Life at College - Beyond the classroom
Life at USP can be whatever you make it.
January Open Evenings
Book your place at our upcoming Open Evenings.
Of course every learner at the College will have their main study programmes. Our students study programmes are career-focused and encompass our Student CPD Days, working on live briefs through College Companies and work experience, whilst completing their qualification(s) with us. But it doesn’t stop there, as we know College is about more than going to lessons, it is about developing you as a person as well. We know our students love that, and it was also recognised in our most recent Ofsted report where we were graded outstanding for personal development.
At College you may have some breaks in your timetable, yes these are perfect opportunities for revision and completing coursework, but they are also a great chance to engage in our enrichment activities. You may know enrichment as clubs, sport academies or extra-curricular, but at USP College, our curriculum offer is influences by our students. Each year our students let us know what they want to see on-campus, or what they would like to take part in, some students even run their own groups!
Trips and visits
Our students were able to take some fantastic trips and visits last year. Students attended Auschwitz as part of an educational trip on Holocaust Memorial Day, others visited the Big Apple or took part in a conservation trip to Africa and a 28 day excursion to Tanzania just to name a few!
Students at USP College get to experience local and international adventures.
Groups and Clubs
Storm Academies
Train and compete as a student athlete alongside your studies.
Theory Test Practice
For those wanting extra preparation to pass their driving test.
LGBTQ+ Social Group
A friendly inclusive environment.
Open Gym Sessions
Our facilities at SEEVIC and Palmer's are open to students during the day.
USP Thrifted
We have our own USP Thrifted shop!
Students set-up their own sustainable shop where items can be donated and resold, no item costs more than £5, so not only are you helping the environment, but you are also grabbing a bargain. This project involved our Student Champions as well as a team of female engineering students who created a clothes rail from recycled materials at the College.
Read more about USP ThriftedThe Student Union
As well as the day-to-day activities that happen on campus (or the incredible trips), you are also able to get involved in our Student Union (the real people behind all of the fantastic activities on campus). Each year a team of Student Champions are nominated and selected to be the voice of the students. They meet regularly to discuss student life, what they would like to see more of and what changes they could make to enhance the experience for all students. Each Champion works with a dedicated College Manager to make sure that these things happen.
So if you are passionate about something and want to make it happen then becoming a champion is the route for you (and of course it looks great on your CV and university application). Finally, the role, of all roles – Student Governor. Our Student Governors attend Senior Management and Governor meetings and are involved in key decision making at the College, and they love the opportunity to do so.
Don’t just take our word for it:
I enjoy going to debate club because it teaches us to discuss certain topics that are not only relevant but difficult in a professional manner. Healthy debate is a skill that we should all possess so we can learn to listen to others whilst also expressing our opinions in a way that is professional. I am hoping that by using this enrichment session it will allow my skills to be at its best for when I start university
Breakfast club is a nice way to start our mornings. Everyone is always happy and smiling and the choice is good. We can have a pastry or a hot wrap. By going to breakfast club, I get to start my learning on a full stomach
Basketball with Tom is a calm way to spend our lunches. We don’t have much to do but getting to play ball is a chance to hang with my mates and express ourselves competitively on the court. It helps to keep us occupied and not get up to anything we shouldn’t.
Chess is a cool thing to learn, and I love that so many people attend. Its also nice and quiet. I like to go to meet new friends too with similar things in common.
Having a space that is just for girls to hang and vibe (dance) is legit amazing. We just play our songs and jam. Our friend also comes to play music too and it helps us create dance routines to songs we can connect with. Really appreciate Nikki trusting us and helping us to have this space.
