Is university the right choice?
Deciding whether university is right for them is their choice, but your advice can help them to understand the importance of that life-changing decision.
Why should they go to university?
Going to university is about more than getting a degree. It's about discovering who they are, what they love doing, and what they’re capable of.
Here are just a few ways that university can help shape their future:
- Today’s job market is competitive than ever, with a range of skilled professions requiring a degree as standard.
- They’ll be living and working with people from across the globe – from their first day as a student, they’ll make friends for life and build networks that will open doors for their careers.
- They’ll get a taste of independence and freedom to grow by moving to a new city, experiencing new cultures and finding their new home away from home.
- University offers countless opportunities to get involved and try new things. From joining sports and societies, to volunteering for the local community and work experience.
Why should they go to NTU?
Below are just some of the reasons your young person may choose NTU:
- We're the 2nd best university in the UK for 2021/22, based on current and past student reviews (University Compare 2021). We’re also in the UK's top 10 for the number of applications we receive and have ranked first for accepted offers for four years in a row (2021 UCAS undergraduate acceptance data).
- We’ve invested over £450 million in our equipment and facilities over the past 15 years — meaning they’ll be building up their skills and workplace confidence by using the same equipment and spaces as the pros.
- At NTU, they’ll learn beyond the classroom. We’re a university where theory meets practice. Every single NTU undergraduate course includes work-like experience — whether that’s a placement, professional project, or volunteering opportunity.
- Nottingham is friendly, compact, and fantastically well-positioned. With an energetic community of more than 60,000 students — it’s a city that that’ll urge them to grow and try something new.
Find out more about why NTU is a great choice, or visit us on an Open Day to see for yourself.
Award-winning like no other
We’ve been named as a UK ‘University of the Year’ five times in six years; most recently by the 2023 Good University Guide as Modern University of the Year, and at the student-voted Whatuni Awards. These accolades recognise our ambition and continuous investment in research, teaching quality, the student experience and graduate prospects.
Paying for university — myth busting
They can't afford to go to university
All full-time students are entitled to a tuition fee loan, which covers the full cost of their studies (subject to meeting eligibility requirements). They can also apply for a maintenance loan, which contributes towards their living costs
For more information, visit the Student Loans Company website.
They'll leave loaded with debt
The cost of higher education and the price paid are two different things. You only start paying your loan back after you’ve left university and are earning above the repayment threshold. You can find out more about repayment arrangements and interest rates on the Student Loan Repayment website.
It could affect their credit rating
You might worry about how their credit rating will be affected by having student loans. It’s good to know that student loans won't affect their credit rating as they don’t appear on credit files.
The next steps
Open days and events
Our open days and events are the perfect way to see for yourself what makes life and learning at NTU so special. We can't wait to meet you.
Supporting their UCAS application
What happens, and when? Find out about the UCAS tariff, key dates, and what happens after results day.
Providing support on results day
Wondering how you can support them on A-level results day? Find out how in our helpful guide.