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Undergraduate study

Applying to university

Explore our pages to find out everything you need to know about applying to university, from what you should be thinking about when researching your choices to deadlines, late applications and hints and tips on university interviews.

If you want to find out more about our courses, 'our subject areas' tiles provides lots of information to help you make your decision. You can also book to come along to an open day or taster day to get a real insight into a subject.

Choosing

Choosing

From forensics to fashion, computing to criminology and marketing to media, with so much choice it's important you carry out as much research as possible when exploring your university options.

If you have a career path in mind, you may need a degree in a particular field. For instance, if you want to be solicitor you need to have a law degree. The most important thing is to do something you enjoy.

Course type

There are lots of different ways to study including Higher National Certificates (HNCs), undergraduate study, foundation degrees, apprenticeships or something else?

More about different levels of study

Study mode

You can choose to study full-time but it's also possible to study part-time while you work or look after a family member. Online study is becoming increasingly popular and could be another avenue to explore.

Accreditation

Does your course need to be accredited by a relevant awarding body for your career plan? For example, if you would like to work as a psychologist you need to study a degree that's accredited by the British Psychological Society. To be a journalist, you need accreditation from the National Council for the Training of Journalists. This information is available on university websites or in the prospectus so make sure to check.

Course

Every university has different entry requirements so don't assume that, just because one university asks for 112 UCAS tariff points including maths to study an engineering degree, that allwill ask for this. Check out the modules included and if there are topics that interest you. And the types of assessment may also differ - some can include exams, others may have presentations or reports as part of their assessment process. Think about what works best for you.

Open day checklist

Our open day checklist will make sure you ask the right questions.

Download our checklist

Location

Consider where you want to live and what type of campus you want to study at. Would you prefer to live in a city or a more rural area? Do you want your university to be on a campus? Do you want to stay close to home or move as far away as possible? Think of the distance in terms of time and travelling costs.

Facilities

How well equipped is the university for the subject you want to study and how much have they invested in the facilities you will use? How much access will you have to those facilities and do they match what is used in the industry? Consider arrangements for work placements, volunteering options and opportunities to study abroad.

Accommodation

Does the university have halls of residence, or will you rent a shared house or flat? Do you want to live on campus or further out, with fellow students or by yourself. Be mindful that the cost of accommodation and everyday living costs can vary a lot.

Quality and investment

Each university is regularly assessed on the quality of its academic provision and student satisfaction. You can find details on the Quality Assurance Agency website, your chosen university's website and Students' Union website, and the DiscoverUni website. You may also want to consider the relevant league tables for your institution or subject area.

Scholarships and bursaries

Universities offer incentives to students in the form of scholarships and bursaries. These might be based on academic, sporting or musical achievements, household income or subject specific relevant to the course you are applying for. Types of incentives include discounted course or accommodation costs, iPads and laptops, money towards travel expenses and books. This information should be available on the university website so check out what you might eligible for. Find out more

Social life

Making friends and trying new activities are important so make sure you check out local clubs and societies. The Students' Union play a an important role in students' lives so it's worth finding out what's on offer socially at your shortlisted institutions. Are there activities going on in the local area for you get involved in? If you are a water sports or hiking fan, what opportunities are available for you?

Making your choice

Once you've done your research you have to narrow your choices down to five. These can be five courses all at one institution or at various universities. This is the maximum number of places that UCAS allows you to apply to at one time, so it's essential to think very carefully about which institutions and courses you put down on your form.

Open days and taster days are a great way to find out if a course and university is for you. You can check out the campus, facilities and accommodation and chat to academic staff and current students and find out if the university is the right fit for you.

Next you need to choose your firm (first choice) and insurance (second choice) from these five so start to think about your preferred course and university. Head to our applying pages to find out what's next.

Applying

How to apply

Once you've decided which universities and courses are suitable, it's time to apply. Applications to all UK universities for full-time undergraduate courses are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses. You can start applying for courses in the September of the year before you want to start.

How?

