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Student Finance 2027: Introducing the Lifelong Learning Entitlement

Student Finance 2027: Introducing the Lifelong Learning Entitlement

If your home is in England and you're planning to start university from January 2027 onwards, there are some important changes to student finance that you'll need to know about.


Posted on Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Tagged Applications, Student Life

What Degree Should I Do? Top Tips For Choosing Your University Degree Subject

What Degree Should I Do? Top Tips For Choosing Your University Degree Subject

Choosing which degree to study is exciting, but it’s natural to feel uncertain too. You’ll typically spend 3-4 years studying your chosen subject, and your degree will open doors for you in your future career, so it’s important to think carefully about your decision. To help you decide on your next steps, these are our top tips for how to choose what university degree to do.


Posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Tagged Applications, Undergraduate

Is university right for me?

Is university right for me?

With increasing living costs, changes to Student Finance and alternative study paths like apprenticeships, it's natural to wonder whether university is the right option for you. If it will help you get the qualifications you need to achieve your dream career, then it's definitely a great choice.


Posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Tagged Applications

Four Ways Going to University Helps Shape Your Future

Four Ways Going to University Helps Shape Your Future

When you think about life at university, you probably imagine days spent studying, late nights fuelled by coffee, and weekends working on essays and projects. But beyond the academic demands, a university education is packed with valuable lessons that will help you succeed in your career.


Posted on Monday, August 31, 2026

Tagged Employability, Student Life

Navigating the UCAS Application

Navigating the UCAS Application

You’ve done your research, been to the open days, and discussed your options with family and friends. Now it’s time to start on your application! But where do you begin? Applying for university is very exciting, but it can also feel like a whirlwind. If you're finding the process a little overwhelming, don’t panic! We’ve put together some information and handy tips to help you along the way.


Posted on Friday, August 28, 2026

Tagged Applications, Undergraduate

Five part-time work opportunities at university

Five part-time work opportunities at university

If you’re looking for a part-time role and are wondering what the best jobs are for students, here are five ideas to get you started.


Posted on Thursday, August 6, 2026

Tagged Employability, Student Life

Why you should join a sport, group or society at university

Why you should join a sport, group or society at university

Joining a sport or group is a fantastic way to make the most of your time at university. If you aren’t already thinking about joining a society at Cumbria, here are five reasons why you should!


Posted on Thursday, August 6, 2026

Tagged Student Life

Secured a university place through Clearing? Here's what happens next

Secured a university place through Clearing? Here's what happens next

Once you’ve received your results and the dust has settled on confirming your university place, it’s completely natural to have questions about what happens next. So, what comes after Clearing? Read on to discover the steps you need to take.


Posted on Thursday, August 6, 2026

Tagged Applications, Clearing, Student Life, Undergraduate

How a Graduate Film Reached Thousands: The Making of Solway’s Key

How a Graduate Film Reached Thousands: The Making of Solway’s Key

For their final-year project, BA (Hons) Wildlife Media graduates Victoria Ward and Ryan McColl created Solway's Key, a 15-minute wildlife documentary exploring habitat restoration efforts at the Castletown Estate in Cumbria. Here, Victoria tells us how Solway's Key came to life and shares more details about the filming process.


Posted on Monday, August 3, 2026

Tagged Student Life

How to Make the Most of Welcome Week

How to Make the Most of Welcome Week

Hi! I’m Cheryl, a second-year student at the University of Cumbria studying Diagnostic Radiography. In this blog, I share my tips for making the most of Welcome Week, which played a huge role in helping me settle in at university. It’s such a unique time — everyone is figuring things out together, and that shared feeling creates a kind of instant community. 


Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Tagged Accommodation, Clearing

What's it like to live in halls?

What's it like to live in halls?

Hi, I’m Victoria, a 3rd year Wildlife Media student at the University of Cumbria. Once I graduate, I hope to move into wildlife filmmaking, but wedding photography may be an in-between step first! I enjoy spending time lone walking and enjoying the peacefulness that it offers. Here I tell you all about my experience of living in halls of residence at university!


