Things to do while you wait for uni decisions

Applying for university can be one of, if not, the most stressful thing you may have experienced up until that point in your education life. After submitting your UCAS application, the waiting game is very anxious, but you’re not alone. There’s thousands of other students around the country all experiencing the same feelings and anxieties. After applying, there’s not much you can do besides wait for a response. There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself and also take your mind off the process. Here’s a list of things I would advise based on my own experiences:

1) Research the universities you applied to:
Majority of the research for your universities should have taken place before applying to your chosen universities. However, it is important to still visit the campus/city in which the university is, to be able to decide which universities you’d like to select as your firm and insurance. There’s probably not going to be anything worse than ending up at a university that you don’t like because it doesn’t have the kind of social life, restaurants etc. that you expected. So, its super important to visit the universities again, get to know its surroundings and make yourself familiar with the area to then be able to decide what suits you best.

2) Speak to current students:
In order to get an idea of what to expect from your course and chosen universities, make an effort to speak to either family members who went to university, former student who attended your college (social media is very handy) and also ambassadors at the universities. This will give you first-hand information from people who have the experience. UCAS' 'Chat to students' search allows you to connect with current students and ask questions about the university, course and student life.

3) Revise revise revise:
It’s great that you have made it to doing you A-Levels/course however, in order to secure your place at a university, a conditional offer will mean that certain grade requirements will need to be met. In order to take your mind off waiting for an offer/reply, simply dedicate yourself to revision, working to achieve the best grades possible to get into the university you choose.

4) Forget about it:
Although it’s easier said than done, the best thing you can do is just forget about it. There’s a lot of stress that comes with applying to university for example, applications and student finance etc. that there is no point thinking about something that is out of your control. In given time, you will definitely get a response. So, just forget it. Regularly update your emails, however, just enjoy your sixth-form/college experience because they will be some of the best memories you make before going off to university- enjoy it.

Good luck with your applications- choose your university wisely!