Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
A prospectus is perhaps a university's first (and maybe last) chance to grab your attention - with promises of academic success, employment opportunities, amazing social experiences and giant bags of gold. Well maybe not bags of gold, unless of course your idea of gold is discounted Dominos pizza and half price pints at the SU (between 7-9 only).
We’ve compiled a short list of some of the most common phrases and words you'll find in a uni prospectus and what they actually mean...
Financial support/grants and bursaries
There's a strong chance that these words may end up being what separates you from eating Lidl's own-brand sweetcorn noodles for half of your university life.
Whilst some maintenance grants are no longer awarded, there's still support available, in addition to your student loan from both government (in the form of grants) and universities (in the form of bursaries).
So if you have a learning disability like dyslexia or dyspraxia, a long-term mental health issue, or are on low income, contact the student support services of the uni you're interested in and your local council to see what they can offer.
Grants and bursaries are non-repayable as well which is a bonus!
Welfare support
When reading prospectuses, you'll no doubt come across the words 'Welfare Support' several times. But what the heck is it?
Welfare Support is a blanket term used by universities that offer; yep you've guessed it support for your welfare. This department handles a diverse area of needs such as:
- Accommodation
- Equality and diversity support in regards to religion/race/sexuality/disability
- Academic support if you're struggling in your studies
- Complaints procedure
- Financial support advice
- General help and advice on your well-being
The Welfare Support department can be contacted via the phone, or in person on the university's campus.
Tuition fees
Dun, dun, duuun! Alright so tuition fees aren't going to be the best part of uni, but in reality they're not the worst either. There are a lot of myths surrounding them, and most of the time they're not true.
Most universities in England have fees of £9,250 a year (this will be rising to £9,535 from the 2025/26 academic year), but that doesn't mean you have to pay up front. The money goes directly from the Student Loans Company to the uni, not your bank.
They won't affect your credit rating and won't show up on any financial report in the future, so you can still buy a new phone/car/tree house. And you don’t have to start paying it back until you’re making £25,000 a year if you're applying to Student Finance England.
In the grand scheme of things, getting to your lectures on time is far more cause for concern than tuition fees.
Clearing
A lot is said about Clearing, and it’s not always correct. Some believe it's only for those who've failed their A-levels, and other's think only rubbish courses, from rubbish unis, are available through it.
Here’s the truth. Clearing does offer you another chance at entering university if you don't get the grades you need. But Clearing is also for people who got better results than they expected, and for those who've simply changed their mind about going to uni and want to make a late application.
And just because there still spaces left on a course or at a uni, doesn't mean it's rubbish. Loads of really great courses from some awesome universities are available through Clearing.
Societies/clubs
During your first initial weeks at uni you'll probably join around 3-5 societies, whether they're running, knitting or dressing up as a medieval knight every Tuesday.
However you'll probably not up stay with all of them. Try to stick with a couple though because they're a great way to make friends without all the awkward small talk, because you already have a shared interest in at least one thing.
Deferred entry
If you’re still not 100% sure what you want to do after school or college, but want to have some added safety, deferred entry is a good idea. It’s also a good plan if you want to go to university but fancy a break from education for a year.
Deferred entry simply means that you've accepted your offer at whatever uni you see fit to grace your presence with, but you get a year to go travelling, hang out at your parent's house eating all their food, or work to save some extra money for when you start your course.
Most unis will allow a year of deferred entry, but it pays to check beforehand to make sure they'll still hold your place.
Dissertation
This may seem a bit like jumping the gun, but it's always good to have prior knowledge before you meet the mythical beast that is the dissertation.
You've probably heard horror stories, and if you have friends or relatives that have done it then you'll have some insider info already. However, it won't jump out of your computer, steal your money, set fire to your clothes, and use all the milk but leave the empty bottle in the fridge.
The truth is it's a culmination of three years of study, and the things you've learnt mixed with your ideas and opinions. It won't be as fun as going to the fair with your gran when you were little, but it does give you a chance to have free range and express yourself. Yes it's a lot of words but remember it's YOUR words, and you're always right, right?
Next step: Order a prospectus
