Things to consider whilst applying for university

1. Travel and location

To begin with, I suggest carefully considering the location of the university you’re applying to. For me, this was the most significant factor during my application journey to Leeds Beckett. The location of your university doesn’t just determine where you’ll live; it shapes your entire student experience. I wanted to strike a balance between being far enough from home to feel independent, yet close enough to visit when needed without too much hassle or expense.

Travel costs and accessibility were especially important to me because I knew I’d need to return home occasionally — whether for family events, holidays, or simply to recharge. The thought of dealing with long journeys or unaffordable travel made location a key priority in my decision. Travelling between Leeds and my home town can be quite costly if left until last minute, I quickly realised that planning ahead was essential. Train tickets booked months in advance are far cheaper, but even then, they sometimes sell out during peak seasons.

Over time, I found that coaches were a more cost-effective alternative. However, my early experiences of travelling home were quite challenging. The first few times, I had to pass through London with all my belongings, which was both stressful and physically demanding. Eventually, I discovered a train route that takes me directly to my home town, where someone can pick me up — this has made the journey far more manageable and less overwhelming.

Ultimately, choosing a university location that aligns with your personal needs and circumstances can make a huge difference to your overall experience. It’s worth taking the time to think about how manageable the distance will be for you, how often you plan to travel home, and whether the costs fit your budget.

2. Accessibility and support

Building on the importance of location, I would also advise considering the ease of accessing the essential services you’ll need while at university. As someone with a disability, it was vital for me to have a doctor’s surgery and pharmacy close by, as well as an efficient sign-up process for medical services. Thankfully, this turned out to be no issue for me. Leeds offers all these essential services, including a dedicated student medical practice for emergencies. This practice operates late into the night to address the unique needs of students, which has been incredibly reassuring.

In addition to external services, it’s important to evaluate the university’s own support systems, whether this is something you investigate during the application process or something you may need later on. Leeds Beckett is highly proactive in offering support for students facing mental health challenges and those with physical disabilities. My personal experiences with both their mental health and disability support teams have been exceptional — they consistently provide care and resources that have genuinely enhanced my student experience.

It's equally important to think about maintaining a strong personal support network during your time at university. Consider how easy it will be to stay connected with family and friends — is the university’s location convenient for communication, or might the distance create barriers? Prioritising your mental health throughout your university journey is essential.

For me, while I found comfort in the independence and the chance to start afresh, staying in close contact with my family made a significant difference. During my first year, I made it a point to call my family every day, and this connection was invaluable for my mental health and well-being. Everyone’s needs are different, but striking a balance between independence and a supportive network is key to thriving during this new chapter.

3. Location

I would highly recommend taking the time to think carefully about the area you’ll be relocating to or commuting from. For me, this was a big part of my decision-making process, as I wanted to make sure the location would truly suit me — not just academically, but personally as well. There are a few key questions that helped me decide:

• Does the area match your interests and values? For example, I love a good balance between city life and nature, so I looked for places where I could enjoy both. Leeds, with its vibrant city centre and beautiful green spaces gave me the best of both worlds.
• How safe do you feel in the area? This was especially important for me as I wanted to feel secure wherever I was, whether walking home at night or exploring new parts of the city.
• Will this place help you thrive? I asked myself if I could really see myself growing and becoming the best version of myself in this environment. For me, Leeds felt like a place where I could challenge myself while still feeling at home.
• Are there external opportunities? Think about whether the location offers opportunities that align with your goals, whether those are related to your studies or personal interests. I loved that Leeds had so many chances to get involved in creative and professional projects, as well as part-time work to support my studies.
• Can you afford to live here? Affordability is key. I had to think about whether my budget could stretch to cover rent, bills, and living costs, or if I’d need to compromise on something to make it work.
• What’s the nightlife like? If socialising and going out are important to you, ask yourself if the nightlife suits your style. Personally, I loved how Leeds offered a mix of lively nights out and cosy spots for quieter evenings.
• Are the resources there to support your studies? I needed a university with well-equipped libraries, accessible support services, and study spaces that suited my learning style — and Leeds Beckett delivered on all fronts.

Answering these questions helped me picture what life would be like day-to-day, and it gave me the confidence to know I was making the right choice. Relocating or commuting is a big step, but if you take the time to think it through and focus on what matters most to you, you’ll set yourself up for a much better experience.

4. Finances

University can be expensive, so it’s important to plan ahead. For me, applying for student finance early provided peace of mind and helped shape my decisions. If you’re considering part-time work, I highly recommend attending job fairs and exploring online platforms. Securing an on-campus job gave me financial stability and valuable experience while enhancing my university journey.

It’s also worth investigating the financial assistance your university offers, such as bursaries or loans, and evaluating your budgeting skills.

Finally, take time to find accommodation that fits your financial situation. Feeling secure in your choice can ease the transition and let you focus on your studies. Being proactive about finances will help you make the most of university life without unnecessary worry.

5. Friendships

Starting university in a new environment made me anxious about making friends — it was constantly on my mind. What I wish I’d known during the application process is how many platforms are available to connect with classmates and roommates ahead of time. Being proactive on social media, like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook is a great place to start, the university also invites all applicants to a community group where you can find your flat mates, course mates and create group chats like whatsapp based on interests - this can really help ease those nerves and even lead to meeting future friends.

In my experience, the welcoming atmosphere at Leeds Beckett made all the difference. The kindness made me feel more at home than I had at other universities I visited, and it played a big part in my decision. Feeling supported and connected at such an early stage can make the transition so much smoother.

6. The course

Finally, let’s talk about the course you’re considering — it’s such a big decision, and I’m glad I took the time to reflect on it. Here are some key questions I found helpful:

• Does the course align with your interests and passions?
• Can you see yourself building a future around it (if that’s important to you)?
• Is it manageable in terms of deadlines, readings, and attendance?
• Do you connect with the course leaders, tutors, and teaching style?
• Are there opportunities, like internships or projects, to enhance your experience?
• Most importantly, do you think you will enjoy it?

For me, answering these questions gave me clarity and confidence in my decision. Choosing a course that truly resonates with you will make all the difference in your university journey.

Thank you for reading my blog, I hope that it gives you some clarity, helps you to think further about your application and assists you during your application process.