Posted on Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Tagged Accommodation, Clearing

How to make a Clearing phone call to the University of Cumbria

How to make a Clearing phone call to the University of Cumbria

This guide walks you through how to make a Clearing phone call at the University of Cumbria, from how to prepare ahead of Results Day to understanding what will happen when you speak to one of our advisers. Follow these tips to feel confident, calm, and ready to explore your options.


Posted on Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Tagged Applications, Clearing, Student Life, Undergraduate

Confidence, Autonomy and Challenge: What Makes Social Work Placements at the University of Cumbria So Special?

Confidence, Autonomy and Challenge: What Makes Social Work Placements at the University of Cumbria So Special?

In this blog, Lauren Strong, Lecturer in Social Work, speaks with Louisa Day, Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Placement and Skills Lead, about what makes Social Work placements at the University of Cumbria so distinctive.


Posted on Thursday, June 18, 2026

Tagged Undergraduate

Things to do in East London: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring this Exciting Corner of the Capital

Things to do in East London: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring this Exciting Corner of the Capital

Studying or living in the Tower Hamlets area means you're right in the heart of one of London’s most exciting and evolving neighbourhoods. From waterfront walks and hidden green spaces to cultural events, local markets, quality food and social hangouts, East London offers a mix of city buzz and unexpected gems that suit every kind of student. Here’s our updated guide to the local area, whether you’re passing time between lectures, planning a weekend adventure, or looking to try something new with friends.


Posted on Monday, May 18, 2026

Tagged London, Student Life

How to apply to university through Clearing

How to apply to university through Clearing

If you’re thinking about applying to Cumbria through Clearing but aren’t sure how the process works, we’ve prepared this detailed guide to ensure you have all the information you need.


Posted on Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Tagged Applications, Clearing

Staying positive and overcoming stress during Clearing and Results Day

Staying positive and overcoming stress during Clearing and Results Day

It’s normal to feel nervous when you’re applying to university through Clearing – this is a big moment in your life! But with a bit of planning, it’s possible to stay positive and keep your stress levels under control. Below, we’ve shared some of our top tips for coping with Clearing and results day.


Posted on Monday, May 11, 2026

Tagged Clearing

What is Clearing really like? Hear from our students

What is Clearing really like? Hear from our students

When you’ve never been through Clearing before, it’s normal to feel like you’re stepping into the unknown. To help you picture the process, we’ve gathered real stories from students who joined the University of Cumbria through Clearing. They’ve been exactly where you might be now, and their experiences show that Clearing isn’t something to fear. In fact, it can be a turning point that leads you to the right course, the right campus, and the right community.


Posted on Monday, May 11, 2026

Tagged Applications, Clearing, Student Life, Undergraduate

Routes through Clearing: Everything you need to know

Routes through Clearing: Everything you need to know

Today, Clearing is considered a flexible, alternative route into higher education. While it was once seen as a last chance saloon for students who didn’t get their predicted grades on results day, more applicants than ever before are using it to access better university places. If you’re thinking about applying to Cumbria through Clearing, take a look at the different routes you can explore.


Posted on Monday, May 11, 2026

Tagged Clearing

How to Prepare for Clearing 2026

How to Prepare for Clearing 2026

We know the idea of going through Clearing can feel daunting, especially if you didn’t get into the university you originally applied for. However, many students find Clearing to be a genuinely positive turning point. If you’re wondering how best to prepare, this guide will help you understand how Clearing works, get organised in advance, and feel more confident when results day arrives.


Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Tagged Clearing

How to Make the Most of a University Open Day

How to Make the Most of a University Open Day

At the University of Cumbria, our open days are designed to be welcoming and informative. We know that choosing where to study is about more than just your course – it’s about finding an environment where you feel comfortable, valued, and supported to reach your potential. To help you make the most of your visit and leave with the answers you need to move forward with confidence, read our handy open day guide.


Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2026

Tagged Applications, Postgraduate, Student Life, Undergraduate

Our Top Tips for Clearing

Our Top Tips for Clearing

Clearing is a great opportunity to find the course or university that’s the right fit for you. With the right approach and some preparation, it can be an empowering and exciting process. In this blog, we’ve put together our top tips to help you stay organised, make informed decisions, and get the most out of your Clearing journey.


Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2026

Tagged Clearing

What to Do If You Haven’t Planned Ahead

What to Do If You Haven’t Planned Ahead

Thinking about going to university but feel like you might've left it too late? Whether you've had a change of heart, missed an earlier deadline, or only recently decided that university is the right step for you – you're not alone. And the good news? You still have plenty of options.


