Preparing for university in the UK
> Here are some tips before you start your new journey
ARE you ready to apply and start studies in the UK? Here are seven points for you to get physically and mentally prepared before you kickstart a new journey.
1. Applying to university for the wrong reasons
If you have doubts about whether you require a university education in order to progress to your chosen career, lack confidence about your ability to perform at university, or think you may benefit from a gap year, obtain advice from college or school career mentors to be sure that you're making the best possible decision for you.
2. Inappropriate course choice
When deciding upon your preferred course, give consideration both to which qualifications are required for your desired career, and to whether the course in question is right for your level of academic ability.
If you have already begun studying at university before you realise that you've chosen the wrong course, speak to your university about changing course. If this isn't possible, consider whether an alternative university would be more able to support your academic aspirations.
3. Incorrect university choice
Before confirming your university choices on the all-important UCAS application, talk to your teachers and career mentors about which universities have a good reputation for your chosen course, with consideration of your academic abilities.
Then, filter your preferred universities by considering the type of location you'd be happiest living in. If you become unhappy with your university choice after commencing study, do consider changing to a different one.
4. Poor financial planning and management
If you're not funding your own university study and associated costs, apply for your student loan or grant well in advance to avoid any delays in payment.
Once at university, set a termly budget and break this down into a monthly and weekly allocation. Track daily expenditure to ensure you're not exceeding your spending limit.
If you struggle financially whilst at university, speak to university support staff to discover whether there is any financial assistance available; most universities have a hardship fund set up to aid students experiencing financial difficulty.
5. Failure to adapt
When you first arrive at university, spend time familiarising yourself with your surroundings and getting to know the other students living in your halls. Consider joining a university society connected to one of your hobbies; this can be a great way to make new friends and take your mind off the stress of university life.
If you find it difficult to handle living away from home in an unknown place, speak to your fellow students for support – the chances are, they've felt the same as you at some point.
6. Poor mental or physical well-being
Eat a balanced diet and keep fit, prioritise your workload to limit stress and schedule regular medical and dental check-ups. If you feel depressed or anxious for any reason whilst at university, seek help from your university counsellor or fellow students or visit your GP to find out whether NHS counselling or medication could offer you further support.
7. Inability to focus and concentrate Going back to the first point we made, don't forget your original motivation for going to university – to achieve the qualification you need in order to attain your dream career. Whilst it's important to ensure you get to know your fellow peers and enjoy a healthy social life, it's even more important to find the balance between your academic studies and your social life. Being heavily involved in a society dedicated to your interests may look impressive on your CV, but only if you've got an equally outstanding set of grades to match. This article was written by Cardiff Sixth Form College director of Marketing and Admissions, Henrietta Lightwood. Cardiff Sixth Form is the top school in the UK and has been for the past eight years with 99% of students achieving A*-B grades and 92% A*-A in 2017. Scholarships are available for high-achieving Malaysian students. Visit Cardiff Sixth Form College's booth at Study UK Exhibition Malaysia between Nov 18 and 19 from 1pm to 6pm at KL Convention Centre to find out more.