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Original poster

University suggestions

47 replies

keepcalm11 · 05/03/2023 08:34

Hi,

DS17 likely applying for uni next year so I realise that I am thinking well ahead 😀

School have asked him to think about post 18 but he says he has no clue. I am trying to assist with a bit of research to see where he might be happy and do well.

He enjoys sports and science.
He has had some MH difficulties in the past and lacks a bit of self confidence
Academically looking at B/C grade A level results so not Russel Group

We live in a small town in the North and North of England and I think he would benefit from somewhere a bit more exciting but not too large a city
Train station preferable

Any experiences ?

OP posts:
LIZS · 05/03/2023 08:39

What is he hoping to study? Don't rule out rg but then it is not the be all and end all.

Original poster
keepcalm11 · 05/03/2023 08:55

He can't decide what to study but he is taking A Level Psychology and is enjoying it.

I was thinking uni and location priority and then look at the courses they offer, but perhaps that is the wrong way round

OP posts:
GoldilockMom · 05/03/2023 08:58

It is the wrong way round!

If he doesn’t like the course he’d won’t stick at it.

go on the university websites and put in his Alevels and they’ll show you pathways - then look at universities that offer similar.

Dotcheck · 05/03/2023 08:58

Does he even WANT to go to university?

Onnabugeisha · 05/03/2023 09:01

What about physiotherapy? It’s literally sports science in terms of helping people overcome injuries. This is also a degree course with LOTS of degree apprenticeships.

www.csp.org.uk/careers-jobs/career-physiotherapy/physiotherapy-degrees

Livinghappy · 05/03/2023 09:05

Not too early at all!

Course first then Uni. Does he have access to UniFrog? Most schools are running UCAS days at school as oxbridge candidates will be applying in October so application ready in 6 months so schools are geared up.

LIZS · 05/03/2023 09:08

Course needs to be priority, then look at locations and unis which offer it at the appropriate level and support he may need. Consider : Campus vs city, Cost of living, Access to home. Maybe visit a few uni towns.

Psychology itself is very competitive but associated or combined courses may be less so . Not all will be fully accredited if he wants a career using it and some require Maths at A level. UCAS has a course search as di platforms his school may use Ike unifrog.

Lightsabre · 05/03/2023 09:09

A few of us from Yr 12 are on this thread

Post GCSE’s 2022 - Year 12 2022/23 General support thread www.mumsnet.com/Talk/further_education/4624910-post-gcses-2022-year-12-202223-general-support-thread

It might be worth looking at the complete university guide or the Guardian university guides for a list of courses. Also start to visit some institutions nearby as there may be courses on offer that you/dc may be interested in but hadn't considered before.

Original poster
keepcalm11 · 05/03/2023 09:11

Thank you for the responses. I'll ask him about unifrog

OP posts:
daisypond · 05/03/2023 09:13

Physiotherapy is grade A / A* material. I’ve got a few physiotherapists in the family, and that’s what they got. It’s very competitive.

WMH · 05/03/2023 09:13

I was thinking uni and location priority and then look at the courses they offer, but perhaps that is the wrong way round

Yes that's wrong way round. Remember he has to spend 3 years studying the course he chooses so it's important it interests him and it's got the potential to take him into an area of work he's going to enjoy.
He needs to consider what his interests and strengths are and look at courses in those areas. Then look to see which universities offer that and narrow it down that way. A lot of people use distance eg up to 4 hrs away, and ease of transport links as a starting point.

Go to open days and let him spend the whole day and maybe overnight in the city so he can get a feel of it as he needs to be happy living there.

