Millennials starting university this year can expect a completely different experience from their parents, as higher education adapts to a new economic landscape and job market, the world of digital communication, and the ongoing march of globalization. Read on to discover seven of the biggest differences between the university experience of today’s students, and that of their parents.

1. Tuition fees have increased.

According to a 2012 report published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), there’s been a steady rise in tuition fees worldwide over the past two decades. Indeed, since 1995, some German states have begun to introduce tuition fees, while Australia, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the UK and the US increased fees for international students and/or home students… So, wherever you are planning to study, expect to pay a lot more than your parents did!      

2. So has financial aid.         

Fortunately, financial aid has also risen to meet a growing demand. According to the same OECD report, in fact, countries like Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK and the US have developed good ‘support systems’ to help students pay for their rising fees. So, tuition fees are a mixed bag, really.

3. Everything’s online.

This is the digital age, and that means the university journey – from researching and applying to institutions, to accessing course materials and submitting assignments – increasingly takes place online. Most universities now also offer online degrees, designed for working professionals with other commitments to manage, or students abroad.

4. Higher education is more diverse and inclusive.

Many universities have sought to foster LGBTQ-friendly campuses and classrooms, such as through the creation of LGBTQ support networks, designated LGBTQ student officers and LGBT-friendly campus policy. The LGBTQ-Friendly Campus Pride Index publishes objective assessments and ratings of US universities’ LGBT-friendly policies and resources, to empower and inform students while ensuring this remains a priority. In terms of recruitment, there’s also been an increase in the diversity of the student body; according to this OECD explainer, there are now more mature and international students than ever.

5. Universities are global brands.

The internationalization of higher education has fostered greater competition between universities to attract the best students from around the world, and expand their offerings abroad. A recent report by the British transnational education think tank HEGlobal, for instance, found that four in five UK universities plan to expand their higher education services abroad in the next three years. The report also only found as few as 15 countries in the world where the UK does not offer higher education services. Exchange programs are also a growing part of the higher education experience, with an

6. It’s harder to get a place.

More people go to university nowadays, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s any easier to gain entry – especially at the top level. Getting into an elite university, such an Ivy League college in the US, has become next to impossible with universities like Harvard, Stanford and Columbia reaching record-breaking admissions pools every year. On the other hand, there’s also been a rise in high-flying young universities worldwide, often with impressive budgets and facilities. For a rundown of the world’s best young universities, check out the QS Top 50 Under 50 2016-2017.

7. An army of weird subjects is on offer.

Yes, it’s become a bit of a cliché to rant about ‘Disney degrees’, but there certainly are some weird and wonderful specializations available. Did you know that Rutgers University runs a course on the politics of Beyoncé? If R&B’s not your cup of tea, you could also enroll in a degree on Zombie Studies or Robin Hood…

But happily some things will never change…  

Just like their parents, today’s students can still look forward to:

- The inevitability of fresher’s flu,
- The all-nighter you pull when you’ve procrastinated your way into the seventh circle of hell,
- The toast diet you’re forced to adopt when your student loan runs out,
- The dread that precedes visiting home in the holidays after months of uninhibited freedom,
- The terrifying experience of living with a nightmarish roommate,
- Or the odd catastrophic student cooking experiment!

What else has changed about university? Comment to share your thoughts and anecdotes below!

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While empty nest syndrome, the feeling of grief at seeing one’s children leave home for the first time, is not a clinical condition, it can nonetheless be a very upsetting change, especially for parents with children studying miles, if not continents, away.   

Symptoms may include depression, excessive concern over the child’s wellbeing, and a sense of a lack of purpose. Research has in fact found that parents suffering from empty nest syndrome are more susceptible to depression, alcoholism, identity crises and marriage problems.

Long stretches of time spent without seeing your children, along with shifting identities and mounting anxiety can be unsettling and painful. But happily, there are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms and get through this challenging time.

Continue reading for our top seven tips to cope with empty nest syndrome.

1. Pick up your phone.

An obvious one, but it needs to be said: don’t stop talking to your children just because they’ve left home. If they’ve got a busy schedule or they’re in a different time zone, ask them to set a regular time to talk – and schedule a weekly video call if you can. There’s no right or wrong answer to how often you should text, call or email – each family will be different. But remember that your kids will probably be missing you just as much (even if they don’t say so directly). Getting into a regular routine of communication will benefit both of you. 

2. Keep busy.

Avoid hanging around in your bathrobe at home with Joni Mitchell and a lonesome bourbon. Keeping busy will help you stay positive and readjust to your new life and schedule. What about all those things you’ve always wanted to do but were afraid to or had no time for? Is it travelling? Starting up your own business? Learning German? Make sure your diary is full, and get out of the house.

