Category: Blog

A Level Results Day is just around the corner for English and Scottish students.

You might be waiting for your results to know what offers you’ve received from universities, or you might have decided later in the year that university is the path for you.

Either way, preparing for Clearing is a good idea – for some, it can be a second chance at enrolling in a university course in September.

So, what is Clearing?

Clearing is the process that universities use to fill any remaining spaces they have left on their courses after results day.

The Clearing process is ideal for student who may not have received a placed on their Firm or Insurance choice, for students who have decided not to go ahead with their Firm or Insurance course, or for students who have decided to go to university after the application deadline has passed earlier in the year (June 30^th).

How do I Access Clearing?

Clearing can seem like a stressful process, but using the UCAS Clearing Plus tool can make things seem much simpler. It’s available in the UCAS Hub and is simple to use; the Hub looks at your original choices and matches you to similar courses by looking at other universities offering that course, as well as courses that are very similar to your original choice.

Alternatively, you can search for courses that are available through Clearing directly by using the UCAS Clearing search tool.

All you need to do is express your interest in a course and the university or college will contact you regarding next steps.

It’s advised that you do this quickly, as Clearing courses can be competitive and fill quickly.

How do I Arrange Accommodation if I’ve got a Place Through Clearing?

Once you are offered a place through Clearing, you can add the Clearing course as your choice and start preparing for the next steps.

If you have chosen to live away from home, the next step is to search for student accommodation.

Student halls are a popular choice for first-year university students; you can either choose to live on campus with your university provider (if that is an option) or you can look around for privately built student accommodation.

Secured a place at UCLan? The Warehouse Apartments can guarantee you a room through Clearing. Simply get in touch with the friendly site team and we will take all the stress out of your accommodation search for you.

We have something for all budgets starting from just £90 per week with all bills included, and we carefully allocate our residents to apartments with students with similar interests to you. Many people make friends for life at university, both on their course and with those they live with.

Get in touch with the Warehouse site team today: enquiries@warehousestudents.com / 01772 200 949.

We wish you the best of luck for A Level Results Day 2023.

July’s Recipe of the Month! An easy recipe with just five yummy ingredients and five easy steps.

Join the riddle in reception each month and you could win the entire ingredients.

Delicious Prawn Carbonara

Ingredients:

– 320g Spaghetti
– 3 Eggs, lightly beaten
– 70g Parmesan
– 150g Cooked King Prawns
– 2tbsp Finely Chopped Parsley

Method:

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti in a large pan of boiling water for 8 minutes, until al dente, then drain, reserving a cupful of pasta water.
Step 2: Add the beaten eggs and Parmesan and toss with the spaghetti until well coated.
Step 3: Toss in the prawns, adding a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce.
Step 4: Leave to sit for 1 minute until the prawns are warmed through, then stir in most of the parsley.
Step 5: Serve immediately with the remaining parsley scattered over the top.

Adding some personal touches can quickly transform your student apartment into a cosy home away from.

We’ve got some easy tips on decorating your student space without spending too much money.

Adding Colour

Invest in a few sets of new bedding; having two sets allows you to manage having to visit the Laundry Room every week, and choosing two different sets with a pop of colour that suits your style can bring your room to life, and make it feel like home.

To make it feel super cosy, you could buy some scatter cushions and a throw to match!

A Statement Rug For Your Bedroom Floor

Choose a patterned or colourful rug for your new room to add to that cosy feel. Not only will it give your feet a treat in the morning, but it can also complement your personality and the style of your room.

Details for Your Desk

Make your desk a fun place for your studies with a few simple accessories. You could add some unique photo frames filled with photos of family and friends, and some small plants (or faux plants if you’re not the best at remembering to water it!). There are lots of charity shops in Preston – see what bargains you can pick up.

Decorate your Notice Board

Notice boards provided in your room and kitchen are ideal for adding colour and personalisation through photos, postcards or small posters and flyers. Plus, adding decor to the noticeboard (and not the walls) means you won’t be breaking your tenancy agreement!

Brighten your Day with Flowers

Colourful flowers can add vibrancy to any room – and they don’t have to be real, you can get some wonderful faux bouquets at shops like The Range.

What are we cooking in June with just five ingredients, in five simple steps?

Join the riddle in reception each month and you could win the entire ingredients.

Spicy Salmon Burgers!

