Parents, families and supporters

We understand that the journey into higher education can sometimes be overwhelming. The options open to students are vast and deciding which is most suitable can be a daunting task. With your help at home, combined with the advice and support we provide at Birkbeck, we can help students change their lives.

We believe that 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, we've created the following section to assist you with any queries or concerns you might have throughout this journey.

WHY GO TO UNIVERSITY

• When you reach the age of 18, there are many options available for continuing your learning; from going on to higher education, working, taking a gap year or doing an apprenticeship. 
• We have provided an overview of the benefits of university that you may wish to consider in the decision making process.
• Watch our 'Should I go to university, and why Birkbeck?' video.

HOW TO CHOOSE A UNIVERSITY AND COURSE

• So your child has decided they want to go to university. How do you choose one? We take you through what to look for. 
• Watch our 'Choosing a university that's right for you' video.

HOW UNIVERSITY DIFFERS FROM COLLEGE

• We give you and your child a rundown of how university study differs from college.
• Watch our 'How university study differs from college' video.

THE UCAS PROCESS AND DEADLINES

• We appreciate that the application process can be overwhelming. Our Student Advice Team has created a list of UCAS FAQs that we hope you will find useful. 
• Given the changing nature of the pandemic, UCAS has also provided an overview of key deadlines you will need to be aware off. These are updated regularly.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BIRKBECK

• We're now running a range of open days and campus tours where you can visit campus and talk to staff to find out more about courses and studying with us - you'll find more details in  our Come and Meet Us section.
• If you can't come to us in person, then check out our virtual tour.
• You may also wish to attend one of our public events that showcases our research to get a better feel of who we are and what we do.

ACCOMMODATION

• The majority of our students live in private accommodation, but we also have places available in University of London intercollegiate halls and an agreement with UNITE, a specialist provider of student accommodation, which entitles full-time Birkbeck students to apply for places within their halls of residence.
• 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.
• Before you book any accommodation, please check our updates on how we teach during the pandemic.
• Read more about accommodation and Birkbeck.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

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

STUDENT WELLBEING

• At Birkbeck, we take great care of our students, whatever their age, through a range of welfare 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.
• Read more about our student services.

HOW YOUR CHILD WILL BE SUPPORTED

• We offer a range of support services.
• We are also offering a mentoring scheme that bring together our prospective students with alumni.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

• If you have any further questions, please contact our friendly Student Advice Team.
• If you have wondered how other parents and families have supported their child or a family member through the application journey, we recommend watching this short interview.

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: