Progression Hub

Get ready to apply for your student finance for 2022 and 2023 entry

Student finance can be confusing but the thought of taking out a student loan shouldn't be a daunting thought.

Student loans are very different from a personal loan, and are set up so that you only begin to pay your loan back when you're earning over the current threshold, this year that's £26,575 per year.

While it's still a loan, the benefit of studying a degree's include: higher earning potential, access to specailist industry roles as well as transferable skills like critical thinking, problem solving, independance and many more.

As you start on your higher education journey, the Future U team will be offering tutorial sessions to explain all things student finance, including financial support offered by UCEN Manchester.

Ask your tutor to book your session via HUB.

Read more about how student finance works

Click here to visit our fees and funding page

Part of your research into higher education providers and universities should include visiting Open Events and UCAS fairs, whether these are taking place online or on-campus.

These events are an excellent opportunity to ask questions, see the best of student work, meet potential tutors and find out more about student life.

We've compiled the top questions to ask at events, including:

• How practical is the course?
• How will the course be assessed?
• What sort of student support is there?

Read the full blog

Want to attend the next Manchester UCAS event in March?

Book now

Are you thinking about your next steps and would be interested in receiving the following:

• 1-1 advice from a professional industry mentor
• Insight into a career and sector of interest
• Support with finding work experience
• Guidance to develop your employability skills
• Confidence in your next steps after sixth form/college

Don't miss this great opportunity!

What previous Insight mentees had to say:

“Really useful in helping you decide what direction to go in after college.”

“It has improved my confidence in knowing what I need to do to achieve my goals.”

“My mentor was really friendly and welcoming and motivating.”

Click here to get involved

Mentoring runs from: 7 February - 27 March 2022

Choosing a degree when there are so many options available can seem a little daunting, especially as you want to make the right decision on what you’ll be studying for the next few years.

If you are heading into higher education but are not sure what to study, here are a few top tips to help you seal the deal.

• Identify your learning preference
• Assessment style
• Start with your career aspirations

Read the full blog

How to apply

It's time. You've done your research, attended open days, you've made a shortlist and you're ready to start your applications.

If you've not started this yet, here's our timeline of what you should be doing ahead of making an application.

Read our step by step guide

Download the slide deck from our recent How To Apply event

1. September - Research

2. October - Attend Open Days and start your application

3. November - Write your Personal Statement

4. December - Complete and proofread your application

5. January - Submit your application using UCAS

Personal statements, where to begin...

Writing about yourself can feel really challenging, especially when you're not used to it.

So to help you out, we've outlined exactly how to approach writing a personal statement and what you should cover to make it as amazing as you are.

Get the step by step guide to writing your personal statement.

Download the slide deck from our How To Write a Personal Statement event

• Give yourself plenty of time
• Plan the structure
• Make it all about you
• Stand out from the crowd
• Proof, proof and proof again

While your choice of university will be heavily influenced by your course options, there are other factors to consider when choosing where to live, potentially for the next three years or more.

Whether you're looking at moving away or staying close to home here's what to consider when looking at locations.

• How close it is to home
• The living costs
• The culture - what's there that suits your interests and hobbies
• Student reviews

Read the full blog

University interviews can be a daunting prospect but they are nothing to be worried about. Whether they take place face-to-face or virtually this year, follow these three simple steps and you’re sure to make a good impression, while also finding out if the course is right for you!

• Plan ahead
• Be yourself
• Ask questions

Read the full blog

The best time to get a head start on your university course is after you’ve completed all your final year assignments and exams.

You’ll have received your offers and will likely have an idea of where you want to study come September, so it’s a great opportunity to look ahead to your first semester.

Here are four simple ways to give yourself the best chance of starting your course on the front foot.

• Speak to your tutors
• Explore the reading list
• Brush up on your study skills
• Gain work experience

Read the full blog

While touring your shortlist of universities aren’t possible, virtual open days are the next best thing and may even continue once restrictions are lifted.

One of the big advantages of virtual open days is that you can attend as many as you like, without the hefty travel expense. You’ll hear from tutors and current students, tour campus facilities, ask questions and download useful resources.

As you’re seeing what universities have to offer and narrowing down your choices, it’s vital you take maximum advantage of this resource. Here are a few tips on how to make to most of virtual open days.

* Register early

* Ask questions

* Picture yourself there

Read the full blog