Sponsored by United Arab Emirates University

In 2014, an article published by Forbes discussed the future of higher education and how it depends on innovation. Five years on, it’s a discussion that’s more relevant than ever.

As higher education becomes increasingly expensive and digital technologies become ever more instrumental to the education experience, institutions are having to adapt their business models and service offerings in order to remain relevant to societies, economies and most importantly, students.

One example of a university that’s orchestrating change and going beyond quick fixes and simple tweaks is United Arab Emirates University.

Why innovation and strategic thinking is critical for universities in the long-term

It’s almost impossible to mention the words ‘higher education’ without ‘innovation’ following closely behind. Despite the clichés, innovation in higher education isn’t just about staying ahead, it’s about staying relevant and sustainable in a globally unpredictable environment.

It’s also not about simply disrupting teaching and learning methodologies, but about strategically molding these methodologies in order to cultivate new ideas, enhance creativity, encourage collaboration, and promote inclusion and diversity.

So, with standards of higher education getting higher and higher there’s an imperative need for institutions to think outside the box and tap into their innovative mindsets.

The roadmap to the ‘University of the Future’

Thanks to advances in technology and the ever-competitive graduate job market, universities need to adapt just as quickly in order to offer students an education that will prepare them for the inevitable challenges and opportunities they’ll face after graduation.

As the leading national higher education institution of the UAE, the United Arab Emirates University plans to be a hub of strategic significance by conducting cutting-edge research in numerous fields and inculcating the spirit of discovery and entrepreneurship.

It’s comprehensive project, titled ‘University of the Future’, has been at the heart of the university for the last two years, and plans to produce indigenous leaders of the highest caliber, as well as attract international scholars to create a vibrant interactive research and learning environment.

The university plans to contribute to entrepreneurship-driven research and develop strong interdisciplinary programs in strategically selected priority areas, which will be managed by the university’s research centers. They will then align graduate programs with these areas.

Building from this, the university aims to promote the exchange of knowledge through forming high-tech innovation clusters and by attracting investment from business and international sources. The institution will then also collaborate with high-profile national agencies, industry and international institutions.

What it means for students

What goes on behind the scenes at higher education institutions may not be your first food for thought when it comes to narrowing down your university options. However, as the number of students applying to university continues to rise, institutions need to ensure they stand out and offer students an education that delivers.

A regular revision of academic programs while considering market needs is essential to developing sound academic programs that foster competitiveness, internationalization, critical thinking, innovation, creativity, and lifelong learning.

For example, United Arab Emirates University aims to adopt and revise learning approaches by embracing as well as devising technology that facilitates the delivery and assimilation of knowledge, as well as promoting curiosity and critical thinking.

How does this work in practice?

The continuous growth of the aerospace industry in the United Arab Emirates has encouraged the recent offering of United Arab Emirates University’s Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. This is just one example of how the university is providing future-proof education, as the program will cater to the growth in space-related activities currently taking place in UAE, along with the aerospace hub that’s already started in Al Ain City.

Studying on this program means you’ll become skilled in using state-of-the-art engineering tools and technical communications and develop your creativity and leadership skills in order to cope with the rapidly evolving aerospace engineering technologies.

You’ll also efficiently design, manage, execute, and evaluate aerospace engineering systems components to satisfy clients/market needs per design specifications and requirements, as well as develop a high level of awareness of social, economic, and environmental issues that are relevant to aerospace engineering science.

Sponsored by City, University of London

Applying to university, let alone a university abroad, can be a stressful experience regardless of how well prepared you are.

All sorts of questions have to be answered as part of the process. Where are you going to live? How are you going to pay for everything? Can you make sure you get your visa application approved in time? Are they even still accepting applications for this year?

The answer to that last question is yes. Many universities in the UK are offering a number of places through Clearing this year, including City, University of London. So, we spoke with them to find out more about the Clearing process, including how it works, what you need to do, and what one of its students thought about their own Clearing experience.

What is Clearing and what does it mean for me?

Clearing is part of the application process, and involves universities filling any remaining places they have on their courses for the upcoming academic year. You can apply through Clearing even if you’ve not applied to any university before, if you don’t hold any offers or if your exams results don’t meet the requirements set in your offer.

Ayse Enver, who got her place at City to study BSc (Hons) Computer Science through Clearing, considers it a great way to give people a “second chance” when it comes to applying to university: “Clearing provides spaces at universities that you may not have considered, or that did not end up as your final two choices.”

Know what you want to study and where you want to study

Take a step back and think about what it is you’d like to dedicate the next three (or four) years of your life to. What is your passion? What are your interests?

Consider what your academic strengths are too. Are you analytically minded? Or do you enjoy tapping into your imagination and thinking creatively? Knowing this can help you decide which undergraduate program is for you.

Of course, it’s important to know what you want to study, so take some time to figure out what subjects you are passionate about. You’ll then need to do some research to identify and narrow down potential courses available and what universities offer them and where.

We appreciate moving to a new country can be daunting, but it really doesn’t need to be. Do you enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside, or do you like the hustle and bustle of the city?

These are the questions you should ask yourself before applying.

Where do I start?

Despite the common misconception that Clearing only opens once A-Level results in the UK have been released, it actually opens in early July.

