NEW STUDENT Summer 2021 Edition - ASTON'S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 - Aston University
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STUDYING AT UNIVERSITY | STUDENT BUDGETING
WELLBEING AND SUPPORT | BIRMINGHAM LIFE
ANSWERS TO POPULAR APPLICANT QUESTIONS
NEW STUDENT
ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
Summer 2021 Edition
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ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
Speak to a student Meet the team
You can message Aston students at
d year
aston.ac.uk/unibuddy Ecc le s , I’ m a thir ns
tio
Poppy rnational Rela ntly
Hi I’m n d In te c u r re My na
me is
a I’m
Politics t Aston, and orking in the been R
study yan Harm
Learn what it’s like to live in Birmingham, be a student and study here. You can t a
Studen cement year nce and have
w ing at o
pla da
for fou
r Aston n, I have
also get tips on revision, preparing for university and settling in on campus. on my love to Club BSc B years and Unive
vice. I Dance of iomed Ia rsit
Civ il S e r
r of A s to n
ber ical S m a recen y
membe ve mem cience t
been a 8 and an acti gradu
ate.
01
since 2 nts’ Union.
S tu de
Atif Shreya the
BSc Business Computing and IT BSc Psychology and Business
I come from I come from
Birmingham, UK Leicester, UK
I speak I speak
English, Urdu, French English
I’m currently in I’m currently in
3rd year 3rd year
About me About me
Would love to have my own business. Massive fan l work as a student ambassador, spend time
of cars, even had the chance to rebuild my own socialising and playing sports occasionally.
car’s engine. Massive fan of superhero films. Into Choosing what course is right for you can be
media, video editing, film-making and just generally a very stressful and a challenging decision, so
having a good time. Food is always great. if you have any questions or concerns about
Aston or university in general, feel free to ask!
Tahseen Laya
BSc Optometry BSc Sociology and Social Policy
I come from I come from
Mombasa, Kenya Kent, UK
I speak I speak
English, Swahili English, Malayalam
I’m currently in I’m currently in
2nd year 2nd year
About me About me
Living away from home was not easy but it has been a I love Bollywood movies and music, dancing, makeup,
wonderful experience. I understand choosing a course beauty, fashion, reading, cooking and Indian food. I am
and university can be a very challenging decision, so if a member of the Kerala, Indian and Hindu Societies.
you have any questions about this drop me a message :)
Azret Omaya I’m Eleano Hi, my name is Aiyesha Swarnn, and a
r Harris an l Ojo. I’m d
BSc Marketing BEng Chemical Engineering and Englis d I’m a His I am a second-year student studying
m y n a m e is Ethe d u a te an
h Languag tory Hi, ie nce gra
I come from I come from e student. History and International Relations. l S c
My Aston
placement Biomed ic a a form r e
Astanà, Казахстан Damascus, Syria opportunit gave me th Aston University has given me the a l s tu dent. I’m U
y to broad e a Me d ic r at the S
I speak I speak by working en my hori
zons
opportunity to do a wide range of
s ta in a b il ity Office a b o u t
abroad at Su nate
Kazakh, Russian Arabic, English Paderborn the Univers things like being the vice-president ery passio everything
in German ity of and am v d
y. of the Film and Book Society and nment an ,
I’m currently in I’m currently in
participating in online CV workshops. the enviro I love the theatre
2nd year 4th year s ta in a b le .
in g o n nice
su
, p la n ts and go
About me About me puppies
es.
I enjoy football (in every way, watching it, reading I am looking at securing an engineering job preferably scenic hik
about it, playing it. etc), a lot of music, watching in the energy sector and sustainability. After doing
movies, reading books and playing different my placement at GSK my interest for sustainability
instruments. I am a member of the Pool and increased and I saw how we are all capable of making
Snooker society. the right changes in industry.
