Updated for 2026
How to choose a subject and a course
With so many subjects to choose from, where do they start? With these two questions:
What do you enjoy studying?
What job would you like to do in the future?
Their subject needs to be something they find interesting and motivating to make the whole university experience enjoyable – and to get good results.
And remember, some careers need specific degrees, so if they have one in mind, check what’s required. Their degree should also give them confidence in the career opportunities it can lead to, even if they’re not yet sure what path they’ll take.
Once your child has chosen a subject, they can pick one or more courses within it to focus on.
Did you know?
Combined courses are an option if your child is torn between two related courses. Look out for titles with ‘and’ or ‘with’ in them, such as History and Politics, and Mathematics with Data Science.
How does your child learn?
Each university will teach their course differently, so it’s important that your child chooses one that plays to their strengths. Ask them:
Do you prefer practical or theory-based learning?
Do you learn best through guided teaching or independent studying?
Which type of assessments suit you best?
Exams and coursework are still common. But many universities are now using assessments that mirror the real-world skills and competences employers look for. Whether that’s through lab work, presentations, group projects, portfolios or performances.
How to find out more about universities
The right university depends on what matters most to your child. There are plenty of factors to consider when weighing up the pros and cons. Start by helping them find out more about their options — then move on to what to look for when comparing universities.
Open Days and other visits
Help your child get a real sense of what university life is like through Open Days, Campus Visits and online chats. After attending a few of these, they’ll start to get a sense of which universities feel like the right fit for them.
Open Days really are the best way to decide on the right university for them. Think of it like house viewing — you only know if it feels right when you step inside. And with our travel grant of up to £100 towards the cost of travel, our Open Day is one you don't want to miss.
My advice for Open Days is to talk to as many current students as possible – it gives your child a sense of whether they can see themselves studying there too. And it’s really important to meet the academics who’ll inspire your child.Stella
Mother to Maddie
Most universities also offer Campus Visits all year round. They’re more low-key than Open Days, which is ideal if your son or daughter prefers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
If your child gets an offer from a university, they’ll also be invited to an Applicant Day. This time, it’s all about test-driving their subject through hand-on taster sessions.
Can’t make an in-person event? Attend an online event or webinar instead – chat to the university’s academics, support staff and current students, and help your child plan their next step without stepping out the door.
Did you know?
Some universities – like Hull – offer travel grants to help towards the cost of you getting to your Open Day or other event. You can find out more about ours here.
What to look for in a university
What makes a good university? There’s no single answer — it’s about what matters most to your child. Here are a few things your family can look out for when comparing universities.
I treated the shortlisting of universities and booking Open Days as a life skill for them to learn. I saw it as a coaching role – you’re there to guide them to look at options rather than telling them what to do.Stella
Mother to Maddie
Teaching quality
How do you know how good a university’s teaching is?
First, you can check if it’s rated by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Universities that take part in the TEF scheme are ranked either Gold, Silver or Bronze for teaching quality and achieving positive outcomes for their students.
Hull is rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
That’s the highest possible ranking for teaching quality and student success. Learn more about our teaching.
Reputation and rankings
Another good place to start is by checking the university league tables. These give an overview of the quality of the university’s teaching and facilities, as well as how happy their students were with the course.
We also recommend checking NSS results (published on sites like Discover Uni) to help you decide what and where to study. These are different from traditional ranking results, as they are purely based on the experiences of current students. This means that the data is more recent and highly relevant to your young person.
Graduate prospects and employability
For a quick overview, check the university’s overall and subject-specific employability stats from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)’s Graduate Outcomes Survey or Discover Uni.
Encourage your child to ask the lecturers what careers, industries and companies their graduates go on to work in. As well as opportunities, like internships, placements, and studying abroad.
Location and lifestyle
If they’ve already got an idea of where they’d like to go, encourage them to research universities in those areas. If not, here are a few questions you can ask them to get the ball rolling:
Do you want to stay local and study at a nearby uni?
Live at home and commute to uni, or stay in student accommodation?
Would you prefer to move further away?
How far are you prepared to go? Students who move to Hull enjoy its affordable, busy lifestyle.
What are the transport links like?
Is it easy for me to visit you?
Discuss whether they’d prefer a campus university (teaching facilities, accommodation and social spaces in one place) or a city university (teaching facilities, accommodation and social spaces are dotted around the city). It’s a personal choice: do they want the close-knit feel of a campus uni or the hustle and bustle of a city one?
Did you know?
Hull is a 10-minute campus university. Everything your child needs to live, study and socialise is on one campus, and it’s all within a 10-minute walk of each other, with 24/7 security on hand.
Apply to university
Once your child has chosen their course and university, it’s time to help them apply. Applications are made through UCAS — where your child can research courses, apply, track progress and accept offers.
You can play an important part by helping them stay organised and confident throughout. Our step-by-step guide takes you both through every stage – from checking entry requirements and writing a strong personal statement to applying through UCAS and accepting offers.
UCAS deadlines for your calendar
The UCAS application process runs for 18 months from May to September, and deadline dates can vary each year. Check the most up to date deadlines.
Entry requirements
Universities list their entry requirements in UCAS tariff points, commonly earned through A levels, BTECs and T Levels. You can find a course’s specific requirements on the university’s website.
Prepare for Results Day and Clearing
On Results Day, your child can log in to UCAS to see if they’ve secured a place. If not, don’t worry. Reassure them that they still have time and lots of options. And one of them is Clearing.
When universities still have places left on any of their courses, they offer them through Clearing from July to October. So, if your child doesn't get a university place on Results Day, this is how they get one.