Come to us and change your life says Luton’s University of Bedfordshire

When the 2013 Clearing period opens today, the University of Bedfordshire will have more than 60 specialists on hand in its dedicated call centre to handle enquiries from students. More than 10,000 people called during Clearing last year and the University expects even more this year.

Overseeing planning for the 2013 Clearing campaign, the biggest in the eastern region, Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said: “My life was transformed by going to university. The opportunity should be open to everyone.

“We are creating a vibrant multi-cultural learning community that helps students to transform and enhance their lives through innovative education and research. And we’ve backed this up by substantial investment in new student facilities.

“We are blazing a trail in widening access to higher education and strive to deliver the best possible student experience.”

The Clearing operation will be the University’s biggest ever and phone lines will be open from 8am to 8pm today and Friday as A Level results come in – and when very high levels of calls and enquiries are expected. The call centre will be open across the weekend too, from 10am to 4pm, and the following week the lines will be open from 9am until 6pm.Enquiries will also be taken across various social media sites and via email.

On both Saturday, 17 and Sunday, 18 August, the University will open its doors at the Luton campus to welcome prospective students for a special open day.

Running from 11am until 3pm at Park Square, in Luton, there will be a chance to meet academics on various courses. There will also be stalls providing information on accommodation, finances, the Students’ Union and general student enquiries. Tours of the University will run on the hour, every hour.At the Bedford campus, a special Clearing Reception Desk will be open to visitors on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August between 10am-4pm in the Campus Centre. Campus tours will also be available between 10am and 4pm.

Luton town centre will also host a University hub, where a team of staff will host a stall on George Street, to help with applications and questions.

Susie King, Head of UK and EU Admissions at the University, said: “People wanting to come to the University of Bedfordshire have no need to panic whatsoever if they need, or want, to apply now.

“We’ll have an experienced team on hand, and will be well set up to cater for any enquiry prospective students may have.

“Last year we received 3,500 calls on the first day of Clearing and we are expecting at least that number again this year, with people being attracted to this University by our excellent track record in graduate employment, generous bursaries and modern facilities.”

The subjects prospective students can apply for this year include various courses in Law, English, Business, Marketing, Tourism, Sciences, Media, Theatre, Sport, Criminology , Psychology and others.

Students at Bedfordshire continue to enjoy excellent employment prospects. Some 92 per cent of University of Bedfordshire graduates are in work or in further study within six months of graduating.