Three students with links to the John Lewis Partnership tell us what it’s like to be leaving home to study in 2020
Starting university can be a daunting prospect at the best of times, but during a pandemic there are extra things to worry about. As well as adjusting to a new city, a new course and new people, there are online lectures to get a handle on, social bubbles to be formed and more restrained living arrangements to adapt to. Even freshers’ weeks will be remote this year, no doubt to the disappointment of students (and relief of parents) everywhere. So, how will it feel to start a degree this year?
These three students, all with a link to the John Lewis Partnership, talk us through their hopes and expectations for starting university in 2020, a year with challenges like no other. Whether you’re a student about to leave home for the first time, or are a parent helping your grown-up children with their move, good luck! And before you head off, make sure you consult our essential what to take to university checklist.
Ben Lewis
Ben, 18, Partner & Supermarket Assistant at Waitrose & Partners, Wokingham lives with his parents, younger brother and two cats, Smidge and Foo. This month he’s starting a course in Television & Media Production at the University of the Creative Arts in Farnham, where he’s transferred stores to work part-time while he studies
How did you feel about your A-Level results?
I was initially quite shocked by my results, but was happy once they announced that I could have my centre assessed grades as I believe they were a much better representation of my abilities.
Has it affected your choice of university?
I was very lucky to receive an unconditional offer for my firm choice before lockdown began so my grades didn’t affect my university choice, but a lot of my friends just missed out on their firm choices.
How are you feeling about starting university in 2020?
I’m really excited to start uni, after months of being locked down it will be great to try some new things, meet new people and become more independent.
Tell us what restrictions you are expecting around living and learning?
I am expecting there to be restrictions on the campus which will limit student access to facilities and equipment, but with online learning I should still be able to make the most of the course during the first year. Outside of uni, living should be pretty normal.
What would you say to other new students starting this year?
Have fun! There’s a lot of exciting adventures just around the corner.
Ben’s university essentials
Eastpak Provider 15" Laptop Backpack, Black
£90.00£72.00
Ria Mistry
Ria, 18, is the daughter of Partner & Personnel Service Advisor, Mamta Mistry.
Currently living with her parents and younger sister, she’s off to Birmingham University later this month to study dentistry
How did you feel about your A-Level results?
Relieved is definitely the first word which comes to mind. After hearing about results day in Scotland, I was quite worried about whether I’d get the grades I’d worked hard for over the past couple of years. However, the morning of A-Level results was definitely a happy one, and the perfect surprise for my birthday the next day.
Has it affected your choice of university?
Fortunately, I met the grade requirements for my offer, so I’m looking forward to moving up to Birmingham to study dentistry as planned this month.
How are you feeling about starting university in 2020?
It’s an odd mix of fear and excitement. I can’t wait to start the course, as I’ve developed a really strong interest in dentistry since my first work experience placement. I also love meeting new people and exploring new places, so I’m really looking forward to moving to a new city. It’s definitely scary though, and a big jump from sixth form and the small town I’m from. I’ve really enjoyed spending lots of time with my family during lockdown, so I’m definitely going to miss seeing them all the time when I go – FaceTime will come in very handy.
Tell us what restrictions you are expecting around living and learning?
I’ve received a few emails from the uni regarding plans for this term and, from what I’ve gathered, it’s definitely going to be different to the classic uni experience. Teaching is going to be a mixture of online and face-to-face learning so, fortunately, I’ll still have the opportunity to learn alongside others on my course and meet my tutors. Although first year students don’t treat any patients, there will still be a practical element to the year, for example, anatomy classes, so I’m glad we will still have some face-to-face teaching.
Living will also be quite different, as events such as the freshers’ fair are going to be virtual, so it’ll be a lot harder to meet new people outside of my flat and course. I’ve been chatting to others through online group chats though, and everyone seems lovely, so I’m sure I’ll still be able to make plenty of friends. The five other members of my flat will become my social bubble, so I can’t wait to meet them too. Unfortunately, we are only allowed to bring one family member with us to help us move in, so it’ll be a shame I won’t be able to bring my sister and both my parents along with me.
What would you say to other new students starting this year?
Firstly, whatever your results are, well done. It’s been such a crazy year, and I don’t think any of us could have imagined living through a pandemic this time last year. If results day didn’t go as planned, don’t give up – universities may still have places, so it’s worth phoning them up to ask. Otherwise, there’s always next year, which means you have even more time to perfect your application, gain more experience in your chosen degree or even choose a different route, such as an apprenticeship. Whatever you choose to do, I’m wishing you the best of luck, it’s definitely been a year like no other.
Charlotte Orsler
Charlotte, 18, Partner & Supermarket Assistant, Waitrose & Partners, Stroud, currently lives with her mum, dad, younger brother and cockapoo, Amy. She’ll be heading to the University of Warwick later this month to study Mathematics
How did you feel about your A-Level results?
I was really happy with my results, I got 4 A*s. Although, it was very nerve-wracking waiting for them, as I was worried that I would be downgraded and not get what I deserved, like a lot of other students.
Has it affected your choice of university?
No, luckily I met my conditional offer for my first choice, so I will be starting there this month to study mathematics.
How are you feeling about starting university in 2020?
Predominantly excited, but obviously there are some extra nerves caused by the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus situation. It’s strange thinking about how different living and learning at university will be, and it’s hard not to worry about whether making new friends will be more difficult now that social distancing is in place.
Tell us what restrictions you are expecting around living and learning?
My expectations are that lectures will be online, however all small-group teaching which includes supervision and tutorials will be in-person, presumably with social distancing measures still in place. Living arrangements will also be unusual, as it is likely that I will be living in a ‘kitchen group’ meaning that I can only socialise with the people I live with, where social distancing is not possible.
What would you say to other new students starting this year?
Be brave. This situation has brought unforeseen challenges for every single one of us, and all we can do is try to work through it the best we can until we see the light on the other side.
