An education fair like no other took place at Ballakermeen High School last week with Manx university students giving advice to sixth-form pupils.

The annual higher education fair normally draws representatives from more than 60 UK universities, but Covid-19 complications meant this time the stalls were manned by experienced island students.

Manx Uni-Verse, a student-led social media group that connects current and prospective students while providing support, was behind the event in the Douglas school’s sixth-form centre.

Chloe Corran, a dance student at De Montfort University in Leicester who formerly attended St Ninian’s High School, was happy to provide information to Year 12 students (ages 16 to 17).

’It’s nice to talk from an island point of view. When I spoke to representatives from the UK they didn’t realise what it could be like to move so far away from home,’ she said.

’It would’ve helped me if I had spoken to people who were from here.’

She added that it was slightly challenging when asked about unfamiliar courses at her university, but she was able to direct them well.

Ramsey Grammar School student, Giles Beaumont, 18, said having the option to get advice from fellow Manxies about university was useful.

He said: ’Some universities class the Isle of Man as "international" and apply overseas fees to this. It’s good to confirm what universities do this by speaking to Manx students.’

He hopes the affects of Covid-19 will have worn off by the time he reaches university in two years’ time.

Heading the University of Oxford stand was former Castle Rushen High School students Reuben Harris and Zachary Elliott.

’It’s been good to reassure people and tell them how good university is,’ Reuben said.

Zachary added: ’Going to Oxford was one of the best decisions I’ve made and it’s been great to share my experiences with the students.’

The pair will be returning to a hybrid system of face-to-face and online lectures.

Saffron Montgomery, who will be going into her second year of Law studies at Liverpool John Moores University, said she really enjoyed the day.

She particularly found it important to direct students to the right course at any university rather than focus solely on hers.

’You’re spending a lot of time and money on a course, so it needs to be the right one.’

She added: ’Part of me wishes that there had been something like Manx Uni-Verse when I applied, not just for a fair like this but just to connect with people online.’

Saffron will return to university in September for online lectures and face-to-face seminars and workshops.

Ditte Smith, the higher education administrator at University College Isle of Man, said the revised fair was a great initiative.

’Students are getting a real account of university than just a market view,’ she said. ’They’re also getting to know about the social side.’

She said the college has received more applicants as students are viewing it as a good second option. ’We’re lucky we have this safe bubble in the Isle of Man right now. No one knows what will happen in future. We’ll have to wait it out.’