Team GB’s triple Olympic champion Max Whitlock OBE will join thousands of visitors at an open day at the University of Hull on Saturday 25 June 2022.

As a trailblazer in his sport, Max’s role as an ambassador underlines the University’s determination to provide unmatched personal development opportunities to allow students to be the best they possibly can be.

Prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Max and find out more about the University’s unique partnership with Team GB in a Meet and Greet session, hear about his insights into personal development and success in the Welcome talk; while three lucky people will receive a Golden Ticket at the event to meet with the champion on a one-to-one basis, as well as some Team GB merchandise.

Max, who has been an ambassador for the University since 2019, said: “I am really looking forward to being back on campus for the Open Day. Since taking on my role as ambassador for the University of Hull I have really enjoyed meeting staff and students at the University. It is a really friendly place to be.”

His role as ambassador has enabled him to share his attitude to goal-setting and achieving success with students, providing inspiration both in-person and on the University’s social media channels during exam periods and in the run-up to A-level Results Day.

He said: “Throughout my career, I’ve had to learn to handle pressure, overcome setbacks and remain focused on my targets. There are so many transferrable skills for students and I really enjoy sharing these with students and staff at the University.”

From learning more about their chosen course to exploring our beautiful campus and chatting to current students prospective students will be able to discover what it’s really like to live, study and socialise at the University.

The Open Day will also give prospective students the chance to:

• Tour the University campus and accommodation in person, and take a bus tour of the city
• Discover what it’s really like to study in Hull by chatting to lecturers and students
• Have all their student finance and support questions answered
• Learn how they can gain CV-boosting experience as part of our Team GB partnership
• Enjoy a taste of life in Hull: with live music from local bands/performers and great food from a range of street food vendors

Chrissa Beaumont, Interim Director of Student Recruitment and Marketing at the University of Hull, said: “The Open Day, will give visitors the chance to speak to course tutors and current students, see our amazing library, accommodation and sports facilities and get a real sense of life in Hull.

“We cannot wait to welcome everyone who is already booked on and since the announcement that we have an Olympic champion on campus, I am sure more people will be signing up. I encourage all those who have considered studying here to book on to our Open Day. Please take a look at our travel grant which offers up to £125 (depending on the distance you are travelling) – as that might make your trip more affordable.

“During the past year, the University has improved its ranking in some of the most prestigious University rankings in the UK so we are expecting hundreds of prospective students to be coming along to find out more about the student experience in Hull.”

Popular courses include: nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, physiotherapy and other health related programmes; business management, computer science, biological and marine sciences; law; engineering, psychology, and sports health and exercise science.

Highlights of latest rankings success for the University of Hull

• The University’s improved performance over the last three years saw the University rise by 53 places in the Guardian University Guide and by 51 places in the Times Good University Guide since 2019.
• The rise of 53 places in the Guardian University Guide is the greatest increase experienced by any university in its rankings during this period.
• Among the universities in the Yorkshire and Humber region, the University of Hull is ranked 4th by both the Times and The Guardian.
• Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, released last month, named the University of Hull in the top global 100 for impact. These global rankings are based on the United Nations’ (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With remarkable successes in a number of impact categories including peace and justice, inequalities, partnerships, life below water, the 2022 ranking shows the University of Hull is taking action taken towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are an urgent call for action for countries to work in partnership, to address global challenges, to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
• Research Excellence Framework: The University of Hull is one of the highest risers in the UK and the highest riser in Yorkshire for research excellence – according to rankings from Times Higher Education (THE, May 2022). The University’s world-leading research has been recognised in the results of Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) – the UK’s system for assessing the excellence of research in Higher Education. The University is one of the highest risers nationally. Among Yorkshire’s universities, Hull is the highest riser and now in the top 4 – with the universities of York, Leeds and Sheffield taking the top 3 spots (REF 2021). The results, as reported by THE, rank the University of Hull as 55 (joint) out 157 institutions – and mark another significant success for the University as it moves up the rankings. The University is one of the highest climbers – increasing its overall ranking by 17 places from 72 (REF 2014) to 55 (joint). For research impact, the University has climbed 23 places to 42 (from joint 65th in 2014).

Benefits of Team GB partnership for students

• Encouraging students and staff to get active: As part of the University’s commitment to maintain the health, wellbeing and mindfulness of its staff and students throughout the difficult lockdown months, the University co-created social media content with Team GB in the form of “Workout Wednesdays”. Team GB athletes, including Olympic silver medallist Vicky Thornley, developed a variety of workouts targeting everything from chests to calves to cores!

• Volunteering opportunities: Student and staff volunteers have had the chance to attend the Birmingham NEC for Team GB Kitting-Out events, ahead of the Games. It gave them a chance to meet Team GB athletes, including cyclist Jason Kenny, and be part of the buzz

• Work experience opportunities: One lucky student created a new Partner Hub for Team GB and its partners, allowing easier access to Team GB documents and branding, and streamlining the process of sharing information. Others to mention?

• Motivational talks from visiting Team GB speakers and health and wellbeing events run by elite athletes: Max and a host of other Team GB athletes – including BMX supercross rider Kye Whyte, Gymnast Beth Tweddle, Cyclist Elinor Barker – have visited the University to share their experiences and tips for success with students.

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