Advice for parents and supporters
Making a decision
We recognise that parents, guardians, carers and relatives can all play a vital role in choosing and applying for university. To support families, we've gathered the key information to help guide a young person through the application journey. Supporting them to make informed choices that align with their goals, while ensuring they feel secure, confident, and prepared for the journey ahead.
For prospective students, our online Discover University platform provides information, advice and guidance as well as details of our regular online events.
Engage with us
We encourage parents and supporters to engage through our regular communications and webinars, which will keep you informed about the latest developments, opportunities, and resources at the university.
Join staff from the University of Exeter for sessions about: supporting your child's application to University, financing a University degree, moving from school to university, and more. All sessions will begin at 6pm and last approximately an hour.
|
Session Title |
Description |
Date and Time |
Booking link |
|
Applying to University |
An introduction to UCAS, this session will explain the process and the timelines involved in making an application and highlight ways that parents and guardians can support their student. For supporters of 2027 applicants |
30th September 2026 |
|
|
Choosing the University of Exeter Q&A |
An overview of the University of Exeter: information about our campuses, courses, teaching, student support and community. There will also be lots of opportunities to ask us any questions about applications and ask current students about their experiences. For supporters of 2027 applicants |
14th October 2026 |
|
|
What Next After Application |
The session covers the key steps in the application process, such as offer making and the next steps after receiving an offer. We will also explain the next stage in decision-making and how to prepare for making final choices. For supporters of 2027 applicants |
25th November 2026 |
|
|
Financing Higher Education |
Cost is one of the biggest concerns for parents or carers of prospective university students. This session will provide an explanation of the Student Finance application process (with a focus on those who live in the UK) and an outline of the additional financial support available. For supporters of 2027 applicants. |
9th December 2026 |
|
|
What is Higher Education? |
Whether they choose an academic or work-based route, gaining higher-level qualifications and training can boost your young person's employability and their earnings. This session will consider the basics when it comes to higher education and university-level study. Explaining some of the opportunities available, terminology and timelines to consider. We will also be signposting places to find out more to support your young person. For supporters of 2028 applicants. |
27th January 2027 |
|
|
Degree Apprenticeships |
For those interested in learning more about degree apprenticeships as an alternative higher education pathway. The session will cover degree apprenticeship myth-busting, differences between degree apprenticeships and other higher education pathways and the kinds of degree apprenticeships available and how to find out more about them. For supporters of 2027/28 applicants. |
10th February 2027 |
|
|
Financing Higher Education |
Cost is one of the biggest concerns for parents or carers of prospective university students. This session will provide an explanation of the Student Finance application process (with a focus on those who live in the UK) and an outline of the additional financial support available. For supporters of 2027 applicants. |
3rd March 2027 |
|
|
Becoming a University Student |
Help prepare your child for the transition to university. We discuss what they should expect from their first few weeks as a university student. Including an overview of the support services available to students. For supporters of 2027 applicants. |
14th April 2027 |
|
|
Supporting an Application to University |
An introduction to UCAS, this session will explain the process and the timelines involved in making an application and highlight ways that parents and guardians can support their student. For supporters of 2028 applicants. |
28th April 2027 |
|
|
Making the most of an open day |
Making the most of an open day will introduce what to expect at an Open Day, including planning the visit, what to look for, and critical questions to consider. For supporters of 2028 applicants. |
19th May 2027 |
|
|
Understanding contextual and alternative offers |
Join this session to find out what contextual offers are and why they exist. Our staff will share tips on who might be eligible and why, as well as the process of receiving one and what support young people can access with a contextual or alternative offer. For supporters of 2028 applicants |
23rd June 2027 |
|
|
Arriving and thriving at University |
Guiding you through what comes after results day. Whether your young person has secured their place or is considering alternative options through Clearing, we’ll discuss the next steps. We'll share tips on starting student life, including what to pack. For supporters of 2027 applicants. |
14th July 2027 |
|
|
Preparing for results day |
Guiding you through results day preparation. Whether your young person has secured their place or is considering alternative options through Clearing, we’ll discuss the next steps. For supporters of 2027 applicants. |
4th August 2027 |
Choosing a University
There can be several important influencing factors when considering which university is right, such as location, league table results, teaching standards and facilities. The UCAS website is the best place to start, and they have a dedicated, advice for parents, guardians and carers.
Choosing the right course
With over 35,000 courses on offer at hundreds of UK universities, it can be quite a daunting task to choose the right one. Narrow down the options by establishing some basic facts: single or joint honours, teaching methods, assessment methods, duration, entry requirements and accreditation. View our programme pages for more information on degree courses and also our degree apprenticeships.
Careers and Employability
As well as studying a subject a student is passionate about, getting a great job after graduating is one of the main reasons for going to university. We help our students acquire the skills and experience to compete in an increasingly international job market or pursue further study. Find out more about employability.
