Students' Guide to University 2015

Students’ Guide To University

This guide will help you to make one of the most important and transformational decisions of your life.

Top tip

A university graduate earns up to ÂŁ252,000 more in their lifetime

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WHY UNIVERSITY IS BEST FOR YOU

Going to university is one of the most exciting times of your life.

The benefits of a university education are extensive, here are just a few: ■

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As a university graduate you will earn more money. According to a 2013 report from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, graduates earn up to £252,000 more over their lifetime than people who finish their education at 18 University enables you to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and countries and make a strong network of contacts and friends for life It is the start of your professional career. Many professions require a university qualification for example lawyers, nurses, social workers, research scientists, midwives and teachers Graduates are less likely to be unemployed. A survey by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) undertaken during the recent recession found that 97% of graduates were in work or further study, three years after graduating University of Bedfordshire:

A leading university for improving career prospects – National Student Survey 2014

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CHOOSING THE BEST COURSE FOR YOU

Some people know exactly what course they want to study, or they have a specific career in mind such as becoming a lawyer or a nurse, so their course choice is straightforward. For others it can be more challenging, particularly with more than 30,000 courses available at 280 UK universities.

If you are not sure which course you should apply for then think about which subjects you enjoy and how this can be linked to a course. For example if you are mad about sport, perhaps a course in this area such as sport science or sports journalism would be a good option.

Alternatively think about a degree that could be transferable to a wide range of careers, such as business.

It is also important that you have a realistic view of what final grades you may achieve, as all courses have entry requirements that need to be met.

University of Bedfordshire:

100% overall student satisfaction on many courses – National Student Survey 2014

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Top tip

The UCAS website is a good place to start www.ucas.com

STARTING THE SEARCH

There are plenty of resources out there to help you research which course and university will be best for you, here are just a few to get you started.

UCAS website UCAS is the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, processing all applications for universities across the UK. It’s a good place to start researching courses and you should sign up to UCAS Card as soon as you start to think about applying to university as you will receive advice straight into your email inbox. Visit www.ucas.com/ucascard to find out more.

UCAS conventions These are held at venues across the UK between March and June with students usually attending at least 18 months in advance of starting a university course.

Many schools organise trips to these fairs and most universities will have representatives at these events. Here at the University of Bedfordshire, we are proud to be hosting the Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes UCAS Convention. More details are available on our website: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/ openevents/fairs

Statistics and league tables There are thousands of statistics that are used in the university sector to benchmark and measure the performance of each institution. There are also league tables, each based on different criteria and using different weightings.

At the University of Bedfordshire, we are particularly proud of our graduate employment rate which is one of the best in the country. In 2014, 92% of our graduates found jobs or continued with further study according to the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey compiled by the UK’s independent Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

The official website for comparing UK higher education course data is: unistats.direct.gov.uk

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University location You may already have a clear idea of the type of location you want to be in – whether it’s a busy city centre or a self-contained leafy campus. At the University of Bedfordshire we are able to offer you the best of both worlds with our main campuses in Luton and Bedford. Our campuses have the added benefits of low living costs and great transport links to London and the rest of the UK. University open days Open days are the best way for you to get a taste of what a particular university can offer. You will have the chance to meet the tutors and discuss course content in detail, as well as speaking to current students and seeing the facilities and accommodation on offer. Here at the University of Bedfordshire, we hold open days throughout the year. To book your place please visit: www.beds.ac.uk/opendays

Top tip

Attend university open days

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YOUR CHECKLIST TO APPLICATION SUCCESS Our top tips for ensuring that your university application is successful.

Be realistic about your predicted grades (teachers can help with this).

Start researching courses and universities in year 12 or the beginning of year 13.

Know the UCAS deadlines (see page 9).

Attend university open days.

Select up to five university/course choices.

Write several drafts of your personal statement.

Submit the UCAS application in plenty of time.

Check your email regularly and respond to any decisions via UCAS promptly.

University of Bedfordshire:

Student satisfaction at an all time high – National Student Survey 2014

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Top tip

UCAS deadline is 15 January

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KEY DATES FOR UCAS APPLICATIONS

It’s important for you to be aware of the key deadlines in the UCAS application process.

