At Chester, university isn’t just about the degree, it’s also about the experiences and activities that help you stand out after you graduate. We encourage our students to get more out of their university experience by offering a range of events and activities outside the classroom. Below are just a few things our students can get involved in.
Sports and Societies
Chester Students’ Union (CSU) enhances student experience through social, sporting and non-sporting activities. With over 130 sports clubs and societies, there’s something for everyone.
These are all student-led and coordinated by an elected committee for the academic year who work closely with the Students’ Union.
Volunteering
At Chester, we encourage volunteering and getting involved in the University and the local community. We have a Volunteer and Mentoring team that help our students develop their skills, meet new people and make a difference.
Hannah (Third Year, Conservation Biology) pictured above, spent two months volunteering for Global Vision International (GVI). Volunteering in the Limpopo base in the south of Africa, Hannah worked on wildlife conservation and developed her knowledge from her course.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with, from a regular gig to a one-off volunteering opportunity. We love Emily's photo from when she was volunteering at CarFest for Children in Need, gaining valuable experience in event delivery.
The Volunteer and Mentoring team can help you to record your volunteering hours and work towards our University of Chester Volunteer (UCV) awards. The UCV awards appear on your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR) and can count towards the Chester Difference Award!
Students can work their way to achieving the Chester Difference Award by getting involved in activities like volunteering, joining a club or society, becoming a Student Ambassador and other engaging opportunities.
Work Based Learning
Most of our courses include a Work Based Learning module, which allows students to put theory into practice, develop their skills and knowledge, and build their networks by connecting with other working professionals in industry.
Previous students have secured placements with thousands of providers across the UK and many of them go on to gain employment in these organisations.
Careers and Employability team at Chester
Our Careers and Employability team are here to help you plan your future and to enhance your employability by providing access to part-time jobs and work shadowing.
They offer one-to-one help with career planning, including CV help, applications and mock interviews, and deliver group sessions on career planning within each taught programme. We also have extensive information on graduate jobs and postgraduate study.
They often have our furry friend, Campus Cat, helping out too!
Student Development Week
We hold two Development Weeks throughout the academic year. Students are taken away from their usual timetable, getting a break from lectures and seminars, and have a chance to take part in activities designed to improve their learning and employability.
@uoc_induction’s picture shows one of many opportunities that students are able to take part in during Development Week.
We would love to see how you’re making the most out of your degree at Chester. If you would like to share what you’re up to or have your post featured on our social media and in blog posts, use the hashtag #MyChesterStory and tag @uochester.
