Chester University celebrates being shortlisted in national student choice awards.

The University of Chester is celebrating being shortlisted four times in the national What Uni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) 2020.

Now in their seventh year, the WUSCAs offer prospective students an unbiased, student-led alternative to traditional university ranking systems. The WUSCAs are based solely on the reviews of students studying at UK institutions with all aspects of student life being rated. This year, more than 41,000 reviews across 150 institutions were submitted.

The University has been shortlisted in four categories: ‘Local Life’, ‘Job Prospects’, ‘Student Support’, and ‘International’.

The award winners are expected to be announced online towards the end of April.

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the University is in the running for these four awards, which are very much student led. It is particularly pleasing to be shortlisted in these four categories, which showcase such a great range of University life and support services. We are very much looking forward to finding out the winners, towards the end of this month!”

Local life:

The location of the University has long been recognised as adding value to the student experience. This includes both local employment opportunities, and also what is offered in the form of entertainment such as; Storyhouse; Chester Business Park; Cheshire Oaks; Chester’s Rows; Chester Racecourse and that Chester has Purple Flag status which is a national scheme that means the city scores highly in terms of wellbeing, movement, broad appeal and destination.

A snapshot of student life in Chester can be seen at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O52mu7WGNXM

Students have given feedback that they love that the University is close to the city centre with its shops and restaurants, nightlife and that it is a safe place to live and study.

At the University’s Warrington Campus, students can experience the town’s rich and varied history, and the Golden Square shopping centre, with its impressive collection of over high street favourites, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Warrington is also home to Super League side Warrington Wolves. It hosts an impressive line-up of alternative festivals and events too. More about student life at Warrington can be found at: https://www1.chester.ac.uk/undergraduate/student-life/warrington

University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) students will find a thriving café culture and independent eateries galore; a mixture of high street and quirky independent shops; cinemas; theatres and a thriving nightlife in the historic town centre. Find out more at https://www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/news/shrewsbury-your-home-home?list=418

Job Prospects:

The University’s Careers and Employability team within Student Futures, provides a wide range of information, advice and guidance services as well as events and initiatives all aimed at helping students take the next steps towards their future goals and achieve their potential. Working in collaboration with colleagues across the University, the team delivers employability sessions within the curriculum to embed career planning and skills development. The University’s Work Based Learning module offers students the opportunity to gain work experience as part of their degree studies and develops the skills and experience employers are looking for.

Careers and Employability offers one-to-one support in planning next steps including getting work experience, developing entrepreneurial skills and finding out about career opportunities. Students are helped through every stage of the graduate job selection process including help with CVs, applications, mock interviews and assessment centres.

The team’s services are available to all current students and to graduates for up to two years after graduation: https://www1.chester.ac.uk/careers-and-employability/information-students

95.6% of University of Chester graduates were in employment and/or further study six months after their course” (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2016/17)

Student Support:

The University of Chester prides itself on the quality of the support that it provides for its students. With a range of support across campuses, and dedicated offices on both the Parkgate Road and Warrington Campus, the Student Futures: Support and Development team is on hand to offer information, advice and guidance to all students on every aspect of their life whilst at University, along with a wide range of development and volunteering opportunities. The aim is to ensure that everyone is able to experience an enjoyable and enriching student experience.

Full details about student support can be found at: https://www1.chester.ac.uk/student-support

International:

The International award category recognises the experience UK universities give international students. The International Centre, along with teams across the University, works tirelessly to ensure that international students are given the best experience possible at Chester, and that it is seen as a supportive and attractive destination for overseas students. 

The city, academic experience and social opportunities all contribute towards providing an excellent international experience at Chester. 

Among the support offered to international students is:

• Pre-arrival engagement: communication with the University’s International Centre before arrival, including over: admissions, financial and visa guidance, accommodation advice, and airport pickup arrangement.
• Cultural activities: The International Centre arranges events including trips to the Lake District and North Wales, and sporting event viewings, including live cricket and Champions League
• Student Societies:  The International Centre encourages participation in international student societies.