A GROUP of Wrexham students took part in a university visit to give them an insight into student life and career opportunities for graduates.

The seven year 8 more able and talented (MAT) students from Ysgol Clywedog pent a full day at the University of Chester, along with other students from schools across the region.

After an introductory talk explaining what life at the university is like, the expectations of students, the types of courses available and the job opportunities a degree can open up, the students were put into groups to do a range of activities including a session on critical thinking.

Tour guides then took the students on a tour of the campus, showing them the different types of accommodation available as well as visiting the library and explaining the different areas where students can work at any time of day or night, the sports facilities, students’ union and on-site eateries.

Ruby Evans said: “The visit was educational. I had thought of going to university, but this gave me a good experience of what university is like.

"The best part was the job detective game, seeing which job you could do with different degrees and learning about jobs that I did not know about before.”

Grace Ramsay said: “Before the trip I’d thought about going to university but visiting the University of Chester made me realise how important it is to go to university and get a degree to help me get a good job. I really enjoyed going on a tour of the campus to see where students learn, study and live.”

Mrs Mary Kane, subject leader PSE and Careers, said: “The visit gave these students an excellent opportunity to gain an insight into university life. They were able to experience going into the main lecture theatre as well as smaller lecture rooms, and the comprehensive campus tour gave them a snapshot of student life.

“Prior to their visit not all of the students had considered going to university in the future but by the end of the day they all said that they would now seriously think about going on to study at university. They were surprised by some of the jobs that would be open to them if they gain a degree.

“It was an incredibly useful experience for our students that has really inspired them.”

To round off the day, all the groups of students went into the lecture room for a question and answer session with university students to find out from them about university life and the courses they are studying.