2 3
ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2020 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
Award-winning university
e commercial
ing w orke d in some of th societies
H av
ne w S U an d being part of
outlets in th e e building
e sp ac e, I felt proud that th
that use th spires”,
na m ed a “B uilding That In
was bein g put into the
k that has been
for all the wor ts for students.
ing an d w ha t it represen The fact that
build e we won “Unive
ar 2020 by Th rsity of the Ye
m ed U ni ve rsity of the Ye an d su pport 2020 shows ho
w hard the staff ar” in
Being na ent to the hard
work Aston. This aw and students
n is a te st am ea t fe el in g ard sums up th work at
Guardia . It is a gr e hard work ac
A st on off er s its students an d it’s University and
even though th ross the
which clusive team from physical e pandemic st
diverse and in ly meeting, w opped us
to be part of a ta ken in closing
the e are still a un
az ing to he ar the strides ua te ea rn ings With The Tim ite d team.
am g grad es naming us
ps and boostin th e “M
attainment ga le has achi ev ed . Entrepreneuria
l University”,
ost outstandin
g
rsity as a who it has opened
that the Unive eyes to the ra
nge of opportu my
the city of Birm nities at Aston
and
Ryan Harmon proud to be as
ingham. It mak
es me feel real
sociated with ly
In November, we were delighted to be announced university and
this fuels my
such a prestig
desire to stud
ious
y more!
as the Guardian’s University of the Year 2020. Aiyesha Swar
nn
The Guardian’s decision to award this prestigious accolade to
Aston University is based on their objective assessment of the
121 UK universities against numerous criteria.
THESE INCLUDE: to see the hard
udent it’s nice
• Graduate employability and earnings As an Aston st ents recognis
ed
staff and stud
work of all the rt of a un iv er sity
• Student retention pr ou d to be pa
in this w ay. I’m lovely eing
se
pl ifies ex cellence. It was ent
• Closing attainment gaps that ex em r its commitm
on final ly ge t recognition fo na bi lity.
Ast and sustai
• Embedding sustainability ility, diversity
to social mob whilst just If you’ve been
pu latio n is very apparent lucky enough
to visit the Stu
Aston’s divers
e po ly worked with Union (SU) yo dents’
pu s. I have previous u will know w
hy it has won
walking across
ca m and can testify the new SU in
spires, enterta this award,
But our award-winning spree didn’t stop there. d th e S tu dents’ Union an incredible ins, and provid
the University
an . Speaking es
We scooped two more prestigious prizes: ’s de dica tion in this area Being a mem
space for club
s and societie
to the Unive rs ity lacements team ber of the SU s.
e, th e Careers and P ed. experience so has made my
from expe rie nc all well deserv much better th student
is al so ve ry helpful. This is imagined and an I could have
at Aston I’m so glad it’
s received this
Poppy Eccle award!
Ethel Ojo s
The Guardian awarded Aston University’s Aston University was announced as the
new Students’ Union a “Buildings That winner of the Times Higher Education’s
Inspire” award, saying “The building (THE) 2020 Outstanding Entrepreneurial
reflects the importance to students University in recognition of our support
of sustainability and inclusivity.” for student entrepreneurship, small
businesses, and the West Midlands region.
The building has multipurpose rooms
Aston Business School was also shortlisted
for clubs and societies, and a mirrored,
for THE Business School of the Year.
sprung-floor dance studio which becomes
a revision space in exam season.
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ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
tips to level
up academically
Ethel Ojo I know what you’re thinking: 2. Know yourself 5. Silence isn’t always golden
‘I already know how to study, Not everyone studies in the same way. The ideal study environment doesn’t You can write nice notes in tactile
Biomedical Science Graduate I don’t need to read this’ or Some people learn by listening, so have to be completely quiet. There’s paper notebooks, have them
else: ‘Who needs to study? reading out loud and talking through definitely a time and a place for typed up in Microsoft Word, or jot
and Medical Student I’m just at university for the their notes works best for them. studying in silence, but sometimes everything on colour-coded flash
Some people learn more practically, you need to make noise (by saying cards. Experiment and work out
vibes and fun.’ by doing. Some people learn by things out loud, or bouncing your what’s best for you.
