Edge Hill University

My weekly budget for groceries is around £20 and sometimes less or more depending on the store as well. If I get all what I needed from Aldi, then it comes under my budget and if I have to buy it from different stores such as Morrisons, then it could be little more, so it all depends on the store and products we buy. Monthly grocery shopping is manageable around £60 per month as well if done well for a student.

🌺I mostly do major shopping on a monthly basis which is when I stock up on most everything and that costs me about 20-40 pounds depending on what I’m getting. However, I do sometimes get things like cheese and bread every other week/day. So, I’m a month, I’ll say I spend 30-50 pounds which puts me at roughly 10 pounds a week or so. Also, I mostly shop at ALDI but I sometimes go to Morrisons too for things I can’t get at ALDI.

You can take up a language module alongside your course and you don’t even have to have any prior experience! The classes are clear and a lot of fun with the options of Italian, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Arabic and German. If you don’t want to do a module in a language you can also take part in evening classes instead. Taking part in a language in university adds such a valuable extra skill.

Attend the weekly Global SU Café as much as you can and enrol to an evening language course to meet new friends! Having a support network can help you cope with the challenges of living in a new country.

🌺Make as many memories at home with friends and family with the time you have. It’ll help when the homesickness hits and will also make it easier to make memories when you get here.

My advice would to be prepared and open to learn new skills and grow intellectually as well. University will offer so many opportunities, the student just need to be a little active and alert at all the times. They should be open to explore as much as they can while they are here and not only give their full attention towards their education but also try to indulge in extracurricular activities which will definitively improve their overall performance and help them build their CV as well. Thanks 😊

I was staying in Chancellors South this first year and each accomadation may be different but this is why I had found. In terms of things you need to take, there’s already some things in your room like your bed and mattress but you need to bring your own bedding, and bin, I brought things like lamps for if I didn’t need the main light on, some useful stationary and then a lot of what I brought for my room was decorative. One thing I can definitely recommend in terms of making it feel more homely is photos. I had lots of photos that reminded me of various happy memories in frames and clipped onto pieces of string decorated around my room. Another thing is if you have things that that might remind you of home this can be helpful. And take the chance to make it your own make it feel like your own home if that’s with a colour scheme or certain ornaments or anything that stops it feeling like a generic room and makes it feel more like more like it’s your own. In terms of the bathroom, I took an extra stick on shelf and a little wheelie set of drawers as well as all my toiletries and everything to give me more room to put everything as there’s not a massive amount of storage space for things like shower gels and shampoos without. I also took my own bin and my own shower curtain although they do provide you with your own shower curtain but they’re easy enough to switch over and it just made it feel a bit more like my own. I’d also recommend getting some basic tablets like some ibuprofen or paracetamol in your bathroom just in case because when you’re already feeling ill you don’t always want to be going into town to get those and it was something I thought of straight away. Finally, in terms of the kitchen, most accommodations are provided with induction pans however you can bring your own so long as they work on induction hobs but you don’t have to. I didn’t but one of my flatmates brought his own wok. One thing my mum thought of was to take some food already in a box not fresh things because you can do that on your first shop but just crisps, cereal bars anything you can think of so you’re a bit more prepared and to help reduce at least your first few shops. You do also need plates bowls knives forks and any other cutlery of your own including your own grater, peeler, kitchen towel, chopping board and anything else you can think of although you can get that at the shops when you’re already there if you forget anything or if that would make it easier. With some things try to make sure that they’re distinguishable as everyone will sometimes have their stuff together and it can help to know which is yours so you know what to put away. You’ll also need things like sponges and washing up liquid and I got some washing up gloves as there are no dishwashers.

Moving into your accommodation can feel like a huge task! But if you sort things out little by little it won’t seem so daunting (hopefully). Start by making lists of things you would like in your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen etc. One of the main sources that helped me out was Pinterest and watching ‘move in’ vlogs on YouTube 😂💪🏻 They gave me a good starting point for my list and sometimes showed me things I hadn’t even thought about!! I’d definitely be making room for those homely things like pictures of family, plenty of pillows and blankets and even snuggly teddies- trust me you’re not alone! For kitchen items, check which accommodation you’ll be moving into as some buildings provide pots and pans as they use induction hobs. You won’t be needing huge appliances like kettles or mini fridges or ironing boards as these are provided. If you have any more questions about moving in don’t hesitate to ask!!

