Are you currently making your university choices for 2026? What help do you need?
It's getting to that time of year again - when September suddenly doesn't seem that far away and everyone is asking you if you're applying to uni in 2026. Too soon, right?!
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
Reply 1
Hi, I'm year 12 going into 13 and I have some questions regarding where to go to uni 
I'm from a small county in the South, and was looking for unis similar- so campus unis, small, safe, preferably not busy.
I've been researching and I'm pretty in love with Chichester Uni. It's campus, small, safe, has community, and it's psychology course is BPS approved (what I want to do) I'm going there on a school trip on the 17th and I'm very excited
My problem occurs when I say this to the adults around me. My mentor and other teachers at my sixth form say I should aim higher than Chi, and look at a Russell Group. (I'm achieving A-, B+ and Distinction and got some 9s at GCSE)
I aim to become an educational psychologist in the future, which requires a doctorate course after my undergrad.
I also went to a UCAS Discovery event recently and didn't talk to any Russell Groups because I didn't believe in myself, it's only now when teachers have seen my mocks and my progress are they really pushing me, I always disregarded the Russell Group advice before now.
So, with this in mind, should i abandon Chichester for Russell Groups? Does going to a Russell Group matter considering my future? Chichester isn't ranked too highly, so how much do rankings matter?
I also don't want to go too far away from home, my closest Russell Group is Southhampton- does it all matter?
Please help, any advice is appreciated (and sorry for the essay!)
I'm from a small county in the South, and was looking for unis similar- so campus unis, small, safe, preferably not busy.
I've been researching and I'm pretty in love with Chichester Uni. It's campus, small, safe, has community, and it's psychology course is BPS approved (what I want to do) I'm going there on a school trip on the 17th and I'm very excited
My problem occurs when I say this to the adults around me. My mentor and other teachers at my sixth form say I should aim higher than Chi, and look at a Russell Group. (I'm achieving A-, B+ and Distinction and got some 9s at GCSE)
I aim to become an educational psychologist in the future, which requires a doctorate course after my undergrad.
I also went to a UCAS Discovery event recently and didn't talk to any Russell Groups because I didn't believe in myself, it's only now when teachers have seen my mocks and my progress are they really pushing me, I always disregarded the Russell Group advice before now.
So, with this in mind, should i abandon Chichester for Russell Groups? Does going to a Russell Group matter considering my future? Chichester isn't ranked too highly, so how much do rankings matter?
I also don't want to go too far away from home, my closest Russell Group is Southhampton- does it all matter?
Please help, any advice is appreciated (and sorry for the essay!)
Reply 2
Original post by stringerizzy
Hi, I'm year 12 going into 13 and I have some questions regarding where to go to uni
I'm from a small county in the South, and was looking for unis similar- so campus unis, small, safe, preferably not busy.
I've been researching and I'm pretty in love with Chichester Uni. It's campus, small, safe, has community, and it's psychology course is BPS approved (what I want to do) I'm going there on a school trip on the 17th and I'm very excited
My problem occurs when I say this to the adults around me. My mentor and other teachers at my sixth form say I should aim higher than Chi, and look at a Russell Group. (I'm achieving A-, B+ and Distinction and got some 9s at GCSE)
I aim to become an educational psychologist in the future, which requires a doctorate course after my undergrad.
I also went to a UCAS Discovery event recently and didn't talk to any Russell Groups because I didn't believe in myself, it's only now when teachers have seen my mocks and my progress are they really pushing me, I always disregarded the Russell Group advice before now.
So, with this in mind, should i abandon Chichester for Russell Groups? Does going to a Russell Group matter considering my future? Chichester isn't ranked too highly, so how much do rankings matter?
I also don't want to go too far away from home, my closest Russell Group is Southhampton- does it all matter?
Please help, any advice is appreciated (and sorry for the essay!)
I'm from a small county in the South, and was looking for unis similar- so campus unis, small, safe, preferably not busy.
I've been researching and I'm pretty in love with Chichester Uni. It's campus, small, safe, has community, and it's psychology course is BPS approved (what I want to do) I'm going there on a school trip on the 17th and I'm very excited
My problem occurs when I say this to the adults around me. My mentor and other teachers at my sixth form say I should aim higher than Chi, and look at a Russell Group. (I'm achieving A-, B+ and Distinction and got some 9s at GCSE)
I aim to become an educational psychologist in the future, which requires a doctorate course after my undergrad.
I also went to a UCAS Discovery event recently and didn't talk to any Russell Groups because I didn't believe in myself, it's only now when teachers have seen my mocks and my progress are they really pushing me, I always disregarded the Russell Group advice before now.
So, with this in mind, should i abandon Chichester for Russell Groups? Does going to a Russell Group matter considering my future? Chichester isn't ranked too highly, so how much do rankings matter?
I also don't want to go too far away from home, my closest Russell Group is Southhampton- does it all matter?
Please help, any advice is appreciated (and sorry for the essay!)
This decision is yours alone, and you need to be comfortable with it. You're the one studying and living there! The Russell Group (RG) is a group of university that are known for their research excellence - certainly not the be all or end all, there are loads of fantastic universities that aren't RG. Lots rank highly in league tables as well, which if the adults in your life are worried about this, this can be something they are reminded of! Rankings really are not everything, but they can be a helpful tool in deciding where you would like to go. If a higher ranking university is the right place for you and your predicted grades, that's a bonus, not a be all or end all.
It's great you're excited to go to Chichester on the 17th - make sure you have a list of questions you get the answers to by the end of the day. Make sure to also try and allocate some time exploring the city, as you'll be living there for three years so you want to make sure you're comfortable there. If you love it, you love it - it's your life and you need to be happy, that's what truly matters. If you hate where you're studying, you may not do as well, which isn't helpful for anyone.
I would also look at some other universities that have a similar feel to Chichester in terms of a smaller city, campus, that maybe have some slightly higher entry requirements still close to home. Southampton and Chichester are very different places with very different vibes, so maybe look a little further afield f you feel comfortable. You have fantastic predicted grades, but believing in yourself is sometimes half the battle when it comes to things like this. I would look to apply to a range of universities with different entry requirements, some that match your predictions, some that are lower than your predictions, and a university you may not have thought to apply to but is maybe a dream or target university you can consider if exams went well or the next year you're excelling. You don't have to decide firm and insurance choices for a while, so now is all about exploring - the fun part! Imagining your life there and the things you'll do, see and studying is so exciting. Go and visit as many as you can! Keep that excitement going for as long as possible whilst you're in this phase, you never know what may surprise you - it may not be what you've always thought you wanted. That's why it's important to keep your options open at this stage!
You've got this
Original post by StrawberryDreams
It's getting to that time of year again - when September suddenly doesn't seem that far away and everyone is asking you if you're applying to uni in 2026. Too soon, right?!
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
Reply 4
Original post by StrawberryDreams
It's getting to that time of year again - when September suddenly doesn't seem that far away and everyone is asking you if you're applying to uni in 2026. Too soon, right?!
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
I am looking at starting my career into midwifery as a mature student in the 2026 cohort!🙏
I have recently completed a HE access into midwifery course. I currently do not have GCSE grade C/4 in mathematics or science, but I am looking at routes into studying a midwifery degree.
My question: If I complete the Foundation Programme for Professions in Health and Social Care, (which guarantees a place on the BSc(Hons) Midwifery), do I still need the mathematics and science GCSE to ensure I meet the entry requirements for the BSc(Hons) Midwifery degree? Or is completing the foundation course sufficient? I am looking at Bristol UWE.
I am just trying to work out the best route in and researching the best functional skills courses to complete should the Foundation Course not be sufficient.
Many thanks in advance for any replies!
