Lorraine Clark

After years of working in office-based roles, Lorraine decided it was time for a change – one that combined her love for nature with new learning opportunities. Here, Lorraine offers a glimpse into her Integrated Foundation Year and shares what she's looking forward to most when she starts her studies at our Ambleside campus.

Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?  

I’m currently studying an Integrated Foundation Year at the Fusehill Street campus, which focuses on building my scientific knowledge and university-level study skills. After this year, I’ll be studying BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership at the Ambleside campus, in the heart of the Lake District.  

I decided, after many years of working in office-based roles, to become a mature student. I’ve always been a nature lover and have spent so many hours walking in the Sussex countryside with my children and dogs. I was partly inspired by visiting universities with my two sons and listening to the academics talk about the courses available. Many of the types of courses did not exist when I left school, and I felt inspired by the range of courses available now. In fact, the most difficult thing was choosing which one to study! 

Why did you choose the University of Cumbria over other universities? 

The campus at Ambleside is such a unique and beautiful place to study. I didn’t consider any other universities for my course because I couldn’t think of a better environment. 

What has your experience of your Integrated Foundation Year been like so far?  

Although I spoke to tutors, read through the Programme Specification and attended an Open Day, I still didn’t know exactly what to expect from the Integrated Foundation Year. But I’ve really enjoyed the varied programme of sciences, and specialist education tutors are teaching me how to study, how to research, and what the expectations of university-level academic study are. 

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them? 

The main challenge I have faced is curbing my enthusiasm for taking on too much! I like to work and volunteer as well as study, and I can’t seem to stop looking for things to do or experience. At times, this has been a juggling act, but it keeps me interested and enthusiastic. I recommend keeping a calendar and pinning deadlines to the wall in obvious places. 

How have your tutors supported you during your studies?  

So far during the Integrated Foundation Year, we have had different tutors come in and teach our Scientific Investigation lessons. This has helped us to learn not only about their specialisms, but also how they envisage their specialisms fitting into the world of work. Some tutors are from the Fusehill Street campus, and some from Ambleside, so my class has also been able to learn about the campus we will be studying at next year.  

All of the tutors, after a tutorial or lecture, have made us aware that they are available to answer any further questions. We all have a personal tutor for our particular course for years 2 to 4 (after the foundation year), who has already made contact and offered advice and any help or information we need. For example, I have contacted my personal tutor a couple of times, including for a kit list and reading list for next year. My personal tutor, and the other tutors I have met on my course, are so enthusiastic, so I’m really looking forward to starting my degree next year. 

How is university life beyond your studies?  

I attended the Climbing for Wellbeing course in my first semester, which was an absolutely brilliant way to learn about some of our emotions and reactions to life’s events. We used the climbing wall to demonstrate how the body and mind respond to things like fear, comparison to others, stress, lack of self-esteem and frustration with our own abilities or slow progress. This was such a perfect way to learn about some of these things but simultaneously learn a few bouldering techniques and work on our fitness. 

I have also taken part in the monthly meditation sessions, using the interactive room – it uses sounds of nature and visual ideas of nature to enhance relaxation, which was an inspiration for one of my assignments. 

I worked as an elf in a local holiday park for the Christmas season; it was such a fun way to earn money and get to know some lovely people outside of uni. I’ll definitely do this again in future years. 

I’ve also secured a part time job role at a beautiful nature reserve, which will help to integrate me into the area, appreciate the surroundings and meet new people. I’m a student ambassador and a class representative, which give me additional interests outside of my studies. 

What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?  

Regarding the Integrated Foundation Year, I think it’s been really interesting to learn how different branches of science complement and overlap with each other. At first, I did not realise how relevant these were to my particular course in outdoor studies, but my advice would be to keep an open mind and embrace any new learning opportunities. Each topic I’ve studied has opened my eyes to different areas I could specialise in. 

What advice or guidance do you have for people thinking about applying for university?  

My top tip is to definitely make contact with the tutor on your course. Firstly, read as much as you can about the course itself and use the Programme Specification on the website to find out what’s involved. Then write down any questions you may have about your course or university life and ask for a phone call or a Teams meeting. If you can get to an Open Day, that’s even better. I found the student ambassadors, the admissions staff and the tutors so enthusiastic and welcoming on the day. It can be a lot to take in, but it’s worth going and asking your questions. Everyone here has lots of good advice and insight about university life. 

What are your plans for the future, and how is your course preparing you for your potential career?  

I’ve not decided on a future career yet, as I’m only in the foundation year. But already, I can see opportunities that I was not aware of before starting the course, so I’m keeping an open mind as to what I will do next. The Programme Specification includes examples of what careers other students have progressed to. I’m also hoping to volunteer or work in the outdoor sector soon, so I can find my own way and open up other opportunities for the future. 

What’s been the highlight of your time at university so far?  

I have enjoyed the tutor-led outdoor scientific investigations and being given the opportunity to devise my own investigation and report on something that interests me.