Please help with the basics!

[firesareinteresting]

Okay so dd has applied and has conditional offers for five unis. This is to start in September this year.

Please can anyone tell me when we need to decide by, when we need to start applying for finance/ accommodation?

She doesn't know which to choose yet and will depend on results but I think that might be too late for accommodation?
I have looked online but I need it explained simply!

The Ucas deadline to Firm first preference and Insure second will be in May. Some unis guarantee accommodation to Firm candidates, others to all first years, others first come first served. Each will differ but usually will write to advise of the process once the student has updated Ucas or it will be published online. However bear in mind some open accommodation applications as early as March.

Okay thank you, so I need to look at each uni regarding accommodation?

And what about finance?

Student Finance applications opens around April www.gov.uk/student-finance (assuming you are in England)

Will she be going to applicant days as that is the time to ask about and view accommodation.

She can apply for student finance from the end of March – do it as soon as. She will need to state the uni (put her firm) but can change that if need be in August (speaks from experience!). You and partner if relevant need to add in your financial details unless you are happy with minimum loan.

Accommodation varies by uni. DS is at Lboro and (unless it has changed) you apply once your place is confirmed in August. Other unis ask you to list your choices when you firm the place. So have a look at the websites of the unis. Deffo advise doing this as early as possible (may not be possible yet tho – may need to be after offer deadline for example).

Can you say what unis – Mners may have direct and useful experience and advice!

Okay thanks so much.

She has been to open days. So we've seen accommodation.

Unis are

UEA
Kent
Swansea
Sussex

I just don't want to kiss something and then they miss out because I didn't know! Not done this before and I never went to uni

@firesareinteresting Might I suggest you talk to your DD about finance as early as possible. Parents are expected to contribute unless DD gets maximum loan. You both need to know what loan for maintenance she is likely to get and work out what you can contribute. A rule of thumb is to make the sum up to the maximum loan. However this can be a challenge and uni costs have gone up and up.

Therefore look at accommodation together. Not just you. DD needs to be fully involved. Do you expect her to work and study whilst at uni? Do you expect her to work in the holidays? You will find accommodation costs vary a lot so be honest about what you can afford.

Others have given great advice on timings. Do read all the accommodation info at each uni and she now needs to think about going to offer days to make a final choice. Maybe not all 5. She needs to try and rank them now.