UNIVERSITY

Do your research to find the student lifestyle for you! Find out about Uni Study, Independent Living, Budgeting, accommodation and much more. The sites below will help you build up all the information you need to know.

• Push
• UniPod
• NUS

Choosing a degree course is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Do plenty of research. Take your time, plan early and use these links to help you find out the best course for you – universities are trying to attract you – but where you go is down to you – no-one else.

Remember, most people who drop out from uni say that not doing the research beforehand was the main reason.

All Full Time higher education courses are listed on the UCAS site. UCAS is your one stop shop for all elements of your University Application.

HE institutions may ask for a certain number of tariff points, which are a way of comparing different Level 3 qualifications such as BTEC, A levels, City and Guilds, Access to HE. The tariff points have changed for Apply 2017. Start working out what grades you will need for your chosen degree.

Click here for full details of the UCAS Tariff.

Living at home and studying full time or part time at any of the five Wiltshire College campuses may suit you better than moving away from home, or you could travel daily to local universities. Find out more about University Level courses at Wiltshire College here.

The sites below allow you to filter your searches by location, points and style of study and much more.

UK Course Finder

Which? University

Stats and league tables

Check out where your choice stands in the league table - There's no such thing as the 'best' university, just the right one for you. But these guides may help you make up your mind.

Uni Stats

The Guardian University Guide

What Uni

When you have decided on the courses you are interested in, get on the road and go and visit them! Click here for more details of university open days.

Below are a number of links providing a wealth of information about student finance!

The Student Room

Money Saving Expert

Gov.uk Student Finance Calculator

Brightside Student Calculator

Applying couldn’t be easier. Full-time and part-time students can apply to Student Finance England for help including Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. You will need to set up an account, and you can then apply online. You may need to submit evidence if asked, such as proof of parents income.Click here for more information and to apply for student finance.

If you have a disability, children or another adult who is dependent on you, there may be extra help available to support you - click here for more information.

If you have any queries at any stage of your application, during your degree or after you graduate – phone call Student Finance England on 0300 100 0607.

Each year, millions of pounds are given away in the form of Scholarships, and each year there are scholarships that are never applied for. There are many ways you could be eligible including family circumstances, hobbies, skills or academic excellence.

Wiltshire College has a Compact Agreement with several local universities. You could be entitled to some extra cash, support on arrival, or even a lower grade offer. Ask your campus careers advisor for more information.

Some bursaries may be available directly from the university. There is a range of support offered, and each university could offer something different. It could pay to do some research.

Websites such as One Degree More  and Family Action may also be able to provide information and support for bursaries and grants.

You can apply to UCAS online – it only takes a few minutes to register - click here to register on the UCAS website.

When you register you will be given a username; they will only show this to you once, so take a note of it! Ask your tutor or your campus careers advisor for the College Buzzword. This links your application to the college and helps us support you.

After you register you can begin your application. It is all online and is broken down into sections. You can save your application and return to it at any time.

Before you start your application – you will need a working email address. It would also be useful if you have details of your current course, like all the units you will be studying and the awarding body. If you don’t have that information, ask your tutor.

You may want to start digging out your GCSE’s results: universities will want to know about those too.

Make note of the deadlines. Applications should be completed by the end of November.

It is an important part of your application, but it is also your chance to really sell yourself. Lots of help is available, so try not to worry. Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to copy someone else’s statement – you will be caught! Here are some “top tips” for completing your personal statement.

Visit UCAS Track here

You will log in to see which Universities have made you offers, or if you have to attend interviews. Look at the conditions of the offer carefully. You can choose one firm and one insurance offer. If you are made no offers by February, UCAS Extra guarantees you an extra chance to get it right. If you still don't have a place by August then use Clearing.

You can also join forums and share other applicant’s views and experiences and tips to help you make a successful application.

Taking a year out is a popular way to spend a year before going to university. You may want to travel, save money, gain employment experience, volunteer or simply have a once in a lifetime experience before you knuckle down to your studies. Don’t worry about missing out on your university place – it is sometimes possible defer your application, but you should get advice from your careers advisor and from the university you want to attend.

Working to save money has outgrown the traditional Gap year activities - visit our Job Shop to have a look at local jobs.

Visit these sites to find out more about Gap Years:

• Prospects
• Not Going to Uni
• EDT (Engineering - year in industry)