parents guide
DESCRIPTION
The really hand parents guide 2011-12TRANSCRIPT
Guide
The really handy
UNIVERSITY OF WALES INSTITUTE, CARDIFF ATHROFA PRIFYSGOL CYMRU, CAERDYDD
Parents
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The Really Handy
Parents GuideWelcome to UWIC’s really handy parent guide.
Handy Hints has been written in response to the many calls UWIC receives every year from parents
whose sons or daughters are going away to university for the first time.
Leaving home for university is an exciting journey into the unknown and one which is bound to
prompt plenty of questions.
As a parent you will be concerned where your children are going to live, what they’re going to live
on, what equipment they will need and what they need to bring with them. This guide attempts to
answer those questions and to give you and your children the information you need.
If we’ve missed one or two questions you would still like answers to don’t worry, there is a
contact number on the back page which you can ring to find out more or visit
www.uwic.ac.uk/newstudents
And please feel free to give us your feedback and any suggestions for improving the Handy
Parents Guide in the future.
‘We hope this guide is of some help and we wish you the best of luck in preparing your child for
their time at UWIC.
Filling the empty nest
Homes can seem strangely empty when children go off to university. But the experience can open
up horizons says UWIC psychology programme director Dr Paul Sander.
It’s known as ‘empty nest syndrome’ and it’s the moment children leave the home for pastures
new, like university. After many years of looking after children and their needs, not having them
around can take some getting used to.
Discovering new activities and challenges is part of how parents adjust to the empty nest as well
as finding new ways of keeping the family cohesive. With a little planning, the ‘nest’ may not seem
that empty. Mobile phones and emails are and convenient way for parents to keep in touch with
their children.
And sons and daughters are usually only too happy to come home for some familiar and nutritious
home cooking, to utilise the free laundry service and to meet up with their old friends.
On these return visits, the family can share each other’s news and reaffirm family ties.
And reassuringly, many families find that the less frequent the contact leads to a new and very
rewarding mutual respect.
So if your home suddenly feels a bit strange when the children have flown the nest, don’t worry.
It’s all perfectly natural and an opportunity to be explored.’
Dr Paul Sander, Programme Director, BSc (Hons) Psychology, UWIC
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Welcome to UWIC and Cardiff
A wise choiceAs the parent of a new student at UWIC, you’ll
be pleased to hear that they have chosen
wisely!
UWIC is widely recognised as one of the UK’s
top new universities and has a wellearned
reputation as a great place to study;
independently acclaimed for its high academic
standards and for its high level of student
satisfaction.
Everything at UWIC is geared to ensuring our
students get the best out of their time with us
- from first class facilities to excellent
accommodation, high-quality campuses, handy
transport links and of course friendly staff, and
help them launch into a rewarding career.
Research has shown that of those leavers
whose destinations are known and who were
available for employment six months after
graduation, 95% were in work or further
study.
Cardiff - a great place to study Being at UWIC also means being part of one of
Europe’s best capital cities.
From the world famous Millennium Stadium to
historic areas like Cardiff Castle and Cathays
Park, Cardiff is renowned as an excellent city
to work, shop, rest and play in.
UWIC’s three campuses are each only a stone’s
throw away from the centre of Cardiff and
there are plenty of easy ways for students to
get there.
And just a mile from the city centre is Cardiff
Bay, the re-born waterfront area once famous
as Tiger Bay. ‘The Bay’ is home to the National
Assembly for Wales and the awesome Wales
Millennium Centre, which is one of Britain’s
finest arts and cultural venues.
Cardiff as a city, is also just half an hour from
stunning coastline and beaches (and the
Gower Peninsula and Pembrokeshire National
Park a bit further west), an hour from the
Brecon Beacons, Bristol and Bath and only two
hours from London or Birmingham.
All in all UWIC and Cardiff are a great ‘double
act’ and we’re sure your son or daughter will
enjoy every minute of their time here.
We look forward to welcoming you too when
you manage to visit and hope that we can live
up to your
hopes and
expectations.
