University Advice: Which Schools, Why You Should Have Back-Ups and How To Get Funding

Embarking on the journey to higher education is a significant milestone, filled with exciting opportunities and crucial decisions. As a former University Lecturer, this blog post is dedicated to answering some of the most common questions I’ve encountered from students and parents.

We’ll explore the different types of educational institutions (schools, colleges, and universities), why having backup schools is essential, and the various funding options available for higher education.

Whether you’re just beginning your college or university search or are about to pack your bags for university, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below or reach out to me on Instagram.

Higher Education Institutions

When considering higher education, it's important to understand the different types of institutions (schools) available. Each offers unique experiences and advantages, so choose the right one depending on your academic goals, personal preferences, and career aspirations.

High school is the foundation of your educational journey. It’s where you’ll complete your secondary education, earning the credentials needed to apply to colleges or universities.

College

Colleges are institutions that offer undergraduate programs, leading to associate or bachelor's degrees. They are often smaller than universities and focus on providing a more personalised education experience.

Typically you can complete a Diploma or Advanced Diploma and this can be a more affordable option to get some skills training and experience before entering the job market. Some students will leave school and attend college before transferring to a university program.

University

Universities are larger institutions offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. They provide a diverse range of subjects (majors) and advanced research opportunities (PhD).

Depending on where you live or want to study, you can choose from:

1. Public Universities: State-funded institutions

2. Private Universities: Funded through tuition, donations, and endowments, often providing more financial aid options

3. Research Universities: Focus on producing cutting-edge research, offering extensive resources for students pursuing graduate and doctoral degrees.

Why You Should Have Backup Schools

Applying to college or university is a competitive process, and even the most qualified students might not get into their top-choice school. This is where having backup schools becomes crucial.

Benefits of Backup Schools

• Peace of Mind. Knowing you have other options can reduce stress during the application process.

• Exploration of Alternatives. Sometimes, a backup school might offer programs or campus life that better suits your needs than your initial first choice.

• Increased Chances of Admission. Applying to a range of schools increases your chances of receiving an acceptance letter.

Funding Your Higher Education: What Are Your Options?

Paying for college can be a daunting task, but there are several funding options available to help make higher education more affordable.

Scholarships and Grants

Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic, athletic, or artistic achievements.

Need-Based Grants / Bursaries: Provided based on financial need, typically from the government or the institution.

Private Scholarships: Offered by companies, organisations, or individuals (ask at your school and local library)

Student Loans

It’s not ideal but you might have to consider it.

The most common option is a student loan provided by the Government (Federal loan) as these often have lower interest rates and offer more flexible repayment options. Always check the terms, if and when interest rates apply, and when repayments start.

If you can not get a student loan, some students take private loans provided by banks or other financial institutions, usually requiring a co-signer and having less flexible repayment terms.

Work-Study Programs

Many colleges and universities offer work-study programs that allow students to work part-time while attending school. This can help offset tuition costs and provide valuable work experience. Also, consider taking a gap year to help fund your studies.

READ: Should you take a gap year

Choosing the right school, having backup options, and understanding your funding opportunities are essential steps in your higher education journey. By staying informed and preparing ahead, you can navigate this process with confidence.

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are you applying or heading off to uni?

good luck

University Advice: Should You Take A Gap Year?

As an architect and former Senior Lecturer with over 15 years of experience, I've seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities students face when transitioning from school to university. 

Whether you're applying to college or about to embark on your university journey, this series is designed to provide practical advice to help you make informed decisions.

What is a Gap Year?

A gap year is typically a year-long break taken by students between finishing school and starting university. While traditionally associated with travel, a gap year can encompass a wide range of activities, from work experience and volunteering to pursuing personal interests or learning new skills. It’s a chance to step back, reflect on your goals, and gain experiences that will enrich your personal and academic life.

Common Gap Year Activities

Travel and Cultural Exploration

Immerse yourself in new cultures, learn a language, or volunteer abroad. 

I took a gap of 3 months whilst on my work placement year, after my undergraduate degree. I was working in an architecture firm and felt like I was falling out of love with architecture. I needed a break to do something completely different. 

I took the money I’d earned from working for 9 months and bought a flight to KL. I travelled around Asia (Borneo, KL, Singapore) for one month and then spent two months doing the coast of Australia. 

I experienced completely different lifestyles and gained a broader perspective on the world. I needed that break, and on a sailing boat just north of the Great Barrier Reef, I looked up at the stars and realised I was ready to get back to work and fall back in love with architecture. 

Work Experience

Gain practical skills and insights by working in a field related to your future studies or career. Save money to support yourself during university. 

You will likely have to do a work placement as part of your course, depending on where you study, but summer jobs can also give you a huge boost of confidence and experience, and the networking that comes with it will be a huge advantage. 

Volunteering

Contribute to meaningful causes, whether locally or internationally. Build a strong sense of community and develop valuable soft skills.

I volunteered in my postgraduate years for the Girl Guiding Estates Committee. I got to advise on the upkeep of buildings, many of which were listed. 