My DC1 had no idea at this stage what she wanted to do but that all changed over the next 6 months. But if your DS still hasn't a clue next school year then maybe the right thing for him is to leave school and take a year out. Get a job and then see what he's interested in doing. It's too expensive to start a course you don't enjoy/struggle with and drop out after 1st year

user1465390476 · 05/03/2023 09:13

Has he looked at somewhere like Edge Hill? It’s a great university by all accounts and very sporty with excellent facilities. It has a train station with Liverpool on the doorstep. They have great vocational courses in science subjects. I think things like Paramedic Science, Nursing etc are good and there is a course for medics too.

rainbowstardrops · 05/03/2023 09:17

Does he know what he'd ultimately like to do? Job wise I mean.
Loughborough is an excellent university with fantastic sports facilities and a great STEM set up.
The campus is like a little town in itself. Train station in the actual town etc

Original poster
keepcalm11 · 05/03/2023 09:18

Many thanks, I'll look these up and also join the other thread 🙂

OP posts:
leafittome · 05/03/2023 09:18

If he isn't sure and needs more time I'd go for a year out. Boost his self esteem and confidence with a part time job for a year. It may also help make the decision easier.

Rosejasmine · 05/03/2023 09:19

Yes unifrog is useful. A lot of them don’t have a clue what they want to do and where in year 12. The course is important, I would recommend going to lots of university open days in both year 12 summer and year 13 autumn. These days can be Inspiring and will give him a really good feel for the courses available and the university/town. Try not to get over involved, I understand completely and with DC2 I backed off a bit, then the decisions made are fully “owned” .

PeekAtYou · 05/03/2023 09:22

My dd found courses she liked and knew that she wanted to be on a campus in a city for the social life (I live in the suburbs which she finds dull) so she applied to unis that she could get to in 3 hours.
She's at a uni that she can get to by train in 2.5 hours door to door and very happy.

GordonsAFGirl · 05/03/2023 09:29

Really look into the pastoral care side of things. The student room has a ranking I believe for such matters. Loughborough is great and so is university of Buckingham (private so top ups are required for the fees).
My DD has ongoing battles with MH. She chose her uni based on the student support they offered. She is doing Psychology.
If there is one thing her struggles have taught me is to reach out early and explain they may need help (the student ticks the box so that the university can talk to you, otherwise they can't as they are over 18).
My friends' boy was at a RG and the MH support was rubbish. And if you think disclosure may effect their application you don't want your DC in such a place anyway.

DrippyFace · 05/03/2023 09:29

Unless money is no object, look very carefully at what maintenance loans he will get, how much you'll have to contribute, whether he'll need to work as well, all alongside halls/housing costs as they vary massively. This came as a huge shock to us a few years ago as we were clueless! And it did make a difference to where they applied.

Also consider distance/travel costs. One of mine was keen on Newcastle until he realised it would be £££££ to come home for the weekend. Plus, in view of what you say about MH I'd look at places not too far away so you can get him easily if need be.

On the plus side, this is an exciting time, good luck!

QuillBill · 05/03/2023 09:35

I was going to say Loughborough as well. If he enjoys sport then he will find something to do at Loughborough.

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 05/03/2023 09:43

Not too early - this is the right time to start thinking. You need time to mull over and live with an idea for a while. Plus then visiting places etc... it all takes time. Rushing the decision on Nov of year 13 is stressful!

First question is what does he want to do in life (not saying have a detailed everything planned - just some ideas).
Then look at courses that move on that path - look at degree apprenticeships as well.
Then look at places that offer it.

Try out lots of different ideas. Play around with it a bit and have fun with it at this stage. Put his alevels into ucas website and see what pops up.

(I wouldn't recommend a psychology degree unless he really wants to go down that route. It is an overly popular degree at the moment, which has devalued it)

user1465390476 · 05/03/2023 09:47

I don’t think Loughborough would be an option with B/C grades.

LIZS · 05/03/2023 09:52

Most unis have active sports clubs and societies and access to good facilities. Agree Loughborough is a stretch with b/c and very popular at then moment.

rainbowstardrops · 05/03/2023 09:56

user1465390476 · 05/03/2023 09:47

I don’t think Loughborough would be an option with B/C grades.

Yeah fair point.
My son went there a couple of years or so ago and he 'needed' A* for his course. He actually got ABB and still got his place.
I guess it depends which course/take up etc

Chickenkorma64 · 05/03/2023 09:59

Have a look at degree apprenticeships, get paid while studying