In order to make the process as easy and successful as possible, you’ll need to research degree programs and universities. Once you’ve got a good idea of what and where you want to study, find the relevant contact information for the university, and find out as much information as you can on its website, which is the best source for all information.

You may think you’re in a race against time but consider your options carefully and don’t rush your decision making.

This short video below sees Dominic Davis, Head of Admissions at City talking through the Clearing Process.

What about funding?

Understandably, funding is one of the biggest concerns international students have when it comes to wanting to study abroad. Although tuition fees can be expensive, if you know where to look, it’s possible to secure some form of financial aid, including scholarships.

Websites such as TopUniversities.com have a number of articles dedicated to outlining the costs of studying in the UK for international students.

What about visas?

Once you’ve received your offer, you’ll then need to obtain a visa (this will depend on which country you’re from). Applying for a visa can be a lengthy process, so it’s vital you have all the necessary paperwork prepared in order to get your application underway as soon as possible.

Fortunately, many universities including City, have a dedicated Visa Advice Team that can assist and guide you over the visa application process.

What about accommodation?

Even if you’re sorting out accommodation at the last minute, you’ll be amazed at the various living arrangements available to you. From student halls, to private renting in a house or flat share, to being a lodger (where you stay with a live-in landlord), the options are endless and universities such as City have their very own housing support teams who are on hand to help with any accommodation queries you may have. 

Finally, don’t panic!

Trying to make a decision while panicking can make the whole situation feel even more stressful than it needs to be, and you could end up making a rash decision you may regret later down the line.

“Do as much research as possible. Find out the various deadlines for applying, visas, accommodation and so on, so you can make sure you can meet them. You’ll also need to ensure you have the necessary documents needed for your visa as well as applying to the course,” says Rolf Jespersen, Joint-Head of International Recruitment at City.

By Chelsea Davies

The prospect of trying the make the most of London’s incredible nightlife on a student budget might seem a difficult task – but with our handy list of the cheapest spots for students, you’ll be out before you know it with plenty of money to spare for chips on the way home. From late night clubs, to wacky pubs and the odd cocktail bar thrown in, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the UK’s capital city!

The Knights Templar, Chancery Lane

JD Wetherspoons pubs are always a firm favorite among students in the UK due to the chain’s incredibly cheap and cheerful prices, making it the perfect place for pre-drinks. However, this one is perhaps one of the fanciest Wetherspoon’s in the country, with a golden bar and huge chandeliers – they even filmed some of The Da Vinci Code in here! Most importantly though, the prices still can’t be beaten, so you can pretend to live the high life while smugly sipping your bargain beverage.

The Roxy, Fitzrovia

The Roxy is an unpretentious and fun basement bar and the perfect place to meet fellow students from many London universities. All flock here for the cheap entry prices (make sure you bring your student ID!) and amazing drinks offers! Head there on a Monday for London’s biggest student RnB night, or check out their hip-hop, house and indie nights on during the rest of the week.

CLF Art Café, Peckham

Found in a 120-year-old, multi-storey warehouse, the interior of this club/art gallery/café ceaselessly changes from one day to the next and always promises a fun, unique night out. The South London Soul Train on every Saturday makes for an incredible night, with live music, soul, funk and disco tunes going on into the early hours. Keep your eye out for big name DJs, secret festival gigs and cutting-edge art installations all happening throughout the year.  

The Four Quarters, Peckham and Hackney Wick

If quirky pubs with bags of character and activities to accompany your drinking is more to your taste, then The Four Quarters promises an excellent night out. They offer craft beers, original cocktails and most importantly, video games. Their Peckham venue was London’s first ever arcade bar! Both bars are packed with classic arcade games and retro consoles, all operated using US quarters you can get at the bar.  

Piccadilly Institute, Piccadilly

There is something for everyone at Piccadilly Institute, a labyrinth of rooms with mind-bending décor and music of every genre blasting. They have an impressive Happy Hour, with 50 percent off everything, every day, from 5pm until 9pm. Order a quirky cocktail at any one of the whopping six bars in the place!

Little Nan’s Bar, Deptford

British nostalgia, home comforts and award-winning cocktails are all on offer in this quirky bar tucked away in South London. The décor is a mix of 80’s furniture and pop-culture pieces and the food is a take on classic British favorites. Order a cocktail in a teapot and throw yourself into their karaoke night or take part in the pub quiz. And watch this space, as they’re continually opening up new venues across South London.

Corsica Studios, Elephant and Castle

An independent art organization tucked away under two railway arches in Elephant and Castle, Corsica Studious delivers experimental house and electro music from its renowned sound system well into the early hours. Come here to find Europe’s up-and-coming DJs that you are unlikely to hear anywhere else. Book your tickets early and you can get in for as little as a fiver!

The Doodle Bar, Bermondsey

Open from Wednesday to Saturday, you can spend a fun evening here sipping on their in-house pale ale, playing ping-pong and doodling all over the walls. At the weekends street food vans can be found just outside, enjoy anything from delicious burgers to Argentinian steak sandwiches, before carrying on with a game of table football back in the bar!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Kentish Town

For a partly classy, partly strange evening, head to what used to be the public toilets in Kentish Town for a wonderful cocktail experience. Don’t be fooled by the unassuming sign above ground, head downstairs and you will be rewarded with incredible cocktails. Whilst not as cheap as some of the other options, this makes the list for its sheer uniqueness and quality.

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