Coronavirus
Updates: Colleges & Business Units | Commercial Outlets and Nurseries
Advice for: Students, Parents and Carers | College Applicants | Apprentices
Updates: Colleges & Business Units | Commercial Outlets and Nurseries
Advice for: Students, Parents and Carers | College Applicants | Apprentices
Where do you see yourself at the end of the year? If you’re planning to go to university or want to land your dream job – there are things you can be doing now to make sure it becomes a reality.
Boost your CV – take part in industry placements to show you’re serious about your future career;
Get advice – you can check in with one of our impartial careers advisors who will help you get on the right track;
Be more independent – if you move away to attend university, it will be a lot easier if you already have some experience in independence.
Find out how you can reach your potential by dropping in to our Information and Guidance Centre.
As the cost of everyday items increases, it is helpful to look at ways to make your money go further. Lucy Sutcliffe, Restaurant Supervisor at our on-site bistro, Streetside, has shared her top tips and a few simple recipes for cheap, homemade and tasty meals.
Bacon Hot Pot - potatoes, onions, bacon, white sauce and cheese. It makes a huge dish - serve with baked beans.
Homemade Fish Fingers - use cheap frozen fish portions, usually 3 large filets of basa or pollock. This makes almost 40 fish fingers. Smash up any left over snacks such as crisps, bread sticks or tortilla chips up in a bag to makes the crispy coating. Make your own chips and garlic mayo.
Use Apps to save money - Download the Too Good to Go app. Local shops, cafes and restaurants offer 'magic bags', filled with fresh food that has not sold that day - helping over 25,000 businesses to reduce their food waste. You can get a bag for as little as £2 and the value is usually around £12.
We’re all capable of indulging over Christmas, and you may feel like now is the time to get back on track and lead a healthier lifestyle. Exercise is more than just cardio health and muscle growth, it’s also a great way to relieve stress! Beat the ‘back-to-College’ slump with these tips:
It’s easy to get stuck in the same old routine. Why not commit to exploring places and doing things that you have never done before?
The Students’ Union are always running trips at low prices. Normally, the trips will include your travel, so it couldn’t be easier to find something new to do.
You can find out about upcoming trips including Paintballing, Go Ape and the London Eye on their website here.
We all have the responsibility to do more to help reduce global warming and ensure that we are living sustainably. It can be difficult to make a big change overnight, so why not pick up some of the following ideas so that your individual differences result in a positive difference for the planet:
Reduce your meat consumption, (or cut it out completely, if you can!);
Consider using plant-based cosmetics products;
Buy clothes second-hand and recycle unwanted garments;
Invest in a reusable notebook so that you can keep your notes digitally, and you are not wasting paper;
Say no to single-use plastics and carry a reusable flask for your water and hot drinks.
If you find it difficult to budget, or you can’t help but spend too much money, why not make it your resolution to shake up the way you spend?
Simply trying to budget can be hard when you don’t have a lot of spare cash. You can make things easier for yourself, by ensuring that you are always getting the best deal. Try the following things and let the saving begin:
Check your bank balance every day – stay on track with no nasty surprises;
Save coupons that you receive when you buy things in shops – they will come in useful for necessities;
Invest in a TOTUM card or sign up to StudentBeans or UNiDAYS for free, saving money by accessing student discount on everyday items and treats;
Look into free activities that you can enjoy with friends rather than spending money on expensive days out.
We caught up with some students at EKC Sixth Form College to find out their resolutions and goals for the year ahead.
Hugo Bunting - studies Criminology, Sociology and Art (Fine Art) A Level
"My New Year's Resolution is to focus on my upcoming A Level exams in the summer, and work hard in driving lessons so I can hopefully pass my test and start driving."
Samantha Gatland - studies Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology A Level
"I would say my New Year's Resolution is definitely to be more productive and get the most out of a day! I'm working on my habits and the strategy is to get 1% better everyday.
I cannot believe it is half way through my first year in Sixth Form, I am enjoying every second of it so far. I am especially excited for the official start up of the Medical Society!"
Aleksandra Grodyte - studies Art (Fine Art), Classical Civilisation, English Literature and History A Level
"I think my New Year's Resolutions would be to become more sociable and explore my interests, stay on top of academic work and continue to make more friends."