UNIVERSITY
What is next?
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If you have already applied or are thinking about applying to university or college this year, you have an opportunity to research your options. Here is a guide to help you.
Here are some things you can look at when deciding what and where to study. It’s a good idea to first think about what matters
to you and find information related to that.
• Choose a subject or subject combination that interests you.
• Look at the details of courses you’re considering, such as the
modules on offer.
• Think about what you want to get out of your course. Is it to
gain new skills, to study a subject you love, or something else?
• Consider if you want to study at home or move away. Also
think through the type of place you want to live, and whether
you want to study full-time or part-time.
Doing your research is key
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Check the entry requirements for courses you’re keen on.
Universities and colleges set their own requirements, so these
may be different depending on the institution you’re applying to.
• Research how the course is delivered in terms of lectures,
seminars, practical learning, independent work and group
projects.
• Think about whether you want to do a course with a
practical element, such as placements or an internship.
Is this important to you?
• Think about other options such as higher or degree
apprenticeships or Higher Technical Qualifications. You can
find information about other options in higher education on
Discover Uni. Remember you can also apply for other options
at the same time as applying for an undergraduate degree.
Shortlisting courses
Actually Applying
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For most undergraduate higher education courses in the UK,
you should apply through UCAS. The key dates for this year’s
application process are listed on its website.
Find key dates at UCAS
If you’re applying for a place on a practice-based musical theatre,
music, dance or drama course at one of the UK’s conservatoires,
you should apply through the UCAS conservatoire route.
If you miss the UCAS application deadline, you can still apply for
many courses until clearing opens in the summer, but you should
check with the university or college that if they have spaces first.
Before you apply, remember to look carefully at the course
information and entry requirements on university and college
websites. These may highlight key things they are looking for in
your application and personal statement.
After you apply
Universities and colleges will reply to your application. This may
include an invite to interview or an offer of a place. Each university
and college will make their decisions at different times, meaning
you might hear back before or after your friends do.
You can withdraw or make changes to your application either on
the UCAS Track Tool or by contacting the university or college
directly
While you are waiting for your results
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1. Apply for student finance
If you are a new student, you can apply for funding even if you do
not yet have a confirmed place on a course.
Find information about student finance on Discover Uni
2. Look into accommodation
There are usually different types of accommodation available,
which can include university or college owned accommodation,
student accommodation owned by private companies, and private
accommodation.
You may prefer to live on campus, it may be important for you to
have a short commute to uni or college, or to be in an area with
lots on your doorstep. It’s worth researching the accommodation
available at your chosen universities or colleges early so that you
are ready to get arrangements in place.
Find useful information about accommodation on Discover Uni
3. Get prepared for clearing
Many universities and colleges have virtual campus tours
available on their websites. You can also sign up for virtual open
days and online discussions. UCAS keeps a list of virtual events
on its websit
Aswell as...
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4. Make sure support is in place If you have particular requirements, inform the universities or colleges you’ve applied to. For example, if you are a care leaver or you have a disability, look for support on their websites and ask what they can offer you.
5. Research opportunities and talk to other students There will be many opportunities to join societies and clubs, play sports, engage in student representative or union roles, volunteering or opportunities to engage with the local community as a student. Joining clubs and societies can help you to meet others and support you to settle into university and the local area if you have moved away from home.
While you are waiting for your results, you can research the type of opportunities you want to get involved in as a student. This may also help you to make a final decision about which course, university or college might be right for you.
Look at the university or college website and their social media channels to find out more. You can also talk to current students to understand what university life is really like. Sign up to Unibuddy and The Student
Researching options:
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These websites can provide you with more insights and information, possibly offering answers to questions you haven’t even thought of yet. Chat University is really good at exploring past offers and other requirements when it comes to specific subject requirements.
BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/
Discover Uni: https://discoveruni.gov.uk/
Get Career Confident: https://www.getcareerconfident.
Prospects: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
The Student Room: https://www.thestudent
UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/
Unibuddy: https://www.ucas.com/chat-to-students
What Uni: https://www.whatuni.com/