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Monday March 18th, 2019
In this month’s blog we look at universities: choosing what to study, where to study and even when. We’ve also collated some of the best social events for The Season.
What to study – which undergraduate degree course?
Unless you have a clear vocation – then base your choices firstly on what you enjoy; secondly on what you’re good at. You’ll be spending three to six years studying this subject or subjects in great depth and extensive breadth… it should be an enjoyable, uplifting experience and not simply a means to an end!
Talk to your school’s alumni about their experience; speak to your subject teachers and careers’ advisors about your strengths and potential. Contact us to get an insight into which subjects might suit you best – especially if you are considering something you haven’t studied before, such as Philosophy, Psychology, Law, etc. With our in-depth knowledge of the top UK universities, we can offer impartial advice about subjects and degree courses. Some establishments combine subjects in specific ways; others offer a unique take on an area of study. It’s important to gain this insight as part of your research – and it will help you with the next big choice… where to study.
Where to study – which university?
Although this choice will partly depend on the subject(s) you choose, it’s important to get a feel for the atmosphere of a place. It’s likely you’ll have a favourite uni on paper from researching the course structure – but until you visit in person you can’t really imagine the size, scale or sense of the place. Try to visit several universities; select a range from campus-based establishments to city-centre institutions to collegiate systems like Oxbridge.
They all hold open days, giving you access to lecture theatres; example tutorials; leisure facilities – plus a chance to meet undergraduates and teaching staff. It’s good to rationalise your decision and base it on all these variables – but also be honest with yourself. What’s your gut instinct? Does a campus lifestyle feel too claustrophobic? Is a city centre too hectic?
At Regency Education, we’ll accompany you on open days and help you make the choice that’s right for you. We also run anOxbridge Application Programme and a Cambridge Insights Day. Get in touch to find out more about how we can help with this all-important choice. When to study – gap year or no gap year?
There are pros and cons to either option. Some people say they need a break from endless study – the conveyor belt of education! And some employers look very favourably on the soft skills and life experience gained during a gap year. If you have something specific, beneficial and structured planned for a year out – then it can be a hugely positive phase at the perfect time. Many universities will be happy to defer your place for the next academic entry. We can advise you on this. But be warned! It can be hard to return to the rigour of study after time off. So whatever you decide, you’ll need to be disciplined! Contact us to find out more.
We’ve also collated some of the best social events for The Season:
– MARCH– The Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival – Cheltenham Tuesday 12th to Friday 15th March 2019
Races across the UK were halted temporarily in February after an equine flu outbreak, but horses and jockeys are getting ready for the famous four-day festival in the beautiful Cotswolds this month. Alongside some of the best horse racing in the world, experience live bands, Michelin starred hospitality and boutique shopping. Read more here.
– APRIL– The Boat Race – Putney to Mortlake Sunday 7th April 2019 Dating back to 1829, this annual tradition sees rowing crews from Oxford and Cambridge Universities pit their wits and their oars against each other for an exciting race over a famous four-mile stretch of the River Thames. Find out more here.
The Grand National – Aintree Race Course, Liverpool Thursday 4th to Saturday 6th April 2019 A total of 21 races will take place at the world’s most famous horse racing festival this year. Around 600 million people will tune in to watch on TV; why not experience the magic in person? For tickets and more information visit here.
– MAY – Badminton Horse Trials Wednesday 1st to Sunday 5th May 2019 Still on the equestrian theme, Badminton Horse Trials is arguably the world’s top three-day event, often frequented by members of the Royal family. With a 70-year heritage and set in a stunning Cotswolds location, it features dressage, cross country, show jumping… but it’s not just for horse fans. Many people attend so they can visit the fantastic shopping village, which offers every countryside product you can imagine. Read more here.
Goodwood Cricket Club vs Cricketers Club of London Sunday 12th May Watch some of the finest club-level cricket on sunny summer Sundays. Kicking off the season’s series of matches is this fixture at the beautiful Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. See the whole series here.
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 16th May until 21st September 2019 This award-winning series of theatrical events has become a London landmark, synonymous with summer in the city. Enjoy performances ranging from Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Our Town’; Engelbert Humperdinck’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’ in collaboration with the English National Opera; Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’or the West End musical ‘Evita’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – all in the beautiful surroundings of a Royal Park. Read more and buy tickets here.
Chelsea Flower Show Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th May 2019
The world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show offers a glamorous and quintessentially British insight into everything and anything to do with gardens, plants and their positive impact on people. The private viewing day is packed with London’s high society and the event attracts notable guests for its five-day duration. Find out more here.
– JUNE – Cartier Queen’s Cup Tournament Tuesday 21st May until Sunday 16th June Experience this unique event with its blend of glamour, style and elegance in a beautiful setting. As the largest polo club in Europe, Guards has several grounds in beautiful locations including the stunning backdrop of Windsor Castle. See more here and search their calendar of tournaments.
