Parents and carers

Parents' Information Evenings

“It was a really good evening, very informative and gave us good ideas to direct our next enquiries and how to move on.”

Parent, 2022

Our Parents’ Information Evenings are designed to support parents/carers of Year 12 and Year 1 college students through the Higher Education process, irrespective of the universities your child is considering. Tuition fees and financial support are constantly changing, and we understand the significance of this with regard to applicants and their parents, as well as the ongoing issues surrounding the pandemic.

If you attend the event, you’ll be able to chat between 6pm and 7pm with University of Huddersfield academics and support staff, current students and careers professionals in an informal setting. Between 7pm and 8pm we will offer a series of useful presentations relating to Higher Education, including:

• Why Choose Higher Education?
• A Parent's Guide to HE
• Fees and Financial Support      

The events will be held on-campus at the University of Huddersfield. You can book your place by clicking on the "Book now" link for the relevant date below.

 

Date	Time	Join in
Wednesday 17th April	6pm-8pm	Book now

 

Useful links 

Undergraduate Open Days

Chat with our students

University of Huddersfield Courses

C&K Careers

Online Parents' Information Evening

“It was a really good evening, very informative and gave us good ideas to direct our next enquiries and how to move on.”

Parent, 2022

Our online Parents’ Information Evening is designed to support parents/carers of Year 12 and Year 1 college students through the Higher Education process, irrespective of the universities your child is considering. Tuition fees and financial support are constantly changing, and we understand the significance of this with regard to applicants and their parents, as well as the ongoing issues surrounding the pandemic.

Between 7pm and 8pm we will offer a series of useful online presentations relating to Higher Education, including:

• Why Choose Higher Education?
• A Parent's Guide to HE
• Fees and Financial Support      

The online event will be held on the Unibuddy platform. You can create your Unibuddy account now by clicking the relevant link below and providing your name and email address. Then simply log in and join on the day.

 

Date	Time	Join in
Thursday 25th April	7pm-8pm	Book now

 

Useful links 

Undergraduate Open Days

Chat with our students

University of Huddersfield Courses

C&K Careers

How to apply

When can they apply?

Students can apply from the middle of September onwards in Y13 for entry to university the following year, which is why we recommend doing research and going to Open Days in Year 12. Their school/college will probably encourage them to register on UCAS before they leave for the summer holidays and get them as prepared as possible for the application itself.  

Online application

The application is done online and is divided into sections:

• Registration/Login/Personal Details
• Student Finance arrangements
• Course choices (up to five)
• Education to date and results you are waiting for (tutor will input predicted grades)
• Employment so far (work experience, part-time jobs, voluntary work)
• Personal statement – the most important part of the application – some courses are heavily oversubscribed and this statement could make the difference between being offered a place and being rejected.
• Tutor reference
• Payment of fee (£27.50 for September 2024 entry)

The applicant marks each section off as they complete it and an appointed member of staff monitors their progress. 

The application is then sent off electronically to UCAS, the University and Colleges Admissions Service, which sends it on to their university choices. 

UCAS Track

UCAS will then send the applicant a Welcome email after which they can follow their application using the ‘Track’ system.  UCAS can also mail the applicant every time there is an update to their application (e.g. a university makes them an offer).

Once all the universities have made their decisions, the applicant then chooses two: one firm choice with grades or points they are likely to get and one insurance choice with lower grades or points they can fall back on if they don't get their firm place.  They are then committed to those two courses.

Results Day and Clearing

On Results Day, applicants can check on Track as to whether they have a place but it won't show their grades.  Sometimes a university will still accept them if they are only a grade or a few points short of their offer. If they have been unsuccessful with both offers, they are then automatically entered into Clearing where they can consider remaining courses and contact the universities directly. 

When they have their place, they will be sent or have access to joining instructions and reading lists, usually online.  The first week of term usually starts towards the end of September or the beginning of October.

Applications and enrolment

What happens and when?

