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Latest from the blogs

Five apps for surviving freshers’ week

Wed 15 August 2018 - 16:38

By UCAS in UCAS advice

September is coming and we all know what that means – the famously frantic freshers’ weeks are upon us! It might be your first time away from home or perhaps you’re just concerned about getting organised, or how you’re going to afford the weekly food bill. Every year, AbilityNet helps thousands of students with a range of disabilities to get the most from their time at university, and we know that preparation is key. That’s why we’ve put together a list of apps that we think might help you prepare for the start of term… 1.

The Stand Alone Pledge: helping estranged students in higher education

Tue 14 August 2018 - 16:35

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Starting university is an adventure, but it can also be a bit daunting for many new students. Will I fit in? Will I make new friends quickly? Will I enjoy my course? What if I can’t cope? These are the kind of questions going through new students’ minds. Luckily, 90% of students have the back-up of a close family when going to university. Parents help their children settle in to the new environment and make sense of the new challenges ahead, and, if possible, help financially, and just as importantly, emotionally.

How the Refugee Support Network can help you

Tue 14 August 2018 - 16:28

By UCAS in UCAS advice

‘For me, education is freedom. It opens doors and clears your way. It’s like walking from darkness into light. When you are educated, you get knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and a future.’ Aarash (whose name we’ve changed to protect his identity) has just come to the end of his first year at university.

How can we help you? AbilityNet student services

Mon 13 August 2018 - 09:43

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Are you a student with a disability or impairment? Or a parent? Or someone working with disabled students in higher education? Would you like specialist advice and expert information on how best to support your/their studies? AbilityNet can help. AbilityNet helps people of any age and with any disability to use technology, to achieve their goals at home, at work, and in education. We provide specialist advice services, and publish free information resources on our website. We also raise awareness of the Disabled Students Allowances, and other support universities can provide.

Results day – are you off to university? You may be eligible for additional support

Mon 13 August 2018 - 09:40

By UCAS in UCAS advice

School’s out for summer, but along with lots of sunshine and fun, it also means results day is looming! A levels results day is on Thursday 16 August, and students all over the country are preparing to find out how they did in their exams. If you’re one of the lucky ones off to university, it could be time to see if you’re eligible for additional support in higher education. Use our HE Support Checker Getting a degree is a huge challenge for every student, but some students face additional challenges and barriers.

Get set for Clearing - Part One

Thu 9 August 2018 - 17:01

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Wendy James, Admissions & Student Records Manager, Birkbeck, University of LondonIt’s really important to remember that studying at university isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ experience. As well as finding the right course, take some time to work out what kind of experience you want out of the next few years, so you don’t get swept up with what your friends are doing, or go for the first option that comes your way.For example, do you want to study in a city or campus-based provider?

Get set for Clearing – part two

Thu 9 August 2018 - 09:26

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Julie Tickner, University of Huddersfield We know you may be anxious waiting for your exam results, and have lots of questions, but try and stay calm – there is plenty you can do to prepare! You may achieve better results than expected, but if things haven’t gone as you hoped, universities will be able to help you through Clearing. Our top tips are: Get ready – even if you’re feeling confident, do some contingency planning by making a list of possible alternative courses and universities.

How to audition for a music degree

Tue 7 August 2018 - 15:14

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Tom Picken, British & Irish Modern Music Institute  So, you’ve decided that a music degree is right for you, and you've submitted your application. You’re now probably thinking about the next step, your audition… The word alone can be enough to make your heart beat and palms sweat! But don’t worry – here are five ways to impress the assessor, and ace your audition.   1. Learn the material Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse – this is your time to shine, so make sure you’re prepared.   2. Don’t be late Think of the audition as a job interview.

Stressed out about what’s next? Call the Exam Results Helpline

Wed 1 August 2018 - 12:26

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Next week the Exam Results Helpline opens provide free, specialised information, help and guidance to students and their families. If you get your results and want more information on your options or careers advice, give them a call. They’re there to help! Here are the opening hours and numbers you’ll need: After 30 August, support will remain available through the National Careers Service helpline, which is open from 08:00 – 22:00, seven days a week.