(edited 1 week ago)
Reply 5
12
Hiii 
currently in year 12 studying Biology, Chemistry, Classics and Spanish. I'm just wondering about how to write meaningfully about a subject that i don't take (geography) in my personal statement as it's one of the courses I'm hoping to apply to for university (alongside environmental science and sustainable development). Thank you so much!
currently in year 12 studying Biology, Chemistry, Classics and Spanish. I'm just wondering about how to write meaningfully about a subject that i don't take (geography) in my personal statement as it's one of the courses I'm hoping to apply to for university (alongside environmental science and sustainable development). Thank you so much!(edited 1 week ago)
Reply 6
Original post by StrawberryDreams
It's getting to that time of year again - when September suddenly doesn't seem that far away and everyone is asking you if you're applying to uni in 2026. Too soon, right?!
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
Hi,
I’ve finished my a levels and I am taking a gap year. I’m planning to apply for medicine again but I’m confused on picking a fifth option. If I’m rejected I don’t plan on taking another gap year. How do I decide between biomedicine, pharmacy, pharmacology or neuroscience as a fifth option? I’ve researched online but I’m still unsure :/, all I know is I don’t want to study them as much as medicine.
Reply 7
Original post by Geo Lover 7
I went to Loughborough University last weekend and I'm going to UEA tomorrow.
How did you find UEA?
Reply 8
Original post by oriio
Hiii currently in year 12 studying Biology, Chemistry, Classics and Spanish. I'm just wondering about how to write meaningfully about a subject that i don't take (geography) in my personal statement as it's one of the courses I'm hoping to apply to for university (alongside environmental science and sustainable development). Thank you so much!
currently in year 12 studying Biology, Chemistry, Classics and Spanish. I'm just wondering about how to write meaningfully about a subject that i don't take (geography) in my personal statement as it's one of the courses I'm hoping to apply to for university (alongside environmental science and sustainable development). Thank you so much!Hey!
Why have you decided to apply for Geography, any particular reason? It would be great to really explain that 'why' in your PS, as that will help you work out (if you haven't already) any extra reading you have done/need to do around that subject to discuss the area you are specially interested in. Make sure your extra reading is tailored (if possible) to all of the subjects you're applying for, luckily they all have elements that complement each other!
You can find some example Geography personal statements here that may help you
Reply 9
Original post by megerano
Hi,
I’ve finished my a levels and I am taking a gap year. I’m planning to apply for medicine again but I’m confused on picking a fifth option. If I’m rejected I don’t plan on taking another gap year. How do I decide between biomedicine, pharmacy, pharmacology or neuroscience as a fifth option? I’ve researched online but I’m still unsure :/, all I know is I don’t want to study them as much as medicine.
I’ve finished my a levels and I am taking a gap year. I’m planning to apply for medicine again but I’m confused on picking a fifth option. If I’m rejected I don’t plan on taking another gap year. How do I decide between biomedicine, pharmacy, pharmacology or neuroscience as a fifth option? I’ve researched online but I’m still unsure :/, all I know is I don’t want to study them as much as medicine.
Hey!
That's always a tough one - what would you want to do if you ended up on one of these courses? Would you be looking to do Graduate Entry Medicine later on after your degree, or look at other career options?
Original post by StrawberryDreams
How did you find UEA?
Reply 11
Original post by Geo Lover 7
It was great. I'm pretty sure it's the university I want to go to after visiting 2 so far.
So glad to hear it 😊
Reply 12
Original post by megerano
Hi,
I’ve finished my a levels and I am taking a gap year. I’m planning to apply for medicine again but I’m confused on picking a fifth option. If I’m rejected I don’t plan on taking another gap year. How do I decide between biomedicine, pharmacy, pharmacology or neuroscience as a fifth option? I’ve researched online but I’m still unsure :/, all I know is I don’t want to study them as much as medicine.
I’ve finished my a levels and I am taking a gap year. I’m planning to apply for medicine again but I’m confused on picking a fifth option. If I’m rejected I don’t plan on taking another gap year. How do I decide between biomedicine, pharmacy, pharmacology or neuroscience as a fifth option? I’ve researched online but I’m still unsure :/, all I know is I don’t want to study them as much as medicine.
