Whilst you are trying to navigate the world of university offers here’s a guide on what unconditional offers mean versus conditional offers, and when you might start looking for student accommodation.
Applying for university study is an exciting time. Your future higher education is ahead of you, plus all the life experiences and new friendship groups that come with university life. That said, the phrasing of official university documents for registration can seem complicated and confusing. Plus with extra online forms to fill out, even the most life admin loving of us can feel the pressure to make sure you tick the right box!
When should I book student accommodation?
If you don’t have set plans yet – maybe you have a couple of universities you are waiting to see which one to go to – there’s still an opportunity to get your student accommodation sorted. At Student.com we have an option called no place, no fee*. Which means you can book your student accommodation – paying a small deposit (usually around £250) – which then reserves that room for you. On results day, if you don’t get the university or results you are looking for then no fear – just get in touch and we can refund you the deposit and help you find an alternative home away from home.
Conditional offers (information provided by UCAS)
These show the conditions you have to meet to get your place confirmed.
For most people, this means waiting for results day in summer to see if your exam results meet the conditions. They could be a combination of grades, scores or subjects – as explained in the entry requirements and tariff info.
A conditional offer might look something like this:
- A levels grade AAB with A in chemistry and at least two other sciences or mathematics
- 112 UCAS Tariff points including BTEC National Diploma grade DM
- Scottish Higher grades of BBBB
- 36 points from your International Baccalaureate Diploma, to include six in Higher Level English
- AAA from three A levels, or AAB from three A levels and grade B in your Extended Project
- 88 UCAS Tariff points, of which at least 60 must be obtained from two A levels, excluding General Studies
You may also get a conditional offer that will change to unconditional if you firmly accept it.
If you’re applying for deferred entry in 2021, you need to meet any offer conditions by 31 August 2020 – unless you agree something else with the university/college. Although if you have winter exams earlier in the year, you might actually get earlier dates you have to meet your conditions by.
Unconditional offers (information provided by UCAS)
- These mean you’ve already met the entry requirements, so the place is yours if you want it! But first check the offer to see if there’s anything else you need to do.
- Check the offer carefully. Even if you’ve already got your qualifications and have met the academic requirements, you might still need to get a DBS or PVG check, provide proof of your results, or meet some financial/medical requirements. If it’s not clear, contact the uni or college.
- Remember, by accepting an unconditional offer, you are committing to go to that uni or college, so you can’t make an insurance choice.
- If you change your mind, you can decline your place and apply using Clearing.
- If you’re taking exams but have been made an unconditional offer, your results won’t affect whether or not you get accepted. But, although your place won’t be dependent on your grades, taking your exams is really important to prepare you for uni or college and could impact your future employment.
- Some graduate employers take A levels and other qualifications into account when reviewing job applications, so it’s important you take this into consideration when preparing for your exams.
*No place, no fee is subject to T&Cs, for more information please contact us
