As the Higher Education Convention period commences, you may consider as a teacher/parent/carer or student how to get the most from attending a UCAS or HE convention.
Why should I go?
At these events, you will find numerous Universities from across the country attend and therefore it is a great opportunity to find out about the courses they offer.
It is also a perfect chance to kick-start research about higher education and opportunities after school or college. It can even help direct subject or course choices at level three.
By asking questions about the things that matter to you, collecting and looking through prospectuses and mini-guides, you can start to narrow down your university choices and get an idea of the differences between universities.
Most universities will talk to you about their open days and these are fundamental in cementing your decision on where to attend university. If you are interested in a university you can sign up to receive further information by giving them your ticket to scan.
What should I think about/do in advance?
You might want to have an idea of what course areas you are most interested in. It doesn’t necessarily need to be an actual course, but having a rough idea of a subject area such as health, teaching, engineering or art and design, will help you explore relevant options.
Before the event, consider your predicted grades and the average entry requirements for each university; this will enable you to explore those universities with entry requirements you are likely to attain.
It’s a good idea to prepare a few questions that you want to ask each university to allow you to compare later: What are the entry requirements? What are the accommodation costs? Do they offer societies in your chosen sport? What is the proximity to your home town?
Make a plan of what institutions you are definitely interested in speaking to and visit these first to make sure you don’t miss out – time at conventions goes very fast!
At the event
Ask questions! Be open-minded! Get as much information as you can (be scanned and take prospectuses)!
What should I do after the event?
Based on your findings it’s a good idea to do some further research in o your shortlisted universities. Attend Open days, talk to current students and use websites such as ‘whatuni’ and the student room to further narrow down your choices.
Still not sure if you should attend?
Take a look at these smiling faces! Why not come along and have a chat with our friendly staff and student ambassadors?
