Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, it’s Progress Week, so in between your study reflection, why not take the extra time away from class to explore Worcester.
Did you know that one in ten people who live in Worcester are students? If you’ve just moved to the area and want to find out more about Worcester, why not explore the city and surrounding area with friends? Get to know your housemates as you get to know your new home…
POINT ONE: MAKING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PROGRESS WEEK…
Remember this week marks Progress Week for most students at the university! Progress Weeks are points during the academic year which used to be referred to as ‘Reading Week’. This is an ideal time to reflect on your progress and achievements to date and focus on your strengths, and areas for ongoing support.
Academic staff are available to meet, either in person or online, to chat about your progress to date and look at getting the very best out of your studies. In most cases, this is a break from usual teaching and a chance to invest in your self-study and tutorials.
Why not reach out to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) to set some personal targets for the semester. If you’re not sure who is your PAT, you can contact your academic school or come and see us in firstpoint. You may also want to find out more about the fantastic Study Skills support available to you, either from our Writers in Residence, our helpful Academic Liaison Librarians, or the Centre for Academic Skills and English. We’re all here to help!
POINT TWO: AND BREATHE….. OR IF MOVIES ARE YOUR THING…
Progress week is also a chance to unwind away from lectures, so we’ve included some ideas in the rest of this week’s blog to get you started!
Why not catch a film at one of the two cinemas in Worcester. There is the Odeon if you like a smaller cinema that shows the big releases and more independent films, or you can visit Vue for the latest big releases. Check out their webpages for offers and discount evenings and don’t forget you could get a student discount!
If that’s not enough popcorn for you, keep an eye open for the open air cinema events which run in an around the Worcester area.
POINT THREE: FANCY A RELAXED OR FUN AFTERNOON WITH FRIENDS…
Pop into town for a drink at one of Worcester’s many independent and unique bars and coffee shops. You’ll find a large selection of places to eat there too and don’t forget to ask if they have a student discount to help with your budgeting! If you like more bustle, Worcester also hosts some great places to hang out, enjoy music and challenge your friends in activities, such as Mulligan’s golf bar, the Dartside bar or even try your hand at an escape room!
Remember to check your Student Benefits page on your MyWorcester app for full details of student discount schemes!
Maybe there’s something else that takes your fancy, keep an eye on the Visit Worcester webpages for details of events and activities taking place, or take a look at the Worcester City Tour video which includes lots of suggestions of places to explore and visit.
POINT FOUR: GETTING OUT AND ABOUT…
If you need a little rest and relaxation, take a stroll down by the river or escape Worcester for a few hours and hike up the Malvern Hills, which are only a short train or bus journey away. For those of you who like things a bit busier, head up to Birmingham, only a 30-minute train journey away, to explore the shopping and larger music events on offer!
You could sign up for the new Beryl Bike scheme and get out and about on two wheels. Registering with your Student email also offers you 25% discount on bundles and bike passes, so you can travel even more cheaply across the city!
Visit one of Worcester’s fabulous green parks if you need to get back to nature; Gheluvelt Park, Cripplegate Park or Fort Royal Park are all on your doorstep, or connect with conservation initiatives at one of our eight Local Nature Reserves. Find out more about the local parks online.
POINT FIVE: A BIT OF HISTORY…
Worcester City is full of historic buildings and gardens; there is Greyfriars House and Garden, a late medieval merchant’s house which was rescued from demolition, which is located in the city centre. It also features the Old Oak Café and a second-hand bookshop. For more Worcester history, don’t miss The Commandery, most famous for being the Royalist Headquarters during the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
And of course, you cannot ignore the impressive Worcester Cathedral, which not only hosts our graduation ceremonies, but is the burial place of King John, famous for the signing of the Magna Carta! With a free or donation-only entry, the fascinating crypt and tower to explore, and a cafe offering delicious hot drinks and cakes, it’s a great cultural stop in the city.
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