Replying to your UCAS offers

Pari Ali

Digital Ambassador

You’ve submitted your university applications, and the long, nerve-wracking wait is finally over. Congratulations on receiving your offers!

Now comes the big decision: choosing the university that’s right for you. It’s a choice that will shape your next few years and your career, so it is important to consider all the options carefully.

Here is some advice to help you make a confident, informed decision:

1. Understanding your offers

Once all the universities you applied to have replied, UCAS will let you know that it is time to respond. Before making any decisions, it is important to research each of your offers thoroughly.

You can accept two offers through UCAS:

Firm Choice - Your first choice. If you meet the conditions, this is where you will go.

Insurance Choice - Your backup. This comes into play only if you do not meet the conditions of your firm choice.

You will need to decline all other offers, so choose wisely.

2. Know Your Deadlines

UCAS gives each applicant a specific deadline to respond, based on when you received your final offer. Here is a general example:

If your last offer arrives on or before 16 May 2025, your reply deadline is 6 June 2025.

If your last offer arrives after 16 May, your deadline will be later.

Note: Always check your personal UCAS Hub for your exact deadline. Missing your deadline means losing all your offers, so set a reminder and aim to make your decisions early.

3. How to Choose Your Firm and Insurance Choices

Not sure which university to pick? Here are some key factors to consider:

Envision Yourself There:

• Where can you picture yourself studying, socialising, and living?

• Which course excites you the most?

Entry Requirements:

• Be realistic on whether you can achieve the grades required.

• Your insurance choice should ideally have lower entry requirements to serve as a safety net.

Location & Lifestyle:

• Do you prefer a campus university or a city-based one?

• Consider travel, accommodation, and cost of living.

Course & University Experience:

• Does the course offer the modules and opportunities you are looking for?

• What support services does the university provide (careers advice, mental health support, etc.)?

4. Final Tips

• Take your time - Do not rush your decision. Think carefully and weigh your options.

• Ask for advice - Speak with teachers, family, or current students at the universities you are considering.

• Visit if possible - Attend open days or request a campus tour.

• Be ambitious with your firm choice and realistic with your insurance choice to give yourself the best chance on results day.

• Once you have made your decision, confirm it through the UCAS Hub before the deadline.

Why did I choose the University of Hull?

• Campus-style university - Everything is close together, making it easy to get around.

• Excellent teaching - The University of Hull holds a gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

• Unique opportunities - The course offered experiences and options that I did not find elsewhere.

• Affordable living - Hull is one of the most budget-friendly student cities in the UK, and the on-campus accommodation is great.

• Vibrant city life - Hull is packed with culture, events, and history. It feels like part riverside town, part modern city and there is always something going on.

• Societies – There are so many amazing societies you can get involved with that will uplevel your student life!

Good Luck! Whatever you decide, I hope you find the university that is right for you. Trust your instincts, do your research, and take your time. You have got this!