Skip navigation
Search
Search

Latest from the blogs

Get set for Clearing - Part One

Fri 20 December 2019 - 10:44

By UCAS in Applicant

Wendy James, Admissions & Student Records Manager, Birkbeck, University of London

It’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? If you need to work to support yourself during your studies, what are the employment opportunities like?

If possible, do this before results day – research viable alternatives just in case. If you get the grades, then great, but...

Get set for Clearing – Part Two

Tue 13 August 2019 - 17:49

By UCAS in Applicant

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. This will be easy to check against the Clearing listings when they are published.
  • Don’t go on holiday! If you do need to go through Clearing, being near a phone and computer is...

How to audition for a music degree

Thu 21 March 2019 - 15:32

By British & Irish Modern Music Institute in First year

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. Arriving early shows...

Going through Clearing? Update your student finance account now!

Tue 13 August 2019 - 17:46

By Student Finance England in Money

Didn’t get the results you were expecting? You might end up using Clearing or Adjustment to find a place on a university or college course. Whichever one you use, it’s important to let Student Finance England know of any changes as soon as possible, as it could affect your funding.

Student Finance England has some words of advice for anyone changing their course at this time of year.

Already applied?
If you’ve applied already, it’s easy to change your details by logging in to your account at www.gov.uk/studentfinance and going to: Your Account>Change your application>University/college course.

Once we’ve got this information, we’ll re-assess your application and let you know of any changes to the amount of student finance you can get as quickly as we can.

...

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

Tue 6 November 2018 - 15:23

By UCAS in Applicant

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...

Dispelling the myths about A level results day and Clearing

Thu 1 August 2019 - 14:34

By UCAS in Applicant

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. And after reading it, please help your fellow soon-to-be-students by tweeting, sharing, blogging about and – if necessary – shouting these results day and clearing facts to anyone who’ll listen!

  1. Track does not update at midnight or at any time the night before A level results day. Neither...

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

Fri 18 September 2020 - 15:33

By Student Minds in Support

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. I did this completely last minute, but it was the best decision I have ever made, and one I have no regrets about. As I struggled with mental health difficulties at school – primarily an eating disorder and depression, which were particularly...

Student Accommodation: Your First Food Shop

Fri 25 June 2021 - 11:40

By Charlotte Stevenson 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. So don't worry too much if this is something you struggle with at first as we all start out this way and build ourselves up.

In terms of your first food shop once in your accommodation, don't go too over the top - you have all the time in the world to experiment with recipes over the next year. For now though, keep it simple. Here are some of the musts when it comes to stocking up your fridge for Fresher's week:
 ...

Packing - 10 Things For Your Uni accommodation

Tue 6 July 2021 - 12:26

By Charlotte Stevenson 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. Tried and tested on my own moving days, here are the 10 items which are must haves when it comes to your student accommodation.
...

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

Mon 29 July 2019 - 09:08

By UCAS in Applicant

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. Your Track status will change when this has happened – if you're unsure what your status means you can find out on our 'What your results mean' page.

Providing you've got the grades the uni set in the conditions of your offer, your place will be confirmed once they've received your results. Remember, there might be additional requirements you need to...

Pages

Sponsored articles