Chesterton’s Polo in the Park Friday 7th to Sunday 9th June 2019 With three polo matches per day plus luxury shopping and dining, Polo in the Park not only gives you the chance to watch the world’s finest polo – but also to enjoy the perfect party. Celebrate 10 years of world-class polo at Hurlingham Park in Fulham with champagne in the Champagne Lanson Garden, or cocktails at the iconic Mahiki, Slingsby and Polo Bars. Read more here.
Nevill Holt Opera, Market Harborough, Leicestershire 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th June 2019 – Benjamin Britten – A Midsummer Night’s Dream 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th June and 2nd July 2019 – Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte This award-winning summer opera festival offers a unique perspective on all-time greats. Its brand-new theatre sits in stunning landscaped gardens studded with modern sculpture and providing panoramic views over the Leicestershire countryside. Enjoy outdoor opera in a unique, magical, historical setting. Read more and book tickets here.
Royal Ascot Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd June 2019 Royal Ascot attracts many of the world’s finest racehorses to compete for millions of pounds in prize money. It’s also an exciting opportunity to wear your finest formal attire and your favourite feathery, funky or fantastic hat or fascinator. Featuring on the fashion calendar and the social scene as well as the racing diaries of world-class horses and jockeys, it’s a magical experience with a very British heritage. Book before 4th April for early bird discounts here.
Aspall Tennis Classic, The Hurlingham Club Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th June 2019 Set against the backdrop of one of London’s hidden gems, this is one of the most intimate tennis events in the social calendar. See tennis stars and celebrities of the screen and stage and enjoy world-class tennis as top ATP Tour players fine-tune their game before Wimbledon. Visit here for more details.
-JULY – Wimbledon Monday 1st to Sunday 14th July 2019 The oldest tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon is regarded by many top-class players as one of the most prestigious tennis titles to win. Celebrities flock to this event, which also attracts members of the Royal family. Find out more here.
Henley Royal Regatta Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th July 2019 With a proud heritage dating back to 1839, this event brings a party atmosphere to the pretty Oxfordshire town of Henley-on-Thames with its pop-up bars and posh picnicking. The world-revered regatta is the most famous of its type, held in high regard by rowers and non-rowers alike as a great sporting event and special social occasion. Visithere for more info.
Barclaycard’s British Summer Time at Hyde Park Friday 5th to Sunday 14th July 2019 Featuring world-class performers – this year including Celine Dion, Florence and the Machine and Robbie Williams – BST in Hyde Park also provides fun activities for all the family including outdoor cinema, children’s theatre, live music, dance and trapeze workshops plus horticultural shows. Enjoy lunch or dinner during the week with some of the UK’s best independent food and drink producers. Visit here for more details.
British Grand Prix, Silverstone Friday 12th to Sunday 14th July 2019 The world’s best drivers take to the track for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix in July. For an action-packed weekend fuelled by excitement, skill and speed visit here.
Dorset Seafood Festival Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July 2019 Soak up the seaside atmosphere and taste some amazing fresh seafood at the UK’s largest free seafood festival. Hosted in and around Weymouth’s historic harbour, the Dorset Seafood Festival features top UK chefs, over 100 stalls to sample seafood plus a chance to sip English sparkling wine in the sunshine. What’s not to like? Visit here for more details.
The Open Sunday 14th to Sunday 21st July 2019 The 148th Open at Royal Portrush will showcase some of the best golf in the world. Dubbed ‘Golf’s Greatest Championship’, the world-famous event gives you the chance to enjoy stunning Irish scenery; experience a beautiful course and see some of the world’s best players in action. Find out more here.
–AUGUST – Qatar Goodwood Festival Tuesday 30th July until Saturday 3rd August 2019 Goodwood plays host to several flagship events during the season, including this famous festival dubbed ‘Glorious Goodwood’. One of the highlights of the flat-racing calendar, it combines some of the greatest races in the world with elegant fashion on the social scene. If you prefer your speed in the form of cars instead of horses, check the Goodwood schedule for its ‘mecca of motor sport’ the Festival of Speed from 4th to 7th July. For a slower, calmer, classic experience, step back in time to the golden era of 1950s and 60s motorsport with the Goodwood Revival from 13th to 15th September. See here for details.
– SEPTEMBER – Salon Privé Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th September 2019 THE place to be for classic, super, hyper and concept cars. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé celebrates an incredible collection of motoring masterpieces across the years with an elegant garden party and luxury social occasion. Read more here.
The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair, Berkeley Square, Mayfair Friday 13th to Wednesday 18th September 2019 Autumn’s must-visit event for sourcing and buying fine art and antiques, this world-famous fair attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. It’s become a real highlight on the social calendar and is the perfect cultural experience to draw our guide to The 2019 Season to a close. Find out more here.
Enjoy!
“ Regency Education helped all three of our boys get into a wonderful school where they now thrive. ”
“ REGENCY EDUCATION WAS ABLE TO HELP US WITH EVERY STEP OF THE SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS ENSURING THE EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS OF OUR CHILDREN. AN INVALUABLE SERVICE. ”
“ REGENCY EDUCATION WAS ABLE TO HELP US WITH EVERY STEP OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS ENSURING THE EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS OF OUR CHILDREN - AN INVALUABLE SERVICE. ”