3. Speak to someone about it.

While staying busy is great, don’t use your packed schedule as an excuse for bottling up your feelings. Reach out to your support network. Ask for help when you need it. Reaching out to your friends, partner or a mental health provider should help you acknowledge your feelings and learn to cope with them. You’ll probably find many of your friends have already been through, or are experiencing, the same thing. There’s no reason to try and deal with this very common, but nonetheless upsetting, change by yourself.

4. Work out.

If you haven’t hit the gym in a few years, now’s definitely a good time! If you lack confidence or need help in getting started, you could join a class for beginners or book a personal training session. Most gyms will have induction sessions anyway, to help new members learn how to use the machines and devise a personal training routine that works for them. Exercising will help you let go of stress, release endorphins and stay healthy. So do it!

5. Look to the future.

Having spent the past 18 years or so of your life in constant worry over the welfare of your kids, now is definitely the time to let go of some of that stress. Obviously, your kids will always need you to be present for them, but to a lesser extent. Look inwards: what personal projects have you always been meaning to pursue but have been putting off? Now’s the time to be selfish again.

6. Pick up a new (or neglected) hobby.

Pursuing a hobby – say, once or twice a week – is a great way to blow some off steam, learn something new and make new friends. What did you used to do before your children took over your life? Try picking up old hobbies where you left off, and take up something entirely new. This will also mean you have more to share and talk about when you speak to your children, instead of feeling left behind.

7. Practice mindfulness.

Prescribed as a therapy for depression, mindfulness – a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and meditation – involves becoming aware of your physical sensations and thinking patterns, with the aim of learning to live in the moment rather than in anticipation of future stresses and potential problems. There are lots of books on the topic, as well as classes and courses, online video tutorials, and mindfulness apps such as Headspace.

How are you coping with empty nest syndrome? Comment below to share your story!

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Sponsored by the University of Helsinki

Welcoming almost 30,000 international students every year, Finland is a growing study destination…  And it’s not hard to see why! Its gorgeous eerie landscape, progressive higher education system and excellent programs make it one of the most desirable spots in the world to live and study. So, if reaping the benefits of low-cost study abroad sounds like your cup of tea, or tee in Finnish, continue reading and discover five great reasons to study in Finland…

1. Helsinki’s both off-the-beaten track and cosmopolitan.

The Finnish capital, Helsinki, is perfect for students seeking a real adventure, without being completely cut off from the rest of the world. With about 600,000 inhabitants, Helsinki avoids the overwhelming crowds and metropolitan spread of other capitals, but retains the feel of an international hub – reflected in its vibrant art scene and dynamic start up culture!  

2. You’ll find good value for money.       

While international students will now have to pay between €13,000 and €18,000 in annual tuition fees to study in Finland, home and EU students are not liable to pay any fees. According to Numbeo.com, in fact, rent and consumer prices in Helsinki tend to be lower, and local purchasing power higher, than in other popular student cities such as London, Paris or Tokyo.

3. Explore Scandinavia.

Studying in Finland, you’ll be within reach of many idyllic Scandinavian destinations. From Lapland to Finland’s west coast to the aurora borealis, you’ll have easy access to some of the world’s most beautiful and prized sights. Whether you dream of visiting sparkling lakes, long stretches of beach, dense forests populated by wolves and bears (!) or really dig uber-cool indie galleries and coffee shops and modern design and architecture, Finland should definitely have something that will appeal to your imagination and senses.

4. Take part in the Helsinki Challenge!

Take a shot at finding solutions to the 17 global issues outlined by the United Nations in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by enrolling in this science-based competition and idea accelerator. Build a team of three to ten members and work alongside scientists, public agencies, art communities and businesses to develop innovative solutions.

5.  Make the world a better place.

Many of the courses taught at the University of Helsinki are linked with research efforts crucial to the future of mankind, and involve collaborating with public policy developers and business leaders. Check out the wide range of master’s programs available at the University of Helsinki here – how will YOU help make the world a better place?

Join a community of innovators at the University of Helsinki

The oldest university in Finland, the University of Helsinki is one of the world’s top 100 universities, as featured in the QS World University Rankings. A leader in climate change research, the University of Helsinki is dedicated to finding solutions to some of the biggest challenges of today and tomorrow. The university boasts competitive research structures and state-of-the-art facilities, and frequently collaborates with other world-leading institutions and research units.

The University of Helsinki offers a selection of master’s programs taught in English for international and EU students, in a range of subjects. If you have any questions about the move to Finland or life at the university as an international student, get in touch by email, on Facebook or via the university blog!  

