52 Things To Do | A student guide to university applications

Week 1

One year. 52 weeks. Let’s go

Over the next year we will be releasing weekly challenges to get you thinking about your future. 52 weeks to university. 52 things to do. Get started today.

Week 2

21 September 20

Choosing a career: Let’s talk lifestyle

Choosing a career based on your skills and interests is a great way to go, but there's something else to consider: what kind of life do you want to lead?

Week 3

28 September 20

Is university right for you?

It's time to start thinking about your next steps and decide what to do after school or college. Find out if university is the best way to get ahead in your dream career.

Week 4

5 October 20

What are the different types of degree?

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the huge variety of degrees on offer. Find out about the different types of degree before making a decision on what to study.

Make a statement with your personal statement

Week 5

12 October 20

Make a statement with your personal statement

Writing about yourself can be difficult, particularly if you are trying to impress the reader. Read our guide.

Week 6

19 October 20

Registering with UCAS

UCAS is the system you use to apply for an undergraduate degree. Registering can be a bit of a pain, but this short guide will help you to navigate the jargon.

11 ways to get the most out of an open day

Week 7

26 October 20

11 ways to get the most out of an open day

Not quite sure which course to do? Or at which uni? Going to a university open day could really help you to make that all important decision.

Week 8

2 November 20

Week 8: Choosing the right course

Read our top tips for choosing the right degree. Find out what questions to ask, who to ask them to, and what to look out for while doing your research.

Week 9

9 November 20

Professional accreditations

What does it mean when a course is 'professionally accredited'? We shed some light on this and talk about how it could benefit your career.

Week 10

16 November 20

How will I pay for uni?

Fees, finance and funding. It might sound daunting, but there's plenty of help and support out there. Read our guide to find out more.

Week 11

23 November 20

5 ways to de-stress

We know your last year at college can feel like a whirlwind. Read our guide for some tips to help you get calm and stay motivated.

Week 12

30 November 20

Personal statements - part two

If you're still writing your personal statement, here's a recap of the best online resources to help guide you through.

Week 13

7 December 20

Week 13: UCAS key dates

We highlight the key dates you need to keep an eye out for after you've submitted your university application through UCAS. Download our handy guide.

Week 14

14 December 20

Portfolios and interviews

Some courses ask you to submit a portfolio or attend an interview. Read our guide to find out how to prepare and what to expect.

Week 15

21 December 20

The 12 ways for a sustainable Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... a sustainable Christmas! Find out more in this week's festive 52 Things

Week 16

25 December 20

It's Christmas!

Relax, it's Christmas! We've selected some classic Christmas tunes to get you in a festive mood. Kick back, grab a mince pie and have a listen. Or if revision is more your thing, we've got some festive tips for you!

Week 17

28 December 20

Happy new year!

It's almost time to go back to school or college after the Christmas break. This week, we talk about new year's resolutions and share advice on how to start the year as you mean to go on.

Week 18

4 January 21

Don't miss the UCAS deadline

The deadline for UCAS applications has been extended to 29 January. We recap everything we've covered so far, and also what to do if you don't think you'll make the deadline.

Week 19

11 January 21

Choosing student accommodation

It's time to start thinking about where you're going to live while at uni. Halls, house share, or living at home - our guide explains all the options available to you.

Week 20

18 January 21

What happens after the UCAS deadline?

Want to know what happens next after submitting your application? Still want to apply, but think you might miss the deadline? Read our guide to find out.

Week 21

25 January 21

There's no place like home

So, you've decided where you want to live. Now it's time to make it your own. Read our guide on how to furnish your room on a student budget.

Week 22

1 February 21

National Apprenticeship Week

This week we're talking National Apprenticeship Week! Here we'll answer all your questions about what apprenticeships are, how to apply, what you can do, and more!

Week 23

8 February 21

Don't be a stranger

It's easy to get caught up in student life. In the spirit of St Valentine, we share advice on maintaining relationships with family and friends from home.

Week 24

15 February 21

Applying for student finance

Applying for student finance can feel overwhelming. Our guide will help you understand what you need to do and when. It's not as difficult as you may think!

Week 25

22 February 21

UCAS Extra opens

If you've used all five of your choices, had no offers or want to change your choice, don't worry. UCAS Extra can fix that for you.