Visiting Us
Once a student has narrowed down their options booking onto an open day is the best way to find out if the university and the courses available are what they are looking for. Visit: Open Days.
Making an Application
All students apply through UCAS with the application process beginning in the September before the student intends to start their course. Once an application is submitted progress is monitored by a student through their UCAS Hub
At the University of Exeter, we believe in giving students from all backgrounds the opportunity to benefit from Higher Education. Find out more about the application process and our entry requirements.
Our schools and colleges team run a range of online sessions to prepare students for application including, writing a personal statement, making a competitive application and specific subject sessions. See our Discover University events.
Contextual offers
When we review an application, we take into consideration the context in which applicants have achieved their academic qualifications. If candidates meet certain eligibility criteria, we may make an offer that is lower than our typical entry requirements. This is called a contextual offer. For further details, and to assess eligibility, see What is a contextual offer?
What happens once my student has applied?
Once we receive applications via UCAS our admissions team will review an application. To see the process we follow, and what happens next, look at After You Apply. Further details and our full admissions policy are available here.
We understand that your studies can at times be disrupted due to a number of extenuating circumstances, which may include serious health or personal problems. If you would like to submit notification of any extenuating circumstances to the Undergraduate Admissions Team, please do this via online form available at After You Apply.
There is more detail about offers, visiting us, students finance and support and wellbeing at our information for offer holders and applicants.
For support about results day visit: Clearing Support
Preparing to leave home
There are several things parents and supporters can do to help their young person prepare to leave home and begin university.
Finances
The cost of attending university can be a common area of concern for parents and supporters of prospective students; however, there are funding and support packages available to help towards tuition fees and living costs. The majority of UK students fund their studies through the student loans system, see our funding your studies guidance.
Welfare
We welcome students from all different backgrounds and walks of life, and we offer a wide range of support to ensure that your student gets the most from their university experience. The university's student support services include specialist teams providing academic, financial and wellbeing support for students, so that they feel included and able to progress with their studies despite any obstacles they may face.
Accommodation
We offer a wide range of accommodation, to suit all budgets and tastes. Students might go for catered halls, or go for the flexibility of self-catered accommodation. There are also private accommodation options in both Exeter and Penryn, for further details visit: student accommodation.
The University of Exeter guarantees an offer of accommodation to all new first-year undergraduates who have firmly accepted an offer to study at the University of Exeter and who make an accommodation application by the deadline. Find out more about the accommodation guarantee.
Commuting to university
Alternatively, living at home may be your student's preferred option if they live within commuting distance of the University. If your student is looking to commute to campus, car parking permits may be available depending on the distance travelled. To find out more look at our car parking pages. Students can apply for a student railcard, these are traditionally designed for 16-25 and 26-30 age brackets, but students of any age can have a 16-25 railcard if they are a full time student.
Settling in
There is a range of information for new students as well as specific new student information for parents and supporters.
One of the best things you can advise, is for your student to check their e-mails. We will send several important emails to help them prepare for university. Please ask them to check their email account regularly, and make sure to check their junk folder too.
Supporting your student
For more advice and information, book your place on one of our upcoming online events for parents, guardians and supporters of prospective students.
If you've got any specific questions, please fill out our enquiry form.
Sign up to receive our dedicated parent and supporter newsletter to be kept up to date with events and information to help support your student's journey to university.
UCAS
UCAS have a dedicated Parent, Guardian and Carer website, which provides a wealth of information about how to support your student's next steps. They also produce a UCAS Parent, Guardian and Carer Guide. There is also the option to stay in touch with UCAS and sign up to their newsletter
Our Parents and Supporters Guide also contains further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a range of dates and deadlines your young person may need to meet in relation to their application. Some of these will be from UCAS, others from their school or college if they are still studying. To keep track take a look at key entry dates, as well as supporting students to read emails they are send from universities carefully to ensure they don’t miss anything.
We are unable to discuss any aspect of a student application with a third party unless we receive confirmation this has been approved by the person making the application. There is the option for those who apply via UCAS to set up someone as a nominated decision-maker (NDM). For further information about how to do this either pre-application or during the process, please see Discussing your application for guidance.
It will depend on the country from which they are applying. Please use the resources designed for our International Students where there is the ability to assess entry criteria by country.
If your student has the University of Exeter as their FIRM choice, they will be able to apply online for accommodation in April of their year of entry, ready for arrival in September. Find out more about when to apply for accommodation
Financing university study can be a concern, so it is useful to research early and have honest conversations about how you might choose to support your young person. Depending on your income, supporters can be expected to pay a contribution towards their student's living costs when they study. There is no official guidance for what this contribution should be, for more finance support see funding your studies.
Applications can be made after a UCAS application, but prior to receiving results and confirming a university offer or place. Your student can make a provisional application for student finance from early Spring in the year in which they are due to start in September. The student doesn't need to have made their firm choice before they apply for finance. See funding your studies for information dependent on where you live.