The 2020-21 academic year is now well under way and we believe September and October was the perfect time to get to know our Scholars and welcome them to the CSC family. We decided to hold a series of informal virtual meet ups, as a space where Scholars are able to get to meet their CSC cousins, and hear about their hopes and expectations for their scholarship experience.
In our series of virtual meet ups, we have met Scholars studying in many different regions of the UK, and we are looking forward to hearing from more Scholars as our virtual meet ups and engagement activities continue.
What are virtual meet ups?
Scholars participating in a pub quiz during virtual meet up
The virtual meet ups are a fun way for new Scholars to meet each other, hear from CSC staff about engagement activities and participate in an interactive quiz. Scholars are also able to meet CSC Programme Officers and ask questions about their scholarship.
During the virtual meet ups, we have seen Scholars showcase their impressive knowledge of places, landmarks, celebrities and films from the UK in our virtual pub quiz, as well as discovering some interesting facts about the UK including that mushy peas are the perfect accompaniment to fish and chips!
Connecting with the Regional Network
Scholars have had the chance to meet other people in their Regional Network and find out about the different ways they can stay connected through Regional Facebook groups and other activities. Although face-to-face events may not be possible at the present time, there will be many opportunities for regional virtual events and activities coming soon.
We have also been joined by some of our outgoing Regional Network Coordinators who shared their experiences of developing new skills and life-long friendships through the Regional Networks.
Settling into their university communities
Regional Network Coordinator speaking to Scholars at a virtual meet up
The meet ups have also provided Scholars with a chance to ask practical questions about arriving in the UK and settling into their university communities. With CSC staff on hand to answer questions and signpost support, we hope the meet ups have been a useful forum for resolving queries and offering advice to Scholars who are yet to arrive in the UK.
As part of CSC’s engagement activities, Scholars are invited to participate in other opportunities, such as development training programme and Knowledge Hubs, and we look forward to seeing Scholars being involved in these activities very soon.
Thank you to all those who have joined our virtual meet up series. We hope to meet more Scholars at virtual events in the coming weeks and months!