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UWIC Residences - Top 10 Parent Tips for First-Year Students
1. Be quickThe quicker you can get things to us, the
quicker we can act. So when applying for
accommodation in Halls initially, please
ensure your son or daughter completes
the application form and returns it
immediately.
And make sure they send us all
appropriate literature (signed where
applicable), relevant payments and
passport photos.
2. First-year contractIf your son or daughter moves into Halls
their contract runs until June of the
following year. Students are not released
from their contract unless they withdraw
from their course or a suitable
replacement is found.
3. Second-year contractEvery year private agencies try to
pressurise first year students into signing
contracts for their second-year
accommodation. But there’s no need to do
this until March at the earliest. Don’t
worry, there’s plenty of private property
around Cardiff and no need to rush.
4. Peace of mindWhen your son or daughter moves into
private accommodation for their second-
year, ensure the property is from UWIC’s
Private Landlords’ list. All landlords on the
list have provided UWIC with gas and
electric certificates and approximately one
in six properties have been visually
inspected by our Premises Officer.
5. Little and oftenIf you are funding your son or daughter’s
stay at UWIC, it’s wise to transfer a
monthly amount to their account rather
than the whole lot in one go. That way
you can be sure the money will go where
it’s meant to!
6. No jokeEvery year at least one first-year student
is removed from Halls for tampering with
fire equipment like extinguishers. This is
extremely dangerous so please remind
your son or daughter that actions like this
are criminal offence and can result in
custodial sentences.
7. Keep it downAll our campuses are close to people’s
homes so please remind your son or
daughter to keep noise at a minimum at all
times and have the same consideration for
their neighbours as they would at home.
8. Getting home safelyBuying a UWIC Rider pass for your son or
daughter will ensure they have a
guaranteed means of getting home from
Cardiff city centre up to midnight. The pass
allows them unlimited access to all Cardiff
buses (which go to all our campuses) for
the whole of the academic year (plus an
extra four weeks, spread over Christmas
and Easter).
9. Stay healthyEven though your son or daughter may be
registered with a GP at home, they need
to register with a local GP as soon as they
arrive in Cardiff. Just because they are
away at university doesn’t mean they
won’t need a doctor from time to time.
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10. Small is beautifulDon’t be persuaded into loading the car
too full when you bring your son or
daughter to UWIC. Our study bedrooms are
just single bedrooms and not a whole
house! Room space is at a premium so
ensure they only bring essential items.
Fees
As a student, you will have to pay for two
things: tuition fees for your course and living
costs, such as rent, food, books, transport and
entertainment. There may be additional costs
for some programmes. If that sounds
expensive, don't worry. You can get financial
help from the government in the form of loans
and grants.
Tuition fee loanStudents can choose to defer payment of their
tuition fees until they are working by taking
out a tuition fee loan, which is repaid in
exactly the same way as the maintenance
loan. The money will be paid direct to the
university to cover the cost of the fees.
Useful Contacts:UWIC Finance Section
tel: 029 2041 6083
tel: 029 2041 6086
UWIC Fee Waiver Schemetel: 029 2041 6087
UWIC Student Finance & WelfareAdvisory Servicetel: 029 2041 6170 or 6133
Did you know?
UWIC is ranked as the Top New University in
Wales 2010.
Times Good University Guide
Studying in WalesTuition fees at UWIC for 2011/12 have been set
at £3375.
Student Maintenance LoansThese loans are designed to help students
meet basic living costs, such as food,
accommodation, travel and books. Only 25%
of the loan is assessed on the individual or
family’s income. This loan will only start to be
repaid when you are earning over £15,000
per year.
UWIC Bursary & Scholarship SchemesThe introduction of mandatory Bursaries and
Scholarships is a concept introduced across all
UK universities.
Financial support available to students is not
limited; you could qualify for more than one
bursary and/or scholarship.
Schemes on offer at UWIC• Sports Scholarship
• Food Industry Bursary
• Care Leavers Bursary
• Postgraduate Scholarship
• MSc Management Scholarship
• Cardiff School of Art and Design
Scholarship:• Fee-reduction Bursaries
• Studio assistantships and fee-reduction
scheme.
