So you’ve decided that you are going into Higher Education. That’s the first step. Now what? You will be faced with numerous decisions. Some of which you might not even have considered yet. The following is designed to help you think about some things that will hopefully help you to make some informed decisions and make your next steps just a little bit easier.

Information in this section includes the following:

Why Study
Yes I Want To Go Into Higher Education
Applying Through UCAS
What To Study
Where To Study
Costs
Subjective Matters That May Affect Your Choices

WHY STUDY?
You may choose to spend two, three or more years studying for purely financial reasons. It is likely that a degree will help you in getting a job that pays more in the end. The idea is that a few years spent studying, accumulating debt and struggling financially (compared to working full-time) will pay off in the end.

BUT BEWARE: A degree does not guarantee a lifetime of luxury and high living! Not all degrees give the same prospect of a good job and income.

There are other important reasons for studying. For some, it's the prestige of having a degree while for others, the process of learning itself is valuable and indispensable.

It's not only the ends that matter but also the road getting there. While studying, you will pick up necessary and important skills such as:
  time management,
  research skills
  the ability to work under pressure

Finally, there is the all important extracurricular aspect of uni/college. While putting off “real life” for a few years, most students have a great social life and enjoy the offerings of studentdom. Friendships with like-minded individuals undergoing the same trials and thrills of college life is considered one of the pluses of student life along with the huge array of activities available on campus. Your time at uni/college should be both a productive and a memorable one. Make the most of it and enjoy yourself!

YES I WANT TO GO INTO HIGHER EDUCATION
Now that you’ve decided to pursue higher education, here are some things that you should keep in mind.

Plan Early
Look into career fields that you are interested in. Don't consider courses just because everyone in your family followed a particular path or because your friends are all applying for the same uni/college.

Do Your Own Research
Obtain prospectuses, surf the net, look things up at libraries, view CD roms and databases. If a particular uni/college that you are interested in is close to you, visit it. Check it out with your own eyes. It is important to visit your choices since they might not meet up to your expectations. It’s better to be prepared ahead of time and go into a place with your eyes open. Many institutions have open days so take advantage of them.

USEFUL LINKS
See our directory of Universities so that you can check out the university sites for yourself.

Beware Of Glossy Brochures And Prospectuses!
Remember that attracting students is an extremely competitive (and lucrative) business for institutions. Their prospectuses are sales tools and therefore won't give you the full story, warts and all. There are many independent and "alternative" prospectuses and guides that give a more objective view.

If you are interested in a particular career path, make sure that the courses you take are relevant and/or that the career prospects are good. Remember that you have to be realistic in choosing what you want to pursue. For example, it wouldn’t be to your advantage to pursue Marine Biology if you’re going to be living in the middle of the desert. Granted, that’s an extreme example, but you get the point.

USEFUL LINKS
Careers Office
Consult the Careers Service for information on career prospects and necessary qualifications.

APPLYING THROUGH UCAS
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is a central body dealing with applications. If you are planning on taking an undergraduate degree course, Diploma of Higher Education or HND, you will most likely need to apply through UCAS. You can choose up to six courses on a single application form.

USEFUL LINKS
UCAS
See the UCAS website for information on course applications, procedures and important deadlines.

or contact

UCAS
Rosehill, New Barn Lane
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ

Applicant enquiries: 01242 227 788
General enquiries: 01242 222 444
Minicom: 01242 544 942 - for people with hearing difficulties.

WHAT TO STUDY
For most would-be students, the most important question is:

What are my career aspirations?

If you are certain of what you wish to do job-wise at the end of your studies, then you will have a very good idea of what you need to study. However, if you are not sure of your career or job directions, then you need to consider your choices and keep your options open.

Then, there are other important questions:

What do I enjoy studying?
What am I good at?
What subjects interest me?
Do I want to study full time or part time?
Do I want some work experience as part of my studies?

USEFUL LINKS
UCAS
See UCAS for information on choosing courses and universities

WHERE TO STUDY
There is no point in spending years in a place you despise - unless you ABSOLUTELY have to.

Some questions you may want to ask yourself are:

Does the place meet your academic requirements?
What are the facilities like? Safe, accessible, adequate?
Are you going to live at home or away?

If you have the choice of living in the family home and attending college nearby (and you get along with the members of your household), you have an advantage. This arrangement can lower costs and leave you with a lighter debt burden at the end of your studies. Also, if you are the sort who likes seeing familiar faces (old friends and family) and the routine and reassurance of living at home, then this may be the best option.

If, on the other hand, the thought of living at home for the next few years leaves you with a sick feeling, then you need to choose where you are going to study and live. Living away also has the advantages of freedom, new location and a general fresh start.

If you are not limited by course requirements to attend a particular institution, you will need to consider your desires and options and decide on a place that best meets your needs.

COSTS
There is the important matter of paying your way through your studies. You should investigate possible costs.

For the year 2000/2001 the maximum tuition fee for students is £1,050. Students from lower income backgrounds will be exempt from having to pay tuition fees.

When working out a budget, there are a few things you must keep in mind . . .

Transportation costs will have to be considered if you are planning on commuting regularly.

Recreational activities can be more expensive in some places. Also see about everyday matters like whether or not you'll have a cheap source of groceries nearby (food bills can skyrocket if you depend on small convenience shops).

REMEMBER: Rent will take up most of your living expenses.

USEFUL LINKS
UCAS
See UCAS, section on financial support

SUBJECTIVE MATTERS THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR CHOICES
The quality of life or the seaside vs big city vs countryside debate will no doubt play a part in your decision. A monastic setting in the hills is not for you if you like bright lights and clubbing and vice versa. If you want to find out about a particular location, there are many sources for information. You can find information online about a town or city and its amenities. Also, independent study guides can be very useful (some of them list everything from the academic merits of a particular institution to the price of a pint of beer at the student union bar).

Location
Questions that you should ask yourself regarding location include:

  Do I like the surrounding city/town?
  What is life like off campus?
  If I like to visit the family often, is it too far to be cost effective?