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University life in the UK

Your life as a university student in the UK will be a unique experience. You might encounter new ways of living, studying, and socialising that are different from the way students do it in your home country. This guide will help you succeed as a student, whether it’s understanding the different types of university in the UK, adopting good academic habits, or making friends.

What if you decide to live at home?

Lots of students decide to live at home rather than moving into university or college accommodation. Just because you’re not in halls doesn’t mean you’ll have any less of a student experience though.

Writing your personal statement: Students with individual needs

Universities and colleges welcome students from diverse backgrounds and with a range of unique strengths and qualities. Here, we offer guidance on how to showcase the valuable and transferable skills drawn from your personal experiences and circumstances.

2026 cycle toolkit

Everything you need to prepare for the 2026 application cycle – all in one place.

Additional funding

As well as a student loan, there’s other financial support available from a range of sources. Find out more about funding your undergraduate course.

All our commercial marketing and data products

Explore all the products and services we offer for commercial organisations. They're designed to help you reach students who are looking for the provisions they'll need to make the most of student life.

Apprenticeships

Interested in an apprenticeship? Check out some of the great resources, useful hints and tips, and vacancies UCAS has to offer.

Attend a virtual open day

If you can't visit them in person, you might be able to attend a virtual open day at a university or college.

Budgeting

Most students find themselves on a tight budget, so managing your money is really important to cover everything you need. Learn how to budget properly and save money at university.

Can I change my mind?

Reflecting on your choices and think you would like to change your mind? Follow our tips on how to navigate the right path for you.

Chloe's story

From being estranged from her family and homeless at 16, to studying at the University of Oxford, Chloe shares her advice for estranged students considering applying to university.

Choosing the right laptop for university

In 2023, 53% of students purchased a laptop specifically for university, but with so many different options out there it’s difficult to know how to pick the right one. We break down why choosing the right laptop is so important, what are the key things to look out for, and even some of our top recommendations.

Comparing undergraduate courses and unis

With so many courses, and many similar ones available, it's important that you find out more about the course and the university or college before you start to shortlist your options.

Contextual admissions

Some students face additional challenges during their education which may impact their results. Universities recognise these challenges, and can make adjustments through ‘contextual admissions’. Find out more about what this is, who is eligible, and how you qualify.

Disabled students

Every year, over 100,000 disabled students (also known as students with special educational needs and disabilities, or SEND for short) apply through UCAS to study at a university or college in the UK – including mental health conditions, learning differences, and long-term health conditions. Students can access a range of support to help them succeed with their studies, day-to-day activities, travel, and lifestyle.