement and the need for a DBS certificate, firstpoint can help you start this process, just contact us during opening hours with any questions and for support.
Once your check is complete, you’ll receive a paper certificate which you must bring to firstpoint to check and confirm your clearance, and which you can take to your placement if needed. Remember, the whole process to apply and receive your certificate can take several weeks, so please ensure you leave plenty of time to avoid any delays to your placement!
Remember, some health, education and sport courses have a mandatory requirement for a DBS certificate throughout the course and so it’s important to make sure you have applied at the start of your course, have registered the certificate with firstpoint and have kept the certificate safe if this applies to you. If you are unsure, or have any queries regarding DBS applications, please contact firstpoint and we can give you advice.
POINT FOUR: CHECK YOUR TIMETABLE…
New timetables for the 25/26 academic year are due to be released in early August and so if you are continuing student you’ll be able to check your schedule at this point (as long as you have successfully selected your modules for the new year). New students will need to ensure they have registered on SOLE first and selected their modules, timetables will then be available within five working days.
Timetables can be viewed via the ‘My Timetable’ icon on your myWorc page and you can find general guidance and useful information on the Registry Services timetabling webpage.
Checking your timetable in advance of your course start can help you to feel organised and plan any relevant transport or childcare arrangements you may need, or give you chance to contact your Personal Academic Tutor, or make a module change request if you are worried about any clashes or attendance.
POINT FIVE: BENEFIT FROM STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT…
Starting a new academic year can be a great time to reflect on the areas where we might benefit from some extra advice or support in improving our academic work – getting the very best out of your studies and maximising your potential!
Reading feedback and accessing advice and guidance from your tutors can be invaluable in boosting your grades, but did you know that there is a wide range of dedicated Study Skills Support also available at university?
For support with referencing, or to help with more in-depth research enquiries, you could book an appointment with an Academic Librarian. From September onwards, why not sign up for a tutorial with a Writer in Residence , who offer help with all aspects of academic writing, including how to start, plan and write an essay. Or the Centre for Academic English and Skills can give you practical advice on how to improve your academic writing skills by giving you personalised feedback.
Wherever you are, book onto the online Study Skills Live sessions for a range of topics to help you with your studies, or access the study skills pages, FAQs and blog posts which offer lots of helpful hints and tips to help you get the best out of your research and writing skills.
firstpoint would like to wish our students the very best success for the new academic year and congratulations to all students finishing this year! Don’t forget we’re here to help and so if you have any worries or questions, come and have a chat.
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