General Student Advice Articles

In this section, we’ll give you all the general advice you need when studying at university or college as well as some information regarding A Levels, GCSEs, T Levels and university entrance exams.

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About Student Advice

Our general advice section is the perfect place to come for students that are looking to learn about everything. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the different university courses you will come across, how to handle university open days, the different kinds of university entrance exams and what life is like at university. ...

Featured Article

Student AdviceNVQ (National Vocational Qualification)

Apr 13th 2023

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualifications in England and is equivalent to the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Scotland.

General Student Advice Articles

Student Advice Looking to be successful? Here are the top subjects Forbes 30 Under 30 winners studied!

Mar 5th 2024 · 3 min read

When it comes to choosing your degree, part of the decision-making process is knowing what you want to do after. Lookin...

Student Advice New research reveals the most LGBTQ+ friendly UK cities for students

Mar 5th 2024 · 2 min read

When it comes to choosing your university, every student wants to ensure they feel safe and appreciated in their new ci...

Student Advice How do I choose the right university for me?

Mar 5th 2024 · 3 min read

Choosing a university can be a daunting task, as it is a decision that can have a significant impact on your future.

Student Advice Using ChatGPT at university

Jan 29th 2024 · 7 min read

ChatGPT is the new kid on the block. As one of the most popular artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, more and more pe...

Student Advice What is TEFL?

Jan 29th 2024 · 8 min read

More and more people are looking into the possibilities of TEFL, with figures rising every single year, but what is TEF...

Student Advice What is graduation?

Jan 29th 2024 · 2 min read

This is it, you’ve done it! Dissertations and coursework complete, you’ve got your results, and now it’s off to celebra...

Student Advice How to make an effective revision timetable to boost your productivity

Jan 18th 2024 · 4 min read

Half the struggle with revision is knowing how to effectively manage your time and being able to juggle focusing on dif...

Student Advice How do I appeal my final grade?

Jan 10th 2024 · 4 min read

Most universities, colleges and schools will have an appeals procedure in place for students. Each institute is differe...

Student Advice What is a student railcard?

Jan 4th 2024 · 5 min read

With the price of inner-city travel rising all the time, it's good for students to have a cheaper, more affordable ...

Student Advice What is the Duolingo English Test?

Dec 22nd 2023 · 6 min read

Most people mainly know Duolingo as the language-learning app that simply won’t leave you alone. While most students ma...

Student Advice What is a Sandwich Course?

Dec 19th 2023 · 6 min read

What is a Sandwich course and how do you apply for one? Well, luckily for you, we’ve got a useful guide to tell you eve...

Student Advice What to expect from a part-time degree and how to apply

Dec 13th 2023 · 3 min read

For many students, a part-time degree is a preferred way of studying an undergraduate or postgraduate course. Many univ...

Student Advice What is ECTS?

Dec 8th 2023 · 5 min read

Looking to study abroad? Get an idea of what your grades will look like! It’s time to look at the grading systems used ...

Student Advice What is the UCAT?

Dec 5th 2023 · 9 min read

Those looking to study a medical-based degree may be required to sit one of two exams, one is the BMAT, the other is th...

Student Advice Two Year Degree

Dec 5th 2023

One of the growing degrees in terms of popularity is that of the Two-Year degree, which we have provided you with a use...

Student Advice How to Write an Impressive Student CV: A Guide to Standing Out

Dec 5th 2023 · 8 min read

Your CV is a necessity for any job. A CV is a way for employers to see all the things about you that make you unique an...

Student Advice Nigerian Students Looking to Study in the UK

Dec 5th 2023

In the city of London alone, there are nearly 3,000 students from Nigeria that are studying a course at a world-renowne...

Student Advice What is a Foundation Degree?

Dec 5th 2023

A foundation degree is an academic qualification that integrates relevant work-based connected to a particular job or c...

Student Advice What is a Diploma of Higher Education?

