When I was a fresher, the true value of capitalising on all of the opportunities that presented themselves did not dawn on me as early as I would have liked, for some opportunities were missed or sorely squandered.  Various activities to engage in, groups to participate in and positions on committees and unions are all opportunities to be swiftly seized.  Not only do you acquire new skills, have a good time, learn how to deal with responsibility, make new friends and supplement your study, but engaging so expands your CV too no end.

To make sure opportunities don’t pass you by, I would advise keeping track of your emails.  You will be given a university email account and this is the predominant method of communication throughout the course.  Take time to read through them as there is some really useful stuff in them such as; careers talks, CV checks, work experience and further lectures to mention a few.

• Student Ambassadors
• Voluntary work
• Local employment

Student Ambassadors

Through being a student at university, I have found it a possibility to become employed as a Student Ambassador.  This opportunity will also be available to any new student.  UEA’s Student Ambassadors act as representatives of the university.  They are involved in recruitment and widening participation activities.  These can include working on higher education admissions, tours of campus, summer schools, student shadowing, Admissions and Outreach Office support and open days.  They are trained to promote both UEA and higher education in general.  They work mainly with secondary, sixth form and further education students.

Voluntary work

University life has been the perfect time to get involved in voluntary work.  This year, I’ve joined “Marrow”, a student-led society working with the Anthony Nolan trust to recruit potential donors to their stem cell national register.  Like this, there are many other volunteering opportunities within the University itself or the surrounding community.

Local employment

If you discover that your funds become depleted too quickly then you may find it useful to get a job.  Norwich provides more than adequate opportunities for employment so there is bound to be something to suit your requirements.  A lot of students find that being employed on campus pays competitive rates and is convenient as well.  This is specifically targeted towards students as it allows a degree of flexibility around study, as well as taking into account the constraints of term times.