Timeline of what the student should be doing through the course of the selection process

When? (time of year)	What stage of the process
Year 12/1st Year College	Research, Open Days, HE Fairs
September Y13/2nd Year College	Apply
15th October	Deadlines for Oxbridge/Medicine/Dentistry/Vet Science
October to January	School/College deadline for applications
January	UCAS deadline for applications
Open ended	Interviews and offers
February- June	UCAS Extra (safety net if initial applications unsuccessful)
August	Results
July to September	Clearing (second safety net if results mean rejection from firm and insurance choices)
September/October	Enrol at university

Full time undergraduate

Students can apply from the middle of September onwards in Year 13 for entry the following year, which is why we recommend doing research and going to Open Days in Year 12. Schools and colleges usually encourage students to register on UCAS, which is the system for applying for full-time undergraduate courses (e.g. BA/BSc degree) before they leave for summer to help prepare them for the application stage when they return.

UCAS Track

After an application is made on UCAS, applicants will receive a welcome email after which they can follow their application using the 'UCAS Undergraduate: Apply and Track' system.

Once all universities have made their decisions, the applicant then chooses two: one firm choice (which is their preferred choice) and one insurance choice. NB. we recommend the insurance choice should have lower grades or points which they can fall back on if they don’t get their firm place. They are then committed to those two courses.

UCAS Extra

If an applicant has received decisions from all five universities or colleges and were not accepted, or if they decline, they can add one additional course at a time between 25 February and early July in UCAS Extra. This is a free service and if UCAS Extra is available to applicants, then it will show up as a button when applicants sign in to track their application.

UCAS Clearing

On results day, applicants should check UCAS Track to see if they have a place at university. If they have been unsuccessful with both offers, they are then automatically entered into Clearing where they contact universities directly to enquire about remaining places.

Full-time PGCE Teacher Training courses

Full-time PGCE Teacher Training courses (to teach in Schools or Further/Higher Education) applications should be made through UCAS Teacher Training and applications usually open in October.

Part-time courses

Applicants should contact the relevant subject area for further course information and applications can be made by downloading and completing the Part-time Application Form and reading the accompanying Application Guidance Notes.

Course descriptions and contact details can be found using Coursefinder.

Exam results

The University will usually receive examination results for most qualifications so applicants don’t generally need to send them to us, However, if they are required to, they’ll be notified about this and applicants with conditional offers must forward their qualifications to us by the end of August.

Pre-enrolment

A few months before term starts, we email all applicants who have firmly accepted a place with us with their log in details to be able to access our pre-enrolment portal and complete important steps before they join us.

Keeping in touch

It’s really important that we have an up to date email address for all of our applicants. Email addresses can be updated on UCAS Track or UCAS Teacher Training (UTT) websites. If the applicant has applied directly to the University, they can contact our Student Recruitment Team on +44 (0)1484 472625 or email study@hud.ac.uk.

Important: applicants should use a personal email account rather than a college or school address, which may expire or be inaccessible over the summer.

Data Protection

In compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998, the University protects the information it has about applicants and the standard response to enquiries about individuals is that information cannot be disclosed to other organisations and/or individuals without consent.

Unfortunately, this means that we are unable to talk to you about your son or daughters application - unless we receive consent from your son or daughter at the same time, or they have named you as their 'proxy' on the UCAS application form. We will, however, be able to give you general information regarding procedures.

For further information, please read 'How does the University handle data?- fair processing notices'.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should my son/daughter start thinking about university?

Applications to UCAS, the organisation which administers university applications, can be made from the beginning of September onwards in Year 13. During Year 12, it’s a good idea to be doing research about where to study and to be attending university open days and Higher Education Fairs in order to minimise disruption in Year 13. Of course, you’ve probably been thinking about things long before this when you helped choose Sixth Form/College options. Year 11 Options Evenings often offer the opportunity to speak to local universities about the entry requirements for particular courses and the online prospectuses usually contain contact details. Do get in touch with universities for advice if you need information on which course or subject to follow with a view to applying for a particular degree.

Can parents attend Open Days at universities?