If you would like more information aboutUWIC’s Bursaries & Scholarships pleasevisit: uwic.ac.uk/bursariesor email: [email protected] call: 029 2041 6143
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Budget guidelines
Keeping a young student ‘on the road’ can be
expensive if you don’t budget carefully but
there’s no reason for it to cost the earth.
Here’s a handy guide to help you plan and
remember your son or daughter will probably
be eligible for a student loan to help them with
their living costs!
The first thing to remember is that the two big
areas, Housing and Food/Household, usually
account for 70-75% of all costs, so it’s a pretty
good place to start.
1. HousingAlthough the academic year is only 32
weeks, rent for self-catered university
Halls or private accommodation needs to
be paid for around 39 weeks a year and
you can expect to pay around £75 - 85
per week.
Total: £3,300 per year
2. Food/HouseholdYour son or daughter may eat their way
through your fridge and cupboards at
home, but they can be a bit more frugal
when they’re away from it. A typical
budget for this area should be around £30
per week (including the odd pair of rubber
gloves and washing up liquid).
Total: £1,170 per year
3. Utility Bills (in privately rented accommodation)Paying bills will probably come as a bit of a
surprise to the average student, but it has
to be done and it’s wise to budget £7.30
per week.
Total: £250 per year
4. Laundry (in Halls of Residence)A dirty word (literally) to most students
but a necessary evil. Expect to need
around £2 per week.
Total: £80 per year
5. Books and equipmentThese are the tools of the trade for all
students and although UWIC has excellent
libraries and resource centres, your son or
daughter will need some books of their
own. Second-hand copies of textbooks can
be found, but expect to budget £9 per
week.
Total: £350 per year
6. Clubs, societies and snacksWhen the average student is not working,
sleeping or socialising, they are often
snacking or taking part in a club or society
activity, such as the Student’s Union. While
not expensive, it’s sensible to set aside
around £5 per week.
Total: £195 per year
7. ClothesNo doubt clothes are already a matter of
much debate at home - and it’s really a
case of covering the essentials rather than
indulging your son or daughter’s extreme
fashion tastes. There is no need to spend a
fortune in this area but it is sensible to
budget around £15 per week.
Total £400 per year
8. ToiletriesAlthough traditionally universities do not
have the best reputation for turning out
well groomed undergraduates, the modern
student takes a bit more pride in their
appearance. So set aside £5 per week.
Total: £195 per year
9. TelephonesIn the age of mobile phones this is
obviously a contentious area, but you
should expect to contribute something to
your son and daughters call’s to home –
even if they are only ringing to ask for
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more money! We suggest a token £5 a
week to make sure you do hear from them
occasionally.
Total: £195 per year
10. TravelBus passes (the UWIC Rider £210 for the
whole academic year), petrol for cars, rail
tickets to festivals…it can all add up for the
modern student. You should expect to
allow £8 per week.
Total £300 per year
11. HaircutsMany students get round this by getting
their mates to brandish the scissors or
clippers or by simply growing hair to their
knees. But occasionally your son or
daughter will need a trim and you should
allow £5 per week to cover this.
Total: £195 per year
12. PresentsEven students need to buy the odd
present from time to time, if only to send
you a birthday card each year, so expect
to budget £5 per week.
Total: £195 per year
13. Social lifeAlthough like a red rag to a bull to many
parents and tax payers, students do need
a good social life to break from the grind
of lectures and essays and to get the best
out of university life. And socialising, as
we all know, doesn’t come for free. We
don’t suggest you subsidise all night
parties for your son or daughter but
expect to budget £30 a week for this
(although this does include holidays).
Total: £1200 per year
Grand TotalAs we said, supporting a student at university
isn’t cheap and the costs are likely to be in the
region of £7,625 per year but don’t forget that
student loan! This is purely an advisory section
many students may choose to spend more on
certain items but will probably make cut backs
in some of their other costs.