Coat hangers and extension leads are probably the most forgotten about essentials. I would also highly recommend bringing your own stuff such as souvenirs or posters to make your room your own. It's much nicer to have a homely room and I find making it your own helps you settle in quicker. Obviously you will need to bring notebooks, pens, folders, your clothes and toiletries etc. You will also need your own cutlery and crockery. It's best to check which halls you are in as to whether you need your own pans or not. I needed my own living in Back Halls, but for my friends in Chancellors they were provided for them as they had an induction hob, so definitely check for yourself which you need for your chosen halls!

My top three tips to someone trying to settle into university would be: 1) Make sure you put yourself out there, it can be tempting to just hide away in your room and not socialize but you should know everyone else is in the same position 2) I’d definitely recommend attending some of the on campus events that the university will have set up for freshers, these are great mixers of people and help you get a feel of the campus 3) It might also help if you try and decorate your new room at uni similar to your room at home using little ornaments and photos to help you feel more comfortable here

1. Try and make the most of each experience! There are so many events in Welcome Week, some free and some paid, and that isn't including the numerous societies that will be offering meetings filled with activities. It is a great time to meet new people and find something you enjoy while you have some free-time. If you're struggling to find a society, the Welcome fair (usually taking place on the first Wednesday) can be a fantastic way to check out societies and meet people. As a reminder, there are plenty of events throughout the year, so I wouldn't be disheartened if you missed any events or didn't feel comfortable trying new things straight away. 2. Try and connect with flatmates, coursemates, and anyone you meet. Try exploring the campus, and trying the numerous activities together. You could cook a flat meal, or check out one of the many cafes or restaurants in Ormskirk😊 3. Familiarise yourself with campus. Find your course building, but also the Launderette, Students' Union, where you'll collect post and parcels, the gym, the library, and anything else of note. Reach out to staff and older students around campus if you have any questions, and have a fantastic first week at Edge Hill!😊

Here are my top three tips for settling in at uni: - Bring your home comforts to uni with you. Whether that’s a teddy bear that you love and sleep with at home, a coffee machine, whatever it is don’t feel embarrassed, just bring it! I found this really helped me to settle in having these comfort items with me as well as photos of my family and friends from back home and a nice comfortable duvet🥰 Having these items as well as making your room your own will help you feel so much more at home and settled in. Kind of a separate point but you could also consider making your comfort meal that you would normally have at home. - Give yourself time to adjust. Don’t feel like you have to rush yourself into going out all the time and always being happy. It’s so okay to be home sick and just mentally giving yourself that time and space to adjust to university life I think it so important. - Be honest with your flatmates and friends about how you are feeling and how you are doing. Check in on others and they will do the same for you and you will hopefully create a really nice and supportive group of people you feel settled and comfortable around. Please know that you are not on your own and you will find your feet! 💗

Studying abroad was a big step and a big opportunity for me, I do feel homesickness sometimes but it happened more often at the starting. Now I have made friends from my home country as well as from here too. Whenever I feel like missing home too much, we cook together and go for an outing in Ormskirk. I think it’s really important to have some friends from our home country which do helps in overcoming the feelings of homesickness :)

🌺I speak with my friends and family everyday, a lot of those conversations are video calls. When I’m feeling really lonely, I take a walk to clear my head or go hang out with friends. There are some times tho that the best thing to do is stay put and just allow yourself feel it. At least for me

Keeping yourself busy is the main thing you could do. I would suggest going out with your friends , joining the gym or the clubs and society in uni and keeping in close contact with family and friends from back home. Getting out there is the hardest part but once you do it does feel okay.

The campus is beautiful no matter the weather, the course was pretty much exactly what I wanted to do and the accommodation on campus (particularly chancellor's court) was outstanding for the cost.

Edge Hill was one of my options because it was ranked so highly for the course I was choosing, but what really sealed the deal for me was seeing the campus on open day! It's a beautiful area with a lovely large and open campus, plenty of sports facilities to make use of and nice accommodation! It also has good links to Liverpool and Preston which is useful if you need to travel anywhere further afield! So in summary, Just the perfect spot for what I need and want to do in university! :)

I had considered doing a tourism degree but didn’t have the correct qualifications so knew an access to higher education course would be my only option. Having looked at courses available I came across Fastrack, the 7 week intensive course at Edge Hill. The timetable of the course fitted around my commitments over the summer so I signed up. When it came to progressing to my degree, EHU was the only choice for me having experienced all the campus has to offer, the teaching support and such a great learning experience. I haven’t looked back since.

