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Undergraduate

Seven ways to kick-start your studies

Fri 20 May 2016 - 15:09

By National Extension College in Applicant

In a few months’ time, a million young people in the UK will be immersing themselves for the first time in the hurly-burly of undergraduate life on a university campus. At the same time, online and distance learning students will start studying in the peace and quiet of their own home. Two very different experiences, but they both have something important in common. As well as getting to grips with their chosen subject, they have to learn how to take responsibility for how and when they study.

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Friday nights are for...

Fri 13 May 2016 - 22:12

By Siobhan in First year

Writing massive to do lists? Listening to my study playlist? Trying to organise my life?!

As I mentioned in this blog for the last assignment I submitted, a 2500 word report, I ended up pulling a very late night to get it finished and submitted.

I am very much a last minute worker. I often find myself saying "I work best under pressure" but I don't know if this is just because I'm the Queen of Procrastination so I've learnt how to work under pressure. Probably. I'm in a different situation to most university students though. Being a 'mature student' and juggling a full time degree course alongside a full time job isn't easy. So having pulled a late night (3:30am!!) I then had to be up at 7:30am for work! This was the least desirable thing. And on top of that, I also had a 6 hour day at uni to get through after working the morning. Let's just say, I...

Get to know a uni better at an open day!

Thu 28 April 2016 - 15:47

By UCAS in UCAS advice

Open days are a great opportunity for you to check out a university, before you apply or accept a place. Not sure how to find them or how to prepare? We’ve got it covered in four simple steps!

1. Make a shortlist
There are hundreds of unis and colleges in the UK and there might be a fair few that offer the type of course you’re interested in. Put a shortlist together of the unis or colleges you’d like to visit, by searching for courses in our search tool. Once you’ve done that, search for open days to see if you there are any you can attend.

2. Plan ahead
So, you’ve found a uni you want to attend and arranged to head off to an open day? Get an idea of what you want out of the day. Whether it’s seeing specific departments, or meeting particular course tutors, make sure you have a plan in mind to get...

Finding the right course

Thu 21 April 2016 - 15:29

By UCAS in UCAS advice

With thousands of courses available in our search tool, it can be quite tough to narrow your choices down to just five. But don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of suggestions on where you can do some research to find the right course for you.

Check out the different types of course
There are different course types to think about. We have lots of advice to help you get an idea of which one would be right for you. Also make sure you check out the entry requirements before you apply, to make sure they’re at an achievable level for you.

Sign up for our newsletters
Each month we send newsletters that cover a number of topics, such as helping you find that right place to study, advice on how to search for courses, and information about attending open days and events. Sign up now!
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Should I pay off my student loan early?

Tue 19 April 2016 - 12:10

By money.co.uk in Money

While your student loan is likely to be one of the cheapest loans you will ever get, it can also be a burden you may want to clear as soon as possible. We weigh up if it is worth paying off your student loan early.

Why pay off your student loan early?

Student loans of a sizeable amount will take years to pay off – especially when you factor in interest accruing on the amount you owe.
Repaying it early will speed up the process so that you have one less debt to worry about. It will also mean you end up paying less interest in the long-run.
This might be especially attractive if you have had the debt for a while or just want to...

Advice for parents

Tue 12 April 2016 - 11:53

By UCAS in Parents

Applying to university can cause a fair amount of anxiety, but not just for your son or daughter – we know that as parents you want to do whatever you can to help them through this important stage of their lives. For some, the process can seem quite unfamiliar – but rest assured we’ve created useful resources especially for you to help you give the best advice and support.

Monthly newsletters

We send out monthly newsletters with timely advice so you can support your son or daughter with their application. They cover a wide range of topics such as completing the application form, offering support at open days, help on finance and much more – sign up now!

Video guides

We have a selection of videos to help you get to grips with various stages of the application process, but we also have a selection of videos just for parents which offer...

Revision Techniques

Mon 11 April 2016 - 08:00

By Anna J in Applicant

Hello!

First of all I just want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me as March's blogger of the month! When I found out, it made my day. So thanks again!

Also, I'm sorry this post is a bit later than I originally intended. Revision seems to be taking over my life!
 
Continuing my little series on revision, today I want to talk about revision techniques. For a lot of people (myself included), it can be really boring when you feel like you're constantly doing the same thing, and when all your revision looks the same as well! Does not make it fun when you come to go over it again!
 
So I thought I'd share what I like to do, and ways in which I try and test myself and how I (attempt) to make it more interesting - because let's face it, revision is not the most fun activity!
 
Mind...

How to afford to send your child to university

Thu 24 March 2016 - 15:53

By money.co.uk in Money

If your child is hoping to go to university in the next few years, chances are you’re more than a little concerned by the recent jump in tuition fees. Here is what you can do to prepare your finances (and theirs) for university life.

Going to university can be an essential step onto the career ladder, but with tuition fees up to £9,000 a year, getting a degree has never been less affordable.

If you or your children are planning to go to university in the not too distant future, it is essential that you consider how you will cover the cost sooner rather than later.

Fees
Students who started their education from 2012 onwards fall into the higher fee threshold, where universities can charge anywhere up to £9,000 a year in fees alone.

However, not all course...

Top tips for revising

Tue 22 March 2016 - 07:00

By Anna J in Applicant

Hello again!

So proud of myself today – I'm getting organised with this blog and so I'm writing this post in advance so I don't have to worry about posting regularly when I'm revising... I hope it works!!

As I mentioned in my last post, I want to do a couple of posts about revision – with exam season fast approaching I really need to stop worrying and get my head in those notes! So today I want to talk about how to start revising, and in next week's post I'll talk about techniques.

In regards to revision, I feel privileged because in years 10 and 11 of high school I had a wonderful teacher who taught me so many revision techniques and she really supported me as I learnt which techniques worked best for me and what environment suited my revision style best. 

So here are my top tips for starting revising and how to be as productive as possible!

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Can distance learning earn you a degree in your spare time?

Thu 17 March 2016 - 14:31

By money.co.uk in Money

Have you ever considered a distance learning course, but been put off by the cost and a lack of free time? Here is what distance learning is all about, and how you could fit it around your schedule.

Distance learning can be a flexible, time efficient way of learning from home in your own time, without being in regular, face-to-face contact with teachers or lecturers in the classroom.

You are supplied with learning materials by the college or university providing your course, which can be usually accessed online.

You will still have one-to-one tutorials, but these will take place remotely by phone, email, Skype or webinars. Most courses now have message boards and study forums where students on the same course can discuss their studies.

Courses can include summer schools or residential weekends where you can work...

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