By Chantelle, BA(Hons) Criminology with Law (with Foundation Year) student.
Our student, Chantelle, shares how her contextual offer gave her the opportunity to study at university, when she didn’t think this was an option for her. She tells us how this experience changed her life and boosted her self-confidence. Keep reading to find out more about Chantelle’s story.
Chantelle’s story
Hi, my name’s Chantelle and I study BA(Hons) Criminology with Law (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol.
After being in the care system when I was younger, I had a deprived education. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I felt lost and struggled with my purpose, which affected me emotionally.
I wanted to go to university to study the legal system so I could help people in different areas of law, from domestic violence to charities. But I lacked the opportunity and I felt like I wasn’t worthy of studying for a degree.
And as the first person in my family to go to university, I didn’t feel good enough to study for a degree and doubted my abilities.
I was interested in studying at UWE Bristol after some of my friends studied there, and the University is in a great location. One day, I plucked up the courage to apply.
Receiving my contextual offer
When I applied to UWE Bristol, they contacted me to say they wanted to offer me a contextual offer to join the foundation course. This is because I missed the grades I needed in my maths exams, but I had a strong personal statement.
I spoke to the Admin team, who were great. I hadn’t heard of a contextual offer before, but they gave me so much helpful information and explained my offer in detail. I had a very supportive and positive experience.
UWE Bristol gave me a chance, and it saved my life. Sometimes it feels too good to be true. It’s amazing how much university has made a difference to my wellbeing and happiness.
Despite my struggles with maths in the past, I’m now learning a lot about numeracy and accountancy on my course. The teaching’s great, so it’s not as hard as I thought it would be.
“UWE Bristol gave me a chance when I didn’t think university was an option for me.”
My Summer School experience
When I received my contextual offer, I was asked if I wanted to join the Access to UWE Bristol support programme. As part of this programme, I was invited to attend a Summer School with other contextual offer holders on Frenchay Campus.
For my course, there was a hub outside the Business and Law Clinic where I could get information and attend a one-hour taster lecture. This helped me to meet my lecturers and find out what they were like.
I could join a tour of the campus and accommodation with a student ambassador to find out where everything was and get to know my surroundings. We also had the option to stay in student accommodation on campus to ease us into university life.
I met some people on similar courses to me and we instantly clicked, like we knew we were all in this together. We got to do lots of social activities, like a group cookery class and a trip to Nando’s. Since making friends on our first day, we’ve kept in touch now we’re at university.
The Summer School meant I knew what to expect before my course started in September, which helped me to feel calmer and less anxious about university life.
“The Summer School helped me so much – I really enjoyed it. It’s more than worth it.”
My plans and advice for the future
Coming to university has boosted my confidence and made me feel safer. Although I’d never studied Criminology and Law before, I felt excited to study my course at UWE Bristol.
After I graduate, I want to branch out in an area of Criminology and Law, such as working as a solicitor or social worker. It’s my dream to find a job helping homeless people and supporting victims of domestic violence, especially children, who feel like they’re on their own.
If you’re unsure about university and nervous about accepting a contextual offer, my advice is to call up the Admin team. When you do, you’ll realise there’s no need to be anxious and it’s not as bad as you think it’s going to be, so your mind settles.
Until you ring them, you’ll never know. So accept your contextual offer and go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Find out more about contextual offers at UWE Bristol.