I chose to study at Edge Hill University because I wanted to go to a University relatively far from home, and also to a university that seemed like it actually cared about it’s students. The class sizes on my course also attracted me to come here, as they’re quite small and your professors actually know who you are rather than just being a face in the crowd. I love it here and I would highly recommend people coming here if you’re a bit more introverted but still want to experience the Uni lifestyle.

There are so many different reasons why I chose to study at Edge Hill :) Firstly, the wide range of courses. I am an Educational Psychology student which is a bit of an unusual course which not all universities offer. I would recommend firstly deciding on the course that you want as this is why you are at university, at the end you want to have achieved a qualification that you are proud of and that you wanted to achieve. I looked online at the course specification and modules and fell in love with the university and the course. The course is so interesting and is exactly what I wanted to study and I loved that the course included a chosen placement to get hands on experience as well as a lot of interesting modules such as Social Psychology. I then started to look at the university itself and I was blown away by the facilities, support and the general vibe the university gave online. I decided to attend an Open Day and that is when I really made up my mind. The university has such a lovely, friendly and vibrant atmosphere. The campus is absolutely beautiful with lots of water and lakes running across campus. There is also a lot of wildlife and I just felt I could really see myself living and studying here as it was such a calming environment. I think this is the most important thing as you want to live somewhere you feel safe and comfortable. I viewed the accommodation which was lovely and had a guided tour around the campus. I also spoke to subject tutors and viewed the Psychology facilities (e.g., the VR labs which I now use on a regular basis), as well as the Sports facilities (which are amazing!). I then walked into Ormskirk and loved the town centre. I would say that visiting the university is the most important thing as it really made my mind up for me that this is where I wanted to be :)

The first time I came onto campus for a open day I new straight away that I wanted to study at Edge Hill. I loved how beautiful the campus was and how small the university was. I also liked how well my course was structured and the modules involved (nutrition and Health ). I also loved the accommodation options available and the facilities available on campus including the food outlets and the library.

I chose Edge Hill because I fell in love with the campus on an Open Day. I didn't know what the university was like before I arrived and I was blown away by the beauty of the campus, how friendly my lecturers were, and the fact that on the History course I wouldn't be forced to study ancient history. I visited a lot of universities after Edge Hill but I didn't feel like I could call them home in the same way I could Edge Hill. I think everyone will know after visiting open days which uni is right for them, and for me it was undoubtedly Edge Hill!

Try not to worry about preparing too much in the summer as during freshers week you will be introduced to the course properly and may be given tasks to prepare for lectures. I would say though when students get there timetable to try and familiarise yourself with the campus and where things are, as well as the support available.

I would say research your course and see what modules you can expect in your first year of the course so you have an idea of what’s to come, you can also do some research on topics that make come up within the modules. You can also try and find your courses group chats on social media platforms so you can get to know the people you will be completely the course wit before you start.

🌺First things first, if it is a conditional offer, work on fulfilling the conditions so you can get an unconditional offer. If you have an unconditional offer then get started on your CAS immediately so you don’t end up missing the deadline or getting sucked into rush hour. Also, start spending more time with friends and family, you’ll be glad you did 💜

I would advise International offer holders to be familiar with the visa policies on the university website. For instance, how to apply, the cost of the visa application, medical test, and documents needed for processing.

My favourite place to go in Ormskirk is the new indoor market. It has recently been refurbished into a large food hall/bar which has multiple vendors offering a huge variety of local independent food vendors. It’s also open till late offering a great atmosphere with live music and events.

My number one choice would be The Bagel Deli. Staff are really friendly! But I recommend Love to Eat, Nordico Lounge and Bramleys.

My favourite place to eat in Ormskirk is the Fat Italian. The do lovely food and is a good vibe. I also love the Cricketers but it’s maybe for more of an occasion as it is a little pricier. There are loads of great places to eat and drink in Ormskirk so it just depends what food and atmosphere you like best :)

I have two one of which is Nordico Lounge which has a good variety of food including gluten-free and vegan options and it also welcomes dogs. Another favourite of mine is the Ormskirk Market which has a variety of foods available however there are various cafes and takeaways available in Ormskirk.

