Deciding where to apply in UCAS: My Experience and Advice!

This article was written by Business & Digital Marketing BSc(Hons) student Emily.

University applications can be long and daunting, but the best advice comes from those who’ve already been through it!

My Decision-Making Process

When I started thinking about university applications, I was advised by my tutor to break down the decision-making process into manageable steps and blimey did it help! First, I made a list of what was most important to me in a university. This included:

• Course content: I spent countless hours reading course and module descriptions trying to find one that ticked all the boxes and then I prioritised universities that offered the exact course content I wanted with modules that excited me.
• Location: I thought about whether I wanted to be in a busy city or in a quieter place. It's also important to decide early on if you want to be close to home, far away, or if distance doesn’t really matter to you. If being near family and getting home easily on weekends is important, focus on nearby universities. But don’t dismiss a university just because it’s far away - make sure you’re comfortable with the distance and that it won’t impact your wellbeing. If distance isn’t a concern, keep your options open and explore all possibilities.
• Facilities: I looked at the resources available, especially those related to my course, like studios, study rooms, or libraries.
• University size: I considered whether I’d do better at a big university with a diverse community or a smaller, more close-knit campus. It’s important to think about your comfort zone, but also remember that university is a chance to step out of it. Falmouth, for example, has a beautiful campus where diverse communities come together, offering plenty of opportunities to explore different cultures without being herded like sheep around the campus with loads of students getting in your way!  
• Reputation and rankings: While not the only factor, I did consider the reputation of the universities for my chosen course of interest.

I also made a pros and cons list for each university I was interested in, which helped me eliminate options that didn’t meet my criteria. Some of my points covered activities, night life, hangout spots, cost of living, ease of transport and what accommodation they offered.

Tools I Used

To gather information, I used a variety of tools including the following:

• University websites: I spent hours combing through course descriptions, student life information, and facilities pages on university websites. This was a key part of my research.
• Open Days and Campus Tours: Attending open days was invaluable. Seeing the campus, meeting current students, and talking to lecturers gave me a real feel for each university. Going with my family also really helped, because they asked good questions that I would never have thought about, as it was my first time living away from home!
• Virtual events: When I was applying in 2021, travel restrictions due to COVID made it difficult to visit campuses, so I attended virtual open days and webinars for Falmouth. These were incredibly helpful, as I could ask questions and get immediate answers. Plus, other people asked questions in the chat that I hadn’t thought of. Falmouth also hosted webinars for parents, covering topics like student finance and accommodation, which was great for families new to the university experience. Being the first in my family to go to university, my Mum found these webinars really useful in learning how to best support me.
• Current students: I connected with students through university forums and Ask a Student tools. Their insights into daily life and the realities of studying at each university were incredibly helpful.
• Discussions with family, friends and teachers: I regularly discussed my options with people who knew me well. Their perspectives helped me think about aspects I might have overlooked. They helped put a lot of my ideas and worries into a realistic perspective, which helped me find the right pathway for me.

My Decision to Apply to Falmouth University

Ultimately, I chose to apply to Falmouth University and I'm really happy with my decision. The course content was exactly what I was looking for, with a strong focus on creativity and teamwork. The location in Cornwall provides a unique and peaceful setting, away from the distractions of a big city, which has been ideal for my studies. Falmouth’s smaller size creates a close-knit community, making it easy to make friends and feel at home. The nightlife, daytime activities and variety of hangout spots and cafes offer something for everyone. Plus, with three beaches within walking distance and the scenic walk to Pendennis Point, there's always something to enjoy, no matter the weather.