Choosing where to study is an important decision for both yourself and your child/ward. Read our top tips to find out how you can support your child/ward during this process.
This conversation can start as early as KS4, when your young person is deciding on what GCSE/A-levels subjects to study. Ask them what they find interesting and what they’re looking for in a university. This can help what to study at sixth form/college but remember, your young person might have more than one interest so don't narrow it down straight away, it's always good to have a variety of options available. It is never too early to start this discussion and there are a range of helpful websites to assist in the search:
There are a rage of university options and courses available and sometimes it can get overwhelming. Once they decide on a subject or a range of subjects that they’re interested in studying, you can visit the UCAS website to see which university might be the best option. You can also accompany them to university open days as that’s always a great way to explore a university and the courses on offer.
Visit our course finder for a list of courses available at Queen Mary, including entry requirements.
There are a few key points you and your young person may need to consider when choosing a university:
Your child/ward's school or college might also arrange university visits which will give them the chance to ask current university students what student life is like and experience university firsthand. You can also accompany them to university open days as that’s always the best way to explore a university and their courses.
Most schools and colleges have advisors or teachers who help guide your child/ward to choose the right option for them. Encourage your child/ward to arrange a meeting with this member of staff. Schools/colleges may also provide other opportunities such as work experience options if students are trying to find out what career they want to pursue, personal statement writing workshops and/or university visits. It's always worth asking your child/ward's school/college for a full list of opportunities they have available or regularly checking their website.
Whether your child/ward lives out or stays at home, knowing how to manage finances is a good skill to have especially as for most young people, this will be completely new to them. Talk to your child/ward about bills, rent and other expenditures as well as the best ways to save and make their money go further. You can also help them research which bank account is the best option for them, as a lot of banks have various student accounts with different rewards.
Your young person may be able to apply for student finance to pay for tuition fees and maintenance and living costs. The amount they will be eligible for is calculated using your household income. If eligible, they may be able to apply for scholarships or bursaries, which can also depend on the university they have applied to.
Once your young person finishes university and starts earning over a certain amount, they will begin paying the student finance loan, plus interest. This is usually taken out every month from their payslips but this is subject to change.
For more information, visit Student Funding and Finance.
For more information on how to apply and to check whether your young person is eligible, please visit Student Finance.
Keep a list of all the numbers you may need, from your young person's UCAS/student ID to any Clearing numbers. We’ve also provided more information on how to help during results day.
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