  • All applications are made online through UCAS.
  • Your school or college will issue you with a buzzword - this will link your application to your place of study so a reference can be attached at a later date. If you are applying as in individual, you don't need to worry about a buzzword.
  • Make a note of your UCAS ID and password - if you need to contact UCAS or the universities you have applied to you will be asked to provide them.
  • There are nine main sections of the form to work through. Make sure the information you enter is as accurate as possible to prevent delays in universities making you an offer.
  • Use the UCAS Applying Online guide - this has lots of information about completing your application.
  • Be honest about your qualifications - you will have to show copies of your certificates.
  • Write a brilliant personal statement to sell yourself to admissions tutors. Many courses don't interview applicants, so this may be your only chance to make an impression.

When?

UCAS opens in September for you to submit your application

Your school or college may set an earlier deadline to allow time for them to check your personal statement and attach a reference. For most courses, UCAS must receive your application between 1 September and 6pm on the final Wednesday in January. If you are applying to any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry, you need to send your application to UCAS by 15 October (in the calendar year before you want to start).

How and when to apply to university

Find out more about when you need to apply and the application process.

What's next?

You should start to receive offers from those universities you have applied to. There are four types of offer you might receive.

Unconditional offer
If you have already met the entry criteria of the course you applied for.

Conditional offer
If you need to meet any particular requirements first, such as exam results.

Unsuccessful
The university has decided not to offer you a place on the course.

Withdrawn
Either you or the university has withdrawn your application. A reason may be shown in your UCAS Hub.

What next?
Based on your offers, you need to decide which is your firm choice (your first choice) and which is your insurance choice (your second or backup choice).

Choices, Deadlines and Clearing

Find out more about what your offers mean and what you need to do when you receive them.

UCAS Extra

UCAS

Universities still accept applications after the UCAS January deadline - but only for courses that still have places available. UCAS Extra opens at the end of February for those who haven't been made an offer from their five choices. If you're eligible for UCAS Extra, an additional button will appear on your UCAS Hub screen. Decisions are conditional, unconditional or unsuccessful. If you're unsuccessful or turn down an offer you can continue making more choices up until 30 June. Find out more UCAS Extra.

Late applications and UCAS extra

Find out more about applying after the UCAS equal consideration deadline has passed

Clearing

Clearing

Clearing is the last opportunity for you to secure a place at university. It runs from early July until mid-October. If you already have your exam results but you have no offers, you can use Clearing from July. If you had conditional offers but your exam results didn't go to plan, you can use Clearing from results day, when Clearing vacancies are listed in the UCAS search tool. If your exam results are reasonable and you're flexible on subject and location, there's still a good chance you'll find another course.

Applying through Clearing?

Get an overview of what Clearing is and how it works.

University interviews

University Interviews

Once you have applied to university, you may be invited for interview.

Every university has a different style of interviewing. Some might be informal, others might follow a structured programme and could include other applicants (the group interview). Some might ask questions that require you to give examples of what you have done, others might ask scenario-based questions, so 'what would you do if...'. It's worth preparing for all eventualities.

It's easy to let your nerves get the better of you but remember, you've been invited to interview because the university is interested in finding out more about you. So you've already made a great start.

Before the day think about:

  • the skills required for the course. If you are applying to be a nurse you can expect questions about your communication skills. Think of examples so you have lots to talk about.
  • why you have chosen the course and what interests you about it
  • any open days, discovery days or summer schools you attended and what you got out of them
  • what you understand about the course, the research you have carried out and the types of professions you can go into
  • what you enjoy about your current studies.

Cover the basics.

  • Confirm your attendance.
  • Plan your journey in advance, giving plenty of time to get there. Make sure you know where you can park and have spare change if there is a charge.
  • If you are unfamiliar with the campus, report to reception when you arrive and ask for directions.

On the day, bring with you:

  • any correspondence about the interview including details of when, where and who to report to plus university contact details in case there are any unforeseen circumstances on the way
  • additional information requested by the university - this may be checked by admissions tutors and contribute to your interview.

