101 things you should know before you apply to uni

How to write an application for uni ✍️

1. First things first: dates. For 2026 entry for most courses, you need to apply by the UCAS deadline which is Wednesday 14 January 2026. For medicine and dentistry courses, the deadline is Wednesday 15 October, 2025.
2. If you miss the UCAS deadline, you can also submit a late application – up to 30 June in the year you're applying to start uni – or apply through Clearing. However, there’s no guarantee your application will be considered after the January deadline, so it’s best to get it in quickly.

4. A tip for writing your personal statement – make a bullet-point list of everything you want to include, then start fleshing these out. Soon you’ll have a few lines for each point and can then find ways to link them together in an interesting and cohesive way.
5. If you have to attend an interview, make sure you factor in plenty of time to get to the venue – there is nothing worse than feeling stressed about getting there on time on top of interview nerves!
6. For portfolios, it’s always useful to include your process and working alongside your finished pieces, so try to document this alongside your final work. Portfolio details and examples of what to include are featured on each course page. For example, this one for studying Art and Design (General Foundation) at DJCAD.

How to choose a course at uni 📚

11. This might sound obvious, but... think about what you might need for your future career – some jobs need specific degrees, or you might benefit from a course that lets you do a year in your chosen industry to help you stand out. 

12. Although your career prospects are important, remember to consider what you'll actually enjoy. Try to pick something you can picture yourself being enthusiastic about, as most courses will give you a range of transferable skills anyway, such as time management, working with others, research, and presenting information in different ways. 

13. Don’t just look at the course overview – take a look at the modules you might take. The modules are the building blocks you choose to make up your course and will give you a better understanding of how the same course might be different across universities. 

14. Fancy studying abroad as part of your degree? Have a think about whether you might want to do a semester or year of study abroad and check whether your uni offers this - Dundee does!
15. Take a look at whether your course has professional accreditation – these mean that a professional body approves that the course aligns with their professional qualifications, and can indicate that the course is relevant and kept up to date with developments in that area. Some of our accredited courses include:

• Accountancy BAcc (Hons)
• Our life sciences undergraduate degrees
• Psychology BSc (Hons)

17. Remember that a degree alone won’t define you, as a person or in the job market. A good choice for you will mean that you have the option to pursue lots of potential careers or futures once you graduate.
18. Research real-world career prospects – you can find out what our students go on to do using the Pathways Graduate tool on our undergraduate course pages.
19. Most of Dundee’s undergraduate courses are four years long – this is a year longer than a typical UK undergraduate degree. Find out why that might be a great option to help you explore more, and make the most out of student life.
20. Think about the kind of roles that will be developing in the future to help address big challenges we face in the world – these include digital technology and computing, AI, and renewable energy and could help get you ready for an interesting and exciting career. 

How to choose a university 🏛️

21. Never underestimate the power of feeling good vibes on campus when you visit – if it feels like a place you’d want to be, then it probably is. 

22. Take advantage of open days, and opportunities to explore your potential campus – you can come and visit Dundee any time you like, not just during open days!

23. Try to speak to an actual student that goes to the uni – you could speak to an ambassador at an open day or chat to our students via Unibuddy. 

26. Think about your study/life balance – if you want to cram in loads of extra-curricular activities, don’t pick a university where classes are miles away from sports grounds and societies hangouts.
27. Take a look at any bursaries offered by your uni and whether you’re eligible to apply before you go. If you’re a rest of UK student, our £2,000 bursary can give you a bit of extra spending money on top of your student loan.  
28. Everyone makes a big deal about rankings – and, sure, they can help you decide whether a uni aligns with what you want from it. But many of them take into account things like research, which don’t always relate to your studies. Take rankings with a pinch of salt, and balance them with student views as well as your own thoughts and feelings. 

29. Look at the size of the uni in terms of numbers of students and buildings. Is it a bit too spread out to navigate between classes, in the middle of nowhere with poor transport links, or so big that it’s less likely to offer a personalised experience? Or is it a smaller and more close-knit community where you might get to know people better? Often, convenient city-centre campuses are better for student life.  
30. It can be really tempting to only look at the unis where your friends are going, but choosing a uni that fits you will mean you meet lots of people with similar tastes and preferences – and you’ll make a whole load of new friends at the uni you choose. 

