How to choose and apply to the right University and course Rob Rattray

Terminology UCAS Russell Group Research intensive Post – 92/ New Undergraduate/ Foundation Integrated Masters Sandwich ERASMUS Russell Group Research intensive Post – 92/ New Newer FE Colleges Private

The UCAS form Conservatoires – 2nd October Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary – 15th October Majority of undergraduate courses – 15th January Some Art and Design- 24th March Results Day – 16th August

The UCAS form Personal details Choices Qualifications Personal Statement Reference

Choices 5 options Course Location/ Size/ Cohort BA/BSc/Bmus/Beng/Msc/MEng Accreditation Location/ Size/ Cohort

Grades/Tariff Points A level BTEC POINTS A* D* 56 A D 48 B 40 C M 32 24 E P 16

Choosing courses and HEIs Deferred entry Modern culture Media Studies Comfortable subjects Uncertainty of choices

Vocational courses Computer Forensics and Security Broadcast Engineering Business Management and Enterprise Events Management Interior Design International Tourism Management Public Relations Social Work Speech and Language Therapy Retail Management Sports Coaching Film-making

Personal Statement Why do you want to do this course? How have you selected these courses? What do you hope to gain from this course? Do you have career aspirations? Do you have the relevant experience? What are your interests? What makes you interesting?

The university response Unconditional Conditional Invitation for Interview/ Audition Unsuccessful

The applicant response Firm Insurance Decline

Cost of going to University No up front fees University fees - £9,250/ £6,165 per year Living costs

Support Tuition Fee Loan – Available to everybody Maintenance Loan – % based on family income paid to student Scholarships and Bursaries – paid to student

Maintenance Loan 2017 Help with your living costs Living with parents – Up to £7,097 Studying in London but not with parents – Up to £11,002 Outside London but not with parents – Up to £8,430 Living and Studying abroad for at least one term – Up to £9,654

Repayments Do not repay until April and earning over £21,000 Repayments 9% income over £21,000 Income of £25,000 9% deducted from £4,000 £30 per month Interest based upon income Earning £21,000 or less – Retail Price Index (RPI) £21,000-£41,000 – RPI plus up to 3% Over £41,000 – RPI plus 3%

Repayments Paid off after 30 years No longer alive Not recommended!!

Other financial support Disabled Student Allowances – NON REPAYABLE Travel Grant – NON REPAYABLE Bursaries and Scholarships – NON-REPAYABLE Academic Excellence Sporting/ Pastoral Achievement Social circumstances Emergency loans

Applying www.gov.uk/studentfinance Do not need a confirmed place, can be updated 31st May deadline

Accommodation Huge variations in costs (£89 - £218.40 per week) Length of contract Campus vs City University run vs Privately run Guaranteed first year accommodation? Catered vs Self Catered? En-suite vs Shared bathrooms Living with a variety of people Beyond the first year…….

Student Living Index 2016 Loan Family Scholarships Job 2514 respondents – June 10-29th 2016 Portsmouth is the most cost effective – BUT they work more hours in jobs Students in London are paying below the national average for rent Contributing factors to student income Loan Family Scholarships Job

Student spending Student living Index 2016 Groceries – on average, £19.78 per week Eating out – on average, £8.45 per week Rent – on average, £109 per week Utility Bills – on average £9.65 per week Alcohol – on average £6.85 per week Clothes – on average £7.35 per week Travel – on average, £5 per week Books - £3.20 per week

The Mantelpiece Factor X factor vs Meh factor Teenage ‘tropes’ Do attend open days Spend time with support services Explore accommodation options from Year 2 onwards..... Do not go on holiday on Post-16 results day Manage drop out ‘hot spots’ Work on life skills and budgeting The Study Skills Handbook – Dr Stella Cottrell (Palgrave Study Skills)

GOOD LUCK r.rattray@leedsbeckett.ac.uk