After a year of disruption to education due to Covid19, the University wants to help students get back to their futures, and so decided to celebrate with the iconic Back to the Future car.

Characters Doc and Marty McFly have also been visiting Bedfordshire’s campus facilities – check out their visits on Tik Tok

Accompanied by Doc and Marty, the futuristic vehicle can be found in St George’s Square on Monday 9^th and Tuesday 10^th August between 9am – 5pm. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the car and snap a selfie for the chance to win an exclusive ride in the DeLorean to the University’s beautiful Putteridge Bury campus and back.

To enter the competition, simply take a picture or video with the DeLorean in Luton and post it on Twitter and/or Instagram, making sure to tag the University (@uniofbeds) and using the hashtag #BedsDelorean – winners must be aged 18 and over to enter and will be required to wear a face covering in the car during the journey for Covid safety. The winner will be announced on Twitter and Instagram at 3pm on Tuesday 10^th August and the ride will take place at 5pm, returning by 6pm.

After more than a year of disruptions to school work and exams, the University wants to encourage young people to see Clearing as an opportunity to focus on their futures again, by pursuing their ambitions and triumphing over adversity in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic – no matter their A Level results.

Prospective students who aren’t happy with their teacher predicted grades, who have decided to apply to university last minute, or who may be thinking of changing their future career path can take advantage of Bedfordshire’s ‘Defy Expectations’ webpage. It is bursting with useful information about the Clearing process, available courses, accommodation, entry requirements and information about the University’s Merit Scholarships – everything to help students make an informed decision about their studies.

A dedicated team of support and admissions staff is also on hand to take calls on 0300 3300 073, help with applications, answer online enquiries and speak to applicants via the live chat function, all between now and the end of September.

The opening hours of the Clearing Hotline will be extended between the 9-14^th August 2021, providing prospective students with additional access to the support team during results week:

• Monday 9^th – Thursday 12^th August: 8am – 8pm
• Friday 13^th August: 8am – 6pm
• Saturday 14^th – Sunday 15^th August: 10am – 4pm
• From Monday 16^th August: 9am – 5pm

David Seaton, Assistant Director of Student Recruitment & Admissions, said: “Clearing is a chance for the University of Bedfordshire to offer life-changing opportunities to many students, so if your grades are not what you expected, please do call us and we will happily support and advise you on the opportunities available within the University.”

He added: “Once A Level results are announced, we expect to receive more than 3,000 Clearing calls over the first few days, with a large majority being students who are yet to apply to the University for 2021.  We understand that Covid will have made an impact on students’ plans and thoughts about coming to university, so we are committed to supporting every applicant by offering reassurance and guiding them through the application process.”

Those unsure about which subject they would like to study, or who may be worried about any entry requirements, can speak to the Clearing team over the phone or online. The team will be able to help applicants to identify the perfect course or the best university route – such as a Foundation degree – into their dream career.

Open Days – currently planned for 11^th and 14^th August, 15^th September and 23^rd October – and campus tours are also on offer for those interested in seeing the University of Bedfordshire in person. Live chats with academics and course tutors can also be arranged by the Clearing team, which will allow prospective students to ask specific questions about their studies and learning environments.

For more information about available courses for 2021/22, accommodation, financial support and more, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/defy-expectations