Start with your interests, strengths and long-term goals, then match them to course content and graduate outcomes. Read module lists, assessment styles (exams vs. coursework), and placement options to see how you’ll learn day-to-day. Check entry requirements, professional accreditation (where relevant), and where graduates typically end up working or studying.

• Course content: Scan modules for years 1–3; make sure the optional units excite you.
• Teaching & assessment: Lectures, labs, studio time, group work, projects, exams.
• Outcomes: Career paths, graduate salaries, further study rates.
• Experience: Placements, industry links, study abroad opportunities.
• Fit: Entry requirements, workload, campus vibe, city vs. rural life.

Use our step-by-step guide to shortlisting and comparing courses: choosing a university course.

Our rankings hub brings together student-focused insights in one place so you can quickly shortlist and compare universities. It’s a practical starting point before deep-diving into individual course pages, virtual tours, and open days.

• Quick comparisons: Scan strengths, student experience and stand-out features.
• Discovery: Find universities you may not have considered.
• Decision support: Combine rankings with open days, modules, and location research.

Start here: rankings hub.

Location affects your cost of living, lifestyle, and career access. Big cities offer internships and nightlife but can be pricier; campus or smaller cities may be cheaper and community-oriented. Think about travel times, safety, culture, green spaces, and proximity to home.

• Costs: Rent, transport, food, part-time work availability.
• Experience: Societies, clubs, culture, music, sport, outdoors.
• Career: Industry presence, placement partners, networking.

Tip: Shortlist a few locations, then visit on an open day to feel the difference.

Yes. International applicants apply to UK universities with equivalent qualifications and proof of English (often IELTS 6.0+, course-dependent). Check each course’s requirements, available scholarships, and visa timelines before you apply or accept an offer.

• Entry: Academic equivalents, English-language evidence (e.g., IELTS).
• Support: International teams, airport pick-ups, welcome weeks.
• Funding: University scholarships and external awards.

Learn more and explore options via our university hub.

It’s common to rethink your choices. Before you accept an offer, you can update your shortlist or swap preferences. After results day, options may include course changes, deferral, or using alternative pathways.

• Before decisions: Refine your list, compare course content and locations again.
• After results: Explore new options and entry routes that fit your grades and goals.
• Alternative routes: Foundation years, different providers, or reapplying next cycle.

For inspiration, see popular late-entry options: easiest unis to get into.

Plan early: estimate rent, bills, transport and food, then compare locations and accommodation types. Look for bursaries, scholarships, and part-time work. A clear weekly budget helps you avoid overspending and stress.

• Budget: Track essentials first (rent, utilities, food) before non-essentials.
• Compare cities: Prices vary widely—factor this into your university choice.
• Boost income: Scholarships/bursaries, part-time roles, paid internships.

See how location impacts costs: expensive student cities.

Absolutely. Open days let you experience the campus, talk to academics and students, and sense whether you’ll be happy there. Use them to verify what brochures and rankings suggest.

• Plan: Book sessions; list must-see departments, labs, and accommodation.
• Ask: Class sizes, contact hours, placements, support services.
• Record: Take notes/photos to compare universities later.

Make the most of every visit with this guide: how to get the most out of a university open day.

Contextual offers are adjusted entry offers that consider your background alongside grades—examples include school performance, postcode, care experience, or participation in access programmes. They aim to recognise potential in context and widen access.

• Varies by university: Criteria and reductions differ—always check course pages.
• Evidence: You may be asked for confirmation of eligibility (e.g., school or programme data).
• Timing: Start researching early so you know what information to provide.

Read more on planning timelines here: when to start looking.