[Fiets23]

(Original post by samedifference)
I've got an interview for RA on Monday and I'm really nervous! My only interview in the past two years has been for a job, not a degree! Any tips? x

Good news, congratulations! Just think really well of why you want to study at RA and what you like in particular about the LAS programme; they mostly want to hear why you want to study there specifically, not so much why you would be specifically suitable (that's of course also important, but the former is more important).

[dogorman]

Hi, I'm currently starting my A2 course looking to apply in the Netherlands and probably Utrecht for the 2013-14 year and I'd really appreciate any information of what Subjects and Grades people have got for different qualifications before applying to Utrecht (and what course you may have applied for) and how far you got through the application process/what feedback if any did you get back?

I'd like to know because seeing as you have to apply directly and it is of course a whole different ball game to the UCAS process, I haven't got a great idea of the selection criteria and process of admission to UCU.

Also, what does application even involve? i.e. a personal statement etc. I am aware that although for many Dutch unis selection can be a lottery and it is based on your work ethic and dedication once you are admitted to the uni, but it also seems of course that academic matters and proof of interest in a given subject are of greater importance for applying to UCU.

Any dates of when any applications have been made/interviews/response from the uni would also be great to know.
Given that there are few or no other sources to gain all the information I would like to know, this forum seems the best way for me to collate information and get a gauge on the selection criteria.
Thanks

[Fiets23]

(Original post by dogorman)
Hi, I'm currently starting my A2 course looking to apply in the Netherlands and probably Utrecht for the 2013-14 year and I'd really appreciate any information of what Subjects and Grades people have got for different qualifications before applying to Utrecht (and what course you may have applied for) and how far you got through the application process/what feedback if any did you get back?

I'd like to know because seeing as you have to apply directly and it is of course a whole different ball game to the UCAS process, I haven't got a great idea of the selection criteria and process of admission to UCU.

Also, what does application even involve? i.e. a personal statement etc. I am aware that although for many Dutch unis selection can be a lottery and it is based on your work ethic and dedication once you are admitted to the uni, but it also seems of course that academic matters and proof of interest in a given subject are of greater importance for applying to UCU.

Any dates of when any applications have been made/interviews/response from the uni would also be great to know.
Given that there are few or no other sources to gain all the information I would like to know, this forum seems the best way for me to collate information and get a gauge on the selection criteria.
Thanks

Hey!
I'm Dutch, so our system works a bit differently. I had an 8,1/10 on average (with a 9 for History, which I would be following courses in at UCU) and I was accepted. Most people get in with a 7-8 on average, with higher grades in their specific areas of interest (in the Dutch system you have about 10 courses in your final years). However, there are cases of a 6,5 on average, but they are relatively rare.

Application details are on the website, and include i.a. a personal statement, letter of reference, grade transcript etc. Most important are your intrinsic motivation and capability of succesfully completing the degree.

Deadline for Fall: 1st of February. Usually you'll receive an invite for an interview or a direct rejection within a month, and then another 1-2 months before your final acceptance or rejection.

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask any other questions!

[Drexl_Spivey]

Hey Just wanted to know, If anybody from Greece is going to UCU this academic year.
Cheers.

[MeiikeB]

I was wondering if anybody could help me. I am filling in my acceptance form for RA, and I have to specify which courses I would like to take in my first semester. During my interview I discussed which courses I wanted to take and my interviewer wrote those down and said she would try to get me in my first choices.

My question is should I write down the same courses I gave my interviewer. Or should I also write 1/2 academic core courses? Personally I was thinking 3 courses of choice and 1 academic core course.

[Fiets23]

(Original post by MeiikeB)
I was wondering if anybody could help me. I am filling in my acceptance form for RA, and I have to specify which courses I would like to take in my first semester. During my interview I discussed which courses I wanted to take and my interviewer wrote those down and said she would try to get me in my first choices.

My question is should I write down the same courses I gave my interviewer. Or should I also write 1/2 academic core courses? Personally I was thinking 3 courses of choice and 1 academic core course.

I'd write down those who you are most interested in, and you'll have to do the academic core anyway, so you'll get placed in there regardless of your preferences.

[SoHappy]

I was hoping someone could shed some light on a couple of queries I have, concerning UCU if possible.

What is the policy regarding mature students? I've trawled through UCU website and cannot find any information. Are there certain requirements? It's all rather confusing when it comes to filling in the application form, because nothing is explicitly specified.

Not so much of an issue, but are there many mature students at UCU/RA? Studying at UCU seems like a promising prospect, I just don't want to feel like an old dear!

[Fiets23]

(Original post by SoHappy)
I was hoping someone could shed some light on a couple of queries I have, concerning UCU if possible.

