When applying to university, there are a range of things to consider before you make such an important decision regarding your future. There are many factors to research ahead of applying and we want to ensure you are fully informed, so you make the right choice for you. 

During the application process, it is important to take your time exploring your options. This decision has a big impact on your future career and your personal and professional development. 

University can seem daunting, but everyone feels the same – you are not alone! University can be a fantastic experience where you will not only deepen your knowledge on a subject, but also get the chance to broaden your horizons and meet new people, making potentially lifelong friends. 

We want you to feel ready when applying to university so here are some top tips of things to consider during your application process and what to research when making the right choices for you: 

Last week, Weston College opened its doors to new and returning students as they embarked on the start of the new academic year.  

Over three days, each CEH area welcomed first-year students with a wide variety of activities designed to help them settle in, build friendships, and get familiar with both their learning environment and the tools they’ll be using throughout their studies. 

The college executive team ran Welcome Talks across Knightstone, Loxton and South West Skills campus in order to introduce themselves to the students and outline the expectations for the upcoming year. Students were also shown the key college policies and procedures to ensure they are fully prepared for the year ahead. 

Across all campuses, faculties organised engaging activities that blended fun with learning. Animal Management students, for example, took a tour of Puxton Park facilities where they met the animals before participating in a game of crazy golf, water rafting, and a tractor ride across the park. 

Business and Travel students took part in themed activities such as filling out passports and a mini-Sports Day, encouraging teamwork and collaboration. Early Years students explored their creativity through crafts, while Art & Design students designed and produced album covers and playing cards.  

Some departments jumped straight into hands-on learning, with Hospitality & Catering and Hairdressing & Beauty students getting involved with styling techniques and Ready Steady Cook, showcasing their practical skills and gaining a clearer picture of their courses. 

In Media, students took on a range of exciting challenges including peer interviews, creating time-capsule messages for their future selves, tackling a TV sitcom project, and reimagining classic fairytales. These activities highlighted both the practical nature of the subject and the creative freedom it offers. 

Sixth Form students took part in a scavenger hunt to explore their campus, while Photography students sharpened their technical skills by taking headshots of classmates. Health & Social Care students worked with interactive simulation dummies and conducted lab-based solution testing, whilst Sport students jumped straight into energetic team-building activities, from basketball to a lively game of human battleships. 

Performing Arts created a welcoming atmosphere with fun icebreaker games such as team shuffle races, human rock-paper-scissors, and human snap—ensuring plenty of laughter and bonding. 

Meanwhile, departments including Automotive, Digital, Construction, Engineering, Games & Animation, Graphic Design, Music, Photography and Protective Services all ran engaging icebreaker and problem-solving activities that encouraged teamwork and introduced students to course-related challenges. 

These Welcome Days not only ease the transition into college life but also build confidence and friendships from day one. At Weston College, we understand that starting college can feel daunting, which is why we’re committed to making the experience as engaging and enjoyable as possible for every learner. 

After such a positive start, we can’t wait to see what our students go on to achieve throughout this academic year! 

If you would like to join us, it’s not too late to apply for this academic year. Click here to see our courses.

We are delighted to announce that former Weston College student Jack Lewis has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Association of College’s annual AoC Awards! These prestigious awards recognise the best of the best students from colleges and higher education across the whole of the UK. Jack currently studies at University Centre Weston (UCW) with previous UCW alumni, Kam Stevens having previously been shortlisted for and won the Higher Education Student of the Year award.

Jack is a degree apprentice, currently working with Singer Instruments and studying Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering. He stood out for this shortlist because of the real-world impact at the company. He introduced cutting-edge 3D printing technologies that reshaped manufacturing processes, reduced carbon footprint, and significantly lowered production costs. His redesign of microscope components not only eliminated the use of hazardous chloroform but also reduced unit cost from £24 to just 17 pence, transforming both safety and efficiency.

Jack’s impressive achievement was recognised this year at the Somerset Business Awards, where he won Apprentice of the Year. Four hundred people attended, including key figures from local businesses. Jack said: “Winning the Somerset Business Award was a great moment, and it’s been a fantastic journey throughout my apprenticeship. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way.”

Being shortlisted for this award shows exceptional leadership, and a willingness to challenge existing structures to benefit his organisation. We here at Weston College wish Jack the best of luck!

If you want to study Engineering Degree Apprenticeships at UCW like Jack, click here to find out more! Find out more about studying Engineering and Green Skills at Weston College by clicking here!