Advice

You’ve just submitted your Ucas application form and breathed a sigh of relief that you’re one step closer to embarking on a life of seminars, lectures and independence in September. But what do the next eight months have in store?

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the next stages in the life cycle of a prospective student, from awaiting university offers to collecting exam results and exploring Clearing and Ucas Extra. 

The festive holidays are a time of celebration ­– good food, lots of parties and time spent with family and friends. Unfortunately, for those sitting exams in the new year, that also means revision.

Studying might not seem like a recipe for festive fun, but fear not. If you’re organised and get started early, you can still have a great holiday and be prepared for your exams. Stick to these relaxation and revision tips and you’ll go back in the new year feeling relaxed, revitalised and well prepared.

Choosing a university is like choosing the perfect pizza toppings. It requires a combination of things that all work well together and all suit your personal taste. If just one of the toppings chosen doesn't complement the others (looking at you, pineapple), then it can ruin the entire pizza.

Online interviews are a part of the application process for overseas applicants to interviews. Whether online or in-person universities will still be looking for candidates who display a passion for their subject, enthusiasm and evidence of independent learning.

If you make it to an interview, admissions staff already believe you are suitable for the course based on your educational history. At this stage, they are gauging your personal qualities and ability to engage with their questioning. 

Being invited to interview at a university can incite two feelings: 1) excitement, and 2) nervousness. It’s exciting that a university is considering accepting your application, but if you’re feeling nervous about it then being prepared is one of the best ways to combat the anxiety.

While every university will have a different style of interviewing, there are a few questions that are likely to come up whichever institution you interview at.