Making the most of university open days 👀

31. Plan ahead – there will be plenty of talks and tours on offer, so make sure to have a look at the schedule in advance and pick which ones you want to go to.
32. Make a list of the things you want and don’t want when you’re researching universities – and then note down how each uni stacks up. You might be surprised at how your opinion changes as you explore more choices.
33. Sounds weird but take lots of pics and video clips during any visits to campus – they're useful to look back on as you make your decision.
34. Ask questions! Everyone who is at an open day – from academics to admissions staff to student ambassadors – is there to help you make a decision about your perfect uni choice. So just ask! 

37. Don’t be afraid to ditch your parents! Let them head off to one of the finance talks and take time to wander around by yourself to see how it really feels to be on the campus.
38. Wear comfy clothes. You'll be wandering around loads, so wear shoes that are easy to walk in, and don’t forget to wear a few light layers – it can get quite stuffy in lecture theatres.
39. Consider coming back. If you’ve visited during an open day and are made an offer, come back for an applicant day – you will be in a slightly different mindset and might have a better sense of what you want from your uni.
40. Work out how you’re going to travel to each open day. Booking train tickets well in advance is a good way to get cheaper deals, and you’ll most likely be entitled to a railcard, too. They cost £30 per year and can save up to a third on rail fares throughout the UK. If you’re driving, make sure you know where to park! 

How to choose which city to go to uni in 📍

41. As well as choosing a university, you’re also choosing a place to live for the next few years. Consider if there’s anything about where you currently live that is a non-negotiable, or whether you want a complete change of scene.
42. Take a look at the public transport and how much you’ll have to use it – this is a cost that can quickly mount up. Luckily Dundee is a compact, walkable city, and if you’re under-22 you can benefit from free bus travel across Scotland!
43. Try to find out more about the living costs for the place you’re looking to live in. Major cities tend to be expensive for accommodation unless you choose to stay far from the centre and travel in, and other costs like food and entertainment can also be higher. Explore Dundee’s living costs. 

44. Check out the food options in your uni’s location – most places will have big-name fast food joints, but take a look at Deliveroo and Just Eat to see what’s interesting and unique to your uni’s area.
45. Think about how far you’re prepared to travel to go home. And be realistic about how much you’ll go back – lots of students think that they’ll go home most weekends, but once you settle into uni life, you might only head home during holidays, so a longer journey might not be so bad.
46. Pick a uni location that’s not too isolated – for example, does it have plenty of rail and bus networks to other places. This means you’ll be able to explore other places with ease and not feel stuck in one place. 

What to bring to uni 🧳

50. Bring photos of family and friends and posters or prints – they're an easy way to make student accommodation feel a bit more like home without too much effort. Tip: loads of photo print companies offer an introductory free print – you just pay postage!
51. Pack two sets of bedsheets – that way when one lot are in the wash, you can get the next set on. There’s nothing worse than sleeping under soggy sheets that you didn’t have time to get dry...
52. A mattress protector. 50% for comfort, 50% for the times your flatmate spills their drink on your bed when you’re hanging out... 

54. Bring a bowl, plate, mug, glass and cutlery – they don’t have to be fancy but it’s handy to have a couple of each in rotation. However, don’t bring a full set – storage space will be limited, and you can always pick up more when you arrive.
55. Whether they’re for taking snacks to class, batch cooking, or saving half a takeaway you’ve overordered, a selection of food storage containers will come in super handy!
56. Two words: fairy lights. They’re way less harsh than the big light, and can make your room feel more cosy with a simple flick of a switch.  
57. Bring slippers. Not just to keep your feet warm, but for keeping them off the floor when you haven’t cleaned it in a couple of weeks. 

58. Loungewear. Comfy fits for when you’re hanging out in your flat are a must. Bonus points if they can also be worn for a late-night trip to the shop.
59. A mini first aid kit, including plasters, painkillers, and antiseptic cream. Exactly the kind of things you don’t need until you need them. 

Navigating your first weeks 🧭

60. A pack of cards or easy-to-play board game can be a great way to hang out with your flatmates without awkward chats in those early days. Bonus points if you learn a few games to play that you can teach everyone else!
61. Most people feel homesick at some point during their uni experience. To get past it, try to connect with others around you and find new experiences to take your mind off it. 

