Application advice for parents and carers

Supporting your young person through the university application process can feel daunting. This guidance is designed to help parents and carers understand key stages, explore options and feel confident offering support as their child prepares for higher education.

Applying to university is an exciting milestone, but it can also raise questions for parents and carers. From choosing the right course and university to understanding applications, accommodation, funding and wellbeing support, there’s a lot to think about.

With the right knowledge you can help an applicant make informed decisions, prepare for university life and take confident steps towards their future.

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Why choose higher education?

Higher education can open doors to rewarding careers, personal growth and long-term opportunities. With the right support, your child can make an informed choice that sets them up for a successful future.

Better career prospects

Graduates are more likely to be employed and earn more over their lifetime than non graduates.

Skills for life and work

University helps students build confidence, independence and transferable skills valued by employers.

A life-changing experience

Students grow socially and personally, make lifelong friends and explore new interests and ideas.

Flexible study options

From degrees to apprenticeships and online study, higher education offers different routes to success.

Supporting your young person in their university choice

From exploring courses to applying, preparing and settling in, there are many ways you can support your young person throughout their university journey. Our guidance helps you understand the process and feel confident offering the right support at the right time.

1.

Your step by-step guide to university

Understand the university journey from application to graduation and how you can help at each stage.
2.

Finding the right course and university

Help your student explore courses, universities and study options that suit their goals and interests.
3.

Applying through UCAS

Learn how the UCAS application works, key deadlines and how to support a strong application.
4.

Accommodation options explained

Discover on-campus, off-campus and living at-home options, plus tips on choosing where to live.
5.

Preparing for university life

Find out how to help your young person prepare, arrive and settle into life at university.
6.

Understanding fees and funding

Get clear guidance on student finance, loans, extra costs and financial support available.

Why choose Herts?

Herts offers a supportive, career-focused environment with proven outcomes, combining high student satisfaction, strong employability, impactful research and excellent facilities to help students feel confident, supported and prepared for their future.

Guardian Top 50 University

We've been ranked for teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate success in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Top 25% in the UK for student satisfaction

We climbed 13 places in the National Student Survey 2025, reflecting rising student satisfaction.

6th in the UK for facilities

Voted for by students in the 2025 Whatuni Student Choice Awards.

Outstanding graduate employability

Over 90% of undergraduates in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025).

Things to consider

There’s a lot to think about when choosing a university. From accommodation and open days to offers, funding and wellbeing, these pages help you and your student understand key decisions and feel confident at every stage of the journey.

More information

Explore detailed guidance on key areas of the application process, from admissions policies and eligibility routes to transferring or gaining credit for prior learning. You can also find information on specific pathways such as deferred entry, the Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status, and GCSE equivalent entry requirements.

Application advice for parents and carers

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