Parents are very welcome at open days but do bear in mind that it is the student who is hoping to go, not you! Encourage your son or daughter to ask the questions and to determine whether or not it is the course and the place for them. Some universities have separate activities for parents, but wherever you choose to visit, there will be plenty going on for everyone: try to plan beforehand in order to fit everything in. Normally you have to book onto open days so make sure your son or daughter has done this. Open days can involve a lot of walking - be prepared for this, and do inform the university if you have any access or mobility requirements.

If my son or daughter lives at home, will they get the same experience as those who live away?

A large number of students choose to attend university whilst living at home these days; at Huddersfield, more than 50% of our students do this, so if your son or daughter opts to do the same, they will not be on their own. There will be plenty of central activities going on and they may be able to join in with social events in some halls of residence as well. Studying-wise, living at home will make no difference at all.

What should my son or daughter take with them to university?

It depends where they are living and what is provided, so make sure you find out beforehand. Some halls of residence provide cooking utensils and cutlery but this may not always be the case. Some provide a bedding pack (at a cost) whilst others require you to bring your own.

Information on what to bring for enrolment should be on the university’s website or sent to the new student, as should information on documentation needed to register at the Health Centre, which is always recommended. The department itself will issue a reading list and any other requirements but it is wise to wait until you have arrived at university to determine which books are needed immediately and which can be obtained from the library, bought second-hand or shared. PC/laptop facilities should be investigated and also access to the internet.

Items from home to brighten up a room are always a good idea – posters, photographs, cushions etc. – and visitors will always be welcome if they bring a food parcel with them! It is also helpful for the student to have enough money to tide them over the first week, as any student loan and/or grant will not be triggered until they enrol, so could take a few days to arrive in their bank account. Finally, ensure they have their phone topped up and access to e-mails so that they can easily communicate with you and vice versa.

What if my son or daughter becomes homesick?

Going to a new place and meeting new people can be quite scary and sometimes a settling in period is needed. It is all part of the experience though and you will be amazed how quickly they make friends and become part of the university community. There is plenty of help available on campus, if needed, including academic tutors, faith support and counselling. But they do have to ask for it and that’s where you may need to ‘encourage’ them.

When and how are tuition fees paid?

Nobody has to pay up-front tuition fees whilst at university for a full-time undergraduate degree. See our general section on Fees and Financial support for Year specific information.

What happens if my son or daughter can’t attend a university Open Day?

Don’t worry - contact the university department which offers the course that your son/daughter is interested in, and they may be able to offer you a departmental visit instead. But do make sure your son/daughter visits their universities of choice at some point, preferably before applying.

How can we get more information locally?

The college or school your son/daughter attends will have careers staff and tutors who can give advice, and also may run information evenings and/or careers fairs which university representatives attend. The school may also organise visits to UCAS Fairs, which offer the opportunity to gather information from, and to talk to a large number of universities. Your local university should also be able to help you.

Student fees for parents and carers

Financial support

The University is committed to supporting students from lower income families and is pleased to offer a number of scholarships for students from the UK. For more information please visit our 'Undergraduate scholarships' page or contact our Student Finance Office on sfo@hud.ac.uk.

Great investment

Taking out significant tuition and living cost loans may seem daunting and a long term financial commitment and it is understandable that you may have concerns about this, but your son/daughter is in investing in their future and the repayments are very reasonable.

A university education is likely to open doors to employment opportunities and higher earning potential as well as creating contacts, learning new skills and adding to your CV.

Want to know more?

Visit our 'Undergraduate fees and finance' pages for more information and additional support that might be available to you.

Student Support

We know that every parent and carer worries about those first few weeks at university, and even more so if your son or daughter is living away from home.

As with all the choices surrounding university, it is important to remember that while you are able to offer advice and support, a university’s relationship must be with the student rather than their family. This means that any discussion of issues is with the student directly. The University of Huddersfield's Wellbeing and Disability services support students. Parents and carers can consult these services for general advice but please remember that student specific information can only be discussed with the involvement of the student. 

