Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To mark International Men’s Day (IMD) on 19 November, we’re proud to spotlight the inspiring contributions of men across our university community.

Posted on Monday, November 17, 2025

Tagged Alumni

Dr Penny Bradshaw, Associate Professor of English Literature at the University of Cumbria, is set to publish a new book that offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on one of the most beloved figures in children’s literature: Beatrix Potter.

Posted on Monday, November 10, 2025

Tagged Humanities, Postgraduate

Paul Ferguson, Senior Lecturer in Literature and Culture and Programme Lead for MA Creative Practice at the University of Cumbria, is exploring how the arts can respond to the environmental and cultural challenges of our time. His current research focuses on the shock of the Anthropocene and how it manifests in both global and regional literature, with the Lake District offering a compelling lens through which to examine the intersection of these themes.

Posted on Monday, November 10, 2025

Tagged Humanities, Postgraduate, Research

I was recently fortunate enough to be awarded a fully funded place at the Northern Futures Digital Health and Care Summer school at Newcastle University. This three-day event brought together PhD students and early career researchers from across the country to explore how digital technologies are transforming healthcare. The timing of the event was particularly significant following the publication of the government’s 10-year ‘Fit for the Future’ plan in July, which emphasised the shift from analogue to digital as a way of addressing some of the major challenges facing the NHS.

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Tagged Postgraduate, Research

When I first began researching visitor behaviour, I assumed that people’s travel decisions were shaped mostly by familiar factors like age, nationality, or income. After all, these are the categories we see most often in tourism statistics and marketing reports. However, during my PhD, I realised these surface-level categories only tell part of the story. What really matters is something deeper and far more enduring: our personality traits.

Posted on Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Tagged Postgraduate, Research

Michelle’s research centres on whistleblowing and the world of work. The core focus is on perceptions of employees in a high hazard sector regarding whistleblowing practices and understanding how lessons from external cases and interviews might strengthen these whistleblowing practices.

Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Tagged Postgraduate, Research

Every great hospitality experience starts long before a guest walks through the door. It begins with a search, a click, or a first impression online. The tone of the website, the clarity of the booking form, and even the loading speed on a mobile phone all shape a visitor’s expectations.

Posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Tagged Apprenticeships, Digital UX

Just over a year ago, I stood in Tullie House Museum on the opening night of Backing the Blues exhibition, surrounded by former Carlisle United players, managers, lifelong fans, colleagues, students, and footballing families. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervous energy, wondering how people would react and hoping the months of hard work would feel worth it. It did.

Posted on Saturday, October 11, 2025

Tagged Media Arts, Research

The start of this 2025/26 academic year marks the beginning of the third year of my (now part-time) doctoral research, and I was beginning to understand what my investigation is all about. Then I found out that essential guidance in my topic area had changed, along with the source texts. Well, that changes everything… As I primarily work from home, no one was about to hear the screams. Luckily, however, I have a support group of postgraduates who I can turn to. But this hasn’t always been the case.

Posted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Tagged Postgraduate, Research

Social media is not just for sharing memes or catching up with friends anymore. It is reshaping how we connect, collaborate, and feel motivated at work.

Posted on Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Tagged Postgraduate, Research

When people ask how I write my PhD, I often reply: I walk it first. As a researcher exploring the role of walking in Jane Austen’s fiction, pedestrian movement is central not only to my subject matter, but to the way I think, feel, and create as a scholar. My project examines how walking in Austen’s novels becomes a site of emotional clarity, female autonomy, and reflection. But walking is not just something I write about; it is also how I write.

Posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Tagged Postgraduate, Research

Congratulations! 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 Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Tagged Applications, Undergraduate

The UCAS personal statement is a key part of your university application, providing an opportunity to showcase your passion, experiences, skills, and future goals in a way that goes beyond exam results. The format of the personal statement is changing for 2026 entry – let's take a look at why this is and what it means for your application.  

Posted on Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Tagged Applications