Parent and carer FAQ's about undergraduate study
Choosing a university is an important decision, and we know parents and carers often have questions about applications, studying at NTU, accommodation, finances, wellbeing, safety and career opportunities.
We've answered some of the questions we're asked most often to help you support your student as they prepare for university.
Browse the sections below to find the information you need.
Applying to NTU
The dates below apply to students planning to start their undergraduate studies in September 2027. If your student is applying for a different year of entry, please check UCAS and NTU for the relevant deadlines and application information.
If your student plans to begin their undergraduate studies at NTU in September 2027, their UCAS application should be submitted by 6 pm on Wednesday 13 January 2027.
This is the UCAS equal consideration deadline, which means we review all applications received by this date equally, regardless of when they were submitted.
Applications received after the deadline may still be considered, but places on some courses may no longer be available.
You can also read our guide to supporting their UCAS application, which includes key dates and advice throughout the application process.
For students applying to start university in September 2027, UCAS Extra opens on 25 February 2027 for applicants who have used all five choices but are not holding any offers.
Applications submitted after 6 pm on 1 July 2027 are automatically considered through Clearing, which helps students find available university places.
We welcome applications after the January deadline, subject to course availability.
For students applying to start university in September 2027, decisions for most qualifications, including A-levels, are expected to be confirmed on Thursday 12 August 2027.
If your student would like information about their individual application, they can contact us using our enquiry form.
Students holding an unconditional offer can request to defer their place using our enquiry form.
If they would like to discuss their options before making a decision, they can contact our Admissions and Enquiries team on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Course information
Use our course search to view:
- entry requirements
- course content
- assessment methods
- placement opportunities
If you can't find the information you need, contact us using our enquiry form.
Some courses, including teaching and social work, require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before enrolment. Students will receive guidance if this applies to them.
Detailed module information is available within each course page on our website.
Module content may occasionally change to reflect developments in the subject area, industry requirements and student feedback.
Students can request to transfer course, subject to:
- meeting the entry requirements
- satisfying any interview or portfolio requirements
- course availability
Requests can be submitted through our online course transfer form.
For advice, contact Admissions and Enquiries on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Fees, finance and money management
University is a significant investment of both time and money, so it's important that your student chooses the right course and university for them.
Our guide to whether university is the right choice explores:
- the benefits of higher education
- graduate outcomes and employability
- funding and financial support
- choosing a course
- support available during university
Students intending to start university in September 2027 can usually apply for student finance from spring 2027.
We recommend applying as early as possible to help ensure funding is in place before the start of term.
The evidence required varies depending on individual circumstances.
For many UK applicants, household income information can be obtained directly from HMRC. Students may also need to provide proof of identity.
Visit the UK Government website for a step-by-step guide to the application process.
Student finance is released once a student has completed enrolment.
Maintenance Loans are normally paid in three instalments, at the start of each term.
Most students do not receive their first payment until the end of their first week at university, so we recommend they arrive with enough money to cover their initial expenses.
Funding is only released to students who enrol at university.
If your student defers their entry, any existing student finance application will need to be cancelled and a new application submitted for their revised year of entry.
Every family's circumstances are different.
A useful starting point is the UK Government's Student Finance Calculator, which shows the Maintenance Loan your student may be entitled to receive based on household income.
You may choose to:
- contribute towards accommodation costs
- help with living expenses
- support occasional costs throughout the year
- encourage your student to supplement their income through part-time work
Our Employability team can help students find paid work alongside their studies.
There is no single right approach.
Many parents and carers contribute towards accommodation because it covers a major fixed cost. Others prefer to help with day-to-day spending throughout the year.
Whatever you decide, we recommend discussing expectations openly and creating a budget together before university starts.
Nottingham remains one of the UK's most affordable student cities.
Our guide to living costs in Nottingham provides information on:
- accommodation
- food and groceries
- travel
- social activities
- budgeting tips
This can help you and your student plan their finances before arriving at NTU.
It's also important that your student arrives with enough money to cover their initial expenses. Even if everything goes to plan, most home undergraduate students do not receive their first Maintenance Loan payment until the end of their first week at university. We recommend they bring enough money to cover essential spending during this period, such as food, local travel and other day-to-day costs.
If they apply for student finance later than recommended, their first payment may be delayed. In these circumstances, they'll need to budget for a longer period before their funding arrives. The amount they'll need will depend on the length of the delay and their individual spending habits.
If your household income falls by 15% or more, you may be able to request a current year income assessment through Student Finance England.
This could increase the level of Maintenance Loan your student receives.
Our Student Money Team can also offer advice and support.
Call +44 (0)115 848 2494 to speak to an adviser, or email studentmoneyteam@ntu.ac.uk.
Accommodation
We offer a range of accommodation options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
Visit our accommodation pages for the latest information on:
- accommodation choices
- costs and contracts
- how to apply
- room availability
If your student plans to live at home while studying, our commuter student guide provides useful advice on travelling to and from campus.
Support services
We have a wide range of support services to help students thrive at university.
Support includes:
- personal tutors and academic support
- wellbeing services
- disability support
- mental health support
- employability guidance
- financial advice
We also have dedicated safety measures across our campuses, including:
- 24-hour campus security
- designated safe places
- a partnership with Nottingham Cars through our safe taxi scheme.
We offer support through several specialist services, depending on individual needs.
This includes:
- Mental Health Support
- Wellbeing Support
- Counselling Services
- specialist mentoring through Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
- Access Statements and reasonable adjustments
If your student has a diagnosed mental health condition and has not already shared this information through UCAS, they should contact mental.health@ntu.ac.uk.
To create an Access Statement, we normally require medical evidence confirming:
- the diagnosis
- the duration of the condition
Evidence may come from:
- a GP
- CAMHS
- another qualified healthcare professional
Students applying for Disabled Students' Allowance should follow the guidance provided by Student Finance.
For individual advice, contact mental.health@ntu.ac.uk.
Disability support
The evidence required depends on the student's disability or condition.
Examples include:
- GP letters
- medical evidence from healthcare professionals
- Educational Psychologist reports
For tailored advice, contact:
Students can check eligibility and apply through the UK Government's DSA guidance pages.
Because applications can take several weeks to process, we recommend applying as soon as possible.
Our specialist support teams can also advise on the application process and evidence requirements:
Disabled Students' Allowance may help fund:
- specialist mentoring
- assistive technology
- software and equipment
- study-related support
- specialist learning resources
Support is based on individual needs rather than a standard package.
Support is personalised and may include:
- Access Statements
- exam adjustments
- specialist mentoring
- assistive technology
- learning support
- practical adjustments to learning and assessment
We'll work with your student to identify the support that best meets their needs.
We understand that obtaining medical evidence can sometimes be difficult.
We recommend submitting any available documentation when contacting our support services or applying for DSA. Further evidence can often be provided later if required.
Jobs, placements and careers
Our Employability team, JobShop and Unitemps help students find paid work alongside their studies.
Opportunities may include:
- Student Ambassador roles
- marketing
- hospitality and catering
- administration
- reception work
- mentoring
- photography and videography
- research projects
- finance and professional services
Students can access these services once they enrol.
We offer financial and employability support for students from widening participation backgrounds.
Depending on their circumstances, students may be eligible for funding, bursaries and support related to placements, internships and graduate recruitment activities.
Employability is built into every NTU degree.
We work with more than 2,000 employers to provide:
- placements
- internships
- company projects
- volunteering opportunities
- graduate jobs
Students have access to:
- dedicated Career Coaches
- Employability Hubs across our campuses
- one-to-one support
- online resources and workshops
- live chat and virtual appointments
Support continues for up to three years after graduation, alongside lifelong access to our online employability resources.
Visiting NTU
Are there any opportunities to visit NTU?
Our open days and events give prospective students and their supporters the opportunity to experience life at NTU.
Visiting is one of the best ways to help your student decide whether NTU is the right choice for them.
Still have a question?
If you can't find the information you're looking for, we're here to help.
Complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be happy to help.
Further information
Parents and carers guide to UCAS applications
A parent and carer guide to the UCAS application process, with advice on deadlines, interviews, UCAS Tariff points and supporting your student.
Advice for helping a student through Clearing
We're here to give guidance to parents, carers, teachers and advisers who are supporting a student through Clearing - from results day to enrolment.
Helping a student prepare for university
You can’t do everything for them, but you can help them prepare. Here are some tips on budgeting, what to take, recipe ideas, and more.