Week 26

1 March 21

British Pie Week

Are you in the 75% of the British population who enjoy a pie at least once a month? If so, read on - our tasty pie recipes will definitely wet your appetite and impress your friends.

Week 27

8 March 21

British Science Week

For British Science Week, see how universities aren't just places of education. They help shape our world by driving innovation and invention - often with cool results!

Week 28

15 March 21

Student hacks

University isn’t just about the lectures. Get the tips and tricks you’ll need to make life as a student easier with our top student hacks.

Have you applied for your accommodation yet?

Week 29

22 March 21

Have you applied for your accommodation yet?

It's around this time that most universities open up applications for accommodation. Make sure you don't miss out!

Week 30

29 March 21

Responding to your offers

Receiving your offers is the easy part. But you're about to make a huge decision... Don't worry, we're on hand to help!

Week 31

5 April 21

Earn while you learn

Never mind working nine to five, let's have a look at working alongside your studies.

Student finance - making the most of your cash

Week 32

12 April 21

Student finance - making the most of your cash

It's no secret students live on limited funds. From bank accounts to budgeting, read our guide for tips on managing your moolah.

Week 33

19 April 21

Students' unions: an A-Z

From A to Z we're giving you everything you need to know about Students' Unions.

Week 34

26 April 21

Get prepared for your exams

Whether you’re nervous or confident about your upcoming exams, our guide will help you prepare with revision tips and advice to help you on your way!

Compete in the university sport event of the year

Week 35

3 May 21

Compete in the university sport event of the year

3, 2, 1, go! Varsity is a sporting competition held between two universities with the winners taking home the coveted trophy and bragging rights.

Week 36

10 May 21

Mental Health Awareness Week

University is an amazing experience, but it can be daunting. Get the tips you need to make sure your mental health doesn't struggle.

Week 37

17 May 21

Student finance applications close

Money, money, money! While it's not the end of the world if you miss the deadline, you'll want to make sure you receive your loan on time

Week 38

31 May 21

Discounts, discounts, discounts

Money may be tight at times, but there are plenty of student discounts out there. Do you know all the ways you can make the most of them?

Week 39

7 June 21

Volunteers' Week

Have you ever thought about volunteering? Take a look at our guide to volunteering and find out the benefits for you and the local community.

Week 40

14 June 21

Celebrate the summer

At the end of the summer, your new adventure begins. Until then, read our tips on planning the best send off with your friends.

Week 41

21 June 21

Taking your studies international

Did you know that for many courses at lots of universities, you can study abroad for a while? Our guide shows you the types of opportunities you can look for.

Week 42

28 June 21

UCAS Extra closes soon!

Still not familiar with UCAS Extra? Still need to make a choice? We can help with that by refreshing your memory on all the options open to you.

Week 43

5 July 21

The ultimate Clearing guide - part one

Clearing opens this week, so we're bringing you the ultimate guide to Clearing. In two parts! Here's part one, discussing your options, funding, and more.

Week 44

12 July 21

The ultimate Clearing guide - part two

You've read part one of our ultimate Clearing guide, so here's part two! This week has student stories, FAQs and a summary of the whole process.

Week 45

19 July 21

Studying at uni compared to college

Why does everyone say studying at university is so different to college? Find out in our comparison.

Week 46

26 July 21

15 things to pack for university

This is the essential list of just 15 things you should take with you to uni. Time to get packing!

Week 47

2 August 21

Kickstart your uni social life

If you're starting uni in a new city with new surroundings and new faces, our guide will help you overcome the obstacle of getting to know people and making new friends.

Week 48

9 August 21

Get ready for results day

It's perfectly normal to feel nervous about your exam results. We figured we'd help you out by letting you know what you'll need to do on results day!

Week 49

16 August 21

It's results day!

This week is super important, you're getting your A-Level or BTEC results! Whether you've had good news or bad, check out our advice on what to do next.

Week 50

23 August 21

Get social

We'll help you get ahead of the game with tips on using social media to connect with your new classmates or neighbours in halls before you even start uni.

Week 51

30 August 21

Clubs and societies

Do you play any sports? Do you have a hobby? Even if the answer to both of these is no, there are so many benefits to joining a club or society at uni.

Week 52

6 September 21

You did it!!

Congratulations! You've completed all 52 Things To Do. Lets get ready for Freshers 2021!