“Welcoming, well-equipped and enthusiastic”: Aspiring chemists experience university life and study

To complete our trio of residentials this year we were thrilled to accompany 25 Year 12 students from schools across the country to Sheffield Hallam University for a Chemistry Residential. Subject-specific residentials are a great way for young people to enhance their subject knowledge and experience what studying a course at university might be like, with first-hand experience of learning and staying at university. 

Image of the students and staff on a tour of the university and local area

Take a look at some of the highlights:  

What’s in the soil?  

This hands-on experiment involved collecting soil samples from the campus grounds for analysis in the lab. Once back in the lab we analysed our campus soil samples to determine the bacteria present and the levels of heavy metals - thankfully levels of lead and arsenic were low! 
 
Chemistry Careers 

We also had the chance to connect with faculty staff and PhD students to hear more about the varied professional routes in chemistry and how the university supports students to take placements and pursue further study. 

One student said: “My plans were always to go into a field where chemistry is prevalent. But now I think I have decided to go into Research and Development chemistry in the development of medicines.” 
 
The Curious Case of the Deformed Oysters and Yachts 

We were thrilled to welcome Professor Sir Les Ebdon, a renowned leader in social mobility, higher education and chemistry, and a Villiers Park's Trustee, for a guest lecture. Les engaged the students by telling the story of how he helped French Oyster Farmers solve the mystery of their deformed oysters by using chemistry to determine that the lead paint used on boats was polluting the waterways.  

Students getting hands on with their experiments; examining samples through microscopes.

It was amazing to see the students so enthusiastic and engaged during their experience at Sheffield Hallam. Deborah, our former Director of Programmes, shared the importance of the residential -  

“The Chemistry residential was a resounding success. It was an amazing opportunity for the students to fully experience university life firsthand by staying in university accommodation, being introduced to exciting undergraduate topics, and experiencing university-style teaching using state-of-the-art equipment. The students were all motivated and interested, and a delight to be with.” 

One of our students added “I now definitely want to do chemistry, also I feel more confident about meeting people in uni accommodation.” 

Our thanks to Sheffield Hallam University, especially their widening participation team, student ambassadors and Chemistry department, for making this such a memorable week. The residential was generously supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry, HeppSY and Sheffield Hallam University.