Useful tips

  • Listen carefully to the questions you are being asked.
  • If you don't understand the question, ask the interviewer to repeat it.
  • If you need a minute to consider your response, take a sip of water.
  • Always provide examples, never give one-word answers.
  • Don't lie, you will be found out.
  • Stay positive - even if something unexpected happens on the way to the university, try and remain composed and positive for the interview.
  • Be yourself.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

The facts

  • Apply through Student Finance England. Applications normally open around February time
  • Pay nothing up front
  • Tuition fee loans can cover the full cost of tuition fees each year
  • Graduates only start repayments when they have left university
  • Repayments are linked to earnings, not the amount that has been borrowed
  • Repayments will end once graduates have cleared the amount they borrowed with any interest; or 40 years after graduation
  • Graduates only pay back 9% of their earnings above £21,000 a year, for example you will pay just £8.65 a week if you earn £30,000 a year
  • Lots more money is available through loans, scholarships and bursaries

Budgeting for university

Whether you decide to study at your local university or move away, budgeting for your studies is very important. Balancing your incomings and outgoings before you start your course will help you keep in control of your money. Your cost of living will vary depending on where you live and what you study. Student advisers are on hand in each university and within your college to help you with your budget plan and to highlight any financial support packages you may be eligible for.

Bear in mind there may be specific financial implications of studying a particular course. Be proactive and seek this advice. It won't be long before you are packing your bag for your first day at uni.

Accommodation and travel

Your chosen university should be able to provide you with information on the cost of living and prices for university managed housing, such as halls of residence. Many institutions will send you this information during the application process.

Think about how much it will cost you to get to university each day, by car or public transport or can you walk? If you have a car, can you really afford to maintain this?

Bills

Think about credit cards, mobile phone bills, car and house insurance. Will you be responsible for paying for gas, electricity, phone and a TV licence? Setting up direct debits or standing orders may help you keep on top of bills.

Food and clothes

How much money you will spend on groceries. Think about the more economical places to shop for food and clothes which will allow you to save your pennies for the fun stuff.

Books

Text books may cost anything between £10 and £25 and are likely to be one of your biggest expenses. You can cut the cost significantly by borrowing from the library but remember there will only be a limited number of copies and you will only be able to borrow them for a limited time. Try to get there as soon as your reading list is published.

Many students also sell their used copies cheap so keep a look out on library or online noticeboards.

Bank accounts and credit facilities

We recommend that you open a student bank account - primarily for the interest free overdraft facility. But remember, an overdraft is not income; it should be seen as a safety net.

If you should need to use it, always keep your bank informed of your situation and never go over your agreed limit without the banks agreement. If you do, interest will start to rack up and charges are added - it can become difficult to get out of this debt.

Credit cards and store cards can be useful if you have a regular (and healthy) source of income and you can afford to make more than the required minimum monthly repayment.

Having fun

Your first year at uni is likely to involve a good amount of socialising so work out how much you have available to spend on an average night out.

Your Students' Union will offer good deals on food and drink but don't make the mistake of blowing all your money in the first term. Think realistically about how often you can afford to go out.

Find out more about applying for student finance

Personal statements

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself to your chosen university. It will be used to decide whether a university offers you a place. It's particularly important if you are applying to courses that don't interview.

How long?

There is a limit of 4,000 characters, this is around one side of A4 in size 12 font. This may seem a lot and can be quite daunting at first, so before you start make notes and a plan of what you want to include. This will form the base of your personal statement and give you an idea of where to start.

Should I type it straight into the application form? You may find it easier to write your statement as a Word document first. This can help you edit and format it, and to keep an eye on the character count. You can paste it into your UCAS application once you're happy with it.

What to include?

  • Highlight your knowledge of the course and any research you have carried out such as getting involved with open days, summer schools or university taster days.
  • Mention any work or voluntary experiences, and the skills and knowledge you developed that you can apply to your course.
  • Discuss your academic achievements and how these have helped prepare you for higher education.
  • Showcase your involvement in clubs and societies, mentoring or participating in team sports, and the responsibilities associated including teamwork, organisation and leadership skills.
  • It's really important to mention personal experiences which support your interest in the subject and why you think you're the right fit for the course.
  • Finally, remember to include career goals and aspirations, and how the course will help you achieve these.

The application journey: personal statements

Hints and tips on writing an effective personal statement for university

Any top tips?

These are our five top tips for writing your personal statement.

  1. Cover the key areas, make sure your personal statement is well-structured, concise and easy to read.
  2. Avoid using clichés, abbreviations, emojis and unfamiliar acronyms - this is a professional piece of work, you want to come across as friendly and enthusiastic but not too informal.
  3. Don't just list your skills, explain why they're relevant to the course you are applying to and provide examples.
  4. Don't copy your personal statement from anyone else - UCAS uses software that picks up commonly used words and phrases.
  5. Make sure you get your personal statement checked by a friend, family member or tutor before submitting.
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