More than 100 young people experience life at LJMU during summer university
More than 100 young people experienced a flavour of student life in June and July as part of LJMU’s annual residential summer university programme.
The programme, arranged by LJMU’s Outreach team from the Student Recruitment, Marketing and Admissions department, is part of the university’s widening access to higher education strategy.
Year 10 and Year 12 students from all over the country had the opportunity to stay in student accommodation and spend time on campus, taking part in taster sessions delivered by academics from the Faculty of Society and Culture covering subjects such as Law and Criminal Justice, History, International Relations and Politics, Media and Film.
The academic programme combined traditional university teaching with highly interactive experiences, including mock courtroom trials, crime scene investigations, group presentations and debates, and discussions about career pathways based on degree subjects. Students also received practical guidance on UCAS applications and student finance, even completing a supermarket budgeting exercise where they purchased breakfast for themselves and their flatmates, helping them develop financial awareness and independent living skills.
Student ambassadors support
Current LJMU students also helped to deliver a packed programme of social activities including scavenger hunts, and wellbeing sessions, all designed to encourage students to build friendships, develop confidence and create a sense of belonging. The student ambassadors also shared their own university experiences, offering guidance and encouragement, and helping students settle into the university, playing a vital role in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment and providing an authentic student voice as relatable role models.
This residential gave me a strong sense of belonging and made me feel confident in myself. I enjoyed speaking to the staff and asking questions, as well as having a sense independence throughout the event.
Young person who attended the summer university
Mariama Balde-Djaura in the Outreach team said: “The summer university residential is one of the most rewarding programmes we deliver. Watching students arrive on day one feeling nervous, unsure of themselves and often knowing nobody, before leaving just three days later with genuine friendships, increased confidence and a real sense of belonging is incredibly special.
“Our aim is to help young people realise that university is somewhere they belong, regardless of their background. Seeing students become more confident, engage so enthusiastically with academics, challenge themselves academically and socially, and leave feeling excited about their future makes all the planning and hard work worthwhile. The feedback this year has been phenomenal. Students consistently told us they now feel much more prepared for university, more confident about applying through UCAS, and many are already considering LJMU as their first-choice university. That's exactly the impact widening participation programmes should have.”
Widening access at LJMU
The programme forms part of LJMU's wider commitment to widening access, supporting talented young people from underrepresented backgrounds to make informed decisions about HE and ensuring that university feels both accessible and achievable.
Participating students will continue to receive ongoing support from LJMU through one-to-one UCAS guidance, personal statement feedback, exclusive application webinars and eligibility for the university's contextual offer scheme which can reduce entry requirements by up to 16 UCAS tariff points for eligible applicants.
Next year will see the programme run again with a focus on subjects at LJMU’s City Campus with the Faculty of Heath, Innovation, Technology and Science.