There are many disability scholarships available worldwide, providing financial assistance for students with a physical, sensory or learning disability, or a mental health condition. Read on for a selection of scholarships for students with disabilities, categorized by country.

Disability scholarships in the US and Canada

• AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability – Scholarships for students with disabilities, who must be US citizens enrolled full-time as undergraduate or graduate students at any accredited US university. You should be pursuing a degree related to health and disability.
• Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) College Scholarship Program – Merit-based scholarships for full-time students who are deaf or hard of hearing to study an undergraduate degree at a mainstream college or university. A limited number of scholarships are also available for students pursuing a graduate degree. Open to students from both within and outside the US.
• Baer Reintegration Scholarship – Scholarships for US citizens who suffer from schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder and are currently receiving treatment for their illness. Eligible programs include high school equivalency programs, trade or vocational school programs, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees.
• DisabilityAwards.ca – A searchable portal of financial awards for disabled students from Canada.
• Flora Marie Jenkins Memorial Disability Scholarship - A scholarship for a disabled US student who has either been accepted or is currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in the US. To apply, you'll need to submit an essay explaining the impact your disability has had on your life.
• Google Lime Scholarship Program – Scholarships for disabled students from any country to study at any level at a Canadian or US university. You must be studying a computer science or computer engineering degree, or a degree in a closely related technical field.
• Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) Educational Scholarships – Four categories of scholarship aimed at supporting students with blood disorders, including the Medical/Healthcare Services Educational Scholarship, aimed at those studying for a career in the medical field. (The 2018 application round has expired so you’ll need to wait for the 2019 round to open.)
• Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship – Scholarships for disabled high school seniors from any country to study an undergraduate program in a US university or technical college. You must have a passion for technology, show financial need and declare a major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related subject.
• National Center for Learning Disabilities Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships – Scholarships for two high school seniors from the US with documented learning disabilities and/or ADHD who are about to undertake post-secondary education.
• RBT Autism Scholarship - Scholarships designed to support students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in their educational pursuits, aim to ease the financial burden of higher education and empower these students to achieve their academic and career goals.
• Shire Canada ADHD Scholarship Program – Scholarships for legal residents of Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, or Québec who have ADHD, to study at any accredited higher education institution in one of the aforementioned provinces.
• Scholarships for students with Autism - Autism scholarships are available from Iconic Displays, MediaWorks, Learning Ally Scholarships and SunWise. To apply, you need to be a US citizen, and either be a recent high school graduate, current undergraduate, or be currently attending an Autism School. You also need to be either accepted by or currently enrolled in an accredited school.

Disability scholarships in Europe

To study anywhere in Europe:

• Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities – Scholarships for students who are either currently enrolled or intend to be enrolled in a European university as a full-time bachelor’s, master’s or PhD student. You must be studying computer science, computer engineering, informatics, or a closely related technical subject.
• International University of Logistics and Transport (IULT) Wrocław Special Scholarship for Disabled Students – IULT offers a special scholarship for students with any level of disability, provided they submit medical evidence from a qualified medical doctor. Application deadlines are October 20^th (fall semester) and March 20^th (spring semester).

United Kingdom

• Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) – A charity which enables disabled people to learn how to fly. You can apply if you’re a UK resident, over 18, not in full-time education and allowed to drive by the DVLA.
• Goldsmiths Disabled Students’ Scholarships – Scholarships for UK nationals to study an undergraduate degree at Goldsmiths, University of London.
• Oxford-Wadham Graduate Scholarship for Disabled Students – Open to home, EU and overseas students, this scholarship provides 100 percent of the home/EU tuition fee rate and a grant for living costs to study a master’s degree (full-time or part-time) at Wadham College, University of Oxford. Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic ability, and there is no separate application process – you simply need to submit your application for graduate study by the appropriate January deadline for your course.
• Snowden Trust Grants – The UK charity Snowden Trust awards grants for students with physical or sensory disabilities, of any nationality, to study at a UK college or university.
• Student Health Association Bursaries – Bursaries are available for disabled students who are either not eligible or were rejected when they applied for the UK government’s Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) – only available to UK students living in England. You must have attempted to apply for the DSA and provide the result of your application. You must also have started your course before applying for a grant.
• University of Westminster Access Scholarship – A scholarship for a disabled student from the UK/EU who is enrolled in a full-time undergraduate degree at the university.
• British Council Scholarships – Several UK scholarships and financial support schemes for international students with disabilities and special educational needs, run by UK or international governments, charities or businesses, or by the UK universities, colleges, and schools. 
• Disability Rights UK Funding Higher Education for Disabled Students – Financial support for all undergraduate levels of study which covers tuition fees, living costs, and disability-related costs.
• UCL (University College London) Fees and Funding for Students with Disabilities – Financial support through the UCL Fund for International Disabled Students is offered to students from outside the UK who have a disability.
• Disability Grants Higher Education Grants for the Disabled – A list of funds, grants and scholarships for disabled students wishing to study in the UK.
• Prospects Disabled Students’ Allowances – For 2018/19, postgraduates eligible for DSA funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may apply for non-repayable, needs-assessed Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA), which is designed to help students with special needs reach their full academic potential.  

