the steps to university

Finding the right university is a big step in supporting their journey to university. It begins with thorough research into available courses.  

Starting early, at least a year before applying is advised. A UCAS event is a great starting point, giving them a chance to meet university staff and chat with students, to help them narrow down their decisions. University websites are also packed with information on courses, student life, accommodation and moving to a new city. As well as this, comparison sites like Whatuni and UniCompare are also hugely helpful. 

Once they’ve narrowed down their options, university open days bring everything to life. They’ll get to explore our campuses, meet lecturers, and experience the university atmosphere. Your support in attending or discussing their day can be invaluable. 

Once they have found the right university and course, your child will need to fill in their application. Applications for the 2026 cycle open on 13 May 2025 and close on 14 January 2026, but it’s always best to apply early. Students can select up to five universities through the UCAS website using the 'Apply' system. The fee for applying through UCAS is £28.95 for up to five choices.

As part of their application, they will have to provide a reference and submit a personal statement – this is a reflective piece of writing about themselves, which they may not have been asked to do many times before. Nevertheless, a positive approach and planning ahead can really make their application stand out. And there are ways in which you could help them. Guidance on how to write a personal statement can be found here.

Tip: If they are interested in applying for part-time study, remind them that they need to apply direct to the university and not through UCAS.

Once your child has submitted their application, the waiting period begins. It can be an exciting but nerve-wracking time. Understanding the different types of offers they might receive can help you support them in making informed decisions. 

Once universities review applications, they may offer one of the following: 

• Unconditional, which means they definitely have a place on their chosen course.
• Conditional, which means they will be accepted on their chosen course, if they meet the entry requirements.

Depending on the course and the university, they will be invited to either take part in an Offer Holder Day, attend an interview or submit a portfolio. Admissions teams will be in touch with them, with information on what their next steps should be.

Money is an important factor and there’s support available. Student loans, scholarships, and grants can help cover tuition and living costs. Our Money Advice team can provide guidance on what they’re eligible for. 

Encourage them to research budgeting early. Every student’s expenses are different, but our handy guide to managing money will show you how much they can expect to spend each year. Applications for student finance for those starting in 2026 will open in mid-March 2026. 

After receiving all their offers, your child should decide which ones to accept. To do so, they can log into their personalised account. Through UCAS Hub, they will select: 

Firm choice – Their preferred university. 
Insurance choice – A backup option. Quite often students will opt for a course with lower entry requirements. 

The deadline for making a decision will depend on the date your child receives all of their offers by. If they submitted their applications by 14 January and received all of their offers by 31 March they will need to make their choices by 6 May. If they haven't received all of their offers until 13 May then they will need to make their choices by 3 June.

The final deadline for applications to be made for the 2026 cycle, before Clearing opens, is 30 June. If your child receives all their offers by 15 July 2026 the deadline to respond is 22 July 2026.

At Leeds Beckett we have students who move into university halls and also many who opt to stay at home during their studies. It’s all about helping to find the right option for them. 

For students who live close enough to commute to university, staying at home can be a great option to save money, while for those moving into Halls there is great opportunity to experience more independent living. 

When choosing accommodation, considering factors such as proximity to campus, cost, and the type of living environment they would prefer are key.  Taking the time to explore different options together in person and online can help ensure they find the best fit. 

Our accommodation booking system normally opens in spring. Visit our accommodation site to find out more.

Tip: Leeds Beckett offer holders who apply for University accommodation before 30 June and make us their Firm choice are guaranteed a place in one of our 3,500 plus rooms.

UCAS Extra runs from 26 February to 1 July 2026 and will enable your child to reapply for a course, if they have used all their five choices and are not holding any university offers.

Not all courses will be available in UCAS Extra as some may already be full. Encourage your child to contact universities with available courses and check they will consider their application before they apply. This is important, given that they will only be able to apply for one course at a time and they will have to either accept it or decline it – UCAS Extra does not offer Insurance choices. If they are offered a place on a course they want and accept it, they will be committed to that course and will not be able to apply for more courses through Extra.

Tip: If Extra is available to your son or daughter, it'll show up as a button on their UCAS Hub account.

Results Day in August can bring a mix of emotions. If they don’t get the grades they were expecting, it doesn’t mean their university plans are over. Encourage them to check their UCAS Hub account – their university of choice may still accept them. If not, Clearing offers another way to secure a place at university. 

 Their UCAS Hub account will let them know if they’re in Clearing – a process that can connect them with available courses at universities across the country.  

Check out our Clearing pages for more details.

University is a time of growth and change and their wellbeing is just as important as their academic success. At Leeds Beckett we’ve received the University Mental Health Charter Award, recognising our commitment to continuous improvement in mental health and wellbeing.

We offer confidential counselling, mental health support and online resources to help students manage stress and any personal challenges they may face. Staying active is also key to a balanced life. With a modern gym, sports halls and outdoor pitches, there are plenty of ways for students to keep fit, join sports teams, or simply enjoy staying active.

Balancing studies and personal life can be tricky, but we provide guidance on time management, stress reduction, and building healthy routines. By fostering a supportive environment, we help them thrive both academically and personally.