The Higher Education fair has just returned to Richard Taunton Sixth Form College with students chatting to friendly faces from some 20 universities.
This year visitors were well prepared as a handy leaflet included some questions to make those conversations easier. They focused on the things that really matter to young people considering university, like what courses, accommodation and scholarships are on offer and where.
Southern Universities Network Progression Mentor, Laura McCarthy, was one of several careers staff who brought the fair to life. Pleased to hear all the positive feedback from guests and exhibitors, Laura knows how future decisions aren’t always made in a moment.
“If nothing else, hopefully this event just gives our students a little bit of direction with what they want to do in the future, even if they don’t come away fully decided on where they want to go and what they want to do,” Laura said.
Rachel Powell, Science Teacher, wished to give her first year A level Chemistry students a little look at what education looks like at eighteen.
In Rachel’s words, “I think what worked really well was having the preparation sheets where they could think about the questions and see the list of universities here. Looking at my students, they seem really engaged and are interacting fully with the universities. I hope they can see that university is a real option for them.”
Many local universities were here for the half day event, including; Brighton, Chichester, Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester. Institutions from places like Essex, Hertfordshire and Reading came too, all with a view to supporting young people with their hopes and dreams.
First year Music, Law and English student Taylor was keen to get a better idea of where to go, and how much to pay. Taylor was surprised by the choice available, “I found a bunch of universities that I had no idea about and they all offer really cool things. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming.”
Showcasing the range of universities out there was key to the event, with professionals from specialist institutions on hand too, offering advice to those set on a particular career.
Head of School and College Partnerships at Falmouth University, Brad Tudor-Gayler, was keen to speak to students with an interest in the creative industries.
Brad reflected on the importance of these kind of events, “It’s a one stop shop for students. They can find out the information they may want from all the universities they might be interested in going to. A lot of students don’t get these opportunities, so I think it’s vital for them.”
And a little closer to home, Angie Randall, Senior Student Recruitment Officer at Southampton Solent University, was full of praise for the students who popped along.
In Angie’s words, “I have met lots of really good students with lots of clear ideas about what they want to do. It’s been great to help them with their decisions.”
With the general university application deadline coming up in January, students at Richard Taunton can access ongoing support with their future plans. And for students who are more interested in moving into the world of work straight after college, the employer fair in March is on the horizon.