Going to University
Everything you need to know about applying to University is available on the UCAS website www.ucas.ac.uk We have also produced a HE Booklet to help you with writing your personal statement and lots of other useful information to help you through the process. Click here to view the booklet
There are six main steps to follow. Below is an overview:
Step 1: Choosing courses
Think carefully about the course you'd like to do at university or college. There are thousands of courses available at hundreds of universities and colleges, and each one suits some people better than others. Choose your courses for the right reasons and do plenty of research before deciding where to go. Make an appointment with Mary or Jan to go through choices and research.
Step 2: Applying
You apply for courses using the UCAS application system, Apply. Each section of the application is explained and there's help text in Apply to answer your questions. You send your completed application to UCAS online (via the New College system using a buzzword. See the HE booklet for more information Link to booklet above. When your application has been sent to UCAS they will send it to the universities and colleges you choose. The date you need to send your application by depends on your choices, so check the application deadlines as soon as you can. Check the applying to university notice board outside Student Services in B Block or call in to Student Services for one to one help.
Step 3: Offers
Universities and colleges will decide whether to offer you a place or not. You can check if you're accepted on the UCAS online tracking system, Track, which shows your choices and any decisions made by the universities and colleges. If you're accepted, you need to reply to your offers. If you change your mind or aren't accepted, there are other options to help you find a course. See the UCAS website or call in to talk to someone in Student Services
Step 4: Results
If you're waiting for results, be prepared for what happens next. Check Track to see if you're accepted on your chosen course. UCAS receive some exam results and send them to the universities and colleges. For others like GCSE results, you send them yourself. Your next steps depend on if you're accepted or not. Not sure what to do? Call in to talk to someone in Student Services
Step 5: Next steps
If you are accepted, you will receive a letter from UCAS that explains what happens next. If you receive different grades than expected or change your mind, there are other options available. Check Track and look for course vacancies on the UCAS website to find an alternative place or call in to Student Services for help
Step 6: Starting university or college
Make sure you have everything ready, such as accommodation, finances, travel arrangements, books and equipment required for the course. See what the students' union at your university or college has prepared for new students and find out what support is available while you're studying.
Getting Financial Help
How much a student gets is means tested on their household income and also depends on where and what course you go on to study. You may qualify for loans, grants or a mixture of both. All the information you need and the online application form is available at www.direct.gov.uk/ studentfinance
There is also a student finance link in UCAS Track which takes you straight to the application form registration. Help and advice is available in Student Services.