Dec 5th 2023

What is a Diploma of Higher Education? What is a diploma worth? What can I use it for? How do I apply for a DipHE? ...

Student Advice Bachelor’s Degree

Dec 5th 2023

A Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree is an academic qualification designed to aid students to gain insight into a subje...

Student Advice Language barriers at university

Dec 4th 2023 · 6 min read

Studying abroad can be the opportunity of a lifetime. However, in some cases, unexpected things can arise, such as the ...

Student Advice What to expect studying a STEM subject

Nov 27th 2023

STEM subjects can be the gateway to a whole host of careers in the science and technology space all around the world! H...

Student Advice What is a law conversion course?

Nov 23rd 2023 · 4 min read

A Law conversion course is an excellent way to begin a career in law. If you’ve studied a different subject at universi...

Student Advice What is the LNAT?

Nov 20th 2023 · 10 min read

Getting into the world of Law is one of the most difficult things you can do. Where many students journeys into law sta...

Student Advice What is a HNC?

Nov 16th 2023 · 11 min read

HNC stands for Higher National Certificate and is a qualification awarded by Edexcel in England and a Higher National a...

Student Advice What is deferred entry?

Nov 16th 2023 · 4 min read

Deferred entry can be an excellent way for students to begin their studies. A year out in the world before you tackle y...

Student Advice What is Access to Higher Education?

Nov 16th 2023 · 4 min read

For students who have yet to study an undergraduate degree, there is a kind of degree out there, that is just for you. ...

Student Advice What it's like to study Psychology at university from a student!

Nov 15th 2023 · 5 min read

Curious about the human mind? Pondering the idea of studying psychology? Psychology degrees are a popular choice among ...

Student Advice Changing courses at university

Nov 13th 2023 · 5 min read

Sometimes, the course you initially picked out just isn’t for you. Don’t worry; this happens to plenty of students.

Student Advice What is a HND?

Nov 9th 2023

A Higher National Diploma (HND) qualification uses studying and practical elements to prepare students for a particular...

Student Advice What is a UCAS application? Everything you need to know

Nov 9th 2023 · 5 min read

Your UCAS application is the spark that lights the fire beneath the simmering pot that is your university application. ...

Student Advice What is a joint honours degree?

Nov 2nd 2023 · 4 min read

Looking to expand your knowledge beyond the one subject? Enter a join honours degree! Get the chance to study two subje...

Student Advice Everything you need to know about red brick universities

Nov 1st 2023 · 3 min read

While the term “red brick” universities arose due to the building’s features, it has become a distinct group of univers...

Student Advice What is STEP?

Oct 31st 2023 · 3 min read

The STEP exam is one of the lesser-known admissions exams for students. It is an exam that is not required by all unive...

Student Advice What is the PAT (Physics Admissions Test)?

Oct 26th 2023 · 3 min read

For many, university admissions tests are essential parts of the university application process. More and more universi...

Student Advice How does the UK university grading system work?

Oct 3rd 2023 · 5 min read

Whether you’re already studying or are about to, it is important to understand how the UK university grading system wor...

Student Advice BTEC Results Day 2024

Oct 3rd 2023 · 3 min read

BTEC results day is finally here. Time to find out how you’ve done and to discover what your next steps are.

Student Advice How to transfer universities

Oct 2nd 2023 · 6 min read

Transferring universities is a lot more common than you think it is. Many students find, once getting to their uni of c...

Student Advice 12 of the Best Ranked Universities in Clearing 2024

Sep 26th 2023 · 7 min read

A common misconception is that only the worst universities enter into Clearing. It could not be further from the truth ...

Student Advice What is an MRes degree?

Sep 21st 2023 · 3 min read

An MRes (Masters of Research) is recognised worldwide and has become one of the most popular degrees in the UK. Many st...

Student Advice 50 best fancy dress ideas for students

Sep 19th 2023 · 3 min read

With freshers just around the corner, there is plenty to look forward too with your clubs and societies coming up with ...

