Applying to University: Complete student Guide
Tips for choosing the right five course options on your UCAS form
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Tips for choosing the right five course options on your UCAS form
Written by
Connor Steele
Reviewed by
Content Team
Updated
January 23, 2026
Est. Read
5 mins
Applying to university can feel confusing, stressful, and strangely high pressure, especially when everyone around you seems to know exactly what they are doing. The truth is, most students do not. The application process looks complicated because there are dates, systems, and terminology to learn, but once you understand the structure, it becomes far more manageable.
This guide walks you through when to apply, how the process works, key deadlines, eligibility, and what happens if things do not go to plan, all in plain English.
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Dates shown are UCAS key dates. Your school or college may set earlier internal deadlines for checking and references.
Most UK students begin applying to university in the autumn of Year 13, usually between September and January, depending on the course and university.
Applications are made through UCAS, and you can apply to up to five courses at once.
While January is the best known deadline, it is not the only intake point. Some universities and courses also offer September and January intakes, particularly for certain subjects, foundation years, and postgraduate style programmes. These later intakes can be useful if you need more time, are resitting qualifications, or change your plans.
Pick an intake to see what usually changes.
What this means
September is the main intake with the widest course choice, the most accommodation options, and the fullest Freshers and societies experience.
The September intake is the main entry point for UK universities and the one most students follow. It offers the widest range of courses, the most accommodation options, and the fullest student experience. Societies, sports teams, and social events are built around September starters, which can make settling in and meeting people feel easier.
Because September is the primary intake, universities also tend to invest more teaching resources at this point, and you will usually have more flexibility when it comes to course choice, modules, and campus housing. If you are applying straight from school or college, this is the route most students take and the one most universities are designed around.
The January intake, by contrast, is much smaller and more selective. Fewer courses are available, and accommodation options can be more limited, but it can still be a really good option in the right circumstances. January starts often suit students who did not apply earlier, missed their grades in the summer, are returning to education after a break, or simply want more time to prepare academically or financially before starting university.
Some students also prefer the January intake because it allows them to avoid the pressure of results day and make a more considered decision. That said, not every university or subject offers a January start, and availability varies significantly.
Because of this, it is essential to check individual course pages carefully rather than assuming all universities follow the same pattern. A January intake can be a smart alternative, but only if the course and support are right for you.
The September intake is the main entry point for UK universities and offers the widest choice of courses, accommodation options, and student activities.
The January intake is smaller and more limited, but it can be a good option if you did not apply earlier, missed your grades, are returning to education, or want extra preparation time.
Availability depends heavily on the university and subject, so checking individual course pages is essential.
While many students work towards the main January UCAS deadline, not all universities follow the same application timeline.
Highly competitive courses and institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science, have earlier deadlines, usually in October. These deadlines apply regardless of whether the course starts in September, and missing them means waiting until the following year to apply.
These early deadlines exist because such courses involve additional selection steps, such as admissions tests, interviews, or more detailed application reviews. As a result, students considering these options need to begin researching and preparing much earlier, often before they are completely certain about their choices.
This does not mean you need everything figured out straight away, but it does mean keeping options open and being organised. Even if you are only considering one of these courses, it is worth knowing the deadlines early so you do not accidentally rule yourself out.
In the UK, almost all undergraduate applications are made through UCAS. The process itself is structured and predictable, which helps level the playing field for students from different backgrounds.
This is where your research matters most. Look closely at course content, entry requirements, assessment style, and location. This is a good point to link to your Choosing a Degree guide and Choosing a University guide.
Once registered, you fill in personal details, education history, and predicted grades if applicable.
Your personal statement explains why you want to study your chosen subject and what makes you a good fit. It is less about being impressive and more about being genuine and reflective.
After submission, universities review your application and decide whether to make you an offer, invite you to interview, or reject the application.
Tap the stage you are on to see what to do next.
What to do next
Shortlist courses, compare modules, and check entry requirements. If you can, go to at least one open day so you get a feel for the place.
University applications follow a regular yearly cycle, and while the dates might feel abstract at first, knowing the rhythm of the process makes planning and reducing stress much easier.
For 2026 entry, there are a handful of dates that matter more than others. These dates determine when your application gets equal consideration, when you can use Extra, and when Clearing opens if you need it.
UCAS applications for a new cycle open in early September. If you want to submit early, the best move is having your course shortlist and personal statement draft ready before applications open.
14 January 2026 at 18:00 UK time is the equal consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses for 2026 entry. Applications received by this time must be considered equally by universities.
Tip: even if you submit by the UCAS deadline, your school or college may have its own earlier internal deadline so they have time to check your application and add your reference.
15 October 2025 was the deadline for Oxford and Cambridge, and for medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science courses for 2026 entry. Missing it usually means waiting for the next cycle.
UCAS Extra opens 26 February 2026. It is designed for applicants who used all five choices and are not holding any offers. You can add one extra choice at a time during the Extra window.
You can still apply after the January deadline, but you are not guaranteed equal consideration. The last date for applications to be sent to universities for 2026 entry is 30 June 2026 at 18:00 UK time. After this point, you move into Clearing.
Clearing opens 2 July 2026 and runs until 19 October 2026. This is when universities list courses with vacancies, and students can secure a place if they are not holding an offer or choose to change plans.
A level results day is a major Clearing moment. In 2026 it falls on 13 August 2026.
There is also a final administrative deadline later in the year for applications for that cycle. UCAS lists 24 September 2026 at 18:00 UK time as the final date for 2026 entry applications.
January deadline: this is the big one. Apply by this date and universities must give your application equal consideration.
Special deadlines: competitive courses need earlier applications because they have extra steps like tests or interviews.
