NATIONAL STUDENT CONFERENCE 2020University of Birmingham, Saturday 29 February

Breakdown of sessions

Keynote

A key note session (sometimes simply referred to as a ‘keynote’) is a session which aims to motivate and inspire attendees. The keynote at the NSC is designed to help you to make the most of theRO programme, and realise your potential.

When attending the keynote you should think about how the content of the session applies to you and how you can use the advice and ideas that are talked about.

Research at RIUs

In this session you will explore the unique benefits of studying at a research intensive university. You will meet two PhD students who will introduce you to their research and share with you their experiences of RIUs.

Student life at RIUs

This session aims to get you thinking about how attending a RIU can enhance your student experience and continue to be of benefit to you after graduation. Staff from the RO Partner universities will give different perspectives on how you can make the most of your time at university.

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What is the RealisingOpportunities (RO) National Student Conference (NSC)?All students taking part in RO will attend the NSC. At the NSC you will:

Meet other students involved in RO and visit a research intensive university (RIU).

Learn about the benefits of attending a RIU by taking part in two sessions: one about research, and one about student life at a RIU.

Access all the RO Partner universities at an exhibition where you can get information about the universities and the courses they offer (more information on the exhibition is on page 3).

Receive information about careers from well-known employer organisations at the exhibition.

Boost your motivation and build your resilience in the key note session.

These experiences will be useful on the RO programme and beyond.

Welcome Professor Kathleen Armour, Pro Vice Chancellor for Education University of Birmingham

I am delighted to welcome you to our campus for the Realising Opportunities National Student Conference. University is for everyone who has the talent and motivation to succeed. Today’s programme has been designed to help you to unlock your talents and embark on a bright future.

In the Exhibition you’ll find representatives from all Partner institutions and they can answer any questions you may have – big or small! Do make the most of this opportunity to talk with them.

The University of Birmingham has a long history of working with students from all backgrounds to raise aspirations and improve access to and participation in Higher Education. We know what it’s like to feel uncertain at this stage in your educational journey so engage with us, ask questions so we can offer you the best advice possible and, above all, enjoy the day.

Questions for the exhibition

What would you like to know more about?

Ask questions to find the answers!

Relevant questions could be:

l What kind of courses do you offer?

l How will RO help my application?

l What are your entry requirements?

Don’t worry, if you still have questions after the exhibition, there are lots of ways to find the answers.

You will have access to key contact details for all of the RO Partner universities so that you can follow up with any extra questions after the event.

Tips for the exhibitionl Make sure you have spare room in your bag in case you would like to take a prospectus (or two) home.

l Remember no question is too small.

l Why not visit the stand for the university you know least about? The exhibition is a chance to explore the RO Partner universities!

The exhibition Important InformationAll RO Partner universities will have a stand at the exhibition, and staff will be on hand to answer your queries and provide relevant information. The exhibition is a great opportunity to explore what the RO Partner universities have to offer, and we recommend thinking of some questions to ask in advance. Employer organisations will also be at the exhibition to provide information about careers and answer your questions.

You will be allocated a time to attend the exhibition and this is highlighted on the personalised timetable you will receive when you arrive at the conference. During the exhibition you will also have the opportunity to attend a campus tour.

You may have the opportunity in the future to attend UCAS fairs or other higher education exhibitions, so the NSC is a good opportunity to experience a fair and practise asking questions.

Moving between sessions

You will receive a personalised timetable when you arrive at the conference which will detail which sessions you will attend at what time. Student ambassadors and staff will be on hand to help but you will know where you need to be during each session by following your personalised timetable.

You will be grouped with all RO students from your school or college and other RO students from across the country.

Access requirements can be specified when you register your place at the conference via the online form.

Catering

Lunch and snacks will be provided throughout the day. Dietary requirements can be specified when you register your place at the conference via the online form.

Facilities

There will be prayer and quiet spaces available at the NSC. Please go to the RO helpdesk or ask a student ambassador working with your group if you would like more information about these spaces.

Fire alarms

If you hear a fire alarm during any of your sessions then simply follow the instructions given to you by the session leader.

First aid

If someone is in need of first aid then please tell the nearest member of staff.

General queries at the event

There will be ambassadors and staff on hand to help with any general queries. A RO helpdesk will be open throughout the day.

Travel Arrangements

Students will come together for the final session of the day before onward journeys. Staff and student ambassadors will be on hand to direct you to your departure point.

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University of BirminghamUniversity of ExeterGoldsmiths, University of LondonKing’s College LondonLancaster UniversityUniversity of LeedsUniversity of LeicesterUniversity of LiverpoolLoughborough UniversityNewcastle UniversityQueen Mary University of LondonUniversity of SheffieldUniversity of SussexUCLUniversity of WarwickUniversity of York