Support for students

There is a comprehensive network of support for your son or daughter to access at the University of Huddersfield should they need help.

The Student Counselling Service helps those who are worried or unhappy. This is a common experience for everyone at some point in their life, and our trained counsellors are on hand to offer support when it is needed.  

The Disability Service offers a variety of support to students with a disability, medical condition or specific learning difficulty.

The University Faith Centre operates an 'all welcome' policy, and is open all week for people to drop in and chat, to meet and make friends, drink coffee, eat lunch or to just be quiet. Many events happen throughout the week, with opportunities for worship and links to faith groups in the local community.

The Careers and Employability Service is available to all students and graduates at the University of Huddersfield for life. Staff offer information, advice and guidance in a wide range of areas as well as booked appointments with professional careers advisers.

The JobShop provides current students with access to local part-time work during term time, and full-time work during the vacations, whilst at the same time providing a professional vacancy handling service to local employers. During term-time, full-time students are advised to work for no more than 15 hours per week, and almost all vacancies advertised fall within this recommendation. Jobs for longer hours are clearly identified as being only for part-time students.

The Personal Tutors scheme ensures that all students have a contact or link tutor with whom they can stay in regular touch.

The University has a Health Centre adjacent to its main site. Students moving to Huddersfield are recommended to register to enable them to receive suitable medical care if required.

Student Finance

Staff in the Student Finance Office are available to support and advise all students regarding financial issues - including tuition fees and loans and grants. 

Read more about undergraduate fees and finance

Students’ Union

Students’ Union Advice and Information Centre

The Student Advice and Information Centre (SAIC) is staffed by specialist trained advisers with support from trained student volunteers. They offer free confidential, impartial advice on any problem or query, no matter how big or small.

Besides offering advice on a wide range of matters in such areas as housing, academic, financial and legal help, the SAIC can also make referrals to other agencies should you need further advice.

Accommodation

If your son/daughter is moving away from home, they need to investigate the provision of student accommodation in the area.  Some universities have accommodation on campus, some ‘halls of residence’ are a distance from the teaching campus and in a student village, and some are on their own.  It is also important to note that not all student accommodation is run by universities – there are a number of private companies which run them now – and so their contracts and provision can vary greatly from place to place.  

Halls of residence

Most first year students live in a hall of residence – one payment can take care of rent, utilities, internet and, sometimes, meals.  This means the student can concentrate on acclimatising to living away from home without having to worry about numerous bills and providers.  It is really important to visit halls to decide which is best for you: some provide individual rooms and large communal facilities, some are arranged in flats with a communal kitchen, some provide meals, some have quiet blocks, some have their own shop/bar/laundry and so on.  Contracts may be for term time only or for 51 weeks. Some request payment termly and some require a deposit followed by two or three payments – this is why research into this aspect of student life is vital in order to ensure the student finds their optimum accommodation and know what to budget for financially.  Accommodation is usually available to view on Open Days and possibly other specific days of term if there are empty rooms or the occupant gives permission for viewing. 

Private accommodation

Private accommodation in the form of a flat or a shared house is another option which students usually attempt at some point.  Universities should have a list of landlords whose properties are checked for meeting safety regulations etc.  It is a different way of living from a hall of residence but can be an exciting part of the university experience and can also promote independence even further. (NB in a hall or a private house, they will need their own licence if they have a TV or if they watch live streamed programmes including iPlayer.)

Applying for accommodation

Once your son/daughter has their firm course choice, they should decide on appropriate accommodation and investigate the procedures for applying – it may be that they need to complete a provisional application which they confirm immediately once they know they have a  place.

Moving away from home is a big step forward and can be daunting but in most cases, it doesn’t take long for new students to get used to it and to make new friends – a packet of chocolate biscuits to share and a wedge to keep their door open when wanting to be sociable, and they will be on their way!  

Find out more

Read more about accommodation options at the University of Huddersfield.

Tips for Parents and Carers

1. AWARENESS - Make sure your son/daughter is aware of the course and financial support application deadlines.
    
2. HELP - Help them with visits to universities and make sure they know all about the courses they are applying for – if in doubt about anything, ask!
    
