Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university.
This week, We’d like to welcome international students who are joining their international induction this week. Our blog post welcoming new international students includes some helpful information on settling in.
This week our graduation ceremonies are taking place at Worcester Cathedral and so we’d like to congratulate all students celebrating together this week!
We’re also welcoming our new students on undergraduate courses soon! Your faculty have been working hard to prepare a fantastic programme of learning opportunities for you. Here are five points to help you prepare for your course…
POINT ONE: WORCESTER WELCOME FESTIVAL IS ALMOST HERE…
We hope that you’ll come along to find out more information and see what’s going on during the upcoming Welcome Festival starting this Saturday 12th September and running through what’s informally known as ‘Freshers Week’ – there’s so much to get involved over the next few weeks to help you get to know the University, meet new people, find your way around campus and prepare for university life. There are events for everyone, from quiet on-campus meet ups, quizzes and dance nights – and don’t forget the Welcome Fair on Wednesday 16th September at the Arena – your opportunity to find out everything about clubs, societies and events here at Worcester!
Don’t forget, if you have any questions, you can always ask firstpoint. If you’re not sure who to speak with, or don’t know where to go for guidance, please contact us or come to see us. Have a look at our firstpoint webpages to find out more about us and view our contact details…we’re here to help!
POINT TWO: ENJOY YOUR NEW SURROUNDINGS…
Before you start, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the University campus sites and the city of Worcester. You can pick up maps of the campus at firstpoint, or you’ll find them in your student handbook, which you’ll collect with your ID card at the start of your course.
Worcester is a historical city on the banks of the River Severn, surrounded by beautiful countryside and within easy distance of the beautiful Malvern Hills, we can’t wait for you to explore and begin feeling at home. Perhaps plan a free visit to the outstanding Worcester Cathedral, try a Heritage Walk or hop on the train for day visits to other local places of interest, such as Stratford-Upon Avon or Birmingham.
Worcester University social media pages offer regular updates on what to do and where to explore – Worcester City is also home to popular high street shops, independent retailers, museums, bars and restaurants, you can ask other students for their recommendations and start to settle in!
POINT THREE: YOUR MYWORC PAGE…
Your MyWorc app is referred to as your student portal and is your home page for lots of information you’ll need during your degree, plus your Virtual Student ID. With clear thumbnails and links to resources and applications, it’s a one stop page for navigating your studies and life at university.
MyWorc includes links to your SOLE page (Student Online Learning Environment), and learning platforms such as Blackboard, Pebblepad and your individual OneDrive account. You’ll also find icons to contact the Digital IT Support Desk, access your timetable, check your print balance or even find a study room!
MyWorc also allows you to easily access further information, advice and guidance from a range of university teams and departments including:
- firstpoint
- Careers Service
- Study Skills
- Parking permit orders
Finally, you’ll find some great information under the Student Benefits icon, with links to sign up for gym membership, student discount offers and more!
POINT FOUR: YOUR ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS…
It would perhaps be useful to get familiar with our Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard. Blackboard is the University’s online learning platform which provides access to all the online information and activities for the course, as well as access to a range of other tools and activities to support learning and teaching.
You can find information about content, delivery, links to reading lists and a whole host of other tools, including your assessment information. It is also an important tool for communication about key activities – your Tutors will post regular updates and content, and you’ll be glad to know that there will be a full orientation to Blackboard in your induction…
You can find Blackboard through your student portal, also called MyDay, and full access should be available 24 hours after you have registered online with the University and selected your modules.
POINT FIVE: CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES!
firstpoint would like to extend our congratulations to all those students attending graduation this week, and to those students who have successfully completed their studies but are unable to attend the ceremonies – what a fantastic achievement following your hard work!
University of Worcester Graduation ceremonies take place from the 9th-11th September this week, held at the magnificent Worcester Cathedral. The Graduation FAQ pages include lots of helpful information and answers to frequently asked questions to help you prepare for and plan your day. All ceremonies will be broadcast live from the Cathedral online, which will be available from the Graduation pages here and recordings will also be available to view for approximately two weeks.
Don’t forget that as a Worcester Alumni, you can continue to stay connected and get involved, as well as receive ongoing advice and guidance from our Careers and Employability Service for Graduates, we’re still here to help!
Whichever way you’re choosing to celebrate and mark your graduation, we wish you every success for the future!
firstpoint 