What do you wish you knew before applying to Uni?

For those applying to university this year (and every year) it’s true to say that you just don’t know what you don’t know! :dontknow:

So, those of you who have already navigated this process, what do you wish you knew before applying that could be shared with this year's applicants? :albertein:

Got some top tips on choosing the right uni? What you did to prep for interviews? or how you overcame some unexpected obstacles and how someone else could avoid making the same mistakes? Those experiences could really help to guide those students at the beginning of their own application journey.

Here are some icebreaker questions to help get you started if you need some inspo:

•

What was your chosen subject?

•

Did you visit any unis? What stood out to you?

•

What’s one tip you’d give for university interviews?

•

What surprised you most during the application process?

And for those who are currently applying, any questions you have or challenges you’re currently facing? Share them below and we’ll work together to get those answered! :bumps:

Happy posting! :biggrin:

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

LIBF

Official Rep

Original post by CamembertPaws

For those applying to university this year (and every year) it’s true to say that you just don’t know what you don’t know! :dontknow:

So, those of you who have already navigated this process, what do you wish you knew before applying that could be shared with this year's applicants? :albertein:

Got some top tips on choosing the right uni? What you did to prep for interviews? or how you overcame some unexpected obstacles and how someone else could avoid making the same mistakes? Those experiences could really help to guide those students at the beginning of their own application journey.
Here are some icebreaker questions to help get you started if you need some inspo:

•

What was your chosen subject?

•

Did you visit any unis? What stood out to you?

•

What’s one tip you’d give for university interviews?

•

What surprised you most during the application process?

And for those who are currently applying, any questions you have or challenges you’re currently facing? Share them below and we’ll work together to get those answered! :bumps:

Happy posting! :biggrin:

I think my tip would be that there are always options!!

If you feel like maybe traditional courses aren't for you there are other methods of study, like online or apprenticeships. And that these are valid routes into education too.

Also options in the sense that if you start a course but don't like it you can always switch course or try a different institution. You don't just need to quit and think this wasn't for me straight away.

Explore all the options available to you and make your decision from there as it might lead to something even more wonderful than what you originally thought!

Just going to say the word options again once more for good luck 🍀

Alex - LIBF Rep 🙂

Reply 2

PileaP

TSR Community Staff

For me personally, it was about finding a university that was strong for the subject I was studying, but equally important to me was finding a city where I'd want to live, regardless of studying. It's so important to look after yourself and be in a place that feels good to live in and support other things that you like to do in life (socially, opportunities to continue hobbies etc.). It of course depends what your priorities are, but that was important to me. It's so helpful to go and visit a place before applying.

Reply 3

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by CamembertPaws

For those applying to university this year (and every year) it’s true to say that you just don’t know what you don’t know! :dontknow:

So, those of you who have already navigated this process, what do you wish you knew before applying that could be shared with this year's applicants? :albertein:

Got some top tips on choosing the right uni? What you did to prep for interviews? or how you overcame some unexpected obstacles and how someone else could avoid making the same mistakes? Those experiences could really help to guide those students at the beginning of their own application journey.
Here are some icebreaker questions to help get you started if you need some inspo:

•

What was your chosen subject?

•

Did you visit any unis? What stood out to you?

•

What’s one tip you’d give for university interviews?

•

What surprised you most during the application process?

And for those who are currently applying, any questions you have or challenges you’re currently facing? Share them below and we’ll work together to get those answered! :bumps:

Happy posting! :biggrin:

Hi everyone

What a great thread and the tips given already are fantastic!

I am a final year student at the Uni of Salford studying Theatre and Performance Practice and loving it.

My tips would be:

Research – Do your research not just on which universities offer your course, but how they teach it because you should enjoy your course and study in a way that engages you. I spent hours researching choices, ensuring they offered enough hours of practical work because I know I learn best when gaining hands-on experience, and how this linked to industry experience.

Where? - Consider where you would like to study.

Do you like where you live currently?
Would you like to commute?
Or would you like to move away, if so, would you like the hustle and bustle of a city centre-based university?
Or would you rather study at a university with a campus?

Open Days – This links to my tip above but I cannot recommend attending an open day enough. Open days are an excellent opportunity to...

•

Meet academic staff and find out more about your chosen course.

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Meet fellow students and get an insight into student life at that university

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Speak to other departments such as student support.

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Have a campus tour and view the course facilities

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Explore local accommodation options (if applicable).

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And finally, suss out if you would feel at home studying there

What else? - Consider what else the universities may offer outside of our course, examples include fantastic societies, international opportunities, internships, and the chance to hold down a part-time job.

Interviews – If you have an interview for your course, I have a few tips...

😊 Be yourself, that is why you have been invited for an interview because they are impressed by your application.
😊 Take your time - Ensure you arrive with time to spare, so you can prepare and relax before the interview.

😊 Ask questions – This interview is as much for you as it is for the university, you must be sure the course is right for you too. Consequently, if you have any questions ask away, not only will your queries hopefully be answered, but it will demonstrate your interest in the course. Last but not least, I didn't realise this when I applied but the interviewers are usually friendly and want you to do well!

I hope that is useful. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

Lucy 😊
Official University of Salford Student Rep

Reply 4

Blinkr

TSR Community Staff

Ooooh this is such a good question :question:

I was really happy with the uni I went to and I think part of that was down to actually visiting and looking around and getting a sense of the space you would be living as well as of course whichever course. I think something I would have done just to get even more insight is to try and and have reached out to students who were in their 1st/2nd year on the course I wanted to do to get advice from them and see how they experienced it.