64. Don’t forget about the “boring” stuff, like registering with a local GP practice – if you do need to see a doctor down the line, you’ll be glad you sorted it earlier!
65. Campus Security, your Residences team’s out of hours phone number, local emergency services... find out who you should be contacting in an emergency before you need to! It can be useful to have these written down or saved in your phone.
66. Don’t be afraid to say yes! There will be lots of opportunities coming your way during the first few weeks of your new life, so take the chance to soak them up and enjoy them.
67. Don’t be afraid to say no! While uni is undoubtedly a lot of fun, there may be times you feel pressured to do something that doesn’t feel very you. There’s no shame in saying no to things that don’t fit your vibe.
68. Always give yourself an extra 15 minutes. Whether that’s making it to class on time, or waiting in line for a coffee, adding a 15-min buffer means you’ll avoid panicked dashes across campus – or the shame of walking into a lecture 15 minutes late.
69. Establish flat rules early. We’re not saying they need to be super-strict, but getting into a routine of taking the bins out when they’re full (or start to smell!), and cleaning frequently can help avoid arguments after Freshers’ Week is over. 

How to meet people at uni 🤝

70. Societies, sports, clubs... join them! They’re the best way to meet people with similar interests and who will be up for doing things together.
71. Get to know your flatmates. They might be doing different courses from you, but their friend groups will also open you up to meeting new people.
72. Get to class early. If you have an extra 10 minutes ahead of class, it’s a good opportunity to get talking to others who are studying with you.
73. On that note... start a class WhatsApp. A great way to keep in touch with people who can share their study notes or arrange where to go for coffee after class. 

75. Set up a study session. Got an assignment? Arrange to study for it with others in your class – a shared task will give you something to bond over. 

76. Join the gym. Whether you’re already into fitness or a total newbie, the gym community can be super-friendly – and you might end up with a new spotter if you’re lifting weights. 

79. Host a pot luck. Invite others in your accommodation to come over for the evening – all they have to do is bring a snack or drink and be prepared to share!

Budgeting for uni 💰

80. Don’t buy stacks of stationery before you arrive at uni. You’ll end up with a whole bunch of stuff you’ll never use. Wait till you get here and pick up freebies around campus, then buy what you need once you know what your timetable looks like.
81. Once you have your student email, sign up for discount sites like Student Beans and UNIDAYS. They can get you cash off your purchases from big brands, both in-store and online.
82. Check out whether any societies or sports clubs you’re joining have discounts with local companies – some of our societies and sports clubs have special food and drink discounts with local restaurants which makes going out to socialise way more affordable. 

86. It can be really hard to estimate how much you’ll spend at uni, especially if you’re still currently living at home – so try to keep a money diary for a few weeks before you leave. It will give you a better idea of your spending habits before you end up at uni.
87. If you’re a Scottish student, your course fees will usually be paid for by the Student Awards Agency Scotland – better known as SAAS. Make sure you apply for SAAS funding early – and don’t forget you have to reapply for this every year of study!
88. If you’re applying from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you might be eligible for a bursary to help with the cost of study. Take a look at our bursary finder.
89. Use round-up savings pots in your banking app to help you save a fund for a rainy day, emergency, or special splurge. 

Be ready with a back-up plan... 🤞

90. To minimise the chance of not getting made an offer, make sure you use all five choice slots on your UCAS application.
91. If you don’t get made an offer on your original five choices, or you decline them, you can add an extra choice through UCAS Extra.
92. Keep your mind open for course options you hadn’t previously considered. You might change your mind the more you research.
93. If you don’t get your expected grades on results day, you can always apply through Clearing.
94. If you’re not able to go to uni as planned, consider taking a year out. It can be a great way to get some extra experiences, resit some exams if required, and give yourself the chance to have a think about your future. 

Get ready to join us in Dundee! 💙

95. Book your accommodation.
96. Keep checking for Welcome Week updates.
97. Move-in from 12 September 2026.
98. Scope out your societies.
99. Get ready for Fresher’s Fair (19 September 2026).
100. Explore your student life.
101. Follow us on social media for updates and sneak peeks into your uni life
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