The table below is a quick reminder of what
we have suggested.
Item per week per year totalHousing £75 - £85 £3,300
Food & Household £30 £1,170
Utility Bills £7.30 £250
Laundry £2 £80
Books & Equipment £9 £350
Clubs, Societies & Snacks £5 £195
Clothes £15 £400
Toiletries £5 £195
Telephone £5 £195
Travel £8 £300
Haircuts £5 £195
Presents £5 £195
Social life £30 £1200
Grand Total £8025
UWIC’s ‘Top 10’ tips for managing your money
It’s every parent’s nightmare…the phone call
from their son or daughter asking for more
cash. But managing money as a student is
essential if you don’t want to leave
university with a degree, a pile of debts and a
bad credit rating!
Sadly debt is a way of life for many students
these days. But there are ways to reduce the
chances of carrying unmanageable bills into
your future working lives. Essentially it’s about
choosing the student lifestyle you want
and making sure there’s enough money to pay
for it.
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So here are a few hints:
Get your shareAs a student, you may be entitled to state
funded money to help pay for your education.
To find out if you are, apply to your Local
Education Authority in Wales or Student
Finance England to be assessed for a student
loan for living costs, a tuition fee loan and any
discretionary grants you may be eligible for.
Find the right bank for you. Banks often offer
all sorts of inducements or ‘freebies’ to tempt
students to bank with them. But the trick is
not to be too tempted by offers and to look for
a decent student bank account with an
interest free overdraft facility. Only apply for
ONE student account as it’s much easier to
manage if all your money’s going in and out of
one account. It also makes sense to choose a
bank with a branch near to your campus or
student accommodation. And if the branch has
a Student Advisor you’re more likely to get a
sympathetic response if you encounter any
problems.
Plastic perilIt seems even school children are offered
credit cards nowadays, but these tempting
pieces of plastic should be handled with care.
Signing up for credit cards and store cards is
one of the most expensive ways of borrowing
money, so do beware.
Plan aheadTry to work out a budget of your income and
expenditure. And if it’s obvious that you’re not
going to be able to manage, think of ways you
can supplement your income by perhaps
taking on casual work.
Most universities will have a Job Shop for
students, either within the Careers Service or
the Student Union, so contact them if you
need to find part-time work. However do
remember that as an employee you may be
liable for income tax or national insurance
contributions and that a salary isn’t always the
same as your take-home pay.
Helping handIf you’re finding it really difficult to manage,
explore the possibility of applying to the
Financial Contingency Fund (in England, the
Access to Learning Fund). Most universities
will have Financial Advisors that can talk you
through the application process.
First things firstPrioritise your debts. It’s obviously important
to keep a roof over your head, so make sure
that your rent is paid on time. If you’re going
to be late paying creditors let them know
rather than ignoring their letters. If you can’t
pay the whole amount, pay what you can
afford as a gesture of goodwill.
Keep it shortBe wary of taking on any long-term
commitments as a student. Buying a car or the
latest computer can be a very big drain on
your resources.
Stay mobileTry to avoid mobile phone contracts. Pay As
You Go phones will help you to keep track of
how much you are spending. It’s good to talk,
but remember it can be expensive!
CommunicateIf you do get into financial difficulties seek help
sooner rather than later. It’s better to let
people know that you’re in trouble than to
bottle it up and make the situation even
worse.
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Don’t blow itThe biggest danger for overspending is in the
first term. Don’t be tempted to buy designer
clothes, 20 CDs or loads of beer when you
have just had the first instalment of your
student loan.
Taking care and keeping safeWith war, security alerts and high-profile
terrorist attacks, a university campus probably
seems like the safest place to be right now. In
truth the chances of students being burgled,
confronted or attacked are low and the reason
horror stories make headlines is because
they’re so rare. But they do reinforce that
safety can’t be taken for granted. Read on to
learn how your son or daughter can make their
time as a student as safe as possible…
Keeping the thieves awayAround 2,000 students will be fresher’s at
UWIC for the first time each year. Each will
arrive with boxes full of goodies, gadgets,
mobile phones, TVs and stereos worth on
average £3,000 (according to the NUS),
making ideal targets for thieves. Students may
feel impoverished, but to a thief they have
quite a few nice things they’d like to get their
hands on. You can be sure they know your son
or daughter’s room is full of them and when
it’s best to drop by.