Dispelling the myths about A level results day and Clearing

Sun 29 July 2018 - 16:29

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Isn’t it funny how every year the same myths about A level results day and Clearing appear? We do our best to stamp them out but somehow they still do the rounds. I mean, who exactly is circulating them? And why? We’ll probably never know, but you can get the truth behind the rumours right here in our dedicated myth-busting blog post.

Worried about moving to uni accommodation? Student Minds has some advice

Fri 27 July 2018 - 13:31

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Moving to university is a massive step in anyone’s life. However, there are many things you can do both before and when you arrive, that will hopefully make your transition smoother and less stressful!Firstly, I think it’s really important to take a minute (or longer!) to consider whether moving to university this year is definitely the right decision. For most people, it will be – however, if you are unsure, it is important to explore the idea of taking a gap year.

24. Student Accommodation: Your First Food Shop

Tue 24 July 2018 - 23:31

By Charlotte in First year

When you first move into your accommodation at university, there are a lot of things that you are going to need to get used to. One of the biggest differences between being at home and living alone is that you are going to have to do your own weekly food shop. Despite everyone helping out at home with the groceries every now and again previous to this point, doing it for yourself frequently and getting used to the budgeting aspect can be quite an unexpected leap to begin with.

23. Packing - 10 Things For Your Uni accommodation

Tue 24 July 2018 - 17:26

By Charlotte in First year

Heading off to university for the first time is quite the experience. There will be excitement and nerves alike. There will be new things to experience and lots of people to meet. Unfortunately, there will also be packing - and lots of it! When packing, prioritise and plan in advance so that you are well organised. For me, finding the pros + cons in advance of everything I want to take it makes it much easier to decide on the final list. This way you won't end up taking too much. However, if you are struggling to get a head start then you're in luck.

Received your BTEC results? Check what happens with them...

Fri 20 July 2018 - 14:14

By UCAS in UCAS advice

It's that time of year again when results for the different BTEC qualifications start rolling in from Pearson. The results go through a slightly different process to others, and in this blog post we’ll explain how it works. Once a week, until mid-September, we receive a batch of results from Pearson, the awarding body for BTEC qualifications. When we receive your results we match them to your application and send them to your uni choices. Next, it’s up to the uni to update your application with their decision.

How I’m making the most of my summer

Tue 17 July 2018 - 12:23

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Now that the academic year has ended for many of us, we have a long summer ahead. I for one have been looking forward to this particularly long summer break between Sixth Form and uni for a LONG  time. The last thing I want to do is waste it, knowing that if I do, I’ll no doubt regret missing an opportunity for all the things I was dying to do earlier in the year when I was drowning in revision!

How to attend a festival on the cheap

Tue 10 July 2018 - 10:04

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Making the most of festival season is often high on the priority list once Uni ends for the summer. With so many festivals to choose from at home and abroad it can become pretty pricey to see your favourite artists. Here’s a few money saving tips to help you cut the cost of your festival fun. Get in for free Of course this is the dream - getting to see all your favourite bands but not having to pay a penny for the privilege. It’s possible but you’ll have to do a bit of work. Some charities attend festivals to raise awareness and money.

Wondering what to pack?

Sat 7 July 2018 - 09:56

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Before you know it, it’ll be time to pack and get on your way to uni. Here’s a quick guide on what to pack. Must-haves: Clothes – there’s no need to pack your entire wardrobe, especially if you’re going to head home at the end of term! Bedroom bits and pieces – duvet, sheets, pillows, hangers, and towels.

Thinking of starting uni as a mature student?

Fri 6 July 2018 - 15:00

By UCAS in UCAS advice

My name is Kirsty Hall and I have just completed my second year at the University of Hull, where I am studying for an Undergraduate Degree in Education Studies. I had always planned to go to university after college, but life threw me a curveball and I became a mum instead. After my partner completed his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and postgraduate diploma, and after we had another baby, the time finally felt right for me to return to studying!

Five things I wish I knew before starting uni

Fri 6 July 2018 - 09:02

By UCAS in UCAS advice

1. What a great help older students can be Make friends with older students! When it comes to university, you are left in the dark with a lot of things and aren’t given an awful lot of direction as you’re left to discover a lot of things for yourself.    The greatest help to get through first year is definitely second year students. Just think, they’ve been through everything that you’re about to: they’ve had to figure out how to adjust, what to learn, they’ve already sat and passed that exam you’ll have to do at the end of the year.    2.

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