Ingredients:

– 690g Sweet Chill Infused Salmon Fillets
– 30g Fresh Coriander
– 5 tbsp Chilli Mayonnaise
– 280g Coleslaw
– 4 Burger Buns

Method:

Step 1: Put the salmon, half the coriander, and 1 tbsp mayonnaise into a food processor and blitz.
Step 2: Form the mixture into 4 burger patties and put them onto a plate.
Step 3: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat and fry the burgers for 3-4 mins on each side, until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Remove to a clean plate and toast the burger buns in the pan.
Step 5: Put the remaining coriander onto the bottom of the buns, top with the burger, add a tbsp of mayonnaise to each burger, and finish by putting the slaw over the top.

Don’t forget to share your food with us on Instagram.

Packing to move to university halls – where to start?

We’ve put a list together to give you a head start, plus some handy tips to keep your move as stress-free as possible.

Make a list of items you use every day

Start making a list a few weeks before. You’re more likely to remember everything doing this, rather than trying to remember while out shopping. It’s a good idea to tick items off your list as you’ve bought and packed them too, so you don’t double up.

Check how much storage you have in your new room

What wardrobe and storage space do you have in your new room?

All rooms at The Warehouse Apartments have a large wardrobe and under-bed storage. You can always buy the odd thing once you’ve moved in. The Warehouse is located opposite a supermarket, and if you are traveling here from another country it might be cheaper than bringing everything with you.

Our recommended packing list:

The important stuff:

• Paperwork/documents – e.g., for accommodation, university, and student finance
• ID/passport
• Purse/wallet
• Medication

For your bedroom:

• Bedding – Duvet, pillows, bedding sets, mattress protector
• Blankets/throws – make it homely!
• Cushions
• Rug
• Decorations – photo frames and ornaments
• Plants – a brilliant way to promote wellbeing and keep your room looking fresh. If you’re not very green-fingered, why not try a low-maintenance succulent or even a faux plant?
• Posters and pins for your notice board
• Coat hangers
• Desk lamp
• Laundry basket

Electricals and things for uni:

• Laptop/Computer
• Phone
• Charging cables
• Extension lead
• Hair dryer, straighteners, curlers
• Headphones
• Memory stick
• Notepad & stationery
• Post-it notes
• Notepad

For your bathroom:

• Shower gel
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Hand soap
• Toilet bleach
• Toilet roll
• Toothbrush & toothpaste (surprisingly easy to forget)
• Towels and bathmat
• Plasters

Things for your kitchen:

• Cutlery
• Plates/bowls
• Mugs/glasses
• Scissors
• Tupperware – Great for leftovers and saving money!
• Bottle/ can opener
• Chopping board
• Pans
• Measuring jug
• Spatula
• Washing up liquid/sponges (Dishmatics are very handy)
• Tea towels
• Oven Gloves
• Bin bags
• Tin foil/cling film
• Cleaning products
• Recipe books

Cupboard essential:

• Tea & coffee
• Milk (consider long-life)
• Sugar
• Cooking oil
• Chopped tomatoes – versatile for many different dishes!
• Pasta/rice
• Beans
• Soup
• Bread
• Spices
• Sauces – Ketchup, mayonnaise, soy, BBQ…

Here’s a new recipe for you to try in May, with just five ingredients and in five simple steps.

Join the riddle in reception each month and you could win the entire ingredients.

Lovely Lasagne!

Ingredients:

– 150g Cheese (Mozzarella or Cheddar)
– Garlic & Onion Passata tub
– Jar of White sauce
– Pack of Lasagne Sheets
– 500g Mince

Method:

Step 1: Brown your mince in a pan, then add the passata and simmer.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C.
Step 3: Layer the lasagne into a baking dish, starting with the mince, then the pasta sheets, then the white sauce. Repeat twice.
Step 4: Top with your cheese and then bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, checking regularly.
Step 5: Serve up and enjoy! Why not add a side salad and some garlic bread?

Don’t forget to share your food with us on Instagram.

You know it’s important, but are you really sure what a credit score is?

Having a good credit score is crucial for your future. While it may seem a long time away, you’ll rely on a good credit score when it comes to applying for things like a credit card or a mortgage.

But we’re not surprised that it seems confusing. Sometimes, it can feel like it’s made unnecessarily complicated, but we’re here to tell you that it’s as easy as this…

What is a credit score?

A credit score is essentially a figure that determines your affordability. A credit score is determined via many factors in your credit report, which include your past record of repaying debts, how much you use the credit already available to you, and whether you’ve registered to vote.

Why do you need a credit score?

Banks look at an individual’s credit score when considering lending for things like a mortgage on a home. It will be used by other lenders too, such as when applying for a car loan, credit card, or any other type of credit.