Being half Portuguese, my favourite place to eat is Piri Piri Grill a portuguese restaurant in Ormskirk. They have amazing chicken and chips for a relatively affordable price.

I have been able to try few of the restaurants in Ormskirk till now and The Shamraat which is an Indian restaurant near the town centre, offers some delicious Indian styled cuisine which everyone should try once :) I hope they will enjoy the food here, and other than this, for students, Istaanbull Grill is also good for takeaways as they also offer some delicious food and is affordable too. Thanks 😊

As a local, Cobble is not only a fantastic place to eat with healthy, varied and filling menu as well as the most yummy smoothies and milkshakes around, but the history behind the name gives it an extra special feel. A little way out of town is vegan friendly Wild Root Cafe with the best hash browns and must have TLT.

I found my interview experience very positive! I had some personal difficulties on the day of my interview, and before the interviews began, the staff asked us if there was anyone struggling who would benefit from speaking to them one-to-one. I explained my situation to a member of staff and they were very sympathetic and re-assured me in what I was expecting to be a stressful experience. Despite the difficulties I was facing that week, I found that the experience was enjoyable. The applicants I met and spoken to were really nice, and so we're the interviewers. In the interview stations, I felt at ease and the conversations still felt formal, yet I was relaxed. I remember saying something off-topic but the interviewer re-phrased the question to put me back on-topic. I didn't feel embarrassed or worried that I had 'ruined' my chance, as the staff were so supportive throughout the entire experience😊 The staff running the interviews were mindful that this can be a stressful experience, and their understanding went a long way in helping me on what was already a difficult way. I truly believe my interview at EHU was my best interview experience, and I hope those applying will share that sentiment!😊

For my interview I was given information in advance so I could prepare. For example I was told how the timetable of the day and that I had an essay to write, group interview, individual interview and a pre prepared question. I felt there was enough information given to prepare for the interview appropriately and the staff were really good at putting nerves at ease on the day!

My interview was a very relaxing and informal experience. I was provided with a link to attend an online interview using the collaborate virtual room. The link came with all the information needed on how to access the virtual room which put my mind at ease as it was a software I had not used before. The interviewers were two lecturers off the degree I was applying to and they made me feel very relaxed. The questions were aimed at getting insight into why I wanted to do my course, what triggered me to apply at the time, what I hoped to achieve during my degree and how the degree would help me achieve my career aspirations. I was also given lots of time to ask questions (and I had a few) but I was not made to rush and questions were well answered. I was told what the next steps would be and how soon I would hear. I was put at ease throughout the interview.

On campus, I love the hub for relaxation. There's so many places to sit, and relax with friends, and the top floor is really overlooked for how many comfortable couches there are to sit in, and tvs to set up movies or videogames with friends. For quieter moments, right next to campus there's a beautiful nature trail called "Ruff Woods," which is an amazing place to get in touch with nature and have some mindful rest between classes and campud events.

Campus has some lovely spots to relax on, walking around the lakes and the grounds is always very calming seeing the wildlife, including some resident cats like Buster!

I love to relax on campus by going for a walk during my study breaks. I feel this really helps to calm my mind and reset. I also love going to the gym and I find attending classes for example the yoga classes are a great way to relax :) In my free time I enjoy going to the Student Union bar to play pool and relax with my friends.

I usually go to the library in the evening to read as it’s a nice way to be in a different location rather than my room. Also, there is the gym which I either go to on my own or with some friends I also try and go to at least one exercise class a week as well. There is also the free film Fridays which show recent releases and also the Student Union isn’t just open for social nights they also have pool tables during the day.

When I am not studying, I love to hang out at the lounge in creative edge building. The one close to the window that has a view of the lake on campus. Sometimes, the sound of the fountain on the lake is therapeutic. I also love to sit at the sitting area just outside the Catalyst library. It's a lovely place to just chill and look around when it's not too cold.

I love spending time either walking the campus trail, observing the changes seasons and growing biodiversity, or sat on the patio of Garden 41 with a coffee.