What is the policy regarding mature students? I've trawled through UCU website and cannot find any information. Are there certain requirements? It's all rather confusing when it comes to filling in the application form, because nothing is explicitly specified.

Not so much of an issue, but are there many mature students at UCU/RA? Studying at UCU seems like a promising prospect, I just don't want to feel like an old dear!

There is no specific policy for mature students: anyone is welcome to apply, regardless of age! However, at UCU at this moment the oldest student is in his late 20s and that is already quite an exception. In general UCU students (and I presume RA as well) are extremely open and would not have a problem with a fellow student who is older, but as you will have to live on campus for at least the first two years, and in principle the third as well, you should really ask yourself whether that's a style of living that you'd be comfortable with.

Please let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know!

[SoHappy]

(Original post by Fiets23)
There is no specific policy for mature students: anyone is welcome to apply, regardless of age! However, at UCU at this moment the oldest student is in his late 20s and that is already quite an exception. In general UCU students (and I presume RA as well) are extremely open and would not have a problem with a fellow student who is older, but as you will have to live on campus for at least the first two years, and in principle the third as well, you should really ask yourself whether that's a style of living that you'd be comfortable with.

Please let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know!

Thank you for replying.

Well that's certainly great to hear. I'll probably be four years older than the average student, so I suppose I just needed some reassurance. I was more concerned at the grade requirements, considering I did my A levels four years a go, and whether those qualifications would still be valid. Would you recommend mentioning the mature student aspect on the application, or is it just a trivial matter that wouldn't really be worth noting.

I'd like to believe that I'd feel comfortable in such a setting; I suppose I prefer that compact, community feel. Although I feel a little apprehensive now that you've mentioned it.

[Fiets23]

(Original post by SoHappy)
Thank you for replying.

Well that's certainly great to hear. I'll probably be four years older than the average student, so I suppose I just needed some reassurance. I was more concerned at the grade requirements, considering I did my A levels four years a go, and whether those qualifications would still be valid. Would you recommend mentioning the mature student aspect on the application, or is it just a trivial matter that wouldn't really be worth noting.

I'd like to believe that I'd feel comfortable in such a setting; I suppose I prefer that compact, community feel. Although I feel a little apprehensive now that you've mentioned it.

Ooh, well, when it's only four years then I wouldn't be worried about it at all; we have quite a few people from, for example, Ethiopia (who are on average 23-25) as well as Israel (av. 21-22 due to army requirements), so starting at 22-23 would not be considered weird at all; I thought you were more in the 30-35 range, which is what we'd call 'mature' haha.

I am almost certain that your A levels would still be certain, but if you want to be sure you can send an e-mail to ucu.admissions@uu.nl
And I wouldn't mention it specifically, they'll see it when they see your A level transcript, and it's not a qualification that will per definition work in your favour or be held against you. However, if you've used the four years in between wisely, for example for work or acquiring international experience, then that would of course be a good thing.

[truewonder]

I have a few questions, which I'd really appreciate if anyone could answer.

I'm hoping to apply to UCU and LUC, but I'm a little worried about the financial aspect of it. Are there any loans/grants available to international students? I've had a look on the website, and it seems I'd have to work a minimum of 32hrs a month, to qualify for financial aid, alongside other requirements. Is this correct?

Application wise, are extracurricular activities an absolute must? Or is there more of an emphasis put onto the motivational aspect of why you're wanting to study at the university? I only ask, because I have zilch to put on the extracurricular side of things; I have certain hobbies that I carry out (writing poetry/songs etc) but it's not really the same thing.

Lastly, this is one problem that I'm quite apprehensive about. I completed my A levels two years ago, but I'm worried about the two year gap inbetween, and how the university wouldn't look to fondly at it, seeing as I've not done anything particularly spectacular during it. I initally took the year out because I was uncertain on what I wanted to study, and so worked a few jobs for half the year. The next year and half, I unexpectedly had to undergo some operations (nothing serious), which meant it was quite unrealistic of me obtaining a job only to leave it again. So yes, I'm just worried that they would look unfavourably at the almost two years of unemployment.

[Fiets23]

(Original post by truewonder)
I have a few questions, which I'd really appreciate if anyone could answer.

I'm hoping to apply to UCU and LUC, but I'm a little worried about the financial aspect of it. Are there any loans/grants available to international students? I've had a look on the website, and it seems I'd have to work a minimum of 32hrs a month, to qualify for financial aid, alongside other requirements. Is this correct?

Application wise, are extracurricular activities an absolute must? Or is there more of an emphasis put onto the motivational aspect of why you're wanting to study at the university? I only ask, because I have zilch to put on the extracurricular side of things; I have certain hobbies that I carry out (writing poetry/songs etc) but it's not really the same thing.

