Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Your UCAS Fair guide
Hey! I’m Zoe, a second-year Media, Communications, and Cultures student at Leeds Beckett. When I was in your shoes, trying to figure out where to go to university, attending a UCAS Fair was a massive help. It gave me a chance to explore my options, ask real students and staff questions, and get a proper feel for what different universities had to offer.
So, if you're heading to a UCAS Fair soon, I’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know — what to expect, the key questions to ask, and my top tips for making the most of it.
Why UCAS Fairs matter
Think of a UCAS Fair as a one-stop shop for all things university-related. It’s your chance to:
- Explore different universities and their courses
- Chat with current students and staff
- Get insights into student life, accommodation, and support services
- Gather loads of useful information to help you make the right decision
I remember walking into my UCAS Fair and feeling slightly intimidated by how many stands there were. But once I got stuck in, I realised how useful it was. By the end of the day, my bag was overflowing with prospectuses, my notes app was full of important details, and my mind felt so much clearer. Trust me, it’s worth going!
So... What should you ask?
Courses
When I went to the UCAS Fair, my biggest question was "What courses do you offer?" The amount of choice can feel overwhelming, so narrowing it down by learning more about the courses is a great starting point.
- How is the course taught — lectures, seminars, practicals?
- How will I be assessed —exams, coursework, presentations?
- What does a typical week look like?
- How can this course help me in my future career?
At one stand, I asked about the course structure and they told me about the placement year option. I hadn’t even thought about that before, but it ended up being something I found myself looking for at other universities. Little things like this can make all the difference!
Student life
One of the best things you can do at a UCAS Fair is talk to current students. I remember approaching a university stand, feeling a bit awkward, when a student came up to me and just started chatting about their experience. They told me all about the best places to go out, the nicest coffee spots on campus, and which societies were the most fun. It was so refreshing to hear from someone actually living the experience.
I found it much easier to chat with students my age rather than lecturers — it felt more relaxed and real and their honesty helped me rule out a couple of places I thought I’d love but just didn’t vibe with.
- What’s the city like — busy, quiet, student-friendly?
- How’s the nightlife?
- What support services are available?
- What societies and extracurriculars are on offer?
- What are the campus facilities like?
- Do YOU like studying here?
If you’re like me and struggle to get a real feel for a place just by reading a website, these chats are invaluable!
Accommodation and costs
Aside from choosing a course, it’s also crucial to think about where you’ll live and how much things will cost. At my first UCAS Fair, I didn’t ask anything about accommodation—big mistake! When I finally started looking at places to live, I realised how much rent and bills varied between cities. Some unis had halls right in the middle of town, while others were further out but much cheaper.
- What accommodation options are available?
- How expensive is the cost of living in this city?
- Are there bursaries, scholarships, or financial support available?
My top-tip round up!
- Go in with an open mind – I went to my fair thinking I had everything figured out, and I completely changed my mind by the end of the day! You might discover a university or course you hadn’t considered before.
- Have your questions ready – The fair gets busy, and it's easy to forget what you wanted to ask. Make a list beforehand!
- Take notes – You’ll get loads of information packs, but nothing beats your own notes on what really stood out to you.
- Visit as many stands as possible – Even if you think you know where you want to go, explore all your options.
- Don’t be shy – I was nervous at first, but once I started asking questions, I got way more out of the experience.
UCAS fairs are a brilliant way to take control of your uni decision and get all the answers you need. They helped me so much when I was choosing where to go, and I know they’ll help you too. So, take your time, ask the right questions, and most importantly — enjoy the process!
Good luck – you’ve got this!
