First Year

Becoming a Changemaker

Studying at a Changemaker Campus gives you the unique opportunity to develop yourself as a Changemaker and explore the many different ways this can benefit you personally, academically and also in relation to your employability development. Take part in the Changemaker Certificate to discover what becoming a Changemaker means to you.

Changing Futures Week is a chance to find out about careers and opportunities you have never thought about. Be ready to be challenged and work outside your comfort zone to really max out your employability skills.

Have a look at some of the activities that took place in 2021 from the 200+ activities across the university on our webpage, plus watch this video of the events from 2020:

Develop your employability skills

Visit the award winning Changemaker Hub portal to make use of the careers and employability resources available to you. You will have the opportunity to complete your Bronze Employability Plus Award during your first year but there is much more you can do. Use the portal resources to, for instance, build and develop your CV and have it reviewed, learn how to write a strong job application, practice interview skills and much more. You can also book an appointment with a careers adviser or coach for that one to one input and support.

Have a look at our exams and revision resources on the Skills Hub and don’t forget you can book a 1:1 tutorial to support your learning with the Learning Development Team.

There are lots of resources in the Student Hub to support you in your learning and throughout your exams. Getting back on track with your studies and support from the Student Support Officers will help you put things into perspective and offer advice and proactive signposting. Our Counselling and Mental Health Team also offer appointments and will support you through this period. But if you just want a bit of self-help have a look here first. Find out more on our Student Hub pages (student login required).

The student newsletter is still sent out by email across the summer break to keep you in the loop and update you on the new academic year, so keep checking the email you have registered as your primary email with university.

There are some useful documents focused on your ongoing assessments and your final degree results on the Student Hub or you may be thinking about restarting or repeating your year. If you are, have a look at the resources on the Student Hub. Our specialist teams will be able to answer any questions you might have, so contact either ​studentsupportofficers@northampton.ac.uk​ or academicadvisers@northampton.ac.uk​ if you need any help and advice.

Are you enjoying student life at UON?

Your Students’ Union is here for you when you want your voice to be heard. If you feel that your course isn’t quite living up to your expectations or if you feel that your education is so great that you need to tell others about it, make sure to contact one of your Course Reps and let them know. You can also contact your executive officer team to share your views. They will ensure that they listen to you, whether through social media, surveys or in person, and that your concerns and ideas for improvement are addressed throughout the year.