This week young people across South-East England took control of their future. On Monday the 14th of March, sixth formers went to the Excel Centre, next to Prince Regent station, on the Docklands light Railway, to find the right University. Prospective students arrived from a variety of places, including West London, Kent, Surrey and Essex. One student, Amara Ray, from Langley Park Girls School, stated that it was: "A good way of finding personal information that's not on the website".
Primarily this is due to the fact that university students were running the stalls. People from Swansea, Glasgow, and Lincon Universities gave insight into their lives and experiences face to face, as if the UK had been condensed into one chamber. The information ranged from the courses available for study, A-level subjects and grade requirements, accomodation costs, useful work experience and various activities for students at the university. James' message for aspiring lawyers, at Corpus Christi college, Cambridge, was: "I think its the best place in the UK to study law, with lots of amazing opportunities for young lawyers". Mayank, studying at Greenwich, told students "we have our open day on 26th May ... Go for it, grab the knowledge that you can".
Additionally, there were free prospectuses, pens, bags (see picture), follow-up e-mails, lolipops and other items being given out to students by the universities. There was also a lunch area and various eateries in the building, along with plenty of like-minded students to talk to. This made the trip a relaxing break from school, as well as a great opportunity to learn.
