The Better Uni Choices Podcast

Not sure what you should be doing over summer? Just want to relax, but have a niggling feeling there are a couple of things that you should probably get out of the way? This week we look at just two or three things that you can usefully do over summer to keep your journey to university on track. Secondly, a little reassurance that it is never too late to change your mind. And finally, why aiming f...

Researching and applying to university in the UK takes time. Typically around 18 months in fact. This week we have a close look at how that 18 months will unfold, through a full UCAS timeline, starting now, and finishing next autumn as you start your course. Secondly, we have a quick look at what to do if you can’t make a specific university Open Day, but want to visit anyway. And finally, we lear...

This week we ask the question: is “find your passion” really a good way to choose a course? Or is there a better way? Secondly, we have a look at the amazing inspiration that can be found at art and design degree shows up and down the country during June. And finally, we learn that you really don’t need to have it all figured out after all. You can also read loads of my articles, download free mat...

This week we look at a hugely significant new initiative by UCAS to help demystify entry grades for applicants: known as “Entry Grades Data (Beta)”. Secondly, you know when you have a question about the UCAS process that you just can’t see the answer to in the standard information? Turns out the answers might be easier to find than you think! And finally, we learn a bit about just doing your best....

This week we attempt to demystify some of the crazy jargon used in university degree descriptions. We hear about Jumpstart University, a fantastic resource to help you prepare for your studies at university. And we learn about the single biggest problem in communication. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.co...

This week we look at the importance of building universal transferable skills while at university, and why you really want to find your specific super-skills. We look at some great resources for estranged students. And we discover the truth about taking the impossible leap. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices...

This week we look at something super-important for all of you who are heading into your last term at school: building a little slack into your life! We look at the very best explainer of that most complex of topics: how your student loan actually works. And we finish with action, the antidote to anxiety. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly news...

Welcome to a slightly different edition of #betterunichoices. Over the last month or so I’ve been working hard on a whole suite of new materials, so instead of the usual format, this week I’d like to tell you all about my new online course, Podcast and written guide; all designed to help you to write your UCAS Personal Statement. I mention several links in the Podcast, these are: Go to the course:...

This week we have a close look at university admissions tests, to make sure you know everything you need to know about the tests you might need to take if you are applying to university next year. We also check out some amazing video diaries from two students at the University of Edinburgh. And we find out the importance of both actions and feelings, and why one without the other can be a problem!...

This week we have a look at all the different options for accommodation as you head off to university, including guarantees and application deadlines. We try to break down some of the complications and misunderstandings around foundation courses. And we hear a very wise man’s definition of happiness. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newslett...

After last week’s introduction to fees, loans and grants, this week we look at how to budget and how to manage your money while at university. We consider one very good reason why you should never, ever leave applications of any type to the last minute. And we learn about hats, haircuts and tattoos, and what they can teach you about decision making. The link to the survey by ‘Save the Student” is:...

This week we make an abrupt 180 degree turn, from last week’s ancient Roman philosophy, to one of the most critical and practical challenges for all students: understanding student finance. We find out about UCAS Discovery Exhibitions, which start this week. And we learn why education should not be seen merely as a hoop for you to jump through. The links to the various student finance websites tha...

This week we follow up one of last month's Podcasts; the one about about career happiness. And this time, we take a look at two more critical aspects of happiness: resilience and stoicism. We also look at the impact of taking an EPQ on admissions. And we hear about what happens if you develop a passion for learning. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my...

This week we look at why some universities are so ridiculously hard to get into. Spoiler; it’s not about how hard the course is. We remind ourselves that UCAS Extra opens very soon! And we are introduced to some stoic thinking by a Roman Emperor. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

This week we take a look at UCAS Extra and Clearing, both of which could be really important options for you if things don’t go quite as you expect. We also take a first look at university funding for UK students. And we hear about prestige and how it can warp your beliefs. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices...

This week we look at how to make your final UCAS choices, narrowing from five, to two universities. We look at two excellent resources to help you prepare for your big move to university. And we look at a simple model for making life-size decisions: just be happy, smart and useful! You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterun...

This week we look at parental pressure and what this has to do with your career happiness. We also look at what to do if a university treats you badly during the admissions process. And we hear a gem of an idea from actor Hugh Laurie. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

This week we look at something a bit off-beat: university branding. Now I’m very aware that in 25 years of working in universities I’ve never had a single student show the remotest interest in university branding. But that’s what makes this newsletter a bit different, right? Because if you want to find a university that matches your values, and fits your personality, there is 100% something to lea...

This week we look closely at university rankings and league tables. What are they? What do people in the sector think about them? And are they of any help to you? We also look at an amazing website that can help you work out how to make a real difference in your career. And the penny drops on an unbelievably simple, but massively important idea about choosing a career and a course. You can also re...

This week we have a look at who is actually driving your university choices, and ask four questions which will help keep you honest. We have a look at why ‘pressure selling’ by universities is not OK. And we hear from Banksy on taking initiative. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

This week we learn all about what it means to have a growth mindset, and how it really is critical as you learn and develop. We hear about Uniscoops, a rather wonderful initiative from a couple of Oxford students. And we hear some pretty challenging advice from Mark Manson, author of “The Subtle Art of not giving a F*ck”. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up...

This week, we look at three techniques that can help you study smarter, but not harder, for your mock exams. We look at a super useful website for those unsure of their tuition fee status. And we find out why it is not normally a good idea to be the smartest person in the room. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunicho...

This week we look at UCAS Applicant Visit Days; how they differ from Open Days, and how to make the very best of your visit. We also have a look at what to do if there seems to be an error in your admissions offer. And we find out that sometimes making our own mistakes isn’t the only way to learn. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter...

This week we look at hard data and official statistics behind the idea that university will get you a good job. We discover a new, hidden superpower to help you get better grades: sleep. And we hear about the paradox of resilience. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, and sign up to my weekly newsletter at: www.betterunichoices.com

This week we ask whether going to university will get you a good job. And if that’s not guaranteed, what exactly will university give you? We look at whether you are really more likely to get a place by applying twice to your favourite university. And we look at the importance of surrounding yourself with the right kind of people. You can also read loads of my articles, download free materials, an...