STUDENTS and their parents have been given a useful insight into university life at an evening designed to help them prepare for the next step in their education.
Representatives from four different universities visited Trinity Academy, in Thorne, to offer advice on how to choose the right course and centre, student finance, accommodation and the social life and opportunities young people can expect.
Director of sixth form Gemma Hirst said: "We make sure our students know a lot about the university process but we also think it's very helpful to inform parents so they have the full picture too, knowing they may be more concerned about student finance, safety and application deadlines."
Helen Brooks, access and admissions administrator at Mansfield College, Oxford University, was there to encourage academic students to aspire and consider Oxbridge for the next three or four years.
She also explained how Oxford and Cambridge differ, with the collegiate and tutorial learning system, how competitive admissions work and the financial support that is available.
"Oxford is an opportunity to experience world class teaching by people who have literally written the book on the subject. We don't want you to be fully formed when you come; we are looking for academic ability and potential. Students come from as wide a range of backgrounds as any other university," she added.
Richard Berry, student recruitment officer at Nottingham University, spoke about the benefits of higher education.
"We understand it can be a scary experience but the thing to remember is that everyone starting university is in the same situation. It's about exploring an academic interest or passion, improving your career prospects, meeting new people and broadening your horizons," he said.
Richard was accompanied by student ambassadors Beth Massey and Elliott Rees, who advised Trinity students to visit as many university open days as possible and explore courses in detail.
Tanisha Mistry, education outreach intern at the University of Leeds, explained the dates and deadlines students needed to be aware of. At this time of year, students in Year 12 should be attending HE fairs and researching courses and the different centres, planning open day visits from June and working on their personal statements over the summer ready for UCAS applications opening in September.
Amanda Kenningley, schools and colleges liaison officer at Huddersfield University, explained the process of applying to Student Finance England for fees and living cost loans, and how the loans are paid.
"Most people are entitled to a loan and you don't have to pay anything upfront to go to university. If you take a loan, you don't have to start paying it back until you have graduated and are earning £21,000 or more a year," she said.
Trinity student Carly Langston, 15, who was there with her mum Mandy and dad Kev, discovered that the midwifery course she wants to do is likely to be fully funded by the NHS.
Mandy said: "We've just been through the process for our older daughter but it was useful to be reminded about things like having to apply for the student loan each year of the course."
Student Janet Adelwokan, 16, who is studying for A levels in maths, biology, chemistry and music, added: "I learned a lot about student finance, the different options and how it works. I also thought their advice about choosing a course on something you really enjoy, rather than focusing only on the career you think you want, was really useful."