Applicant

Recently I have discussed the transition from GCSE to A level, and also what to consider when aiming for your degree - what to choose then, so I figured it was only fair to write about the in between stage which is, if anything, one of the more important aspects of the transition. The whole two years of sixth form is intense studying which in the end can be seen for how brief it really is, so it is important to make the most of it in the subjects you choose. When choosing your A levels, remember that they are probably going to affect what it is that you are able to apply for and study at university. When I was choosing my A levels, I knew that I wanted to study music and knew which subjects I needed to do and which others I wanted to choose because I already held an interest in them and had some level of knowledge maintained from GCSE level. Remember this when you are choosing, and choose wisely:

1. Find a college which has a good reputation
If you know your...

• 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. You might want to think about ear plugs if you’re going to be in a lively area, or a mini fridge for your room if you’ll be in shared accommodation. 
• From the bathroom cabinet – toiletries, glasses, contact lenses, medication, and a small first aid kit.
• Laundry – washing products, laundry bag, and drying rack.
• Electronics – laptop, tablet, printer, extension leads, and chargers. You may need an adaptor if you’re coming from outside the UK.
• Kitchen essentials – check what is included at your accommodation. As a minimum, you’ll need enough cutlery, crockery, glasses, pots...

When you get to the age where you can’t hide away from the fact that your future is on its way and you need to start choosing universities, you start looking into courses that interest you, and start visiting the universities for open days. Going to uni open days are quite important because if you are making the commitment to go to university, you surely want to know where you may spend the next few years. I went to my first open day a little bit ago, and these are the things I wish I’d have known before going.

1) Be prepared

Make sure you know you can go, can get there, and what you want to see when you are there. This means, make sure you book going on the day (you can find the instructions on how to do this if you need to on the university's website). Make sure you can travel there, so transport or maybe you can go with your parents who can drive you! Lastly, have a look at what times the talks you want to see are and maybe make a...

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...