Disability scholarships in Australia and New Zealand

• Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples' Education Fund – This scholarship is for Australian residents of any age with a disability and provides funding for both formal and informal education.
• Australian National University scholarships and bursaries – Australian National University offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships for disabled students from Australia.
• University of Melbourne – The university lists a range of scholarships and other forms of financial aid for disabled students, including some external scholarships. Some of these are only available for Australian residents.
• University of Auckland June Opie Fellowship – Scholarships for disabled citizens and permanent residents of Canada, Australia or New Zealand to study at postgraduate level at the university.
• University of Canterbury Disability Scholarships – The University of Canterbury in New Zealand offers three scholarships for students with disabilities; one for doctoral students, one for master’s students and the Educ8 Scholarship.
• University of Waikato Disability Scholarships – Various scholarships open for applications from both prospective and currently enrolled students at the University of Waikato (New Zealand).
• Young Australia League (YLA) Scholarships – Two new categories announced to support the education of eligible young Australians experiencing financial hardship, or hardships due to various social circumstances, disability, or distance.

All students applying to study an undergraduate degree at a university featured in the QS rankings are also now eligible to apply for the new QS Undergraduate Scholarship – part of the QS Scholarships scheme.

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Sponsored by Nottingham Business School

Graduates today face the toughest job market in decades. Students leaving university over the next few years will be likely to face increasing competition and a shrinking number of graduate opportunities.

To market yourself to recruiters, it’s vital that you start thinking about ways to differentiate yourself right now. One method is, of course, via work experience.

Whatever your trade, having internships on your CV before leaving university tells prospective employers that you have experienced office environments, are committed to your career and have some knowledge of the industry you’d like to work in.  

Sadly, students often struggle with finding those first internships with zero prior work experience and only a vague notion of what they’d like to do… Read on for some simple steps to break through that first internship barrier.   

1. Perfect your CV  

Writing your first CV is always a bit of a catch 22: you need a CV to apply for your first internships and jobs, but haven’t yet got much to include. Or at least you think you don’t. In truth, you probably have lots to mention. Consider personal hobbies and extracurricular interests, volunteering and part-time work, and all the skills and knowledge acquired during your studies. What skills do you have that an employer could use? This could be anything from research and planning, to social media community building or Photoshop. Instead of organizing your CV based on employment, list your key skills and then give concrete examples of how you’ve acquired and utilized each one.

2. Make use of your university’s careers service.  

Your university’s career service is not just a place to discuss different career paths; it’s also a way of connecting with a large network of professionals and businesses. Find out about the alumni network and how you can make use of this, and ask about any mentoring or placement schemes. Attend networking events organized by your university, or contact alumni with interesting-sounding job titles directly – building these connections will help you find out about different sectors, and hear about new openings.

3. Send speculative applications.

Devise a list of companies you’d most like to intern with, and send out speculative emails. Don’t forget to attach your CV with a short personalized cover letter explaining why you’d like to complete work experience with them, and enquire about any upcoming vacancies. Keep track of the names of all the companies that you’ve emailed in a spreadsheet along with the date of your email and any response, keeping in mind, of course, that you are probably not going to hear back from most of them. For every 50 emails you send, you will probably hear back from about – say – five or so. Don’t let this get you down! Perseverance is all part of the process.

4. Check out job listing websites.

Browse through job listing websites to find internships, filtering by industry and role. However, don’t rely on this approach alone. Keeping in mind that many internships are not advertised online but are instead filled through word of mouth, it’s best to make use of a range of different methods to maximize your chances of finding a good internship.

5. Try volunteering.

While searching for your first internship, you could also try volunteering with an organization (political, charity, or a special interest group) that you admire and feel inspired by. This is a great way to build experience, develop skills relevant to your target role, and grow your network of contacts.

Access more internship opportunities via Nottingham Business School

Whatever your level of study, Nottingham Business School’s career advice team will help you score internships, jobs, understand your job market and send off picture perfect applications and cover letters to recruiters.

Nottingham Business School’s alumni community comprises of over 100,000 professionals working across all sectors globally. To meet with Nottingham Trent alumni and discuss opportunities and job markets, the university organizes regular events worldwide linking students with former students. Find out more here!