Going to University

[wizard]

Hi folks.

At the ripe old age of 21 ive actually sat down and thought about my future! Im thinking about going to Uni to study but im feeling in the dark with the whole process!

I know its probably too late to start this year so im looking at next year. I have 9 GCSE's (only C grade) in a few subjects including English, Maths and the Science's. I have a couple of AS qualifications but nothing to write home about.

What is the best way to study? Is it through Open University or by actually attending as a full time student? I know im going to amass some UCAS Points but how do I go about doing it? Also, will I get the same treatment as an 18 year old (e.g. Financial and Accomodation help)?

Cheers folks.

[GypsyGSD]

I work on the support sevices side at a uni and belive me 21 is not old i say go full time if you can enjoy it .The students i mix with are havinga great time and you can livein good luck x

[Gef]

wizard, sorry to be harsh but...

have you decided what to study;
have you found universities which offer the course;
have you checked out the entrance requirements?

If not I think you are not ready for it yet.

Also, how do you kbow that you are going to amass some UCAS points?

Sorry to be so negative but many young people embark on degree courses withou giving enough thought to it.

As you say, best to wait until next year and research it thoroughly. Good luck.

[wizard]

Thanks for your answers guys.

Gef, what I meant to say was "I know I need to amass some UCAS points but how do I go about doing it?"

Sorry for the confusion!

Id like to study Law or Business Management, its a toss between the two!

[mikey0118]

Having just finished university myself, I'd advise you not to pursue a degree (or equivalent). It's just going to get you into ridiculous debt and nowadays, more and more students are studying and then not going on to get work in the industry they have trained to be in.

What exactly does a degree mean? I'm sure that with a job application, somebody without a degree (but with a few extra years of experience) would get the job over a graduate (somebody who has done practically nothing over the past three years).

Given the chance again, I would have gone straight into full-time work.

[simsfreq]

The best thing you can do is go down to your local careers office and ask them for advice. I don't think you can get through the UCAS process wit the qualifications you have mentioned. Try http://www.ucas.com/ for some advice, and http://www.connexions.gov.uk/ should be able to help you with some of your questions too. (I know it says 16-19 but they should be able to give you some leaflets at the very least and/or explain to you how the system works.)
I'd also try contacting your local Further Education college because they will be able to offer you advice about courses that lead to University. It's possible a one-year course will get you qualifications enough to go. As for financial help as long as you are under 25 I think you can get the student grants. Again the links I've provided should be able to help you with this or contact your local LEA (Local Education Authority) as they are who priovides the funding!
Good luck! I should be heading off myself in 2 years and I'll be 20 yet so you won't be that old compared to all of us!

[msemma]

When you do find a course that interests you, at the institution you think you would like to study at, it may be worth contacting their careers service, as some careers services offer a Pre-Entry guidance service.
You likely route in will either be via an access course or down the traditional 2 year A-Levels path at a FE college.
Don't worry about it being too late, you are probably much better equipped at 21 with the right frame of mind for study. I wish I had taken time out between A-Levels and Uni! Some of my best friends at uni were 10 years older than me so don't think you are past it by any means!
Hope you make some good choices, just remember to be sensible and realistic about you financial situation (ie ensure you are as poor as possible before entry so you get the maximum help and bursaries available!), visit lots of unis to get a feel for the best kind of institution for you and if you think you have made the wrong choice of course or institution, don't stick it out just for the sake of it! Move course or uni - remember that you are a paying customer.
Good luck. X