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Latest from the blogs

Five reasons to sign up to the UCAS newsletter

Fri 19 June 2020 - 19:24

By UCAS in UCAS advice

So you’ve followed us on social media, and you’ve probably read some of our blogs, and watched the videos on our video wall, but did you know you can also sign up for monthly newsletters? Here are our top five reasons why you should:
 
Get useful information and advice
Each month, we’ll include useful advice on topics such as choosing courses, practical ‘how-to’ guides about filling in your application, and guidance on what to write about in your personal statement.
 
Never miss a deadline!
We’ll give you plenty of notice about all the application deadlines and things you need to be doing for them.
 
You don’t need to do anything!...

End of First Semester: Advice to Myself!

Thu 6 December 2018 - 12:30

By Chloe Brewster in First year

Let’s face it, we generally feel somewhat transformed by the time that we reach a particular moment in a new milestone, although it is not until you actually sit down and start to think about it (for me, on a rainy Wednesday evening with little company other than a yet-to-be-eaten bar of Reese’s peanut butter cups!) that you realise how far you have come. Yes, there have been – and certainly will continue to be – some stressful times (let’s not think about those upcoming deadlines for essays!), but you feel stronger for having survived the worst of it. In fact, no student...

UCAS Application status: Sent!

Fri 20 December 2019 - 11:16

By Sophie Gibbons in Applicant

Hello, my name is Sophie Gibbons, and I am currently attending college where I study a Level 3 UAL in Media Studies and Production as well as the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification.

I have now officially sent off my application to five different Universities where I will potentially be attending one of these five choices in 2019, and I am absolutely blown away by how nerve racking it was! I am surprised with how much of an affect this has had over me as I am usually quite a laid-back person, but no... clearly am not – I proved myself wrong, I am in fact the opposite.

So, I was sitting at my desk in college today and the realisation hit me... I need to send of my application! Even though I have an extended deadline compared to everyone else applying to university in my college, as me being the unique and impatient person I am, I decided to apply as an individual because the college didn't get me their buzzword quick enough.

The result of this now is me...

How to prepare for interviews, auditions and tests

Fri 4 October 2019 - 14:53

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Depending on the kind of courses you apply for, your chosen unis and colleges may invite you for an interview or audition – in fact they’re compulsory for some courses, such as teaching and nursing.

They’re a way for both students and course tutors to find out if they’re mutually suitable. If invited, your chosen uni will make sure you have all the details so you know where to go and when. The interviewers may want to see work examples – such as an essay or piece of coursework – but they’ll let you know this in advance.

Here...

Why study a postgraduate?

Fri 30 November 2018 - 14:59

By Jessica Stokes in UCAS advice

Name: Jessica Stokes

What course are you studying/have you studied?
I started off studying a BSc in Biology at Swansea University before doing a Masters by Research in Veterinary Parasitology at the University of Bristol. I’m currently doing a PhD at the University of Liverpool on Schmallenberg virus (a disease of sheep and cattle that is spread by midges), as part of my BBSRC funding I was required to do an MRes in Clinical Sciences at the University for my first year.

What or who inspired you to study for a postgraduate qualification?
I’ve always been fascinated by diseases, so studying them after my undergrad seemed the perfect thing for me, but it was my mum that inspired me to carry on to a PhD. She completed hers in marine zoology...

Preparing for uni life

Tue 20 November 2018 - 16:39

By Tobi Ogunjemilua in First year

My name is Favour (Tobi) Ogunjemilua, and I’m studying business management with a placement year, at the University of Surrey. 

Número uno! When it comes to clothes, you don’t need to pack everything in your closet. Bring only what you know you’re going to wear. There’s no point trying to fill your suitcase with clothes because you want them to last you the whole year. Bring what you normally wear on a day-to-day basis. If you want to buy new clothes, do so, because it’s better than taking clothes you haven’t...

Settling in during freshers' week

Fri 18 September 2020 - 15:36

By James McDowell in First year

For many young people, including myself, freshers’ week can be a daunting and nerve-wracking thing to think about. There are many worries that freshers may have about uni life – this is very normal, and includes fears around how they are going to cope with new surroundings, the workload, and the financial responsibility they will now have to face. This blog will shows new freshers that there is nothing to worry about, with a few tips along the way.

One of the main fears new students have is their first few weeks at university. This is to be expected – some students will be walking into classrooms with people they have never met before, which can cause some anxiety. My university had a great induction programme which helped me settle in and get to know others. This also helped me develop confidence that I was good enough to be on the course – one of my personal fears, as I thought I was not smart enough to be at university. However, this fear was quickly eliminated during my...

Meeting people at uni

Thu 21 March 2019 - 14:56

By Abi Ford in First year

My advice? Make the first move! 

OK, that sounds a little forward, but at least do it for new friendships.

This is my second time at uni, and it’s the one thing I’ve done differently. You don’t have to be super confident (I’m certainly not) – you just need to say ‘hello’ and ask a question, any question! (OK, not any question – normal social boundaries still apply!)

Honestly though, maybe it’s because I’m a ‘mature student’ (if anyone’s mature at 25?), but this time around, I’ve found my voice.

I was so nervous before starting, my head was a never-ending, anxious monologue. ‘What if I’m the oldest on my course? What if nobody speaks to me? What if nobody has similar interests to me?’ What if I stopped...

How to prepare for your conservatoire audition

Thu 19 December 2019 - 10:12

By UCAS in Applicant

If you’re applying to a conservatoire, you’ll need to attend an audition before they can make a decision – our guide to making the most of your audition will help you get to grips with how to prepare.

To give you a better idea of what could be in store for you at an audition, Nicola Peacock from the Royal College of Music shares her top tips.

Auditions are a busy time for conservatoire staff, but also exciting, as we get to meet the talented new students who will be joining us next year. We are very aware that auditioning at a conservatoire can seem a daunting prospect, but we really want applicants to have a positive experience and a lot of effort goes into ensuring we look after you on the day.

...

1st Year Studies - Starting (and Changing!) Universities

Thu 21 March 2019 - 14:52

By Chloe Brewster in First year

Almost two months since my university journey commenced, it is fair to say that I, like other uni students, have gained a multitude of experiences which, as I write this on a Saturday night with my mind somewhat foggy after finishing a strenuous shift at work, is quite overwhelming to think about. In fact, most first-year students would tell you that the first couple weeks of university are madly busy, often to the extent that it is easy to forget the ‘little’ moments which, if you were not facing so many tasks at one given time, you would definitely remember!
 

However, I’m enjoying the fast-paced nature of university life – although this opinion will probably change when deadlines for essays loom even closer! – because, as each...

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