Late applications: still valid, but they may be reviewed later or with fewer options available.
Clearing: opens in July and runs through most of autumn. It is not just a last resort. It is a major part of the system for many students.
Most students apply to university with A levels, but they are far from the only route into higher education in the UK. Universities recognise that students take different educational paths, and entry requirements are designed to reflect that.
Alongside A levels, many universities also accept BTECs, T Levels, Access to Higher Education Diplomas, and a wide range of international qualifications. These alternatives are widely used and well understood by admissions teams, particularly for vocational, applied, and mature student routes.
For students who do not meet standard entry requirements, foundation years can provide an additional pathway into university. These are designed to prepare students academically and often lead directly into a full undergraduate degree once completed.
It is important to remember that entry requirements vary significantly by course and university. Some institutions also take a contextual or holistic approach, especially for widening participation applicants, meaning your grades are considered alongside your background and circumstances.
This is a useful point to explore:
How to get more UCAS points if you are applying to university
How much does it cost to retake A levels in the UK?
While grades play a major role in university applications, they are not the only thing admissions teams consider. Universities want to understand who you are as a student and whether you are likely to succeed on the course.
In addition to qualifications, universities may look closely at your personal statement, academic reference, and for some courses interviews or admissions tests. These help them assess your motivation, subject interest, and readiness for university level study.
Many universities also use contextual data, such as school background or local participation rates, to make fairer decisions. Demonstrating genuine commitment to your subject through wider reading, work experience, or relevant activities can strengthen an application even where grades are borderline.
Attendance issues, mitigating circumstances, or personal challenges do not automatically rule you out, particularly if they are explained honestly and clearly within your application.
Do universities accept your application if you have a low attendance rate?
Missing the main UCAS deadline does not mean you have missed your chance to go to university.
After the main application cycle, Clearing allows students to apply for courses that still have places available. Many universities actively recruit through Clearing and are often more flexible with entry requirements at this stage.
Students use Clearing for a range of reasons. Some did not receive offers, others declined all their options, and some simply changed their mind after receiving results. It is also common for students to use Clearing if their results were higher or lower than expected and they want to adjust their choices.
Clearing is not a backup. It is a built in part of the admissions system and a legitimate route into university.
University rejections can feel discouraging, but they are extremely common and rarely personal.
Admissions decisions are influenced by competition, limited places, and course specific demand, not just individual ability. A rejection does not reflect your potential or future success.
If your application is not successful, you still have several options. Many students apply again through Clearing, reconsider their course choice, retake qualifications, or reapply the following year with a stronger application. Some even discover better suited courses or universities after an initial rejection.
Learning how to respond constructively is part of the university journey, not a setback.
How to handle university application rejections
Applying as an international student follows a similar structure to UK applications, but there are often additional steps involved.
These can include meeting English language requirements, understanding how international qualifications are assessed, and applying earlier due to visa and funding timelines. Some universities also set different deadlines for international applicants, especially for competitive courses.
Because of these differences, international applications are best covered in a dedicated guide, where visa processes, funding, and language requirements can be explained in full without overwhelming this page.
Applying to university can feel confusing at first. These FAQs break down how the process actually works, what matters most, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Most students apply through a single application system where you can choose up to five courses. You submit your details once, and universities then decide whether to make you an offer.
Your application usually includes your course choices, predicted or achieved grades, a personal statement, and a reference from your school or college. Some courses may also require tests or interviews.
After you apply, universities review your application and respond with offers, which can be conditional or unconditional.
Preparation usually starts earlier than students expect. Many people begin thinking seriously about courses and universities during Year 12, even though the application is submitted in Year 13.
This early stage is about research rather than decisions. Looking at course content, visiting open days, and building subject relevant experience all help when it comes time to apply.
The personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application, especially when courses receive a high number of similar grade profiles.
Universities use it to understand your motivation, your interest in the subject, and whether you are prepared for the academic demands of the course. Quality matters more than trying to impress with lots of activities.
A strong statement explains why you want to study the subject, what you have done to explore it, and what skills you bring.
Most students apply to five courses. The key is not to use all five automatically, but to choose a balanced set of options.
A good mix usually includes aspirational choices, realistic matches, and at least one option where the entry requirements are comfortably within reach. Only choose courses you would genuinely be happy to accept.
Universities do not officially prioritise early applications over later ones, as long as you apply before the deadline.
However, applying earlier can reduce stress and give you more time to deal with interviews, admissions tests, or any issues with your application. The quality of your application always matters more than speed.
Once you submit your application, universities review it and decide whether to make you an offer. This can take weeks or sometimes months.
You may be invited to interviews or asked to complete assessments for some courses. When offers arrive, you will eventually choose a firm and insurance option before results day.
Rejections are common and do not mean you are not capable of succeeding at university. Many strong applicants receive at least one rejection.
If this happens, focus on the offers you do have and remember that there are alternative routes, including Clearing or similar courses with lower entry requirements.
If your grades are lower than predicted, you still have options. Some universities may be flexible, especially if you are close to the required grades.
You may also be able to secure a place through Clearing, consider a foundation year, or look at similar courses with lower requirements. Results day is rarely the end of the road.
Extracurricular activities matter most when they show skills or interest related to your course. Universities are not looking for a long list of hobbies.
What matters is what you learned from your experiences and how they link to the subject you want to study. Reflection is more important than volume.
University is not the right path for everyone, and that is okay. A good way to decide is to think about how you like to learn, what kind of career you are aiming for, and whether you are comfortable with independent study.
Consider alternatives such as apprenticeships or employment as part of your decision. The best choice is the one that suits your goals, not the one that feels expected.
Take a look at related guides and resources.
