Uni FAQs

Should I be going to uni open days? If so, when should I start?

University open days aren't for everyone. While they are a great opportunity to get a feel for the atmosphere, they can be quite overwhelming for some. If you decide that you want to go to open days, there's no right or wrong time to start going! Just visit the university's website to find out when their open days are taking place and pick a date that suits you. It's worth bearing in mind that some universities might want you to register for the open day before you arrive. This is so they can get an idea about the number of people going.

What are some other ways to find out about a university?

There are loads of ways to find out about a university, so you can find one that suits you. Open days are a great way to get a feel for the place, whilst prospectuses allow you to compare one uni to another in your own time. Even going online and looking at their website or social media pages can reveal a lot about the courses and facilities available. If you want to request a prospectus, you can just call the university and ask for it. You might also be able to pick one up at a higher education fair if you go to one.

How do I know a university is right for me?

This is a tricky one because everyone has different needs. The best thing to do is ask yourself a few key questions that will help you identify what you need from a university:

• Do I want to be in a big city or somewhere more rural?

• Do I want a campus university (where you live on-site) or a uni where the buildings are dotted around the town or city?

• Do I want opportunities such as studying abroad or doing a work placement to be part of my course?

• Do I want to be able to go back home easily or would I rather study a bit further away?

• Do I want to be able to live in halls of residence for my whole degree, just my first year or not at all?

• How accommodating is the university for my needs such as disabilities and learning difficulties?

Just by asking yourself these few questions, you'll begin to have a clearer picture of whether or not that university is the right one for you. But don't worry if you still don't know! These things take time and it can be a difficult decision to make.

Are my grades going to be good enough?

This depends entirely on what course you want to study and where you want to study it. Most universities will have grade guidelines on each course page but if you're unsure, it's always worth calling them up or sending an email to find out. Even if your grades aren't good enough, clearing is always a valid path to choose.

Do I need an IELT or TOEFL to study at university?

If you are a British citizen then you won't have to take an English language test. If you come from another country, especially one who's official language isn't English, then you might have to take one. however, that depends entirely on what the university's individual rules are. Some might accept an English GCSE or A-Level instead of an IELT or TOEFL, but it's always worth checking. Many universities will say their requirements on their website, but if you're not sure or you can't find them, it's always worth calling them up to ask.

Hopefully, this post will have answered some of your university questions, but if you have any more then please let me know! You can comment below or contact me on any of my social media pages.