Waiting to receive your university offers from UCAS is a very stressful time. If you haven’t already you can read our articles about the different UCAS decisions and how universities reach their decisions.
Once you have received your offers it is your turn to make a decision. You may already have decided which university you are going to choose. When filling in the UCAS application form some students have the first choice in mind which is absolutely fine. However, others may be unsure which again is absolutely fine. Remember, it’s a very important decision you are making. Thankfully, there is lots of information available to you to help you make your decision.
Attend any offer hold events
Almost every university will have an offer holder’s event (also known as an applicant event). Usually, these are held on campus but due to Covid-19 many of these are being held virtually.
Offer holder events typically include a chance to speak to University staff (including those teaching your course), a campus tour, a chance to learn more about your course, information about other services offered by the university such as careers service, library and accommodation and the opportunity to meet current students (more on this later). The information offered is likely to include degree structure (what courses you will study and when), how you will be assessed, tuition fees, what recent graduates of the degree have gone on to do and general information about the university.
Use the event as a chance to get to the university. Think about whether you can see yourself as a student there. What is the teaching going to be like? How much support is offered to students? What careers support is available?
Speak to current students
Most universities will have an offer holder’s event where you are likely to have the opportunity to speak to current students. Take this opportunity to ask them about their experience studying the course and the university in general. After all, they are currently studying the course so will able to offer you a first-hand account.
“When I attended the applicant evening for my undergraduate degree the part I found most helpful was talking to current students. They offered me lots of advice about the course, settling into the university and how to meet new people which is something I was particularly worried about”
Laura
Look at University rankings and other statistics
Each year various newspapers and public organisations publish university rankings. They are calculated based on several factors such as staff to student ratios, research outcomes, final results, reputation etc.
Most universities also publish their own statistics such as:
- What are the student satisfaction rates?
- How many students gain employment after graduation?
- Is the course professionally accredited?