Student Advice What are the different university groups?

Sep 18th 2023 · 7 min read

Lots of universities belong to specialised groups. These groups can focus on everything from advanced research to creat...

Student Advice SQA Results Day 2024

Sep 15th 2023 · 8 min read

SQA results day is a day full of mixed emotions, you are bound to feel excited, but it is also completely normal to fee...

Student Advice What is Oxbridge?

Sep 14th 2023 · 6 min read

Oxbridge remains one of the most desirable sets of universities in the UK. Aside from being two of the oldest academic ...

Student Advice What University Admissions Test Do You Need for University?

Sep 14th 2023 · 8 min read

Admission tests are similar to university interviews, as institutions use these to determine whether they wish to offer...

Student Advice What is the TSA Admissions Test?

Sep 12th 2023 · 4 min read

The Thinking Skills Assessment admissions test (known as the TSA)is a test designed as part of the admissions criteria...

Student Advice What is May Week?

Sep 7th 2023 · 4 min read

May Week at the University of Cambridge is a highly anticipated period that marks the end of the academic year. Let’s h...

Student Advice What is the BMAT?

Sep 6th 2023 · 7 min read

Those looking to study a medical-based degree may be required to sit one of two exams; one is the BMAT, the other is th...

Student Advice Leave nothing behind with the ultimate university packing list

Aug 30th 2023

Exciting times await! Get set for the big move with our ultimate uni checklist. From the university essentials to perso...

Student Advice The Ultimate Student Calendar

Aug 29th 2023 · 7 min read

You won’t miss a uni deadline with our student calendar. Everything from 2023 and into the end of 2024 is covered for y...

Student Advice What is the ELAT?

Aug 25th 2023 · 4 min read

The ELAT is one of the general admissions test that Oxbridge applicants have to fill out. The test is designed to be ta...

Student Advice What is the MLAT?

Aug 25th 2023 · 5 min read

The MLAT is one of the admissions tests needed to attend the University of Oxford. The test is a challenging admissions...

Student Advice Oxford vs Cambridge

Aug 25th 2023 · 12 min read

Oxbridge is the term used for both the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

Student Advice What is a Collegiate University?

Aug 25th 2023 · 13 min read

Collegiate universities are hugely popular for students looking to go to university. Colleges are an excellent way for ...

Student Advice What is the HAT?

Aug 25th 2023 · 4 min read

There are a number of university admissions tests that a student may have to sit before they attend university. Not all...

Student Advice Make Freshers week 2023 one to remember - everything you need to know

Aug 24th 2023

You’ve secured your place, and now you’re off to uni. First stop? Freshers week! This week is a chance to get to know y...

Student Advice Find your crowd: weird and wonderful societies you have to check out

Aug 24th 2023 · 4 min read

Where there’s an interest, there’s a uni society! Find like-minded pals at university and explore the unique selection ...

Student Advice What Are T Levels?

Aug 17th 2023 · 5 min read

T Levels are the next step in education. Seen as an alternative to A-Levels and the beginning of the end for BTECs, T L...

Student Advice How to Nail Your Oxbridge Interview

Aug 14th 2023 · 5 min read

Oxford and Cambridge, also known as Oxbridge, are commonly regarded as two of the hardest universities to secure a plac...

Student Advice What are the Russell Group Universities?

Aug 9th 2023 · 6 min read

The Russell Group is a term that you may have heard your school teachers or friends mention when talking about universi...

Student Advice Preparing for the BMAT and UCAT: A Guide for Medicine Applicants

Aug 8th 2023 · 6 min read

The BMAT and the UCAT are both important medical-based university admissions tests. There are a large number of univers...

Student Advice Decoding University Jargon: A Glossary for Year 13 Students

Aug 4th 2023 · 22 min read

The jargon of university and the application process can be confusing for anyone. Don’t worry; even the seasoned pros s...

