Frequently asked questions

Going to university is a big decision to make.  There are lots of benefits of higher education so it's important to think about the opportunities and whether it's the right path for you.  Students often have lots of different reasons for choosing to go.

To become an expert: Over the duration of your undergraduate course, you will study a subject in great depth.  Getting a degree shows you have developed the specialist skills and knowledge you need to excel in your chosen career.

To get the job of your dreams: Your choice of career might be the main reason in deciding whether to go to university, and what course to study.  Some professions like being a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer or a teacher require you to get a particular degree.

More career choices: Getting a degree can improve your career prospects.  Not all jobs require a degree in a specific subject but most employers today want to hire graduates (people with a degree).  You will have a wider variety of career options to choose from and people who have been to university, on average, earn more per year than those who have not been.

For the experience: University isn't just about studying! There are lots of activities to get involved in, including clubs, societies and volunteering projects.  You will make new friends, meet people from all over the world, learn how to manage your own time and become more independent and confident as a result.

School and student-life are very different! You will not have lessons all day, 5 days a week.  At university you are responsible for managing your own work, attending your classes and studying independently.  The number of hours a week you will be in lectures and seminars depends on your course, but less hours doesn't mean less work! The remainder of your working day should involve reading, revising or researching projects.  Finding ways to organise your day-to-day work can feel quite daunting at first but there will be lots of support to help you find your feet.

There are a number of different qualifications that universities accept such as BTECs, the International Baccalaureate and the Access to HE Diploma. The exact entry requirements for the degree course you are interested in will outline the qualifications and grades you need so it's important to start researching your options as early as possible. You can find out more about the qualifications we accept at Leeds on our Accepted qualifications pages.

Although university may seem a long way in the future, what you choose to study for your GCSEs and beyond could make a difference to your options at the end of Year 13 / Level 3, Year 2.  It's never too early to start looking at what qualifications you need to study the higher education course you're interested in. When thinking ahead, consider the timeline here:

Year 9: Choose which GCSEs to study next year.  Remember the choices you make can affect which subjects you can go on to study at sixth form/college.

Year 10: It's important to work hard at your GCSEs. Universities often look at these qualifications when you apply to study a degree. Most courses require good grades in English and Maths.

Year 11: Do your best to get those GCSE grades! If you've decided you want to carry on studying, select your post-16 course(s).  Choose your options carefully as they will determine the university degree you can apply to.

Year 12 / Level 3, Year 1: Start researching universities and courses. Go online, request prospectuses, attend open days, UCAS fairs and ask lots of questions to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you.

Year 13 / Level 2, Year 2: Submit your university application.  This is done online on the UCAS website. If successful you may be invited to a visit day or interview.  Good luck!

There are over 55,000 degree courses available in the UK, ranging from traditional subjects like English Literature or Maths, to the more unusual like Fashion Technology and Pilot Studies.  You can choose to study something you are really interested in - perhaps learning more about a topic you already enjoy at school - or learning about something completely new.  Take a look at our Coursefinder to see the wide range of subjects available at Leeds!

You will learn a lot at university and not just in the classroom.  Whatever your interests, there are a wide range of other opportunities you can get involved in.  You could spend a year studying at a university overseas, spend part of your degree on a work placement or broaden your horizons by joining a society, club or volunteering project run by your university's student union.

Study abroad: Most courses offer students the chance to apply to study abroad and experience a different educational, social and cultural life. Options include studying abroad as a short programme or for a full year in destinations including Europe, the USA, Australia and Hong Kong.

Internships and work placements: Work experience opportunities can last anywhere from weeks, months, to a full year.  Spending some of your course working in an organisation will boost your CV and help you develop many skills that graduate employers look for.  These opportunities will also assist you in putting the knowledge you have developed through your degree, into practice.

Clubs and societies: University run clubs and societies offer you the opportunity to keep up with a hobby you already enjoy, or try something completely new.  It's a great way to meet people outside your course or accommodation.  At Leeds there are over 300 clubs and societies to choose from. There is something for everyone from street dance to baking, canoeing to archery.

Volunteering: At Leeds, and most other universities, there are dedicated teams to help you to access volunteering opportunities during your time at university.  Volunteering is a great way of not only helping the local community but also developing your skills set. There are so many ways you can get involved in causes that matter to you, whether you have 1 hour or 1 day to spare each week.

Once you've chosen your course and university, choosing where to live is the next big decision! Most universities offer a guarantee that all first year students will be placed in university accommodation. Whatever your preferences, or your budget, there is something to suit everyone.

Halls of residence: Halls are very popular among new students who are living away from home for the first time.  Halls are either catered (your food is provided for you at meal times) or self-catered (you make your own food in a shared kitchen).  You can choose whether to live in a large building, a smaller property, have a shared bathroom, or your own en-suite. Halls are usually located on, or near campus so you are at the centre of student life.  Halls are a great way to meet people who are studying a different course to you.

Private accommodation: After the first year, many student move out of halls into houses or flats with their friends.  This offers a more independent lifestyle.  With rented homes coming in all shapes and sizes, you and your friends will have a wide range of accommodation and locations to choose from.

Stay at home: Some people choose to live at home whilst studying at university.  It's often cheaper and you can still make new friends on your course and through clubs and societies.  Each year around a quarter of students across the UK choose to live at home so don't worry about being the odd one out if this is the best option for you!

The main costs of going to university can be split into two parts.  Firstly the cost of the tuition fees and secondly, your living costs.

Tuition fees: This is the money a student pays to a university.  Your tuition fees cover all the things your university should provide for you to complete your degree, for example the teaching of the course and access to the university's facilities such as libraries, computers and labs. Fees can vary across universities, even for similar courses, so it is important to research these costs.

It's also important to remember that there are no costs to pay upfront before you start your degree. Student loans are available to cover tuition fees and these loans are only paid back once you have finished your degree and you are earning over a certain amount. Even then your repayments are designed to be affordable, based on what you are earning, not what you owe.

Living costs: Your main living expense - if you are moving away from home - will be your accommodation.  You will also need to budget for other essentials such as course books, utility bills, food and transport as well as non-essential spending such as socialising.

There is lots of support to help cover your living costs. Student maintenance loans are available and most universities offer scholarships and grants. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants don't need to be paid back. The funding you are eligible for will depend on certain criteria such as your household income and where you live.  Make sure you research all the funding you could be entitled to so you don't miss out!