Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, it’s Progress Week, so whilst we focus on your study reflection, why not take the extra time away from class to explore Worcester…
If you’ve just moved to the area, why not use the break in study to further explore your new city and surrounding area with friends?
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 of year 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: MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR STUDENT DISCOUNTS…
Did you know that as a registered student, you can access wide range of great discounts, from travel, to days out, meals or activities! If you have plans for Progress Week, don’t forget to access these discount schemes to save money!
Access the Student Benefits button on your MyWorc app for details and instructions on how to join the schemes, from Student Beans, to Unidays and Totum – there are lots of options for you to choose from! Worcester BID scheme even offers additional discounts at local independent stores and restaurants, to help your support local businesses and save cash!
POINT THREE: A HISTORICAL CITY TO EXPLORE…
Worcester City has a significant historical culture, with links to royalty and scenes of famous battle! For a cultural day out, don’t miss The Commandery, most famous for being the Royalist Headquarters during the Battle of Worcester in 1651 and hosting great events across the year, including open air plays and spooky ghost tours!
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, and also Prince Arthur, the younger brother of Henry VIII! With a 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.
POINT FOUR: 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 FIVE: GETTING OUT AND ABOUT…
If you need a little more rest and relaxation during your Progress Week, enjoy the beautiful riverside walks in Worcester or head further out and complete a hike up the fantastic Malvern Hills, which are only a short train 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, some including tennis courts to hire and hosting events throughout the year. Find out more about the local parks online.