seeing, using visual aids, images and ideas off a friend). So don’t feel
I’m sure you can study great, but nicely highlighted notes. You can like you always have to study in the 8. Learning objectives
a few tips won’t hurt. And while learn by a mixture of all three, what’s silent section of the library. There are
you’re vibing, why not try some At the beginning of most lectures
important is that you experiment and plenty of group study spaces around
studying on the side? All the best you’ll be given a list of learning
figure out what works best for you. the University and sometimes that
universities recommend it. objectives. Familiarise yourself with
background buzz of chatter is just
them whilst studying and ensure
Studying can sometimes be a pain, 3. Make a study plan what you need.
you’ve met them all at the end of
especially when you just want to
“A goal without a plan is just a wish” each study session. If you haven’t,
lay down and binge a good Netflix 6. Dealing with distractions
(I didn’t make that up, Antoine don’t be afraid to ask!
show. Then you remember you’re at
de Saint-Exupéry did). I don’t Distractions! The biggest enemy of
Every new student at Aston University university and you have academic
know about you, but half the any student during exam season. 9. Test yourself
has access to the Get Ahead responsibilities. It’s a very sobering
time my mind is a jumbled mess. They can come in the form of a
moment. But it isn’t always bad. How will you know what you’ve
programme, which aims to help every Studying can actually be quite
I like it a bit less jumbled when clueless friend or a series of apps
learnt or retained if you don’t quiz
student make the best start at Aston, I’m studying to help with the on your phone (*cough* Instagram
enjoyable when you have a plan yourself? It’s always important to
assimilation of new information. *cough*). Distractions are infinite
providing information on: (and when you don’t leave it all until
and ever-present. We can’t totally
review your knowledge regularly, not
the night before your exam). Here It helps when I write things down. necessarily after each study session
eliminate them, so we have to learn
• How university differs from school are a few tips to help you make Writing down deadlines and listing but at regular intervals. You can
to deal with them. Identify the source utilise practice tests and flash cards,
or college the most of your study time. tasks not only helps break down
of distraction and tackle it somehow. get friends and family to quiz your or
the work into manageable chunks,
• How to make the most of the Muting notifications and putting your
1. Change your mindset but also helps with motivation. search for online question banks.
blended combination of online phone on ‘do not disturb’ mode can
You can make daily, weekly or
and on-campus learning You have to start thinking of studying definitely help to manage distractions. 10. Rest
monthly lists and arrange them
as something you look forward
• Understanding your timetable in order of importance. Try rationing your phone usage. Would this really be a good list of
to, not something you have to do.
Timetable slots during your study tips if I didn’t tell you to rest?
• Being an independent learner Try not to think of studying as a Making lists is one of the most
study time to indulge in your Self-care should always be your
chore. You picked this course and underrated study tools out there.
• Essay writing, maths skills and favourite time-wasting apps as a top priority. Listen to your body
this subject because it sparked
time-management techniques 4. Study environment reward after a specific time (for when it tells you it’s tired. If you
your imagination – don’t forget
example, five minutes of Twitter find yourself reading the same line
• Finding your voice in class that. Changing your mindset isn’t
Keep your study space as organised for each hour of studying) or after again and again, you’re struggling
always easy but give it a try and
• Working with personal tutors and as you want your mental space to meeting a goal (such as finishing to understand the words, or find
see how it impacts your studying.
peer mentors be. A cluttered desk can reflect a a chapter in your textbook). yourself staring blankly out of a
cluttered mind, and if you struggle to window – that’s a sign you need a
• Connecting with others through find a pen on your study table you’ll 7. Note-making break. Step away, do something
peer mentoring also struggle to find the answer to
Do you make notes? If so, how? else and come back refreshed. Oh,
• Looking after your health and wellbeing that assignment question. and make sure to always get a good
Making notes is basically having
and student support services lecture content in a format unique night’s sleep before and after every
to you and best suited for your study session. Or try to at least!
• Finding your way around our
understanding. Notes are also very
city-centre campus.
good for condensing content to allow
for time effective revision.
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ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
Wellbeing, worries,
3. Start every day on a positive note 4. Keep a gratitude journal
Creating a consistent morning routine, Having a journal improves your optimism and sense
waking at a similar time each day, can really of wellbeing. You can do this by writing in your
concerns and questions
help your mood. Having a morning routine gratitude journal each morning when you wake up
helps us set the right tone for the day and or at night before you sleep. This trains your mind
leaves us free to focus on the important stuff. to focus on the positives in life and notice the good
This will make you far more productive. things around us.
Aiyesha Swarnn 5. Practise gratitude
BSc History and International Relations Now that we have a journal, let’s start to use it. Think of
people or an event that gives you comfort or happiness
and express a sentence saying “I am grateful for …”
Do you feel nervous when you Saying this aloud will boost your mood.
imagine entering your first lecture
1. Cultivate and live in a positive environment 6. Practise positive self-talk
or attempting to talk to someone
By living within a positive environment, you are most Pay attention when you do something well and take a
new on your first day at uni? likely able to do great things. Having that secure moment to praise yourself. Tell someone else – maybe text a
If you answered yes….. and positive support circle will help you become friend or family member: “I got a great mark for my essay”,
the best version of yourself as they have the utmost “I joined the hockey team”. Celebrate the small victories.
you are not alone! confidence in you. To find your new group, go to
All of us experience some degree of fear social events, libraries, cafés because once you’re
and anxiety about doing something new out there, you find you start to gain confidence.
for the first time. It was the same for me.
I was always a shy and introverted kid 2. Exercise regularly and eat and sleep well
who never really liked change so entering I know, this sounds obvious. But it’s a cliché for good 7. Identify your areas of negativity 8. Smile!
university was like a horror show for me! reason! Basic habits have a huge effect on the way To keep the positivity up, we must then look at Smiling lightens the mood even if you are not
But I knew that if I wanted results, I needed we function. By having a good rest of 7-10 hours’ the negativity within our lives from the way we feeling it; pretending can even improve your
to grow and change, to adapt to fit this sleep, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, talk to our negative friends. Don’t get into the mood and lower stress levels. Smiling releases
new life. And that is exactly what I did. we can absolutely boost our moods. If you struggle habit of constantly grumbling about workloads cortisol and endorphins that reduce blood
with this, try writing a plan (meal plan, exercise or deadlines – the stories we tell ourselves may pressure, increase endurance and can even
When we feel worried or sad about something, schedule etc) and stick to it! They say if you do come true! reduce pain!
it affects us in multiple ways. Here are the something every day for 30 days, you’ve formed
10 tips I use to stay positive in those times. a new habit and it becomes the norm!
I am not trying to say that you need to be
positive all the time – it’s obviously okay to
not be okay some days. But for the rest of
the time, why not give these tips a try?
9. Yoga all the way
Incorporating yoga into your routine enhances your mood
as it calms you down. Even ten minutes of yoga goes a long
way. There are plenty of free yoga courses on YouTube to
get you started.
10 Last but not least, go slow
It takes time to see growth and positivity. Just doing these
points once will not help. This is a long-term solution for you
to develop a positive mindset and like anything else, it takes
time and practice to get better.
We take student support seriously The Learning Development Centre team
at Aston University. Alongside runs the Get Ahead programme for new
these tips, don’t forget the Aston students every year - giving you the
University team is always here for skills to tackle the step up from school to Our team is here for you. To find
you if things get too much. university. The team also offers ongoing out more about our student support
The Hub in Main Building has teams
workshops and resources to help with study services, please visit our website:
skills, essay writing, maths and more.
specialising in advice, support www.aston.ac.uk/current-students/hub
and counselling for students. The Finally, our peer mentoring scheme
Chaplaincy in the Martin Luther King allows every student to benefit from
Centre offers pastoral and spiritual the experiences of those who are
guidance, support and friendship. further along their university journey.
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ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
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1 3 8 9
4 11
5 6 10 12
Here is ASTON
1. Aston Eagles Basketball Club. 5. Laughter Yoga with the Chaplaincy. 10. Graduation hugs.
2. The change on campus over the 6. Product design in action. 11. Training session at
last 50 years. Aston Snow Club.
