© University of Reading 2006 www.reading.ac.uk15 September 2009

Choosing Courses and Institutions

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Why go to University?

• You need a degree for some jobs

• Study something you enjoy

• Better career prospects and earning potential

• Transferable skills

• Social opportunities

• Meet new people

• Develop confidence and independence

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The

admission procedure

• UCAS is a central clearing house

• The only method of entry to UK degree programmes

• 5 choices

• Decisions are made by universities

• All Applications done electronically

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Timeline• 1st September 2009

Applications for 2010 entry begin

• 15 October 2009

Deadline for Oxford, Cambridge, Dentistry, Medicine and Vet Science

• 15 January 2010

Closing date for 2010 applications.

• End March 2010

Majority of decisions made

• Early May 2010

Deadline for applicants to make replies to offers

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What can you study?

• Traditional subjects- English

Literature, Maths, Geography

• Vocational-Teaching, Pharmacy,

Social Work

• Unusual courses- Theatre Arts,

Education and Deaf Studies,

Meteorology, Surf Science,

International Football Management

• Combined Courses – Music and

Maths, Management and French

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Choosing your course

But how do I choose my degree subject..?

What do you like?

What do you need?What are you good at?

But how will I know if it’s right for me..?

Search Internet

Books in the careers library/ University materials

League Tables/Good University Guides

Talk to your Careers/Connexions Adviser

But until I’m there how will I know what it’s REALLY like?

The Course

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Where can you study?

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• 350 institutions in the UK• City or campus• Size• Reputation• Travel time• Range of facilities

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Social LifeVenues on campus

Cultural events

• Theme nights

•Quizzes

•Karaoke

•And much more …

End of term events

• Freshers

• Christmas

• Easter

• Graduation

Union Night club

• Live bands

•National DJs

•Comedy

•A wide variety of nights

• Departmental concerts

• Orchestra performances

• Drama

•Multi cultural Events

Student Life

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Sports Clubs

AikidoAmerican Football ArcheryAthletics Boat Club Badminton Basketball CanoeCaving CheerleadingClay pigeon CyclingCricketDanceFloor ball

GolfFencingFootball (mens/women) GolfLacrosseHockey (mens/womens) Karate Kung FuMountain Biking MountaineeringNetball RifleRowingRugby (mens/womens)

SailingSkiingSnooker & poolPoloRidingSquashSub AquaSurfTable TennisTae KwondoTai JitsuTennis TrampoliningUltimate Frisbee

Student Life

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Societies

Afro Caribbean Agriculture Amnesty international Archaeology Armed Forces Art Asian Belly Dancing Biological Sciences Business Catholic Chess & GoCheerleading Chinese Circus Skills

ConservativeDramaElectronic Music English EntrepreneurFair-trade French Games & Role Playing History Indie Italian Jewish Law Lib Dem

Literature & journalism Millennium Volunteers Motorbike Music Muslim Photographic Poker Student bands and Live music Roller coaster Wine Appreciation Young greens Writers

Student Life

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Type:

Location:

Residence:

Campus? City?

At home?

Away from home?

Hall of Residence place guaranteed in Year 1?

A mixture of criteria based on YOUR individual interests and priorities...

Year 1:

Year 2:

Year 3+:

Flat, bedsit, shared house? Housing office to help?

Back into halls?

The Institution

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Accommodation

• Campus or city-centre?

•Type of accommodation

•Letting periods

•Facilities in accommodation

Reception, Cleaners, Kitchens

Choosing

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Factors to consider…

Facilities:

Social:

Library, computer labs, teaching rooms etc, 24 hour access?

Cafes, restaurants, bars,

nightclubs, sports, societies, cinema etc

Sandwich Year

Opportunity to study abroad

Atmosphere (crucial!)

Scholarships and bursaries

Other:

Can you be happy at this University?

Choosing

www.reading.ac.uk

What do Universities look for?

Enthusiasm

• An inquiring mind

•A desire to study at university level

•A burning desire to study the subject

•“Spark”

Interest in the field

• Research

•Knowledge

•Thoughts and awareness

•Some evidence of activity outside school/college

Applying to university

© University of Reading 2006 www.reading.ac.uk

Motivation Commitment

Experience Knowledge

Technical Skill Interpersonal Skills

Academic potential

Aspirations Enthusiasm Dedication

What do Universities look for?

Applying to university

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• Opportunity for many new experiences

• Independence and freedom

• Great social opportunities

• Great sporting opportunities

• Great recreational opportunities

• The most exciting time of your life…?

Planning ahead gives you more to enjoy...

So… what will university mean to you?

Choosing a University