Posted on Thursday, April 16, 2026

Tagged Clearing

7 Clearing myths debunked

7 Clearing myths debunked

We’re here to bust the most common myths about Clearing to give you a better understanding of what it’s really all about. With our advice and tips, you can approach Clearing with confidence this summer.


Posted on Thursday, April 16, 2026

Tagged Clearing

Clearing and Student Finance: Everything you need to know

Clearing and Student Finance: Everything you need to know

No matter your reasons for accepting a place at university through Clearing, there are a few important tasks that you’ll need to do now — this includes making sure your student finance application is up to date. To help, here is everything you need to know, including how to apply (if you haven’t already) and how to update your details.


Posted on Thursday, April 16, 2026

Tagged Clearing, Finance

What Day‑to‑Day Life Looks Like as a Wildlife Media Student

What Day‑to‑Day Life Looks Like as a Wildlife Media Student

Ever wondered what day‑to‑day life is like for one of our Wildlife Media students? From lectures and practical work to time spent out in the field, this blog offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at student life. Read on as Jack shares what a typical day really looks like.


Posted on Monday, April 13, 2026

Tagged Student Life

Things to Do in Barrow: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring This Coastal Town

Things to Do in Barrow: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring This Coastal Town

Studying in Barrow-in-Furness offers something a little different. With its close‑knit community, stunning coastal scenery, and easy access to the Lake District, the town combines natural beauty with a strong sense of local identity. Whether you’re completely new to the area or already know Barrow well, here’s our guide to making the most of student life in and around the town.


Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Tagged Carlisle, Student Life

Things to Do in Carlisle: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring This Charming City

Things to Do in Carlisle: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring This Charming City

Carlisle is a historic city that blends rich culture, independent spirit, and modern student life. Whether you’re exploring between classes or meeting up with friends on the weekend, there’s always something new to discover. Here's our guide to getting the most out of Carlisle, from historic highlights to food, culture, nightlife, and ways to relax around our campuses.


Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Tagged Carlisle, Student Life

Things to Do in Lancaster: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring This Student-Friendly City

Things to Do in Lancaster: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring This Student-Friendly City

Lancaster is a city with character, history and vibrancy, which gives you plenty to explore beyond the classroom. Whether you’re looking for ways to spend time with friends, learn about local arts and culture, or just take a break between lectures, Lancaster offers a mix of city energy and beautiful countryside that’s perfect for student life. Here’s our updated guide to discovering the best of what Lancaster has to offer.


Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Tagged Lancaster, Student Life

Things to do in Ambleside: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring this Lake District Gem

Things to do in Ambleside: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring this Lake District Gem

The town of Ambleside has a special kind of magic – its blend of village charm, lakeside views and stunning countryside can’t be beaten. Whether you’re a current student eager to explore beyond campus, a newcomer settling into university life, or someone who just loves being outside, Ambleside is a place that invites curiosity and adventure. Here’s our guide to making the most of Ambleside, from our favourite hidden gems to popular scenic spots.


Posted on Monday, March 16, 2026

Tagged Ambleside, Student Life

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Primary Education Degree

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Primary Education Degree

If you had asked me before starting university what studying to become a teacher would be like, I would probably have imagined long lectures, lots of reading, and a classroom experience that felt quite distant from what actually happens in a real primary school.


Posted on Monday, March 16, 2026

Tagged Education, London, Student Life, Undergraduate

International Women's Day 2026: Honouring women who inspire, support, and lead

International Women's Day 2026: Honouring women who inspire, support, and lead

To mark International Women's Day (IWD) on 8 March, we’re proud to spotlight the inspiring contributions of women from across our university community.


Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2026

Tagged Alumni

The UX Skills Gap and Why Employers Need Design Thinkers, Not Just Developers

The UX Skills Gap and Why Employers Need Design Thinkers, Not Just Developers

Every organisation today is in some form of digital transformation. Whether it is a global manufacturer introducing automation, a council redesigning public services, or a creative agency managing client experiences online, the demand for digital talent has never been higher.


Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Tagged Apprenticeships, Digital UX