The transition between undergraduate study and postgraduate study I think was easier for me as I completed my undergraduate degree at Edge Hill too. I was already familiar with the campus, facilities, and the lecturers so I could focus completely on the academic transition. The main difference was that the Nineteenth Century Studies course only had on-campus sessions one day a week, as opposed to my undergraduate History course which had multiple sessions throughout the week. For postgraduate I was in classes less frequently, however there was more prep work each week to ensure I could meaningfully contribute to the seminars. Some weeks we would need to read full novels or long poems, in addition to academic articles. Therefore I was still working and studying despite not being on campus for classes. The course relies on independent research and preparation to ensure the seminars are as productive as possible. Postgraduate study is also more independent in terms of assessments too. For my course in undergrad we were given a list of essay questions to choose from to answer. At postgraduate you design all your own research questions and pick the topic of your assignments (with lecturers approval). This allowed us to really tailor the degree to our own individual research interests, and it also gave us the opportunity in seminars to discuss each others' work and share ideas. I would say the main transition is an increased level of independence and the expectation you are well prepared for all your sessions, and you will meaningfully contribute to the discussion in all your sessions. But the lecturers were incredibly supportive and helped us adjust to these new expectations. There is a whole module called Research Skills on my Nineteenth Century Studies MA which is designed to transition everyone to the postgraduate level of academic work expected from us. It was a step up in terms of expectations, but it is completely manageable and you are well supported.

During welcome week we had a timetable of scheduled activities, some were social activities and some were academic. There was a really good balance between time to ourselves and timetabled activities! some of the social activities included meeting up with people who have the same interests, such as people interested in non-alcoholic events! the academic activities included a taster session for the course and then being given a timetable and run through of how the semester will work.

In my Secondary English Teaching department we were lucky to be able to go and observe and experience teaching in a college environment and saw how students transitioned from secondary school into a sixth form setting. Soon my department are also planning to hopefully go on an educational trip to visit ‘the globe’ which is a world-renowned Shakespeare production theatre and a cultural landmark, which my whole English cohort are extremely excited about and we are all looking so forward to this amazing opportunity!😊

Within the health and social care department I was involved in the Teddy Bear Hospital. This was an opportunity to facilitate sessions for primary school children to teach them more about hospitals and what happens in a hospital. The children brought in teddy bears and completed basic skills like CPR and hand washing and were shown a simplified version of what theatres and recovery are like. This was a great opportunity to take part in as it helped to build confidence and leadership skills whilst also building on my own skills of working with children within hospitals.

One of the first things is that you don’t always have to say yes to everything just because you don’t do one thing doesn’t mean you have missed out on this massive opportunity. As there are so many opportunities available it can sometimes feel daunting but don’t be afraid to try something new. Another recommendation would be to take advantage of all the free opportunities available to you this could be getting a free art membership which allowed for me to see Russel Kane for free or going to the Free Film Fridays which became a weekly routine for me and my friends. Or even the woman’s free fitness classes that are twice a week are a great way to get active if you don’t wish to join the gym. Lastly, I would say bring all the fancy dress clothes you own because at socials there is always some wacky theme.

The nightlife in Ormskirk consists of three clubs: Alpine, Liquid and Styles, with Alpine being the most popular. However, I live in Liverpool and commute in, and Ormskirk is only a 35 minute train journey away from a major city with too many nightclubs, pubs and bars for me to list here! I would say nightlife as an Edge Hill University student also extends to nightlife in Liverpool (and Preston, although I've never been clubbing there). Aside from nightclubs in Ormskirk, there is the Student Union bar on campus, and there are two pubs I believe in Ormskirk, however I've only ever been once. Oh, and there is a Wetherspoons!

Nightlife at Edge Hill has something to suit everyone's needs. You dont even have to leave campus to attend a nightout as Edge Hill has the SU bar and Venue nightclub right in the centre of campus. The Student Union organise events throughout the year such as celebrity appearances, bongos bingo and more. There is also a quiz night every monday and karaoke every friday taking place in the SU bar. Outside of campus, Ormskirk has a selection of bars and nightclubs to choose from with different venues having specific student nights on various days of the week. Nights out in Ormskirk have a special charm to them as you always meet loads of people you know and it gives you the chance to catch up with the people you haven't seen for a long time. Liverpool nights out are also a popular option for students at Edge Hill as there is an almost unlimited choice of bars and nightclubs to go when in the Liverpool city centre. The train station is centrally located in Ormskirk and the trains run to almost midnight so getting to Liverpool is very easy and gives you the chance to expand your options of where to go.

Our SU bar and venue is where a lot of Nightlife takes place. I don't drink, however I enjoy going to the Monday pub quiz (which lasts from 9pm to around 11:30pm) and I have been to Karaoke on Fridays, which starts at 9pm and finishes around 12am. I really enjoyed both! There are plenty of opportunities on how to spend your night. We have free shows and films on campus that will finish at 10pm, so you can still enjoy your nights on weekdays if you have an early lecture the next day! We also have Wednesday night socials at our on-campus venue, which are usually themed. Unless you have a discount, entry is £5 and the night goes on until around 2am. I've not been to a social, but it looks like a great time if you like drinking, dressing up or partying! Ormskirk is home to Alpine, a club which is open until 2am. A lot of students go there. Ormskirk is also home to a lot of pubs and bars, including Styles.

There's the Student Union bar and Venue club on campus which has a pub quiz night, social night and karaoke throughout the week. In Ormskirk, there are many bars and a club called Alpine, and Liverpool isn't far away either. There are plenty of societies on campus running evening sessions as well if your interested in non-drinking orientated activities

The nightlife is a little different from other uni's because Edge Hill has their own 'night club' called Venue! It's amazing because you're still on campus so no taxi's home and there's constant security so you always feel safe 💛 They do a lot of different events such as LGBTQ+ nights, wednesday night socials that have a different theme each week, quiz nights, kareoke etc, there's always something going on!! 🥳 If you do want to venture outside of campus there is a bar called Alpine not far from campus, that a lot of students go to on a tuesday night and Liverpool is just a short train away!

Yes, the gym is part of the sports centre which is located near chancellors court/south and the car park. The sports centre consists of a 400m outdoor track, an indoor swimming pool with a sauna and a gym upstairs. They also have 2 big hall areas for netball,basketbal and badminton etc. You can also book classes with a membership.

Where to even start, if you enjoy researching new topics you have the catalyst, multiple floors of books and loads of space for study whether you want a social study session, quiet session or silent study. You then have the campus gym, with an indoor swimming pool and loads of sports activities run by students and staff daily. The hub is a great place to get together with friends with food outlets, coffee shops and loads of seating to sit back and have a chat. If you're a bit of a walking fan the campus is lovely to just walk around. Not even a minutes walk out the back of campus is Ruff Woods, this is a great place to go for a morning walk or when you just want a bit of peace and quiet. 10 minute walking from campus (or a few minutes on the free bus) will get you into Ormskirk, with shops galore, and the train station with a 35 minute train journey to Liverpool.

There are many activities on campus. There are many societies to be a part of and sports to get involved in. I personally make use of the sports centre and have a membership which gets me into the gym, swimming pool and I can book the halls for activities such as badminton.

There are loads of food outlets located around campus in many of the buildings including a subway and a Starbucks. As well as there is the SU bar and venue which is open during the day and night. There are themed nights including a karaoke night and a film night on a Sunday. As well as the weekly social which has different themes each week on a Wednesday. The campus is really nice to walk around, including a 1 mile trail going around the back near the sports centre. This is a very quiet and relaxing walk. There are also various places to sit and do work or chat with friends including the hub and the library.

As a university student in Ormskirk, I've found that there are actually quite a few things to do around here. First and foremost, the Edge Hill University campus is a great place to relax and explore. There are a bunch of buildings and areas to check out, and I love learning about the history of the university. When I'm looking to venture beyond the campus, there are a few options. I can go shopping in town, whether I'm in need of groceries or want to browse clothing or unique finds at independent boutiques. I've also taken the train into Liverpool a few times - it's an easy trip and the city has so much to offer. One of my favorite things to do in the area is walk or cycle in the West Lancashire countryside. It's absolutely stunning, and there are plenty of routes to explore. I've also checked out the farmer's market on the second Saturday of the month - it's a great place to pick up fresh produce and support local vendors. When I'm in the mood for a night out with friends, there are a variety of pubs and bars in town where we can grab a drink and socialize. And throughout the year, there are plenty of events on the calendar - I've attended music festivals, food festivals, and Christmas markets. Finally, if I'm looking to get more involved on campus and meet new people, Edge Hill University has a ton of clubs and societies to choose from. I've joined a sports team and a drama group, and it's been a great way to connect with other students who share my interests

Well, for my favourite activity, I have two words: charity shops! There are so many in Ormskirk and I've always found amazing finds! My favourites are the Bernado's by the McDonald's and the YMCA. There are LOTS of local businesses - there is a sustainability and ethics focused shop called the Bloom and Brew, there's also an amazing food place called Cobble. There's a neat vintage store too called ASAP Vintage. There's three nightclubs in the town: Alpine, Liquid and Styles, with Alpine being the most popular. Coronation Park is really not a far walk at all from the centre and has a lovely pond and is very biodiverse. All of the events are held there, I think there's an annual medieval festival held there, which is pretty cool! And of course, there is a Wetherspoons, which is important to know for any uni student. Overall, it's a quiet town with many local businesses to support, however Ruff Woods and by extension Ruff Lane is perhaps my favourite thing about Ormskirk that doesn't involve shopping, it really is a lovely walk.

Ormskirk has so many things to do for students! there are a range of local shops including charity shops, beauty shops, book shops and a 0 waste shop!! There is also an escape room that holds freshers events, making it a great place to make friends!

There are the main stores such as Waterstones and Boots you have the charity shops like British Heart and Cancer Research. There are lots of cafes which are great when wanting to get out of your room and go do some work there’s both Starbucks and Costa. There are lots of places to eat such as the Bagel Deli, Cobble, Nordico Lounge and so much more. You have the towns market that takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays. However if you want more option or a fun day out then you Liverpool which is only a 30 minute train away.

There’s a lot of support available for students . The staff at our Cataylst helpdesk are there everyday to help answer any questions you might have and were very friendly and welcoming on my first day. I’ve also found that the lecturers including your own personal tutors are always there to offer academic support if you need it. There’s also an online platform called the big white wall that’s designed to help and support students with whatever they might be going through as well as a team of campus connectors who go round visiting everyone on their first few days to make sure they’re settling in and are there for support .

You will be supported a lot no matter what your course is, and Edge Hill University has a big emphasis on mental health, so your well-being will always be respected.   Before starting, I was also told that the Inclusion team would be helpful and they have supported me in so many ways. They helped me move into more suitable accommodation, installed a cord in my room to alert First-Aiders if I have a seizure, and even gave me a tabletop oven so I can cook. They have supported me tremendously, more so than I could have ever imagined when deciding where I wanted to study, and I am very grateful.

To many, this may be one of your biggest fears when choosing to come to university (I know it was definitely one of mine). However, the nature of university life means the process of socialising and friend making is entirely natural and a lot easier than other experiences you may of had. During welcome week especially, you are given multiple opportunities for this to happen, from Freshers events to course taster sessions, or even just socialising in your flat, you are bound to find people you click with some where. That's another positive of university life - due to the independence of being able to choose what you do with your day, the friends you make will be naturally build through your lifestyle choices. This means that the people you meet will already have some things in common with you!

Yeah it is easy to make friends! A good recommendation is when you begin if you live on campus to keep an open door policy at the start so people can pass by and say hello. Also might be good to bring something like cakes as an ice breaker or have a night in to begin with to get to know each other better. Additionally if your off campus join societies and get to know people well of your course as it’s likely you will have similar interests

Managing a part-time job while studying here at Edge Hill University has been quite a juggling act for me, but I've figured out some ways to make it work. Firstly, having a part-time job not only helps with my finances but also teaches me valuable time management and multitasking skills. To make it all fit together, I've created a schedule that carefully balances my classes, study time, and work hours. I make sure to plan my shifts around my class schedule to avoid any conflicts. This requires some careful planning and communication with my employer. I also appreciate the supportive environment at Edge Hill. Professors here understand that students may have work commitments, and they offer flexibility when needed, which makes it easier to manage both work and studies. There are various resources on campus, like the careers center, that have been helpful in finding suitable part-time jobs that can accommodate my student schedule. I think it's all about finding that sweet spot of balance, staying organised, and not hesitating to seek support when needed. It can be challenging at times, but it's a valuable learning experience that's teaching me skills that will benefit me in the future.

I have found having a flexible part-time job to be completely manageable while at university. University lectures and seminars will usually be at the same time every week so allows you to work a part-time job and your personal life around it :) The university itself makes a great employer as they are completely understanding of your degree and realise that you are a student first and foremost. I have found that by keeping myself organised and holding myself accountable for getting university work done early has meant that I have been able to easily balance a part-time job with my university studies.

Having a job while at uni can be a difficult but necessary choice for a lot of people! Particularly being a full time student, it’s important to remember that you already have a lot on your plate at uni before even adding any work on top of it. Most local employers are well aware that students need jobs and can accommodate with flexible or term time hours!