We’re heading into the time of year when everyone is telling you to keep calm, while also reminding you about revision, exams, deadlines and assignments, and on top of all this you’re supposed to be thinking about applying for uni too!
It can all feel a bit overwhelming – there are so many courses to choose from, and so many dates to remember – but we’ve broken it down step-by-step so that hopefully it will all seem a bit clearer. And remember, you don’t have to do it all in one go.
So, here’s our guide to applying for uni.
STEP ONE – REGISTER WITH UCAS
While you can apply for uni without going through UCAS, it’s much more straightforward if you do; you can track your applications and upload everything you need to one place. You’ll have to fill in some questions and provide personal details, education history, qualifications (including pending ones) and employment history (not voluntary work etc., save that for your personal statement, which we’ll get to later). You’ll also need someone to give you a reference, but you can save it and keep coming back to it.
STEP TWO – DECIDE WHICH COURSE YOU WANT TO STUDY AND WHERE
Which course – So you might know you want to go to uni, but what do you actually want to study? Some people are lucky enough to have known what they want to do for years, but don’t worry if this isn’t you. Take some time to think about the things you enjoy doing, and what your favourite subjects are at A-level; which are the ones you’re good at? If you’ve already got a part-time job, what are the parts of that you enjoy the most? If you’re struggling with this – and let’s face it, we don’t always know what courses/careers are out there, you might fancy one of the more unusual degree courses – you could do a university degree quiz. You can choose up to five courses.
Where – Where do you want to study? Do you want to stay near home, or move further away? Are you thinking of a big city with lots going on, or a smaller town with access to the surrounding countryside? Is location a deal breaker for you, or are the facilities more important? You might even already have a certain city in mind but it’s important to do your research. A good way to get a feel for the course you’re thinking about is to go to a Uni open day – you’ll be able to see the facilities, talk to current students and ask questions. It’s a good idea to talk to your friends, family and teachers too, but at the end of the day it’s your decision.
STEP THREE – CHECK ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND KEY DATES
Make sure you check what the entry requirements are for the courses you’re interested in, so you know what you’re working towards.
If you’re applying for undergraduate courses starting in Autumn 2025, you’ll need to get your application in by 6pm on 29 January 2025; there’s no difference if you send your application in a month early, or on the actual date, all applications will be looked at equally. If you miss the deadline, you can still apply but universities don’t have to look at it if they already have enough applicants.
If you miss the January UCAS application deadline you have until 26 February 2025 as this is when UCAS Extra begins; this is for people who either haven’t received any offers or have turned down the offers they have received.
Here are some other key dates to be aware of:
April-June
14 May 2025: you usually hear back from 29 January applications.
4 June 2025: the date you need to reply to offers by.
July-August
4 July 2025: application deadline for UCAS Extra.
5 July 2025: UCAS Clearing opens.
September-December
24 September 2025: last date for applications for 2025 entry.
20 October 2025: the deadline for adding Clearing choices.
STEP FOUR – START YOUR APPLICATION
It’s a good idea to start working on this in advance so you have time to get all the information together, start thinking about your personal statement and find someone to give you a reference.
STEP FIVE – WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT
This is something that students really worry about, but once you get started it’s not as scary as you think. A personal statement is exactly what it says, a statement about you – your hobbies and interests and why you want to study the course you’re applying for; be yourself and be honest and your enthusiasm will show. There are plenty of examples online that are tailored to different courses.
Once you’ve written it, get a friend or family member to read it through; often we’re not that good at talking about our own strengths so someone else could suggest something that you haven’t thought of. Your teachers/tutors will also look over it and give you feedback before you upload it.
STEP SIX – SUBMIT AND NEXT STEPS
Check all your personal details, qualifications etc. are correct and double check everything. Then hit send and breathe a sigh of relief.
FAQS
I’m an international student – how do I apply to a UK university?
The application process is the same – still through UCAS – but you’ll need to show evidence that you can pay for your course and support yourself before you’ll be granted a study visa.
What are my other options instead of university?
Uni isn’t for everyone, apprenticeships let you study while working; you can earn money while getting a qualification. Or you could go straight into the workplace, some companies offer School Leaver programmes. You might want to study abroad or take a year out. You can apply for a deferred entry if you’re planning on taking a gap year, just make sure you explain your reasons/plans for your year out, but for particularly competitive courses deferred entry isn’t an option due to the high numbers of applicants.
Do I need A-Levels to go to university?
Plenty of courses accept other qualifications, not just A-levels. You need to check the courses you’re interested in as each one has different requirements, but some accept the following:
- Access to Higher Education Diploma
- BTEC Nationals
- HND
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Highers
- T-Levels
What do universities look for in applicants?
- Qualifications
- A personal statement that shows passion for the subject, motivation and enthusiasm, as well as the skills and experience you can bring to the course.
- A good reference
- Knowledge of the subject
- Your attitude
- The ability to articulate well
Are there enough places for everyone?
Applying to uni is competitive, but stats show that in 2022 20% more 18-year-olds got a place on their chosen course than in 2019, and 71% of T-Level students got a place. Places allocated to international students do not take places away from a student from the UK; it’s a different process and universities have separate home/international student targets that are set out before the admissions process begins. UK students make up 84.3% of the undergraduate student population.
CONCLUSION
If you’re reading this then you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed already. The key is to be organised early so you’re not rushing around at the last minute and ask for help if you need it. It’s a good idea to start thinking ahead to things like student finance, and managing your student budget.
It might also be worth having a think about student insurance – it’s often quite far down the list of priorities; we all like to think we won’t ever need it, but you could have extra peace of mind for just the price of an average cup of coffee each month. Whatever kind of student you are, there’s a policy that will suit you and you can tailor it to make sure you get the kind of cover you need. Why not give us a call and get a free no-strings quote?
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