Education at 18+

Which qualifications are right for me?

As you move through your last two years at school or college, you've got some big decisions to make.

You need to:

• Decide whether you want to move into Higher Education (HE) at university or college.
• If you do, you need to choose a subject and a university/college, and then apply for a place. Whatever you choose, it's a good idea to think about a fallback option if your results turn out to be not as good as you hope.

You can check out the booklet - Your Way Forward - Options @18+' for more information. It's available from your Connexions Centre.

Making your choices

• A good place to start is the UCAS Directory - which helps you apply for higher education, and is a useful source of addresses and information. You can refer to this in your school or college library or your nearest Connexions Centre (see the end of this chapter for contact details). When you are ready to apply, ask for an application form and the UCAS Directory on CD ROM from school/college or local Connexions Centre. You can also use the UCAS web site (www.ucas.co.uk) to get information and make an application.
• More detail about the courses offered by individual colleges and universities is available direct from them. Write or call them and ask for a prospectus (which is a brochure giving you details of the college facilities and its courses). Universities and colleges also have open days when you can talk to students, be shown around the campus, learn more about the course and check out the student accommodation. It's worth visiting the places you're serious about. After all, you'll be spending a few years there.
• Look around the town/city as well as the university/ college. Are you looking for a party atmosphere or a peaceful place?
• Attend Careers Fairs where you can meet employers and students from different colleges and universities.

How to apply: The UCAS Directory will give you everything you need to apply, so read it carefully.

It's worth thinking about these things too...

• Location: Do you want to live in a city, on a campus, in the country or on the coast? Also, how close do you want to be to home?
• Facilities: Visit the college to check out how well equipped it is. You don't want to spend three years fighting over books and computer access.
• Accommodation: Does the university/college have halls of residence or will you be in shared flats or bedsits? All universities issue information about accommodation and they should also have someone who will help you to find housing.
• Expense: What will it cost you to live? Can you afford it? Will you have to take a part time job?
• Social life: Investigate student clubs and societies, as well as the nightlife. After all, your social life will be an important part of college life.

When can I apply for a place at college/university?

For degree courses and places in further education colleges, you should apply as soon as you can - the usual UCAS closing date is mid January of the year of your entry. But if you do miss the deadlines, don't despair - it's always worth a try.

Financial help

Contact your nearest appropriate Student Awards Office for the booklet 'Student Awards, Grants and Loans', which explains what you will be entitled to at college. See the addresses section at the end of the chapter for details of your nearest Student Awards Office.

Education Maintenance Allowance

From September 2004 a new system of financial support for young people in further education has been introduced, known as the Educational Maintenance Allowance. This is targeted at young people and their parents who would otherwise suffer financial hardship. For more details, contact the Student Support team on 01452 425403.