Student Advice What is the Turing Scheme?

Aug 4th 2023 · 4 min read

Student exchange programmes are hugely popular at universities for students. The Erasmus Programme, which was in place ...

Student Advice Psychology Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 31st 2023 · 5 min read

Psychology is one of the most popular courses in the UK. The course studies the human psyche, blending modules in resea...

Student Advice Pharmacy Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 28th 2023 · 5 min read

A pharmacy degree is one of the most popular degrees in the UK. It is a degree that covers the theoretical and practica...

Student Advice Physiotherapy Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 27th 2023 · 5 min read

Physiotherapy is one of the most popular courses in the UK. It is a wide-ranging degree that focuses on many elements o...

Student Advice Nursing Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 27th 2023 · 5 min read

Nursing is one of the most popular courses in the UK. The course looks at medical care, public health, epidemiology, cr...

Student Advice Medicine Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 19th 2023 · 5 min read

Medicine ranks as one of the UK's most popular and most challenging courses. The course covers elements of clinical...

Student Advice Marketing Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 18th 2023 · 4 min read

Marketing is a hugely popular course across the UK. The course focuses on advertising, finance, communications and gene...

Student Advice Law Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 14th 2023 · 4 min read

Law is one of the most popular courses in the UK. It is a course that covers various topics, modules and subjects.

Student Advice History Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 13th 2023 · 4 min read

History degrees are some of the most popular in the UK. These courses focus on the past and how it can impact the futur...

Student Advice Finance Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 11th 2023 · 4 min read

A finance degree focuses on several key aspects of the finance world. Despite this, you can find challenging and reward...

Student Advice Engineering Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 10th 2023 · 4 min read

Engineering courses are some of the most popular in the UK. These courses focus on providing students with an understan...

Student Advice Education Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 7th 2023 · 4 min read

Education degrees focus on many different modules. Pursuing an education degree can open doors to a rewarding career in...

Student Advice Economics Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 6th 2023 · 4 min read

Economics degrees are among the most popular courses offered by universities today. They tackle the tricky world of fin...

Student Advice Criminology Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 6th 2023 · 4 min read

Criminology is a course that focuses on different aspects of law enforcement and criminal methodology. It is one of the...

Student Advice Computer Science Degree Entry Requirements

Jul 3rd 2023 · 4 min read

Computer science is one of the most popular subjects in the UK. It is a subject that combines general information techn...

Student Advice Business Degree Entry Requirements

Jun 28th 2023 · 4 min read

A business degree is one of the most popular courses available in the UK. Entry requirements are constantly changing an...

Student Advice Accounting Degree Entry Requirements

Jun 27th 2023 · 4 min read

A career in accounting can open up a world of opportunities and pave the way for a successful and rewarding career.

Student Advice NUS Card

Jun 26th 2023

One of the greatest perks of being a student is the discount that comes with it and a student NUS Card is the way to go!

Student Advice What is the GAMSAT?

Jun 21st 2023 · 5 min read

Medical-based degrees are growing in popularity with each passing year and universities are starting to make sure that ...

Student Advice What is an Undergraduate?

Jun 7th 2023

If you are going to university, pretty much everyone will, at some point, become an undergraduate, but just what is an ...

Student Advice What is it Like to Study Engineering at University?

Jun 7th 2023

An Engineering degree is one of the most sought-after degrees at university. Universities only accept the best for an E...

Student Advice Exam Stress

May 4th 2023 · 5 min read

Exam stress is an unfortunate component of any exam. They go hand-in-hand and sometimes, it can get the better of even ...

Student Advice How to Revise Using Past Papers

May 4th 2023 · 4 min read

Revision is an essential part of any student's academic journey. It is the process of reviewing and consolidating w...

Student Advice What is a Research University?

Apr 28th 2023 · 5 min read

A research university is a type of higher education institution that strongly emphasises academic research as a core co...

