One big concern for many Desi students involves loans and how to finance it.
On Thursday 17th August 2017, many British Asian students woke up to feelings of nerves and anticipation. The day marked the annual A Level Results Day when they would arrive at college or sixth form to find their grades.
And whether they have been accepted into their desired university course.
However, now the day has come and gone, many Desi students will wonder what to do next. Whether that be accepting the right course for them, organising accommodation or even understanding loans and fees.
To help you with the aftermath of A Level results, DESIblitz has compiled a guide to the next stages.
Dealing with the Aftermath of Grades
When students opened up their envelopes to find out their A Level results, they may have encountered either a reassuring or unfortunate set of grades. Some may discover they have performed much better than expected. For others, it could sadly be the other way round.
If your grades are slightly below the required, the university may offer you a place depending on their available vacancies. However, if they are too far below, sadly some may not get that chance.
Instead, students can go onto UCAS’s Clearing system, which helps you apply for courses which still have places open. You can only use this if your Track profile says: “You are in Clearing.” Some universities will offer their own services.
UCAS opened Clearing on 17th August 2017 and will close it in late September.
For those who have achieved higher A Level results than expected, they may consider applying for courses that required those results. In this scenario, UCAS has created Adjustment, offering you a chance to reconsider where and what you want to study.
Open from 17th – 31st August 2017, you can apply to this process through your Track profile. However, you need to contact your desired universities about courses and potential vacancies. If they are able to offer you a place, you need to verbally accept it and they will update your Track.
Keep in mind though, you only have one chance to accept an Adjustment offer. Make it count!
Staying at Home or Flying the Nest?
Now that you have your university course in place, the next aspect to think about lies in where you will live for your studies. Whether to look into student accommodation or staying at home.
This decision will largely depend on where your university is located. If it’s far away, student accommodation will be the most realistic option. However, for those whose courses are nearby, they can think more on the matter.
If you choose to opt for accommodation, we recommend you to start looking now. Universities will offer different types of housing and flats, but they will get taken up quickly by others. Make sure you research into what is on offer.
Overall, when deciding between moving away or staying home, you need to consider several factors. These include the type of experience you want from university, location, cost, etc.
Some may prefer the comforts of their home. Others will want to fly the nest. This is a decision for you alone to make; one that feels comfortable with you.
Student Financing
One big concern for many Desi students involves loans and how to finance it. There are mainly two payments for which they will have to pay: tuition and maintenance fees.
In 2017, UCAS figures show that the typical cost for a university course now values at up to £9,250, with some differences. Maintenance depends on factors such as student accommodation, plus costs for food, travel, etc.
Many services offer students loans to cover the costs of both tuition and maintenance, such as Student Finance England and Student Awards Agency Scotland. These depend on where in the UK you live.
Keep in mind, these services will offer loans for one year of study. Therefore, remember to reapply for your second and third year when the time arrives.
In addition, some students can also gain access to funds from university and other organisations. Some providers offer bursaries as an additional source of money. And depending on your course, organisations will also offer bursaries such as the NHS for nursing.
Student loan services also provide grants depending on financial situations. Unlike loans, bursaries and grant do not require repayment after your studies.
You can find more great tips and advice for student finances here.
Getting Ready for University
As August now approaches its end, Desi students will now begin their preparations for University. After their A Level results, they may experience an easy or difficult journey towards that important first day of their studies.
But with this handy guide, you should feel well-equipped to understand what you need to prepare for September.
Our parting tip is to remember to look at all your options and consider everything that’s available. Even options that don’t involve university, such as apprenticeships.
This marks the beginning of three, important years so ensure you prepare for them wisely. And then you can start to get excited about university life!
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