Here at RHSB, we believe it is vital in preparing our Sixth Formers for university more than just in terms of academics and studies. What better way to help inspire our students, assuage any concerns and answer any burning questions they may have about university life than former RHSB students who have just completed their first year of university?

We were delighted to welcome back four of our 2022 leavers, representing a variety of courses and universities:

• Ava Karanjavala (English and Classical Studies, Bristol)
• Daisy John (Law, UCL)
• Jess Ness (Politics, Religion and Philosophy, Birmingham) - online
• Ella Condrau (moving from Law to Medicine, Zurich) - online

The four recent alumnae shared their wisdom and experiences as they reflected on the application process and their first year as Freshers with our current Year 13s. The aim was to keep this informal and to encourage our Year 13s to feel comfortable asking anything.

It was really interesting hearing from all four alumnae whose experiences have many similarities yet are also very different; from Ella who is at university in Zurich explaining how there is no student accommodation, to Daisy on what it is like living as a student in London.

Some useful tips to take away from this session include ones that may seem obvious nonetheless it was good to get confirmation from the alumnae themselves that for example, at the beginning of uni, everyone is in the same boat, so just be open to making friends, different ideas and taking on new experiences.

When discussing what can be a tricky transition between lessons at Sixth Form and University lectures, one of the alumnae advised the Year 13s to take time to “Learn how you learn best: it’s completely different to how you learn at school”. For example, listening to lectures on a podcast so you can pause and reflect on the lectures at your own pace.

There were countless of other useful tips and pieces of wisdom shared but the overall impression that our Year 13s were left with was a positive one; while uni life is enjoyable and great fun most of the time, when you do need any additional support, help is available, all you need to do is ask.

Thank you once again to our four leavers for attending our annual alumnae Tips for Uni forum. Our students gained so much advice and insight from all of you, and we wish you every success in your next few years at university.