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.
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 give 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.

Applying to University
Step 1
Visit Open Days and UCAS Fairs.
This will give both you and the young adult 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 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 Track.
Step 7
Attend AED's
Applicants may also be invited to attend an Applicant 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
A home from home
If applicants are offered a place here, they are guaranteed 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.
Our security team is on-hand at The Green from 19:00-07:00 Monday to Friday and throughout the weekend, and they conduct regular patrols of the site.
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:
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Key dates
For September 2022 entry
26 Jan 2022
Apply between September and 26 January to make sure you're considered for your preferred courses.
25 Feb 2022
UCAS Extra opens
30 June 2022
You can still apply to us via UCAS after 26 January and up until 30 June, however, places on some courses may be limited or no longer available.
5 July 2022
Clearing opens
18 Aug 2022
A level results day
25 Aug 2022
GCSE results day