BurglariesEvery four minutes a student in the UK is
burgled, and although the halls accommodation
at UWIC is generally very safe it’s still worth
taking a few precautions to make sure your
son or daughter isn’t among the statistics.
Most break-ins happen at the beginning of
term, when thieves hope to discover the
rooms of naive teenagers who’ve just left
home for the first time. Unfortunately most
students are used to living at home, where
you look after the security, so it’s useful to
give them some guidance on staying alert.
InsuranceThere are a number of decent student
insurance deals around at the moment (check
out www.cover4students.com).
Some insurance prices start from as little as
£15 a year - well worth it when you consider
how much it will cost to replace all those
expensive items. Don’t assume your offspring
will be covered by your own contents
insurance policy, but it’s worth checking and
perhaps even having a word with your insurer
to see if your policy can be amended to
include children away at university.
Being responsibleAs a parent you instinctively check every door
and window each evening, and you should
encourage your son or daughter to do the
same at university. Advise them to look at
their new residence from a burglar’s point of
view and make sure they shut the windows
when they’re out. If they move into a student
house it’s sensible to get the locks changed
(they don’t know who else might have a key)
- but they should remember to give the
landlord a new one too. And of course,
drawing curtains at night and using all the
locks available to secure doors is sensible
guidance for your son or daughter to follow.
Out and aboutAttacks against female students are reported
in the media and it’s only natural to be
concerned. There are particular risks inherent
in being a student living away from home, and
female students are probably most at risk.
However, while for women the ages of 16 to
24 are when you’re at most risk of being
attacked, men of the same age are actually
more likely to be attacked by a stranger.
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AttitudeIt’s not just being too drunk and out of control
when your son or daughter is walking home at
night that can mark them out as a target -
looking nervous or lost might also attract the
wrong type of attention. Wearing headphones
means they won’t hear somebody
approaching and they should try to appear
confident and purposeful, and be generally
aware of what is going on around them
without becoming paranoid. It’s also wise for
them to avoid getting so drunk that they forget
their address at the end of a night! Guide them
to keep aware and stay with their mates.
Plan your night - be preparedStudents are obviously not going to write a
detailed timetable of events before they leave
the house every night. But it’s wise they have
a rough plan and a good idea of how they’re
going to get home at the end of the evening.
Knowing what time the last bus is on
weekdays and weekends, and the number of a
reputable taxi firm, is also sensible. It’s
particularly important students don’t just get
into any old car at 3am and make sure they
catch a licensed taxi. If in doubt they should go
to a taxi rank when they’re in town or phone
one from anywhere else.
Advise your son or daughter to stay with their
friends on a night out and plan where to meet
up if anyone gets separated – a taxi will also
be cheaper with four students crammed into it.
Single female students using a bus should sit
near the driver or sit near other women if
they catch a train – and they should move
seats if someone unsavoury sits near them.
Finally, advise your offspring to use the UWIC
Rider bus as much as possible (timetables are
available on campus).
Be extra carefulIncidents have been reported to the Students
Union by students in the areas around Llandaff
Campus (Llandaff Fields, the walkways around
Tesco, Pontcanna Fields). Although these
incidents are not very common, they highlight
how important it is to be alert - even in
daylight hours.
Generally it’s better for lone female students
to stick to busier streets and go out with
others. If a student thinks they’re being
followed they should cross the street and keep
on going, and do so again if it keeps on
happening. Anyone who is worried should go
somewhere loud and lively, and let somebody
know. And students should always report
anything suspicious to the police immediately,
and let the Welfare Advisor in the Students’
Union know.
Finally…Advise your son or daughter to take the above
precautions, being prepared or aware can
often make all the difference.