Lastly, this is one problem that I'm quite apprehensive about. I completed my A levels two years ago, but I'm worried about the two year gap inbetween, and how the university wouldn't look to fondly at it, seeing as I've not done anything particularly spectacular during it. I initally took the year out because I was uncertain on what I wanted to study, and so worked a few jobs for half the year. The next year and half, I unexpectedly had to undergo some operations (nothing serious), which meant it was quite unrealistic of me obtaining a job only to leave it again. So yes, I'm just worried that they would look unfavourably at the almost two years of unemployment.

I hope I can.

- If you are an EEA student, you can get government funding (266,23 per month + free public transport during week OR weekend and 40% off during the other option, so e.g. free week & 40% off during the weekend) if you work (more than) 8 hours per week. However, it will be rather difficult to find a job as an international student. Another option would be to apply for a grant from UCU/LUC, but those are only given out after the semester has started I believe.

- Extracurriculars are part of the 'whole picture', and if you can compensate in another way, e.g. by 3x A(*) on your A levels, extracurriculars will count less. Indeed, motivation is another, if not the most important factor that will be taken into account in the application process.

- CV gaps are never a pro of course, but if you can explain why you took the initial year off and why you did not have any job in the other 1,5 years, I am pretty sure that'll be okay.

No guarantees of course, but I hope this helps!

[fnm]

seriously considering coming here for MSc. as i'm the first person to go to uni in my extended family it's going to be a stressful process sorting everything out with applying etc, but it's something i really want to do, and 1835 euros for a 2 year course is amazing. i hope the living costs won't be too much either.

[Obscenedilemma]

AAC predicted, Dutch Citizen. Worth the 50euros to apply? Will I stand a chance. Also is it rolling admissions

Cheers in advance

[Fiets23]

@fnm
I think you're in the wrong thread for that, as UCU does not offer any Master's degrees. Did you mean the general Utrecht University?

@Obscenedilemma
Hoping that the C is not for a field in which you aim to pursue further studies it should not per defintion be a problem, and can very well (I'd say) be compensated with extracurriculars/international experience. Admissions deadline is February 1st and then every month, following reading the letters and conducting interviews, they select a number of people to be admitted.

[fnm]

(Original post by Fiets23)
@fnm
I think you're in the wrong thread for that, as UCU does not offer any Master's degrees. Did you mean the general Utrecht University?

ah yeah sorry, i did, assumed they were the same....

[UkStudentWannabe]

Hei,

I'm not sure if this is only in my head, but aren't the living costs quite high in utrecht?

Because I really like their courses and everything, but the living costs kind of put me off..

Is there maybe a student from UCU here who could tell me about how much money you cope with and etc?

Posted from TSR Mobile

[Fiets23]

(Original post by UkStudentWannabe)
Hei,

I'm not sure if this is only in my head, but aren't the living costs quite high in utrecht?

Because I really like their courses and everything, but the living costs kind of put me off..

Is there maybe a student from UCU here who could tell me about how much money you cope with and etc?

Posted from TSR Mobile

You live on campus, so you don't have to look for a room yourself. All fees can be found here: http://www.uu.nl/university/college/...ages/fees.aspx

It is indeed rather expensive, so it will depend on your personal/parental situation on how you will deal with it. Seeing as you're not from the Netherlands, you might have to ask for a loan with your own government; working, especially in the first year, will be rather difficult if you don't speak Dutch (there are very few jobs for international students). You might try to get a scholarship, though.

[Raging]

(Original post by UkStudentWannabe)
Hei,

I'm not sure if this is only in my head, but aren't the living costs quite high in utrecht?

Because I really like their courses and everything, but the living costs kind of put me off..

Is there maybe a student from UCU here who could tell me about how much money you cope with and etc?

Posted from TSR Mobile

I get by with about 13.500 € a year, including tuition, living expenses, and the occasional flight back home. It really depends on your style of living, I know people who don't spend more than 50 € a month (exlc. tuition and rent, of course). Plus UCU is quite generous with scholarships for internationals, I think at least 30% of all the internationals have at least a partial one. So financial worries shouldn't keep you from applying.

[bogi]

Hi,
So far I have focused mainly on the courses, researches at the university and I've just realized that there are quite strict rules regarding to the campus life. So my question is whether there is a solution in that case if somebody has a family or s/he is married, or has a fiancé? The 3 years university is a very long time living on a campus and there are some older students as well having private/family life already. So could you please help me in this matter? Because I'm a bit confused. Is everybody obliged to live on the campus or are there any exceptions as well? Or is there any possibility for non-students to rent a room on the campus or to share a room with a student..? I'm really worried about this. Thanks in advance