Going to university can be a major step towards independence. You'll meet new friends and study the subject of your choice for 3 or even 4 years. If you live away from home, then you'll also find out what it's like to live independently.
As a university student, you'll be expected to meet assignment deadlines and revise for exams. You will also attend (depending on the subject you study) lectures, seminars and practical tutorial sessions.
For some subjects, you'll also be able to take a placement year between your second and third year. The university you attend should help you out with finding a placement if you want to do this.
Most universities allow you to study for a degree part-time, although this will mean you will be studying for longer.
How do student loans work?
How student loans work depends on where you live in the UK. Regardless of where you live in the UK, they do not work in the same way as normal loans do. Student loans don't have to be paid back, they are wiped after a number of years and you only make repayments based on how much you are earning.
If you do not earn above £23,000 per year once you graduate, then you will not have to make repayments on your loan.
What do I need to go to university?
To go to university, you will usually need a 4 (or a C) in GCSE English and Maths. You will also need level 3 qualification(s) that can be translated to enough UCAS points to enroll onto your course. You can calculate the number of UCAS points you have here.
However, every year in July, universities make some (or all) of their courses available through Clearing. This is where universities make any spare places on their courses available to students who may want to change course or university.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You'll have a degree once you graduate university, making you more attractive to employers. | If you earn above a certain amount after you graduate, you will pay a small amount of your salary back as part of your student loan. However, this doesn't work in the same way as a normal loan would. Your loan is wiped after a number of years, and your repayments are based on your salary. This means if you earn |
| You'll be studying the subject of your choice for 3 or 4 years. | Depending on your desired career path, it may be better for you to complete vocational training, an apprenticeship or to go into an entry-level job. |
How do I start applying?
If you are looking to start your degree during the next academic year (which starts in September), make sure you have submitted your application by one of the deadlines stated on the UCAS website. Make sure you meet (or are expected to meet) the criteria for the course(s) you are applying for.
If you want to start studying after the next academic year, start looking at universities. We've got a listing on For The Facts for each university in the UK, where verified students can leave reviews and you can see the top 5 facilities that each university has to offer.