However the police suggest that if someone
grabs their bag or their wallet, let them take it
- it’s only a bag after all.
Survival TechniquesAfter years of having everything done for
them, your son or daughter is now preparing
to fend for themselves in an uncertain world.
But do they know where to go and what to
do?
Before they start university now is an ideal
time to pass on your years of experience to a
younger generation to make sure everything
goes as smoothly as possible.
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Basic cooking skillsAfter all the time you’ve spent giving your
children wholesome, nutritious food you now
the face the dire prospect of them living on
pizza, burgers, chips and beans!
While you aren’t trying to turn them into the
next Nigella Lawson or Jamie Oliver, it may be
sensible to teach some basic culinary skills
(how to peel veg, boil an egg, test to see if
meat is done etc) and even pass on some
cheap and cheerful recipes. And if they are
living in self-catering accommodation make
sure they have a basic food supply to take
away with them.
Welcome to the SupermarketTo some students supermarkets are a strange,
bewildering and unfamiliar environment and
they have probably never thought about how
the cupboards and fridge at home are always
full of food!
Teaching your son or daughter how to
navigate their way around a supermarket is
not a bad idea, perhaps even by helping out
on a few family shopping trips before they go.
Food hygieneNot a favourite subject for most students, but
an important one to cover. Pass on a few hints
about the importance of hand washing, food
washing, careful food storage and rules
regarding reheating food. But don’t overdo it
so they’re too scared to go in the kitchen!
‘Red Cross’ parcelsThere’s nothing students like more than a
supplies top up from mum or dad and many
supermarkets now have a delivery service you
can call on to drop off provisions to your son
or daughter (see supermarket websites).
Don’t worry about mollycoddling them - your
gesture will always be appreciated by your
hungry offspring and their mates - and at least
you get to influence what they are consuming
once in a while!
Survival TechniquesUWIC is inundated with calls from students and
parents wanting to know what they should
take to university.
It’s important to make sure your son or
daughter has all the equipment they need to
get going, so here’s a few hints from
accommodation services manager Sarah
Spencer.
StationeryStudents are expected to make lots of notes,
write plenty of essays and keep reference
materials neatly filed! So make sure they bring
basic stationery such as paper, pens and
pencils, A4 folders, a stapler and a holepunch.
Food to get goingIf your son or daughter has gone for the self-
catering option make sure they take food
essentials such as tea and coffee, sugar, bread
and milk and enough food to last a few days
until they find the nearest supermarket to
stock up.
CrockeryFor self-catering students take kitchen
essentials such as cutlery, plates, a kettle,
toaster, mugs, drinking glasses, tin opener,
corkscrew, washing-up liquid, tea towel,
washing powder and scissors. Many
supermarkets now sell student ‘starter packs’
like a kettle, toaster and microwave at a
special price, so keep an eye out for these.
EssentialsYour son or daughter will need bathroom and
bedroom essentials such as bath and hand
towels, dressing gown, duvet and bedding,
wash bag/toiletries and coat hangers.
It’s also useful to buy some packs of self-
adhesive plastic hooks to go on the back of a
door, or inside a wardrobe, so there are
plenty of places to hang things up.
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Looking goodMake sure they pack a good selection of
clothes and shoes, including sports gear if they
plan to make the most of the university’s
sports facilities.
Keeping in touchIt’s a good idea for your son and daughter to
have a mobile phone or phone card so they
can keep in touch with you and their friends.
In the pictureMake sure they have plenty of passport photos
done for registration and signing up for clubs
and societies.
Most large supermarkets, stations or post
offices have machines where this can be done
quickly and cheaply.
Bright ideasJust like home, it’s important your son or
daughter has things to brighten up a room
such as photos, lamp, rug, cushions, stereo,
and maybe a portable TV if you have one
spare (but don’t forget to get a TV licence too!)
Proof of identityThis is an important area so make sure they
take their passport, for any last-minute travel,
and their NHS card for registering with a local
GP when they arrive.
