By now, you will have made your picks for your first choice and insurance option universities via UCAS (even if the original deadline was pushed back due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic).
By now, you will have made your picks for your first choice and insurance option universities via UCAS (even if the original deadline was pushed back due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic). But do you plan to take up your offer if you meet the criteria? A study by the University and College Union found that campuses could be a lot quieter than normal this year, with more than 20% of UK students saying they intend to defer their entry. However, here at Mears Student Life, we’re busier than ever and we’ve taken steps to assure you that you can still have the best student experience.
Even if you have already made your selections through UCAS, it is still possible to change your mind. Some universities offer the option of cancelling applications online, while those who have accepted your application and who are holding you a place will need to be called for the cancellation to be processed. The question, perhaps, should be “should I still go to university?” - and the answer will be different for everyone, depending on individual circumstances. For many people, the issue of teaching time and course value is a big concern. A recent survey of 92 universities found that 89 of them plan to do at least some face-to-face teaching next academic year, with institutions such as the University of Dundee aiming for an October return to campus. Most universities plan to take a blended approach to teaching, mixing online learning with in-person lectures and seminars. The government, meanwhile, has said that tuition fees will remain the same - even for those whose courses are taught fully or partially online. This has led lots of students to question the value of going to university next year (an online petition on the topic earned 33,000 signatures).
If you’re currently undecided about what to do next year, at least accommodation options needn’t be on your list of worries. You can book with confidence with Mears, thanks to our range of flexible options, which we have put together to support you in these unusual times. At our residences in both Dundee and Salford, we have a range of helpful options should circumstances change. And we’ve been hard at work making sure your stay with us will be as comfortable and safe as possible.
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