Hello @megerano
This will be a really common problem for a lot of students, I'm sure. You really won't be alone in trying to decide which course to study. One thing to remember when making the decision is that this does not necessarily 'fix' you in a career and it may be that if you started studying one course and found it wasn't for you, the university may let you change course to another - obviously you might need to do some additional studying to prepare for the other course, but it is sometimes a viable option. Is there one subject that appeals to you more than the others? It's important to study a subject that you have a passion for and an interest in as you will be spending the next 3 + years researching and studying it. Have a look at the universities you are interested in and the content of each of the subjects - is there one that is more in your field than the others?
I would recommend you go to Open Days and talk to the tutors who are in those subject areas, you will get a good idea of the study methods and contents this way. Also use the 'chat to students' option that a lot of the universities offer on their websites, as this will enable you to speak to current students studying in that area.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your decision making, if you want to ask anything else, please do!
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester
Reply 13
12
Original post by StrawberryDreams
Hey!
Why have you decided to apply for Geography, any particular reason? It would be great to really explain that 'why' in your PS, as that will help you work out (if you haven't already) any extra reading you have done/need to do around that subject to discuss the area you are specially interested in. Make sure your extra reading is tailored (if possible) to all of the subjects you're applying for, luckily they all have elements that complement each other!
You can find some example Geography personal statements here that may help you
Why have you decided to apply for Geography, any particular reason? It would be great to really explain that 'why' in your PS, as that will help you work out (if you haven't already) any extra reading you have done/need to do around that subject to discuss the area you are specially interested in. Make sure your extra reading is tailored (if possible) to all of the subjects you're applying for, luckily they all have elements that complement each other!
You can find some example Geography personal statements here that may help you
Hiii! Thank you so much for the reply. Probably the range of topics - social and environmental, and I feel like my extracurriculars fit geography modules (that relate to the environment/human geography) the best. Thank you so so much!! I'll make sure to do that. Thank youu for the help <3
Reply 14
Original post by oriio
Hiii! Thank you so much for the reply. Probably the range of topics - social and environmental, and I feel like my extracurriculars fit geography modules (that relate to the environment/human geography) the best. Thank you so so much!! I'll make sure to do that. Thank youu for the help <3
You're so welcome - that sounds great. Make sure to highlight that in the question 'How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?' Even though you may not be taking Geography, highlighting clearly how your extra reading and studying around your courses that you can relate back to your extracurriculars will help you here.
Also, remember that we run a Personal Statement review service here on TSR for when you've done your final draft. We have some wonderful volunteers who will give you feedback before you submit!
Reply 15
Hi everyone,
I thought I would link a few previous posts I have done that might be useful for anyone making a decision or just getting started. Hope these help:
Tips on Making a University Choice - The Student Room
Personal Statement Advice - The Student Room
Why Location is Important When Choosing a University - The Student Room
Good luck!
-Grace (Kingston Rep)
I thought I would link a few previous posts I have done that might be useful for anyone making a decision or just getting started. Hope these help
:Tips on Making a University Choice - The Student Room
Personal Statement Advice - The Student Room
Why Location is Important When Choosing a University - The Student Room
Good luck!
-Grace (Kingston Rep)
(edited 3 days ago)
Reply 16
Original post by StrawberryDreams
It's getting to that time of year again - when September suddenly doesn't seem that far away and everyone is asking you if you're applying to uni in 2026. Too soon, right?!
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
Well, it's actually the perfect time to start thinking about these decisions if you're heading into Year 13! You don't have to make any hard and fast decisions yet; just being open to finding out more about what you like and don't like will help you start forming your opinions and choices, ready for when applications open. If you're already deep into your research however - what questions are you currently wrestling with that you need help answering?
Maybe you're stuck on which course to pick, or which uni is better for your subject? Or maybe you'e sure on your course but the city you want to spend the next three/four years in has you completely stumped.
Add your question below and let's get a chat going. We can all help each other with thinking about uni applications
Msc information systems and business analysis written exam evaluation criteria and marks distribution
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