7. Heading out to town.
3. Behind the scenes with 12. #TeamAston Varsity winners.
8. LEAVES!!!!!!!!!
student stories.
9. Graduation celebrations.
4. Celebrating Holi, the Hindu
festival of love, colours and spring.
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ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
My Birmingham
Poppy Eccles Of course, I couldn’t share
BSc Politics and my favourite places in Brum
without mentioning the best
International Relations places to go out for drinks
(cocktails and mocktails). If
Finally, whether you celebrate it or not, you
need to visit the German Christmas markets at
you’ve wandered around least once. Seeing the entire city centre lit up
Birmingham, you know by Christmas lights and cosy cabins selling hot
One of the best parts about living in Gina, a for a fact you can’t turn
se chocolate, hot dogs, and all sorts of souvenirs
Birmingham is that you are guaranteed to psycho cond year a corner without seeing is an experience in itself. If your student loan is
logy stu
get the full student experience, no matter he r c he dent wit a bar – but which ones
e se c ak
e pop.
h running out towards Christmas (as mine almost
who you are or what you enjoy. Before I start, are worth your while? always seems to) the Christmas markets are
I must be honest, in my three years living in Some of my favourite places to dress a great place for a cheap, or even free day
out where you can admire the lights and carol
Birmingham, I certainly haven’t discovered up and grab a drink are: Turtle Bay, Revolution
singers without breaking the bank.
de Cuba, The Ivy (if you want a posh evening out),
every hidden gem and place to be, but that’s
and of course, for cheap and cheerful cocktails My top tip for the Christmas markets is DO
the great thing about this city – there is One hidden gem many people haven’t discovered yet and entertainment, Aston Students’ Union, where NOT go on a weekend if you can help it. The
always more to discover! is La-Pop! in Edgbaston Village, serving handcrafted, some of my best nights have been spent! market is extremely popular and you can have
organic gelato, decorated ‘Subway style’ with your
a much better time on a less busy week day
choice of toppings, or if it’s cold (which is most
If you already live in Birmingham I’m sure you can than you will on the weekends, when you can
of the year) you can opt for a cheesecake pop,
relate to me when I say there are so many perks to But classic chain bars and crazy nights at the barely move for crowds!
which is just as great as it sounds, believe me. This
living in this city, but if you haven’t had the chance to place is perfect for those people who want a sweet Students’ Union aside, the best place to try
explore Brum just yet, allow me to fill you in on the snack and it’s definitely student budget friendly. interesting cocktail blends and get some cute
best places to eat, shop, and socialise. Instagram photos is Dirty Martini!
One of my favourite things about Brum, well to be honest, Dirty Martini has a cosy atmosphere where you can
one of my favourite things in general, is food, and this spend an entire night drinking and socialising with
city has a restaurant, pub or bar for every taste. A short friends, or pop in for some snacks and small plates,
walk from the University is Grand Central hosting a variety like their buttermilk chicken, Korean samosas, mac
One not-so-hidden gem in Birmingham is
of restaurants serving Vietnamese street food, Spanish and cheese and so much more amazing bar food.
the National Sea Life Centre. Not only is it a
cuisine, Lebanese dishes and so much more! But I want great place to bring your family when visiting My favourite drinks were the mango and chilli
to put you on to one of my all-time favourite places to eat, (especially if you have younger siblings) but martini, pineapple and peach cocktail and the
which is Cocoa by Ali - serving brunch, coffee, desserts it’s also a great way to chill out in the day. chocolate martini, don’t knock it till you try it!
and plenty of photos for your Instagram feed! During the hectic exam season last year, my
This aesthetic café is only a ten minute Uber from Aston friend and I visited the sea life centre as a
and with prices starting from £1.90 you can still enjoy a way to relax during all the chaos – and with
cute brunch on a budget! cheap student tickets available, and the
centre being surrounded by cosy bars and
If you’re like me and only have a sweet tooth once in a restaurants this is a great way to relax.
blue moon don’t worry! This café offers a varied menu
from peri-peri cheese toasties As y
o
to naan pizzas and nacho a re v u c a n s e
boats (vegan options are er y b e, we
Ch r i s u e
also available!). tmas sy at the kends
ma r k
et s .
a nge l
g th e iconic a ngo
Gettin oto with a m
g s p h
win tini.
illi mar
a nd ch
A sk ah ectic
f
Fren or the m after
c e py (me) s.
Insta h toast rmaid Pop of exam
gr a m for t
m a b he p e week
le m rf
12 eal! ect 13
ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
Budget
The first place to start of course, is There are a range of student bank Do you know how much your cup
budgeting. Learning to budget is one accounts, each offering its own of coffee is costing you? Based on
of the first independent challenges incentives. Don’t plunge straight in a medium latte at a popular coffee
any university student faces. It is with the account offering the largest chain, just three cups a week on the
important to understand your income overdraft (although this may be handy way to lectures could cost you nearly
and outgoings and the dates which at times). Other accounts may come £400 a year! Why not save that money
payments may arrive or be taken. with benefits that can save you money and invest in a reusable coffee mug
A handy tip I find useful is using an instead, such as student railcards, and some nice coffee of your own? All
online bank account that allows for which are brilliant for students who the little expenses add up, so making
separating your monthly wages into plan on travelling home often. Other small changes to your routine could
different pots, allowing money to be accounts offer benefits such as end up saving you hundreds.
kept aside from your main balance discounted Netflix or Amazon Student
and used for paying scheduled bills. prime, so shop around for what suits Seek help!
Most monthly budgets fail when you best.
students don’t factor in the extra For advice or guidance while you’re
Managing
Be savvy with your bank accounts, a student at Aston University,
spending habits, whether it’s a night
two may be better than one. If you The Hub, online or in the main
out with friends or an impulsive
rely on your student loan to pay for building, can handle all your student
shopping trip.
your accommodation then keep this support queries. The Advice and
your
money separate from your regular Representation Centre (ARC),
Discounts income and outgoings, this is a located in Aston Students’ Union,
Everybody knows that one of the most great way to ensure that you have offers free and impartial advice and
exciting things about being a student the money saved up for your regular also processes claims for the Aston
finances
is the discounts. As soon as you are payments and do not have to panic Support Fund, which can provide
a registered student, make sure you when the deadline comes around. financial support to students in need
sign up to student discount providers of assistance.
such as UniDays, StudentBeans Eating on a budget Many students hold down a part-time
and TOTUM. Check regularly and
A major student spending point job for regular income. At Aston
sign up to student accounts of your
is eating out. When you’re living Students’ Jobshop you can seek out
Ryan Harmon favourite online shops too, some
(such as Amazon Prime) even give
away from home it is so important part-time employment opportunities
to control your finances by steering whilst studying.
BSc Biomedical you free delivery. Streaming services
like DisneyPlus and Netflix also offer
away from the takeaways and learning
to cook meals for yourself. Grab a
Science Graduate student discounts.
cheap cookbook, or look online,
and learn to cook your favourite
Bank on it ‘fakeaways’ instead!
Most students will worry about their Many bank accounts offer incentives Another handy tip is preparing a meal
finances at one point or another and through discounts or cashback plan. University accommodation
schemes. If you already have a
now that I have been a university banking app downloaded check for
could see you sharing a fridge and
freezer, giving you limited space so
student for four years, I have picked these offers. Once activated you planning what meals you’ll eat that
up a few tips and tricks to manage could earn cashback on regular week will help you to save space,
my finances and keep a healthy purchases which is a handy way to money and food waste.
gain some of your spending back.
control over my spending.
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ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
Clubs and societies
at Aston University
Eleanor Harris
BSc History and English Language
and President of the Pool and Snooker Club
Here at Aston, we have loads Societies My experience with
of clubs and societies to join! Societies are interest-based groups As a member of a club or society, clubs and societies
and range from Italian to Indie music. you can gain valuable life
Finding close friends with similar experiences. Each year, a new I’m a member of Aston University The club also takes part in university-
interests at university can be difficult, We have a wide range including: committee is voted in to run them. Pool and Snooker Club (AUPSC), wide campaigns. For example, the
as they’re such vast places with • Cultural societies, like This means that you can stand for in fact, I’ve just been voted Give Racism The Red Card campaign,
thousands of students. It can also Afro-Caribbean, LGBT+ a committee position, such as Chair, president of the club! I love playing which encouraged sports clubs to A Poo
l and
be quite intimidating meeting new and Bangladeshi Society Vice-Chair, Treasurer or General pool because it’s really social and stand against racism in sport. Snook
er Clu
people, especially if you’ve just Secretary. The Committee for a you can chat whilst you play. b soc
• Faith societies, like Hindu, ial.
moved to a new area. That’s what and Islamic Society. club or society work together to The Students’ Union hosts events
makes clubs and societies such a • Academic societies, like Aston help organise different events but I’m a commuter student so didn’t have for members of clubs and societies.
brilliant way to make new friends Bright Futures, Aston Women in also the day-to-day running of the the option to make friends in halls, These sorts of events bring together
outside of your course or flat. Business and Pro Bono Society. group. Not only is it a great addition but I’ve made some brilliant friends all the clubs and societies to celebrate
• General Interest Societies, like to your CV, but it’s really fun! on my course and through AUPSC. and have fun. For example, the Annual
Aston Students’ Union has over Christmas Dinner and Societies Ball.
Raise and Give, Disney, Drama, There are lots of opportunities
130 different groups to join that are all I’ve always had a brilliant time at
and Aston Labour Society. for competitive play as there are
student-led. This means that the clubs these events. At the Christmas dinner,
are run by students, for students. There are so many different societies university tournaments throughout there’s a three-course meal, a photo
to choose from, so no matter your the year. The most important booth and discounts on drinks!
In September, the University hosts tournament is British Universities
interests, you’ll be able to meet
a Welcome Fair in the Woodcock and College Sports (BUCS). Joining a club has been one of the
like-minded people at Aston.
Sports Centre (although it took place There are BUCS tournaments best decisions I’ve made at university
online last year), so students can find for most sports societies. because I’ve made brilliant friends and
out more about teams, clubs and also improved at pool and snooker.
societies and meet their members. Clubs For pool and snooker, the BUCS Clubs and societies are one of the
tournament takes place in Great best ways to socialise but also learn
In your first year, you will have time to Clubs are sports-based groups.
Yarmouth. Hundreds of students a new skill or improve at a sport!
explore your different interests as you Whether you love competitive sport
from across the country come
adjust to life at university, making it an or just want a group of people to
together to play, in both the teams
exercise with, there’s a group for you. eam at a
ideal time to join clubs and societies. and individual brackets. In 2019, I was ’s First T ament.
Women rn
It’s definitely a good idea to join a few lucky enough to be selected to play pool tou
We have a wide range of national
different societies in your first year so clubs, including: in the Women’s First Team. It was a
you can meet loads of new people • Performance clubs, like great experience to play at such a
and explore lots of opportunities. Aerial Fitness, Bhangra big event and meet different people
and Cheerleading. from lots of different universities.
• Team Sports, including Netball,
But clubs aren’t just about playing
Football and Hockey.
sports. Most clubs also host
• Individual Sports, including
nights out, social activities and
Running and the Aston University
get togethers. AUPSC has hosted
Pool and Snooker Society.
nights out at different clubs like
• Extreme Sports, including Kayak
Propaganda and Rosie’s. We
and Mountaineering Club. AUPSC’s S
have also been to buffets, on pub how Racis
crawls and to trampoline parks. m the Red
Card even
t.
16 17
ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021 ASTON’S APPLICANT MAGAZINE 2021
What makes Aston different? Several of our partners are What pastoral support is available
triple-accredited universities – are there personal tutors?