Wakey, wakeyAnd finally… that 100% essential item, thealarm clock, so that they’re not late for any
of those 9am lectures!
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UCAS
UCAS is the Universities and Colleges
Admissions Service, and it co-ordinates the
undergraduate admissions process across the
UK. Important UCAS dates:
Mid - September
UCAS Applications can be submitted.
I5 OctoberClosing date for applications to Oxford
University, University of Cambridge and
courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary
science or veterinary medicine.
15 JanuaryFinal date for applications from UK and EU for
applications to be granted equal academic
consideration. All those received after this date
will be classed as LATE, but will be forwarded
to institutions until 30 June.
25 FebruaryStart of UCAS Extra. This is an opportunity to
select another choice of university if you have
been unsuccessful with your original choices.
24 MarchApplication deadline for Art and Design
courses except those listed with a 15 January
deadline
30 JuneLast date that UCAS must receive all other
applications, including those from outside the
UK or EU. All applications that are received
after this date will go directly into Clearing.
Clearing also enables students who
have been unsuccessful with their Firm and
Insurance choice of institution to be matched
with universities with course vacancies.
6 JulyThis is the last day to apply through extra.
19 AugustClearing begins.
20 SeptemberLast date for Clearing applications.
The UCAS website is an essential read with
lots of helpful information – www.ucas.com or
you can telephone them for general enquiries -
01242 222444.
In making your
application,
you must pay
the UCAS
application fee
of £15,
or £5 if you
are applying
for only one
course at one
institution.
NB: Dates shown are for
2009/2010. Dates may vary
slightly year on year but not
significantly.
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Our top tips
Ensure applicants meet UCAS deadlines
and reply promptly to all letters from
UCAS and universities.
Schools and colleges set earlier deadlines
than UCAS for applications to be
submitted, as they have to check the
details and add a reference - make sure
these internal dates are adhered to.
Early application maximises the chances
of success.
Don't be away when the A level results
are published.
Thorough research is essential - deciding
what’s important – course content,
study/work opportunities, location,
reputation, facilities, size, costs,
accommodation availability or stay
at home.
A brilliant Personal Statement is of
considerable value but takes time to write
and edit.
Applications can be tracked by applicants
online through the UCAS website.
The UCAS website is an essential read
with lots of helpful information -
www.ucas.com - or you can telephone
them for general enquiries on 01242
222444.
Visiting and contacting UWIC
As a parent it is only natural you may want to
visit UWIC from time to time, if only to drop off
or pick up your son and daughter.
The ‘headquarters’ of UWIC is at our Llandaff
Campus and we also have two other
campuses at Cyncoed, and Howard Gardens.
Visitors are welcome at any of our campuses
but please remember that there is limited
parking availability during academic terms.
Parking on all campuses is limited, and if
students must have a car we recommend that
they register with ‘carshare’ so they will be
more likely to be able to park. Alternatively,
why not use the dedicated bus service ‘UWIC
Rider’. The largest dedicated bus service in
Wales.
For more information or if you would like to
ask us any questions please contact any of the
numbers listed below.
There is also a UWIC website on uwic.ac.ukwhich may be able to give you the information
you want.
Communications & Marketing Unit UWIC,
Western Avenue Cardiff. CF5 2SG
tel: 029 2041 6044
email: [email protected]
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Alternative Means ofTransport
It is easy to get around Cardiff on great local
transport. You may find the following links
useful:
UWIC Riderwww.uwic.ac.uk/uwicrider
Traveline Cymruwww.traveline-cymru.org.uk
UWIC CampusesCyncoed campusCyncoed Road, Cardiff, CF23 6XD
Education & Teacher Training
Humanities
Sports
Howard Gardens campusHoward Gardens, Cardiff, CF24 0SP
Art & Design
Llandaff campusWestern Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2SG
Architectural Design
Biomedical Science
Business & Management
Environmental Sciences
Food Sciences
Health
Hospitality
IT & Computer Studies
Product Design
Social Sciences
Tourism
Plas GwynHalls of Residence
Llantrisant Road, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2XJ