The information in this table is relevant for the majority of courses and English universities.

Mid September

UCAS opens for course applications. You can apply to five universities/courses.

15 January

Deadline for applications to the majority of university courses.

25 February

Extra opens for students who have not received any offers or do not like the offers they have received.

At this time of year it’s a good idea to apply for a student loan via: www.gov.uk. You can apply for your loan before you accept a place at university.

Late March

You should have received decisions back from universities.

Early May

If you have received offers from universities you can now short list firm (first) and insurance (second) choices.

End of June

Any applications submitted to UCAS at this point will be automatically entered into Clearing.

13 August

Results day: GCE A Level, Advanced Diploma and PreU results are published. Full Clearing vacancies are published by English universities.

Late September

Clearing closes.

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COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION

Top tip

Take time to write your personal statement

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You are most likely to apply to university whilst you are at school or college via an online application form on the UCAS website.

The application process has the following key sections: ■

Personal details

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Additional information

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Student finance

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Choices – a maximum of five course/university choices can be made

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Education

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Employment

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Personal Statement

Personal Statement Writing your personal statement can be a very daunting process. It is the one chance that you have to explain in your own words why you are applying to university.

If a course is very popular, and has lots of applications from students with similar grades, then your personal statement becomes even more important. Consider including some of the following elements: ■ ■ ■

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Reference – usually supplied by the school (or, if you have left school, this can be an independent referee).

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Your interest in the subject Achievements (certificates, awards etc) Volunteering experience Work experience Hobbies and interests Future career plans Positions of responsibility Involvement in community projects.

It’s a good idea to set aside some time to sit down and brainstorm ideas with someone who knows you well. Try to link the elements listed above to the course you are applying to. The more you can reflect critically on your achievements and experience the better. Remember that the personal statement must be written by you and it cannot contain any material that is copied from another source.

And don’t forget that a second pair of eyes to proofread the personal statement before it’s submitted will always be a big help.

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YOU CAN AFFORD IT: UNIVERSITY FEES AND FUNDING

Although most universities are now charging £9,000 a year for undergraduate courses, there is a Government loan available to cover the full cost.

There is also a Government maintenance loan available to cover living costs such as accommodation, books and travel. If your family income is below a certain threshold you may qualify for a maintenance grant which does not need to be paid back.

For students on teacher training, social work or healthcare courses, the application process is different.

Please visit www.gov.uk for more details.

University finance facts: ■

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You do NOT need to pay course fees up front The loan is paid directly to the university – the money does not go to you Repayments only start once your course is finished and you are earning £21,000 or more After 30 years all remaining debt is cancelled Your student loan will not go on your credit file You can repay the course fee loan early Interest will be charged but it is one of the lowest rates available Other funding is available to cover living costs.

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How do you apply for the student loan?

You apply for a student loan through Student Finance England via www.gov.uk.

It is best to apply for your student loan just after short listing firm (first) and insurance (second) choice universities.

The application for a student loan needs to be made before the end of May. This information was correct at the time of going to print but may change. Please visit www.beds.ac.uk for the latest details.

Top tip

A Government loan covers the full course fee

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OTHER TYPES OF FUNDING Bursaries & scholarships Many universities offer bursaries and scholarships to students. This is money that you do not need to repay but sometimes it comes with conditions to qualify. At the University of Bedfordshire we offer some of the most generous bursaries in the country according to the Office for Fair Access (OFFA). For example, in 2014 we offered a Welcome Package of ÂŁ350 for ALL new first year, full-time UK/EU students. To find out more visit: www.beds.ac.uk/bursaries

Top tip

Bursaries do not need repaying

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Support to find part-time jobs Many students need to work part-time while they are studying. Here at the University of Bedfordshire our Careers and Employment service provides students with support to link them to local employers and help them find part-time work. Find out more at: www.beds.ac.uk/careers

RESULTS DAY: WHAT TO DO IF YOU DON’T GET THE GRADES

First of all – don’t panic! You can still go to university even if you haven’t got your predicted grades.

What does Clearing mean?

Clearing is when universities make their remaining course vacancies available to students already in the UCAS system. You need to call universities directly to find out what vacancies they may have. If your results are better than expected, you may be eligible for adjustment – visit www.ucas.com to find out more.

What do we need to do?

Make a note of the Clearing telephone numbers for each university that you are interested in. The University of Bedfordshire's Clearing team will be available from 8am on Thursday 13 August on 0800 013 0925.

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You will need to be available – universities will not speak to parents or other representatives

Remember that thousands of students go through Clearing every year and they end up loving their course and university experience and go on to fulfilling, successful careers in their chosen area.

You will need internet access – the UCAS website will show a list of all the Clearing vacancies and universities will update their website with availability and instructions throughout the Clearing period.

You will need to use your UCAS Track page to check that you are in Clearing and to get your Clearing number. You will also use this site to refer an application if a university offers you a place.

Top tip

If you don’t get your predicted results you can still go to uni

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YOU’VE GOT A PLACE! BUT WHAT’S NEXT?

Congratulations! You’ve secured a place at university and you are about to embark on one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding experiences of your life. Here are just a few things you will need to consider before you start your course.

Accommodation Each university has different accommodation options, here are just a few: Halls of residence Most universities provide halls of residence accommodation for their students. Halls offer an affordable and sociable introduction to living away from home. Here at the University of Bedfordshire our accommodation is run by the Student Village and Liberty Living and there is a range of options available, from en-suite studios to deluxe rooms or standard rooms with shared bathrooms.

Find out more at: www.beds.ac.uk/accommodation

Top tip

Sort out your accommodation as soon as possible

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Private accommodation Accommodation rented from a private landlord is sometimes an option for students once they have completed their first year of study. It’s important to be aware that although private accommodation may initially seem cheaper than halls, it does not usually include the cost of bills, insurance and Wi-Fi. Staying at home Some students choose to live with their parents in order to save money on rent and other bills. However, it is worth bearing in mind that you may feel that you are missing out on some elements of the traditional student experience, such as moving away from home and gaining independent life skills.

University of Bedfordshire:

Ranked 1st for improving the student experience

– National Student Survey 2014 Student support It’s reassuring to know that all universities in the UK provide some form of support to their students. Here at the University of Bedfordshire, we provide support both on campus and online with our Student Information Desk (SiD).Whether you need advice with your studies, finance, careers advice or a personal matter, SiD is available 24/7.

Careers and employment At the University of Bedfordshire we are passionate about supporting you to achieve your career goals. Our practice-based approach to teaching and learning ensures that you will develop a way of thinking and a skill set that today’s employers are looking for. Just some of the opportunities you may be able to take advantage of include: ■

Practice placements in industry

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Assessment centres experience

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Industry days

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Mini consultancy projects for employers

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Masterclasses and career guidance from prospective employers.

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JARGON BUSTER

A brief explanation of some of the jargon you may come across when applying to university:

Bursary

Money given by universities to students that does not need to be paid back.

Clearing

Clearing is when universities make their remaining course vacancies available to students who are already in the UCAS system. You need to call universities directly to find out what vacancies they may have.

Conditional offer An offer for a place on a course that has certain conditions which need to be met (usually certain grades need to be achieved).

Deferral

After you have applied to university you may choose to take a gap year.

You need to check with the university and request to defer your studies for a year.

Extra

The UCAS system for students who have applied to universities but not received any offers or do not like the offers they have received. It enables you to reapply to different courses/universities one at a time.

Firm choice

Once you have received offers back from universities you need to select a first choice (your preferred offer).

Graduate

Someone who has completed their undergraduate course and graduated from university.

Halls

Halls of residence are one of the most popular accommodation options for students, they are often arranged in blocks of flats with shared kitchen/dining areas.

Insurance choice Once you have received offers back from universities and after you have selected your first choice, you then need to select your insurance or second choice.

Scholarship

Money given by universities to students that does not need to be paid back. Often there is specific criteria that needs to be met before the student can qualify for this money.

Student Finance The organisation that runs the Government student loan system. You England will need to apply for your loan via www.gov.uk UCAS

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

UCAS tariff

The number of points that you need to achieve before you are accepted on the course. For more details go to: www.ucas.com/students/ucas_tariff

Undergraduate

A student studying for their first degree.

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