Photo of an adult parent standing outside having his photo taken.

Parents and carers

Starting the university journey is an exciting time for both you and the young person in your care.

Getting to university requires a fair amount of planning and preparation and although it is the time for prospective students to learn to become more independent, they could still use a helping hand along the way.

Here is some information to help you support your dependants through the process of getting to university.

Parents and carers guide

Request a digital copy of our guide to securing a place at University for parents and carers.

Request your copy

Making a decision

Choosing what to study and where is a huge decision for prospective students to make. It is important that they research different courses and universities to find the perfect fit for them.

Why not sit down together and go through the options:

What did they enjoy studying at school and college?
What career might they be interested in?
Do they want to study close to home or further away?

Most universities run open days: you should attend these to ensure that shortlisted universities have exactly what they are looking for and feels right for them.

Open days also provide the chance to speak to academics and current students who can provide a clearer picture of student life at that particular institution.

UCAS also hold events around the country. These provide the perfect opportunity for talking to representatives from multiple universities in one day, making it easier to compare courses and providers.

A landscape shot of two students at our October Open Day

Applying to University

Step 1

Visit Open Days and UCAS Fairs.

This will give both you and the young person you're supporting a better understanding of their options and where they might want to study.

Step 2

Choose courses and universities.

Once your prospective students have researched course options and universities, they should have an idea of what they want to study and where.

Step 3

Apply via UCAS Hub

Now it's time to set up an account with UCAS Hub.

Step 4

Write a personal statement

Prospective students will need to write a personal statement, explaining why they want to study their chosen course and what makes them a strong applicant.

Step 5

Send application

Once all elements of the application are complete, it is time to submit it.

Step 6

Attend interviews and receive decisions

Universities may ask students to attend an interview. After this, they will receive decisions from their chosen universities.

Universities will get in touch via email or UCAS Hub.

Step 7

Attend an Experience Day

Applicants may also be invited to attend an Experience Day.

This is similar to an open day, but usually more course-specific.

Step 8

Accept offers

Once all decisions are received, it's time to choose their firm and insurance choices.

This is their first choice and their back up option.

Step 9

Apply for Student Finance

Once applicants choose their firm choice, they can start applying for Student Finance to fund their studies.

Find out more about fees and finance.

Step 10

Apply for accommodation

Now is the time to apply for accommodation. They can choose to live in halls or private accommodation.

Step 11

Results

Once applicants have received their results, their offer will be either confirmed or withdrawn.

If they do not meet the offer terms of both their firm and insurance choice, they can look into securing a place on a course through Clearing.

Step 12

Enrolment and Induction

Once the young person in your care has secured their place at university, the next step is to enrol and attend their induction week. This usually takes place in September.

Stay informed

Sign up to our webinars

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A home from home

If applicants are offered a place here, they can apply for a room in our award-winning on-campus accommodation, The Green.

Students living here are just a few steps away from their lecture theatres, the library, support services and the Students' Union.

Students living at The Green are looked after by a team of resident wardens who provide support, advice and information to help them settle into university life.

The Green’s own security team is on-hand from 18:00-08:00 Monday to Friday and throughout the weekend, and they conduct regular patrols of the site. Additionally, University security is on-campus 24/7, looking after The Green out of hours Monday-Friday, weekends and holiday periods.

We also have private accommodation options for students, consisting of privately rented houses and apartments, many of which are located within walking distance of campus.

Here to help

Transitioning to university life can be challenging, but we’re here to help, no matter what the problem may be.

Our dedicated MyBradford team have a wealth of experience and will be on hand to help your young adult access the support services they need to be a success.

As a student here, they will have access to:

A shot of a careers adviser helping out a student

Key dates

For September 2024 entry

31 Jan 2024

Apply between September and 31 January to make sure you're considered for your preferred courses.

28 Feb 2024

UCAS Extra opens

30 June 2024

You can still apply to us via UCAS after 31 January and up until 30 June, however, places on some courses may be limited or no longer available.

4 July 2024

UCAS Extra closes

5 July 2024

Clearing opens

15 Aug 2024

A level results day

22 Aug 2024

GCSE results day

23 Sept 2024

Autumn term starts

25 Sept 2024

Final deadline for 2024 entry applications

Blogs

Here are some blogs to help give you tips and insights into the student application journey and life as a student. To read more of our blogs, visit our blogs page, Bradford Life.

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Any questions?

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