Student Freshers are Setting a New Trend

February is becoming the new September for university admissions. Traditionally, the end of summer has been the time when freshers pack up their things and leave home for a new adventure, University!

However times are slowly changing. February is increasingly becoming the starting month for many universities, including East London, Salford, Thames Valley and Middlesex.

At Middlesex, for first year starters the first year is acclerated from January to July, with the second year then beginning in September. Students starting at Middlesex this year will graduate in Summer 2009.

Middlesex University sells this idea as a cost saving option for students a little strapped for cash. "The January start option offers the same programme and amount of teaching contact time with a significant saving on living costs while a student" The university says.

The new year is also an important time for the University of East London. Last February, in excess of 1,200 students began their degrees in comparison to 5,400 in September.

The Head of Admissions at UEL, Carol Elliott commented, "For many students, February is an ideal time to start a degree programme. We receive tremendous interest from a wide range of applicants, including mature studetns seeking to change their careers and younger students who are taking a few months off to work after school or college before applying to university.

"This is a system that really works for our students and we are looking to extend it in future. February starts offer flexibility and choice and the intake has really taken off."

According to East London, starting university in February can also lift your spirits. One of the university academics, Ilona Boniwell, also an expert in Positive Psychology, said: We tend to work in cycles, and the new year represents a new start, which is why people make resolutions and embark on new ventures. Another big advantage is that your are completing your final exams in December, rather than in the middle of summer when most of us really want to be in the park or on the beach."