Student Advice Top Questions to Ask At A University Open Day

Apr 27th 2023 · 4 min read

Choosing the right university can be a daunting task, with so many factors to consider, including academic programs, ca...

Student Advice What is Turnitin?

Apr 26th 2023

When you're at university you will likely come across the essay-submission software Turnitin.

Student Advice What Are University Societies?

Apr 17th 2023 · 4 min read

University societies are excellent ways of pursuing hobbies, meeting new people, gaining responsibilities and making fr...

Student Advice What is a Certificate of Higher Education?

Apr 17th 2023

A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) focuses on either a particular profession or job or academic study.

Student Advice NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)

Apr 13th 2023

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualifications in England and is equivalent to the Scottish Vocational Qualification...

Student Advice UCAS Adjustment

Apr 12th 2023

Adjustment is an opportunity for potential students who have already filled out their UCAS application and have receive...

Student Advice What is An EPQ?

Feb 16th 2023

Sitting an EPQ can provide you with an unparalleled level of preparation before you begin your university journey.

Student Advice GMAT

Feb 3rd 2023

Applying to certain universities can be a tough process, not least because of the high entry standards, but also becaus...

Student Advice What Is A CPCAB Qualification?

Aug 5th 2022

Looking to become a registered counsellor but have no previous experience or qualifications? This is where CPCAB comes ...

Student Advice What Is An SVQ?

Jul 1st 2022

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are designed to assess competence in the work-place.

Student Advice What is CPD?

Jun 29th 2022 · 5 min read

Though you may not need to worry about your continuing professional development (CPD) when at university, it is somethi...

Student Advice TEF Awards

Apr 19th 2022

Going to university, you may wonder whether or not the TEF Awards are actually relevant to you and your studies.

Student Advice What Is a Virtual Interview?

Mar 7th 2022 · 5 min read

Virtual interviews are the new normal, but how are they different from a traditional interview?

Student Advice University Alliance

Feb 28th 2022

University Alliance brings together a group of global universities that have a keen interest in science, technology and...

Student Advice BTEC

Feb 21st 2022

The BTEC qualification combines practical learning with theory work and study.

Student Advice Choosing a Degree Course

Feb 17th 2022

There are a lot of factors to consider before choosing a degree course.

Student Advice What to Eat

Feb 14th 2022

You’ve left home and will be moving away to university, doesn’t have to mean living on tinned beans and pasta for three...

Student Advice University Entry Requirements

Nov 29th 2021

A good place to start when comparing university courses is to look at the entry requirements; they can help you differe...

Student Advice What is it Like to Study Medicine at University?

Nov 29th 2021

Medicine is one of the most prestigious degrees in the UK and is also one of the most rewarding.

Student Advice What is it Like to Study Law at University?

Nov 29th 2021

Law is one of the most interesting and popular courses at university. Learn more about what it’s like to study Law at u...

Student Advice Placement Year

Nov 29th 2021

All you need to know if you are interested in having a placement as part of your degree,

Student Advice NCTJ Qualification

Nov 29th 2021

Those looking to work in the world of journalism will be thankful to know that there is a qualification for students lo...

Student Advice Mature Student

Nov 29th 2021

There are plenty of people who subscribe to the theory of “University is a young person’s game”, how wrong these people...

Student Advice MAT Test

Nov 29th 2021

Those looking to study anything involving mathematics will likely need to look into the possibility of sitting the MATS...

Student Advice Why Learning to Cook Before University is a Good Idea

Nov 29th 2021

When you move out from home, one of the biggest challenges is to come to grips with losing home cooked meals, and even ...

Student Advice How to Revise

Nov 29th 2021

How do you revise? How do you revise so well that it’s almost impossible to fail? These are the questions every student...

Student Advice Honours Degree

Nov 29th 2021

There is nothing better than graduating, but graduating with Honours is something very special.

Student Advice Dropping Out of Uni

Nov 29th 2021

University is not for everyone, we are the first to admit that and so are most universities. In fact, many students hav...

