Before you apply
Consider all the options available to you before you begin your application. Find out what places are really like, attend events, research industries, and make sure you're clear on what you want to do before you proceed.
Information and advice pages
Before you apply
Consider all the options available to you before you begin your application. Find out what places are really like, attend events, research industries, and make sure you're clear on what you want to do before you proceed.
Bills, budgeting and preparing for uni
For many students, uni will be the first time they will have budgeted and paid for bills. Start planning now to make sure they know what to do.
Building and construction 2026 personal statement guide
The built environment encompasses lots of courses and professions, so outline your reasons for wanting to study the particular building and construction course you’re applying for, and what fascinates you about buildings and how they’re made.
Can I change my mind?
Reflected on your choices and decided that you would like to change your mind? Not a problem. Follow our tips on how to navigate changing your mind.
Career goals: Doctor
Long hours, intense studying, and the small case of confronting illness and death each day. No wonder medicine has a competitive and demanding reputation.
Career goals: Lawyer
Oxford graduate Anke takes the stand to testify on what the life of a lawyer is really like.
Career goals: Mechanical design engineer
Design engineer Adam chose to take an apprenticeship over university. Here he explains his role, how he juggled work with studying and why he's glad he took the apprenticeship path.
Career goals: Nurse
Nurse Ewout talks switching paths to enter nursing, the different opportunities it can afford you, the profession's changing image, and more.
Career goals: Pilot
Rosanna shares the highs and lows of being a commercial pilot, her route to qualifying, plus some words of encouragement for young girls who want to reach for the sky.
Career Goals: Playwright/Theatre director
How do you turn a passion for words into a career? London playwright and theatre director Lynette did just that, after finding inspiration from one author while studying English at university.
Career goals: Press officer
If a company or brand does something significant in the world but no one hears it, did it really happen?
Careers planner for 11 – 14s (KS3)
What can you do as a KS3 teacher to get your students thinking about their future?
Careers planner for 14 – 16s (KS4)
Help your Key Stage 4 students lay the foundations for their future.
Careers resource: Year 13 – what to expect
Help Year 12 and Year 13 students think about higher education choices, including university or apprenticeships, with this useful presentation.
Case studies: apprenticeships
Discover real-life stories from current apprentices, including how they landed the role and what day-to-day life as an apprentice is like.
Changing or leaving your course
If you decide you no longer want to study, or you’d like to transfer to a new university or course, there’s a lot to consider.
Chemical engineering 2026 personal statement guide
Build a personal statement that contains all the right elements by making it personal, relevant, and reflective.
Chemistry 2026 personal statement guide
Want to find the right formula for a chemistry personal statement that will achieve the reaction you're hoping for? The two key elements are passion and personal – here's how to get the right mix.