To be slightly bamboozled by the UCAS application as a mature student?

[UniQueries]

I am currently in the process as applying through UCAS for an undergraduate degree as a mature student, but am a bit stumped on two things. UCAS have advised me to email the unis, which I have, but they are closed for hols, and I'm sure Mners will know the answer so grateful for any advice!

1. Reference. It must be an employer/colleague or college etc. I left college in 1994 and have been out of employment since 2015 and that company has now closed anyway. It can't be a personal friend apparently. So I literally have no one! Ive emailed the unis (as per UCAS advice) to see if the requirement can be waived but worry that will count against me.

Also. 2. I have copy certificates for my A level results (42 fucking quid) but now it's just not clear whether I also need my GCSE results/certificates. My secondary school is also no longer in existence and I did them in 1992! I know GCSEs don't give "tariff points" anyway but online the information is conflicted between adding GCSEs under "qualifications" or just mentioning them in the personal statement. I can remember what grades I got but not in which subjects IYSWIM. I really don't want to have to pay for copy certificates again if possible!

My DC were much easier as they were straightforwardly applying from college I will also post this in mature students topic but it seems very quiet. Any advice will be gratefully received!

You will need your GCSE certificates for graduate job applications anyway, so get copies now, and keep them carefully.

References, just wait to hear back from the unis. You will need something, church/mosque? voluntary work? club or activity you take part in? political party? How have you been spending your time since 2015?

Yes you will need GCSE certificates

Thanks all. Bloody hell arghhh!

@Nimbostratus100 I left employment due to ill health and have been quite solitary, most activities have been online and not involving anyone who could be a referee in this capacity.

Just to update for MNers who took the time to give advice - I GOT A PLACE  Absolutely thrilled.

As the company I had worked for is now closed, they accepted a reference from a private email. They didn't even want GCSE certificates which is a relief yet super annoying as I paid £42 and haven't even received them 

I am beyond excited, it's a four year degree as it includes a foundation year (student finance will fund the four years) I am worried I may not be able to keep up but nothing ventured nothing gained and at least I have a chance. I like to shamelessly boast update a thread when people have given the time to post, so thank you

Congratulations! Wishing you the best of luck.

Very exciting, well done! What are you studying?

Congratulations, I work with lots of people who were mature students and they generally did really well. All their previous life experience was very helpful. Hope you have a great time!

Thank you guys! @everlovelyjewel it's history. My favourite thing in the world I would eventually love to be a 1-2-1 history tutor as I helped my DD with her A level in lockdown and LOVED it plus I will talk about history to anyone who listens anyway. Now things are moving online it's so much more accessible to people like me.

@MadeinBelfast I think that might have swung it. My friend who gave me a work reference talked about how we applied legislation and that I was always interested in the history behind it and why the legislation/laws were introduced, and I could explain it to clients due to this etc etc. (which was true and made it easier to get them to pony up the costs )