Something I would also do is check what societies/extra-curricular activities there are. Even if the uni does not have what you want exactly bear in mind you can always create your own society/club when you get there.

In terms of uni interviews I think work on the basis that of course they want to see your passion for your subject and sense if you have good base knowledge of your subject, but they also want to get a sense of your personality. Worth practicing by recording yourself and listening back to see where you need work and what you do well on.

Reply 5

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post by CamembertPaws

For those applying to university this year (and every year) it’s true to say that you just don’t know what you don’t know! :dontknow:

So, those of you who have already navigated this process, what do you wish you knew before applying that could be shared with this year's applicants? :albertein:

Got some top tips on choosing the right uni? What you did to prep for interviews? or how you overcame some unexpected obstacles and how someone else could avoid making the same mistakes? Those experiences could really help to guide those students at the beginning of their own application journey.
Here are some icebreaker questions to help get you started if you need some inspo:

•

What was your chosen subject?

•

Did you visit any unis? What stood out to you?

•

What’s one tip you’d give for university interviews?

•

What surprised you most during the application process?

And for those who are currently applying, any questions you have or challenges you’re currently facing? Share them below and we’ll work together to get those answered! :bumps:

Happy posting! :biggrin:

Hiya Camembert Paws - lovely idea for a thread.

My uni subject was psychology, I visited 3 uni open days of which Bath stood out a mile above the others for its amazing placement scheme, fabulous student ambassadors and how engaging the lecturers were (and the fact that it rained on open day and I still loved it!)

I did not have an interview for Bath but one tip I'd give is to know your personal statement, as you may well be asked about its contents and to elaborate on it in your interview.

The most important tip I'd give (which I learnt the hard way) is to not put huge amounts of pressure on yourself at uni. Of course its important to work hard and do your best with your studies, but that is not all of what uni is all about - uni is about the experience, the memories you make, the opportunities you take and the experiences you have outside your studies too, such as societies, getting to know a new city, trying new things. Take regular breaks, protect yourself from burnout, and make sure you take time to embrace these other important parts of your experience.

Hope this helps, best of luck to all applying this year!

Holly
University of Bath

Reply 6

UCLan Student

Official Rep

Original post by CamembertPaws

For those applying to university this year (and every year) it’s true to say that you just don’t know what you don’t know! :dontknow:

So, those of you who have already navigated this process, what do you wish you knew before applying that could be shared with this year's applicants? :albertein:

Got some top tips on choosing the right uni? What you did to prep for interviews? or how you overcame some unexpected obstacles and how someone else could avoid making the same mistakes? Those experiences could really help to guide those students at the beginning of their own application journey.
Here are some icebreaker questions to help get you started if you need some inspo:

•

What was your chosen subject?

•

Did you visit any unis? What stood out to you?

•

What’s one tip you’d give for university interviews?

•

What surprised you most during the application process?

And for those who are currently applying, any questions you have or challenges you’re currently facing? Share them below and we’ll work together to get those answered! :bumps:

Happy posting! :biggrin:

This is a great idea!

My chosen subject was fashion promotion and marketing. I had a look at various courses such as fashion photography however the fashion promotion course had an element of styling/photography so I went with that course as it is very adaptable.

I visited various unis for open days and I would recommend this to anyone as it gives you a great overall feel for the uni which you wouldn't get without visiting the uni.

If you haven't got a chance to visit an open day then having a walk around during your interview day is a good option. I went to UCLan which I didn't visit during an open day but after my interview I had a look around and I got a great feeling. The interview was very welcoming and friendly which contributed to my decision too.

Hope this helps! 🙂
Zac^

Reply 7

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

Original post by CamembertPaws

For those applying to university this year (and every year) it’s true to say that you just don’t know what you don’t know! :dontknow:

So, those of you who have already navigated this process, what do you wish you knew before applying that could be shared with this year's applicants? :albertein:

Got some top tips on choosing the right uni? What you did to prep for interviews? or how you overcame some unexpected obstacles and how someone else could avoid making the same mistakes? Those experiences could really help to guide those students at the beginning of their own application journey.
Here are some icebreaker questions to help get you started if you need some inspo:

•

What was your chosen subject?

•

Did you visit any unis? What stood out to you?

•

What’s one tip you’d give for university interviews?

•

What surprised you most during the application process?

And for those who are currently applying, any questions you have or challenges you’re currently facing? Share them below and we’ll work together to get those answered! :bumps:

Happy posting! :biggrin:

Hi @CamembertPaws

Great question!!

As many have said above open days! This really helped me make my decisions, I attended lots of open days all over the UK and learnt something from everyone I went to.

I also have a post about what key factors helped me make my decision I'll leave a link as it might be useful My Deciding Factors For Choosing Kingston University - The Student Room

I chose a similar course to Zac from UCLan, Fashion Promotion and Communication 💓

I was lucky and didn't have to any interviews, however I did have to submit a portfolio. I would say try and have your portfolio ready before you apply as universities will start asking for it once your application is sent. Top tips for portfolio is don't put too much on one page, let your pieces be impactful and show your process! Most universities ask for a digital portfolio too these days, so maybe consider your digital layout as well as physical.

I hope this is helpful and good luck everyone :smile: