This academic year, the Schools and Colleges team, in collaboration with the Widening Participation and Outreach team, are running a webinar series for students considering applying to university for September 2024 and 2025 entry.
These webinars are suitable for sixth form and college learners who are still considering whether higher education is the right pathway for them, or for students looking for further information on topics such as student finance or seeking support with their personal statement.
Information on the webinars in this series are detailed on this page, and students can register now to attend.
Register now
Parents, carers and teachers are also welcome to join these webinars if they wish to receive further information on any of the below topics.
If you have any questions about the below sessions, please don’t hesitate to contact Meg or the team at schools.colleges@stmarys.ac.uk.
Webinars
Finalising your personal statement
6th November 2023
5-5.30pm
This session, run by Mandip Birk from St Mary’s Widening Participation and Outreach team, will support learners still making final additions to their personal statement drafts. It’s also suitable for learners still yet to begin their personal statements, and Mandy will be on hand to answer any questions students might have about submitting UCAS applications this coming January.
Factors to consider when selecting your 5 university choices on UCAS
6th December 2023
5-5.30pm
This webinar, hosted by Rachel Stanley from the Schools and Colleges team, will cover the factors students should consider when selecting which universities they wish to apply to in January. Covering information from location, course content and type of university, Rachel will prompt students to reflect on how they learn best and what they are looking for from their university experience.
‘Ask us Anything!’, A Q&A Panel with St Mary’s School & College advisers
17th January 2023
5-5.30pm
Meg Griessel, Rachel, and Mandip will be hosting a Q&A panel before the January UCAS deadline to answer any questions students might have before they submit their university applications.
Factors to consider when making your university choices
6th February 2024
5-5.30pm
Mandip will be taking learners through the factors they should consider when researching university choices. This webinar is appropriate for both students applying for September 2024 entry and are still considering which universities to select as their firm and insurance choices, as well as students beginning their university research journey.
All you need to know about Student Finance: applying, repaying, and budgeting top tips
6th March 2024
5-5.30pm
Mariam Diaby, from the Schools and Colleges team, will be walking through everything you need to know about Student Finance. From the application process and how the different loans work, to repayment and some budgeting top tips for university life, Mariam will have it covered. This webinar is appropriate for all students considering university-level study and who have questions, or concerns, about the Student Finance process. It may also be useful for parents and carers who would like some further information and the opportunity to ask questions about how they can support their child.
Funding, wellbeing, and accommodation support at St Mary’s
20th March 2023
5-5.30pm
Our friendly St Mary’s Student Services team will be talking through the different support services available to learners at the University. The team will primarily focus on funding and wellbeing but will also touch on accommodation. This webinar is perfect for students, parents, and carers who have any questions about specific support that is available alongside study at university.
Why consider university?
10th April 2024
5-5.30pm
Mariam will be talking through the benefits and opportunities available to students if they decide to study a course at university. This session is perfect for learners who are unsure whether university study is for them or for students who want to hear more about what university can offer, from career opportunities, academic experience and student life.
Student Life Q&A Panel with Student Ambassadors
7th May 2024
5-5.30pm
Join Meg and some of St Mary’s current students to ask any questions you may have about student life at university. This is an opportunity to ask our Student Ambassadors anything related to university, from commuting experiences vs living in accommodation, to balancing student life with academic study. This is suitable for all students considering university who have questions they’d like to ask current university students about their experiences.
Studying at St Mary's & How to apply
22nd May 2024
5-5.30pm
Rachel will be running a session for students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, who are considering studying at St Mary’s! Rachel will unpack what it’s like to be a student at Strawberry Hill, where she’ll discuss the different courses on offer as well as the opportunities available. Finally, Rachel will talk through the UCAS application process, giving some of her top tips for writing a fantastic application!
How to write a great personal statement
6th June 2024
5-5.30pm
Mariam will be giving an overview of the UCAS application process – what university admissions teams are looking for, the dos and don’ts of writing an application and general structure advice. Mariam will be on hand to answer questions about specific courses and outline how some applications may differ depending on the course you’re applying for in terms of work experience and wider reading.
Why study in London?
17th July 2024
5-5.30pm
If you’re considering studying in London, but you currently don’t live in the city, then this is the webinar for you. Rachel will be talking about the benefits and opportunities available to students wishing to study in London. Rachel will be ready to answer any questions you might have about life in the city, or England if you’re an international student!
Register
Contact us
If you have any questions, get in touch at schools.colleges@stmarys.ac.uk
If you are a teacher or adviser and wish to book a larger group onto one of these webinars, contact Meg at schools.colleges@stmarys.ac.uk or on 0208 240 2364.