It’s worth noting that having no credit history is just as negative as a poor credit history, as a blank credit history doesn’t show the lender any evidence of you having made reliable repayments in the past.

Does my student loan impact my credit score?

No. Your student loan does not affect your credit score or appear on your credit report. But this does not include other types of lending, such as a student overdraft.

Why do I have credit scores with different companies?

Unfortunately, it can get a little confusing when trying to build a credit score, as there are multiple companies that calculate them.

Luckily, there are three main companies that most lenders use to determine your affordability: Experian, Equifax (Clear Score), TransUnion (Credit Karma).

When looking to build your credit score, we would recommend focusing on these three accounts – including making sure all your details are correct.

What can I do to improve my credit score?

There are some simple things you can do right away to ensure your credit score is accurate.

Get on the electoral roll
You may have forgotten to do this, especially if you have been moving around a lot for university. But ensuring you’re on the electoral roll and registered to vote is important for your credit score, and it’s really easy to do online.

Update your details
Ensuring all your details are correct is another easy step to help boost your credit score.

Pay your bills on time
Be reliable in paying your bills on time, and this will tell lenders that you are responsible with the credit you are lent.

Never use a payday loan company
Not only are payday loans terrible for repayment costs, but they are also a red flag to other lenders when they appear on an individual’s credit report.

Never use a credit card to withdraw cash
This suggests to lenders that you’ve been in a financial situation that requires drastic measures. Plus, charges for doing so are extortionate.

Be wary of too many credit applications
An individual with multiple credit applications in a short space of time indicates to a lender that they are in a poor financial situation, and less likely to make repayments on any money lent to them. It’s okay to apply for credit for things you need, like a mobile phone contract, but never make lots of credit applications within a short period of time.

Written by the Warehouse Team

Introducing your new Recipe of the Month!

Watch out for a new recipe each month for you to try, with just five ingredients and in five simple steps.

Join the riddle in reception each month and you could win the entire ingredients.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake!

Ingredients:

– 375g Penne Pasta
– Half Roast Chicken: Shredded
– Jar Creamy Mushroom Sauce
– 120g Baby Spinach
– 250g Mozzarella

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C, and cook your penne according to the packet instructions.
Step 2: Combine the penne with the shredded chicken, mushroom sauce, and spinach in a bowl.
Step 3: Transfer to a baking dish, and bake for 20 minutes (or until golden brown).
Step 4: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Don’t forget to share your food with us on Instagram.

Being physically active has been proven to have a positive impact on your wellbeing*. It can help to improve your brain health, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

So, what is physical activity?

Basically, physical activity means any movement of the body that uses your muscles and uses energy. The recommendation for the average adult is between 75-150 minutes of exercise per week. That could be walking, cycling, or skipping. Any activity that raises your heart rate will do.

And what is wellbeing?

Wellbeing includes lots of different factors and doesn’t have one definition. But it could include things like feeling well in yourself and being able to function well, feeling connected to your surroundings, and having a sense of value and purpose.

Being physically active can help you to lead a happier and healthier life, which in turn has a positive impact on your wellbeing.

Where to start

Now we understand how physical activity can improve your wellbeing, where can you start on your journey to improving your health and wellbeing?

A good starting point could be to aim for 2.5 hours over one week of moderate activity, which could be broken down into 5 days of 30 minutes.

Once you have a plan, think about any barriers that might crop up and hinder your journey. It could be cost, the weather, or a general lack of energy after a long day. Work out how you will overcome these barriers – if you are concerned about money, commit to walking in the know that it will cost you nothing other than your time.

And then, make time. Work out when you’ll fit in your exercise around your other commitments. If you’re seeing a friend in the evening, you know that you need to fit your exercise in before uni or work, or on your lunch break.

Then we would recommend tracking your progress. This could be done through something like the NHS tools, a diary, or just the notes section of your phone.

And finally, once you’ve got into the swing of things, it would be a good idea to set yourself some goals to keep you motivated on your fitness journey. Start small, such as achieving 10,000 on several of your activity days, and gradually build it up at your own pace.

Written by the Warehouse Team

*Source: Mental Health Foundation.

Introducing your brand new social calendar!

Each week we’ll be organising a variety of fun events for you to enjoy, that will focus on your wellbeing and help you get to know your Warehouse neighbours.

You can get all the details of what’s coming up by logging onto your portal.

Want a sneak peek for March… expect lots of freebies, Friday breakfast club, and competitions to win an Amazon voucher!