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

2. 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

3. 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

4. The UCAS form Personal details Choices Qualifications
Personal Statement
Reference

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

6. Grades/Tariff Points A level BTEC POINTS A* D* 56 A D 48 B 40 C M 3224 E P 16

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

8. 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

9. 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?

10. The university response
Unconditional
Conditional
Invitation for Interview/ Audition
Unsuccessful

11. The applicant response
Firm
Insurance
Decline

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

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

14. 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

16. 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%

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

18. 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

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

20. 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…….

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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)

24. GOOD LUCK