I think it’s the community feel
with very high standings in
Ask
on campus. It’s rare to have As part of providing a quality
the international rankings.
a city university with a family experience, all our students
atmosphere and all our students A few of our degrees even offer a have a personal tutor to get the
are so determined. I’m in awe most ‘double degree’ option, which will see support and guidance they need to
admissions
days at the things they achieve. you leave university with two degrees succeed. You should be given the
if you opt to do a year abroad. Ask a name of your personal tutor during
Do you work with certain member of admissions for details. Welcome Week, if not before.
companies for your student
placement years? Can I get a part-time job I am taking a BTEC and/or Access
while at university? course, can I get into the course
Interview with Ady Yong, We have great relationships with
local, national and international You certainly can and we even have
with these qualifications?
Admissions Manager employers. There are companies
who take our students each year
a student job shop on campus to
help you find casual, part-time work
For many of our courses we happily
accept students with alternative
and advertise their placements or volunteering opportunities. qualifications to A Levels, including
on Aston Futures (a jobs site BTECs and Access to Higher
If you have a burning question for exclusive to Aston students.) Can I commute into university? Education courses. However, this
the Admissions Team, chances are Because we’re a city-based isn’t possible for every degree.
Of course, we have students placed
that Ady has already answered it with the big names like Jaguar university, a lot of our students Each of our courses has different
at least once during her 25 years Land Rover, PwC, GlaxoSmithKline commute. So if you are planning entry requirements, so please
etc… But we also do business with on commuting, you won’t check our website and get in touch
at Aston University. A true feel like the odd one out.
hundreds of smaller businesses if you need further clarification.
admissions expert, we got her and not-for-profit organisations We have lockers, places you can
to answer the most common such as the NHS, to ensure you get What happens if I miss my offer?
cook/eat your own food and a load of
questions we get from students the sort of placement you need. new study spaces if you want to get This depends on the degree
when applying to university. the most out of your day at university. programme that you’ve applied for.
Is the placement year compulsory?
However, in general we try to be as
The placement year is compulsory Am I guaranteed accommodation flexible as we possibly can when
for many courses. If you are studying in first year? results are released, especially
a degree with an optional placement All new undergraduate students if you’ve committed to Aston as
year we still encourage you to who meet our criteria are your firm choice university.
seriously think about taking up the guaranteed a room in Aston
opportunity. Doing so will make your If I do a foundation year degree
Student Village and you can
life a lot easier after university and at another university, would
find the details on our website:
greatly improve your employability. I be able to enrol at Aston
aston.ac.uk/accommodation
University for next year?
What other opportunities are How much does This is sometimes (but not usually)
there at Aston that I can do accommodation cost? possible. It depends on the
alongside my studies?
There is no shortage of degree that you’re applying for,
We have a new Students’ Union accommodation in Birmingham, the foundation programme that
for just this! If you google ‘Aston so prices are competitive. For you’re currently studying and the
Clubs and Societies’ you will find private student accommodation qualifications that you already have.
the hundreds of sports, cultural around and on campus you can pay
and interest-based activities Do you make lower offers as
anything between £145-£235 per
run by students on campus. I am the first generation in
week. That’s with all bills included.
my family to go to university/
You won’t be short of things to do. The amount you pay depends live in a certain area?
on whether you want a single
Can I go abroad as part We have a contextual offer scheme
study bedroom with shared
of my degree? called Aston Ready that could
kitchen or a studio flat.
reduce your undergraduate offer by
Whenever it’s an option and safe
Also, make sure you check for one or two grades. This is assessed
to do so, we try and make this
extras included in the price. Some at the point of application, there
as easy as possible for you.
accommodation communities are no additional forms to fill in.
We have dedicated people to include cinemas, gyms and pop
You can find details on our website
help you find a placement or up events including block parties
if you search “Aston Ready”.
study opportunity overseas. If and visits from beauty therapists.
you choose the study route, you
may be able to select from a
range of highly reputable partner
universities from all over the world.
18 19Here’s to the ones who
carve out their own path
HERE IS ASTON
Aston University
Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET
ugadmissions@aston.ac.ukYou can also read