Student Advice DipTrans

Nov 29th 2021

What is a DipTrans? Well, we’ve got a guide below that tells you everything you need to know about a DipTrans.

Student Advice BEng

Nov 29th 2021

Students looking to take a more refined and structured approach towards the world of Engineering, should look at the BE...

Student Advice Attending University With a Learning Difficulty

Nov 29th 2021

Individuals who have learning difficulties or disabilities may find the university academic experience daunting, whethe...

Student Advice How to Manage Working and Studying

Nov 23rd 2021

Balancing your studies and working part-time is essential, it can easily be done if our tips and advice are implemented.

Student Advice What are University Interviews?

Nov 15th 2021

During the university application process, you may find yourself being invited to one or more institutions for a face-t...

Student Advice Open Days: A Guide

Nov 15th 2021

At university open days you can expect to talk to tutors, lecturers and previous students who will offer advice about s...

Student Advice TMUA

Oct 27th 2021

Admissions tests have become more and more common at major universities as applications rise every year.

Student Advice Pass Plus

Oct 27th 2021

The Pass Plus Test is a scheme run to help new drivers to gain confidence in driving and general road knowledge that go...

Student Advice CATS Test

Oct 26th 2021

So how do schools begin to judge the cognitive abilities of their students? Well, it’s not just by recommendations from...

Student Advice CSCS Card

Oct 25th 2021

The CSCS Card is a huge part of working on a construction site and with more students working in the world of engineeri...

Student Advice Lecture

Oct 21st 2021

Undoubtedly, when prospective candidates dream about attending university, they imagine all of the movies and televisio...

Student Advice Advice on Living at Home During University

Oct 19th 2021

Young adults who are choosing to begin their journey at university may have already overcome several tough decisions, f...

Student Advice SQA

Aug 5th 2021

The Scottish Qualifications Authority known for short as SQA is the national Scottish body responsible for accrediting ...

Student Advice Tuition Fees

Aug 4th 2021

After the 2010 UK elections, university tuition fees notoriously raised to up to £9,000 a year from £3,000.

Student Advice What is it Like to Study Business at University?

Aug 4th 2021

Business is a degree that is hyper-focused on getting you the best chance possible at any job you apply for. A Business...

Student Advice What is it Like to Study English at University?

Aug 4th 2021

English is a degree that requires a lot of reading and a lot of writing. However, it’s also one of the few degrees that...

Student Advice Why Planning at University is Going to Help

Aug 3rd 2021

Organisation isn’t a trait that every person, colleague and student has, however, planning at university is going to he...

Student Advice What is a Student Union?

Aug 2nd 2021

Not every single university has a student union, but it is extremely rare if the one you are thinking about going to do...

Student Advice University Interview Questions

Aug 2nd 2021

University interviews are a very daunting thing, especially if you’ve never ever actually had an interview before or if...

Student Advice What is a PhD or Doctorate?

Jul 30th 2021

A Doctorate qualification or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD/DPhil) is the highest academic level an individual can achieve.

Student Advice How Do I Change Universities?

Jul 28th 2021

Plenty of students believe that once they’ve decided to go to university that’s it, it’s all over and that there is no ...

Student Advice Mitigating Circumstances

Jul 28th 2021

Deferring and Mitigation can always differ for university-to-university and so many universities have so many different...

Student Advice Exam Revision Tips

Jul 28th 2021

The dreaded exam period can send even the most prepared students into panic mode.

Student Advice Living a Healthy University Lifestyle

Jul 28th 2021

During your first year at university, the pressures of studying combined with financial worries, a need to keep fit and...

Student Advice What to Do About Bullying at University

Jul 22nd 2021

Bullying at university is an issue that affects a huge number of people. Universities up and down the country will have...

Student Advice What to Do About Sexual Harassment or Rape at University

Feb 11th 2021

This article is one of the most unfortunate things that we have to cover on our website. At University Compare we aim t...

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