How to help your child choose the right university

We understand that the options available to students as they prepare to leave school or college can be overwhelming. The advice and support we provide at Birkbeck, combined with your help at home, can guide students through their journey into higher education so they make the right decision.

We believe the most effective method of navigating these options is to carry out as much research as possible and ask as many questions as you can. To help parents and supporters of post-16 students with queries or concerns about higher education, we've tried to cover many of these issues below.

WHY GO TO UNIVERSITY

• There are many options available to your child at the age 18: they may choose to go onto higher education, start working, take a gap year or do an apprenticeship.
• To help you and your child understand the benefits of university, watch our video: Should I go to university, and why Birkbeck?'
  

HOW TO CHOOSE A UNIVERSITY AND COURSE

• Once your child has decided they want to go to university, you'll both need to consider which one. Watch our video to find out what to look for: Choosing a university that's right for you'.

HOW UNIVERSITY DIFFERS FROM COLLEGE

• You and your child also need to understand how studying at university differs from what they may have experienced at school or college: Watch our video: How university study differs from college'.

THE UCAS PROCESS AND DEADLINES

• We know the UCAS application process can seem overwhelming, so our Student Advice Team has made a list of UCAS FAQs that should answer many of your questions.
• UCAS  also has a helpful summary of application deadlines, which you'll need to refer to.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BIRKBECK

• Open days and campus tours provide the perfect opportunity for you and your child to visit the Birkbeck campus in Bloomsbury. You'll be able to talk to staff about courses and find out from our students what it's like to study with us.
• Birkbeck's strength lies in providing a flexible approach to learning and, depending on your course, we offer a range of options - full-time, part-time, evening and daytime study, on campus and online – so your child can decide when and how to study.
• You can also check out our virtual tour or attend one of our free public events, including lectures, workshops and seminars.

ACCOMMODATION

• The majority of our students live in private accommodation, but we also have places available in University of London intercollegiate halls.
• Birkbeck students have free access to the professional services of the University of London Housing Service, which can provide advice and help you find the best type of accommodation. You can contact ULHS team via email.
• Find out more about your accommodation options as a student at Birkbeck.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• Read more about fees and payment, and financial support.

HOW YOUR CHILD WILL BE SUPPORTED

• At Birkbeck, we take great care of our students, whatever their age, through a range of support services that provide advice, guidance and practical support when needed. These include our Counselling Service, Disability and Dyslexia Service, Learning Development Service and our Mental Health Service.
• We also offer a mentoring scheme that brings together our prospective students with alumni.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

• If you have any further questions, please contact our Student Advice Team, they'll be happy to help you.

Eric Andre Rodriguez, MSc Information Technology graduate, explains the part played by his aunt in helping him decide Birkbeck was the best place for him to study IT at postgraduate level: