Are you thinking of going to university but don’t know how to choose where to apply? Are you stressed about the application process and unsure where to start?
Hi I’m Emily, a first-year Zoology student at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus and I’m here to share some tips when choosing a university and when you start applying.
It can seem daunting at first when you start thinking about your next chapter after school life, but choosing and applying to university can be exciting! In this blog I will share some of my tips from my own experience when choosing a university last year that will hopefully make the process a bit easier and help you to find the perfect fit for you.
Where to begin?
Not sure where to start as you begin to think about university choices? Try looking online at university websites to find information on the course you might like to study and the city you might live in. At the beginning of my application journey, I spoke to family and friends who were at or had been to university to see if any of them had tips for how to apply and what to look for in a university. I started by making a list of some of the courses I might like to study. Most of the courses of interest to me were ecology and conservation related, so I then decided to look into which universities had a good reputation for these subjects. League tables do not tell you everything, but they are a good place to start as they give you lots of different universities to think about.
In lower sixth form (Year 12), I was also able to attend a UCAS fair, where lots of universities had stalls with staff to answer any questions. Here you can ask about anything from how the application process works, accommodation in first year, university fees, scholarships, and about the courses the university offers. I would recommend going to a UCAS fair if you have the opportunity, as it is a great place to start thinking about where you might like to attend university in a relaxed environment!
The course
Firstly, you need to consider what course you would like to study. There are so many options to choose from and UCAS is a great place to search all the courses that universities in the UK provide. The number of degree courses can seem overwhelming but try thinking about your favourite subjects and a job you can see yourself doing in the future. If you know what job you’d like, then looking at what degree is required is a great start!
Importantly, some universities specialise in certain subject areas, or are recognised for world-class teaching for some degrees. For example, the University of Exeter’s Centre for Ecology and Conservation is 2nd in the world!
It’s important you look at the course content section when looking at degrees as this is a great place to see if the course will be interesting and fun for you. Also take a look to see if the university offers any field trips, if it is relevant to your course. I have just got back from the Isles of Scilly as part of my second year field course! It was such a great experience and is something I will never forget. From learning about new data collection techniques, seeing amazing wildlife, and making new friends, the field trip was a highlight of my first year. You can read about it in my blog! You may also want to check if the degree offers a placement year or study abroad as this can provide amazing industry links, which can bring benefits after you graduate.
It’s also important you take a look at the career prospects, employability, and satisfaction statistics. This can tell you what industries students typically might go into, how many go into employment or start a postgraduate degree, and their overall satisfaction with the course. Having said this, you shouldn’t get bogged down with the stats as a university is so much more than the course you are studying!
Location and campus
When I was choosing a university, the location played a huge factor in my decision. I always knew I didn’t want to go to a big city, so the Penryn Campus was a perfect fit for me. The green, nature-filled campus and the beautiful surrounding coast has made my first year so memorable.
You may also need to check if the university is located across one city or town, or if it’s a campus university where most facilities are located together at one site. Some universities, like Exeter, have more than one campus – two in Exeter (St Luke’s and Streatham) and the Penryn Campus in Cornwall! Every city and town is different so you should consider if you would like to live in a bustling city centre or a quieter campus, as this is where you’ll be living for the next three or four years. Perhaps factor in the university’s proximity to home and consider how much you think you might like to travel home, whilst also factoring in travel costs.
You might also like to think about the nightlife available and how many activities there are nearby that match your interests. It’s so much fun in the first few weeks of university to explore your new city and find your favourite places. This leads perfectly to my next top tip: open days!
Open days
The best way to know if a university is right for you is to experience it first-hand! Open days are an amazing way to get to see the campus, meet staff and current students, and see the wider area around the university. I only went to the University of Exeter’s open day which I really enjoyed and was a major factor in helping me to firm my place there. However, if I were to go back two years, I would go to a lot more open days to see all the options available to me.
For me, going to the University of Exeter’s offer holder day made me sure this was a university I would like to study at. Getting to hear about current student experiences, see the accommodation and get a sample lecture made me able to see myself living and studying at the Penryn Campus. I got to go on a tour where I saw all the main areas on campus, from the library, lecture theatres, labs, and The Stannary. I found it quite daunting going to the open day at first, as choosing a university can feel like a huge decision, but everyone I spoke to throughout the day was very friendly, making me feel really welcomed and relaxed, and helping to ease any of my worries on the day!