3. COOKING - Teach them to cook; it will save them a fortune! Give them recipes for cheap meals which provide basic nutrition so that you know they are eating properly.
    
4. FINANCES - Make sure they have some money to tide them over the first week at university until their loan and/or grant reach their account.
    
5. FOLDERS - A folder for all their important documentation which may be needed for enrolment, registering at the Health Centre etc, will be really helpful
    
6. ESSENTIALS - Check what they need to take with them – course equipment, bedding, towels, pots and pans, etc. It can vary from one place to another.
    
7. BUDGET - Teach them to budget – look at income and outgoings and work out a budget for each week so that they know what their limit is.
    
8. CONTACT - Consider help with Skype/mobile phone/internet so that you can contact each other as easily as possible. Make arrangements for regular contact, eg at least once a week, so that you know they are ok.
    
9. PARENTS EVENINGS - Attend any Parents’ Information Evenings that are available in your local area – your son/daughter’s school may well offer one, and possibly your local university. These are a very good opportunity to talk to school and possibly university staff about the whole application process. The University of Huddersfield also provides Parents’ Information Evenings each year to parents of Year 12 students in the local area.
    
10. INDEPENDENCE - If your son/daughter is going to live at home, encourage a degree of independence and involvement with university life so that they enjoy the full student experience. Wherever they live, confidence in using public transport will be useful, especially if they are going on a placement/placements as part of their course.

Jargon Buster

Like every other area of life, Higher Education has its own distinct terminology and jargon. Some of these terms and definitions are listed below.

Terms	Definition
Alumni	Someone who has received a qualification from a university is called an ‘alumnus’. More than one are known as ‘alumni’. It is just a term for a former student there.
Bursary	A non-repayable grant from a university; could be dependent on certain conditions.
Campus	A site that contains buildings or facilities under the administration of a university. This may be several buildings, as on the University of Huddersfield’s campus, Queensgate.  It may also be a site in a different town or area.
Clearing	A system allowing students who have not gained a university place to apply for remaining course vacancies from July to September.
Dissertation	A lengthy essay on a specific subject which many students complete in their final year.
Faculty/School	Similar subjects at universities or colleges are often grouped together under one faculty or school. For example, at the University of Huddersfield, we have Management, Business Studies and Marketing grouped together under Huddersfield Business School.
Finals	The last set of examinations taken before gaining a degree.
Fresher	Students in their first year at university are known as ‘Freshers’.
Joint Honours	A degree where two subjects are studied together with equal weight, for example, BA (Hons) English and History or BSc (Hons) Physics and Chemistry. Where one subject has more emphasis than the other, it is known as major/minor.
Lecture	A form of teaching where a lecturer speaks on a given topic to a large group and students take notes.
Module	Many degree courses are made up of specific modules, for example an English degree may offer the option of a module in Victorian Literature. Students often study a combination of compulsory (core) modules and optional ones, gaining credits for each one in order to complete their qualification.
Postgraduate	Study undertaken after the first undergraduate (see below) degree. This could be a Certificate, a Diploma, a Master’s or a PhD.
Prospectus	A directory providing information on a specific university. It contains course information, details of the town or city and the accommodation available.
Sandwich year	Sandwich courses usually last four years with the third year spent in industry. This placement year enables students to gain valuable work experience whilst being paid a salary and they may be offered a job at the end of their studies.
Seminar/Tutorial	Where a small group of students meet up with a lecturer and discuss their ideas on a specific part of the subject they are currently studying. Work is often set and then discussed the following week.
Students’ Union	This is the social heart of a university. The majority of Student Union buildings will house bars, clubs, quiet study areas and shops and also host numerous societies. Student Unions also employ welfare staff to offer your son/daughter advice and reassurance.
Term	These are similar to terms in schools. The academic year at some universities, however, is divided into two ‘semesters’, Autumn and Spring.
Undergraduate	Someone studying for their first degree. A graduate is someone who has completed this and has been awarded their degree.