Information and advice for young people applying to university
Guidance around choosing the right university and course for you and where to get help with your finances.
What to think about when applying for university
When you want to go
To apply for the next academic year you must submit your application through UCAS before January of the same year.
For Oxford University, Cambridge University and most Medicine, Veterinary and Dentistry degrees you need to submit your application in October the previous year.
You also have the option of making a deferred entry application. This means you apply for a place to start the following academic year. This is a good option if you want to have a year off and secure your place in advance.
View key dates for applications on the UCAS website.
Where to study
You may want to live on campus or in private accommodation off campus. Think about what the town or city has to offer and what future career prospectus are like in the area.
Get tips on how to choose where to study on the UCAS website.
The right course for you
Even if you've chosen the subject you want to study, there are other options to narrow down your choices. Some courses are three years, others are four years, some offer a placement year or specialism, whilst some offer a year abroad.
Read more about how to choose the right course on the UCAS website.
Visit the university
Go to open days to get a feel for each university and the city they're in.
Find University Open Day information on the Opendays website.
Get help with your finances
You can apply for student finance the year that you're due to go to university. Apply online and submit your application before the deadline in April.