Going to open days also means you can visit the university’s facilities. University life extends far beyond lecture halls. You should take a look at the libraries, study spaces, labs and any sport facilities. Not only can you get a better picture of what the university is like, but it is also a great opportunity to ask lots of questions as everyone is so happy to help!
Societies and clubs
Crucially, if you have specific hobbies or interests you can check online to see if the Student’s Union supports them. University is so much more than just studying. I’ve found some of my best memories so far have been made through the societies I have joined.
There is a diverse range of over 150 societies at the Penryn Campus. Societies range from Netball, Football and Rugby to African Caribbean Society, Ballroom and Latin, Birdwatching, and Drama Soc. There is really something for everyone!
In my first year I joined gig rowing, having never rowed before. It was a great way to meet new people, whilst getting out on the water and getting to exercise. Everyone on the society committees are so welcoming and makes sure everyone has so much fun! I also joined Expedition Society, and Ecosoc. Lots of the societies are low commitment, meaning you can just drop in for any of their sessions, making it a lot easier in the first few weeks when you’re busy. Taking a look at the societies universities offer can make the process exciting, as you can think about which of them you might like to join.
Accommodation
All universities offer different accommodation for your first year so it’s important to consider where you might like to live. There are usually options on or off campus. At the Penryn Campus, there are en-suite rooms with a double bed, or single bed shared rooms. There are also options to be catered or self-catered. All options also vary in price and all universities are different, so it is important to check this out!
Importantly, you might also like to think about how easy it is to find accommodation for your second and third years at university, and how much this may cost. I’m choosing to live in Falmouth next year, which means I will have to commute to campus next year! All of these things are important to consider when choosing a university to make sure you are not stressing later on.
The application process
Once you’ve chosen some universities you like the look of, now it’s time to apply! The application might seem long and boring at first, but by taking it in small steps, it’s manageable.
Firstly, if you’re using UCAS, you have up to five choices. Pick a mix of high-grade requirements and some safer options, but make sure they’re all universities you would be happy to attend. It’s also important to keep your subject choices consistent and on theme – this helps to show your passion and commitment to the degree you’d like to study.
Personal statement
Writing the personal statement is dreaded by many, but answering the specific questions set by UCAS makes it a lot easier. Make sure to show your passion for the subject, relevant skills to the course and academic achievements. You need to showcase why you would be a perfect person to study at the university you are applying to, but make sure to keep it general, without naming specific universities or courses if you’re applying to different ones.
The personal statement is an opportunity to highlight your skills, such as team working and communication. Make sure to give examples, such as from work experience or any volunteering you have done. You might also like to mention any related hobbies you may have, again to showcase your motivation to study your chosen degree. The most important thing in my opinion is to keep it relevant! Try to be concise and specific. You can do this by not mentioning everything you’ve ever done but by only mentioning things that show how you are suited to the course you are applying to. For example, I went to a science summer school at the Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland, where I learnt how to conduct animal behaviour research. It’s experiences like this you should include to help you stand out! It’s also good to ask a teacher or a family member to check your personal statement for you. They can offer advice and make sure your writing flows well.
You have applied!
Once you have sent your application, relax! Try not to stress too much, especially when offers start to come out from universities. Some universities release offers earlier than others, so it can be worrying if friends receive offers before you, but don’t worry – I didn’t get my Exeter offer until the end of January. Check UCAS regularly so you do not miss any important information and focus on now getting the grades to meet your offers.
Stay organised
When you are applying to university, there are usually a lot of dates to keep track of for when different things have to be submitted, so it’s important to note these down so you can beat deadlines. This can help to make the process a bit less stressful!
Another top tip is to start early! Starting to look at universities and courses early means that when the time comes to apply, it is all less rushed and overwhelming. Double check course entry requirements and make sure to pick a referee (usually a teacher) early, so they have plenty of time to provide a strong and supportive reference to accompany your application.
Finally, choosing a university and course to study is such an exciting time. Try not to stress too much and make use of any online resources to help you. Seek help from people you may know who have already gone to university and ask them about their application process. Taking each step of the application slowly will make sure you cover everything well.
You’ve got this! And don’t worry – it’s a lot less daunting than it seems at first!