Skill Development

Learn new skills, such as coding, photography, or a musical instrument. Take online courses or attend workshops to deepen your knowledge in areas of interest.

Personal Projects:

Start a blog, launch a small business, or work on a creative project. Use the time to explore passions and hobbies that might not fit into your university schedule.

I started this blog and my online shop after my studies but I think that was more down to the time I graduated. Though Etsy was growing in popularity, I don’t recall many people having side hustles like they do now. But I was always entrepreneurial. Making crafts, and art and taking commissions. 

Make sure to check out my courses and resources. 

The Benefits of Taking a Gap Year

Taking a gap year can be highly beneficial, both personally and academically. 

Here are some of the key advantages:

• Increased Self-Awareness: A gap year allows you to explore your interests and passions in a more focused way. This time can help clarify your academic and career goals, ensuring that when you start university, you're more committed and motivated.

• Enhanced Academic Performance: Students who take a gap year often return to their studies with a renewed sense of purpose and maturity. The experiences and skills gained during the year can lead to improved academic performance and a more fulfilling university experience.

• Improved Employability: Work experience, volunteering, and skill development during a gap year can make you stand out to future employers. You'll not only have practical experience to add to your CV but also a range of transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.

• Broadened Perspective: Exposure to new cultures, ideas, and ways of life can broaden your worldview. This expanded perspective can influence your approach to studies and life in general, making you more open-minded and adaptable.

• Personal Growth: A gap year is an opportunity for significant personal growth. Whether through travel, work, or self-directed projects, you'll face challenges that build resilience, independence, and confidence—all qualities that will serve you well in university and beyond.

Is a Gap Year Right for You?

Deciding whether to take a gap year is a personal choice that depends on your circumstances, goals, and readiness for university. Here are some questions to consider:

1. Are you feeling burned out from years of academic pressure?

2. Do you have clear goals for how you would spend your gap year?

3. Are you eager to gain work experience or explore the world before diving into university life?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, a gap year could be a beneficial option for you.

Planning Your Gap Year

If you decide to take a gap year, careful planning is crucial to ensure it is a productive and rewarding experience. 

Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve during your gap year and when that year ends. Make sure you have thought it through and know if and when you are going back into education. Make the most of this time, you’ll never get it back. 

Create a Budget

Plan your finances carefully, especially if you’re travelling or taking unpaid internships. Going to university can be pricey and a lot of students take a gap year to earn money for their student days. It’s a balance-don’t blow your savings on travelling, etc if you won’t have anything left for student life. 

Stay Organised

Keep track of your plans, applications, and deadlines. You need to stay in touch with the university you are looking to attend after your gap year. Make sure you don’t miss any deadlines and make plans to be ready to hit the ground running on your first day of term post-gap-year. 

Be Flexible

Allow room for spontaneity and unexpected opportunities. Life is full of surprises and opportunities, and your gap year is the time to take them. Adopt a “yes” mentality and see what life has in store for you (within reason). 

A gap year can be an incredible opportunity to grow, explore, and prepare yourself for the challenges of university and beyond. Whether you choose to travel, work, or pursue personal projects, the experiences you gain will be invaluable.

If you have any questions about taking a gap year or need further advice on university-related topics, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or here (contact us).

READ: How to choose the right university course for you

Follow me on Instagram for more university advice and tips, and don't hesitate to DM me with your questions.

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what are your thoughts on a gap year?

How To Prepare For Art College & University Entrance Interview

Congratulations and well done on being offered an interview for your chosen course at University or Art College (Art School)

You’ve got this, plus, it’s completely normal to feel nervous, so let’s get you as best prepared to rock your interview as possible.

What are Open days?

University open days are a great way to visit a University or College to look around and get a feel for the place. 

Making the decision to study at a degree or postgraduate level can be difficult, but deciding on the actual University or College can often be much harder. 

Once you have applied, you may be invited for an interview. This is a chance to speak with a member of the course team (teacher) who will go over their course, show you around, ask you about your studies and experience so far and look at your portfolio. This acts as the final stage of your application and is often the deciding factor in your application- no pressure. So let’s make sure you are prepared.

Preparing for your University entrance interview 

Let’s stay with the basics, you might already have a prospectus for your chosen school, but if not, sent off for one. This way you can read up on the university, course, and campus and have a better idea of what to expect. It’ll also save you from asking any obvious questions. 

1. Look up where you are going, especially if you’re applying to and visiting different schools.

Refresh your mind - look at their website and go through all the facilities the University or College has to offer. Read up on the course and its teaching staff.

2. Get your travel sorted

Make sure you arrive in plenty of time so you are not adding to any stress on the day. If the interview is set to last a day (campus tour, etc) then consider staying overnight and traveling back the following day.

Go through your work, sketchbook, and portfolio, selecting only the best pieces, and think of what to say when explaining your work. And finally, make sure you can carry your portfolio.

3. Just like your first day of school, lay everything out the night before so nerves don’t get the better of you.

Plan your outfit, charge your phone, grab your keys and wallet, and set your portfolio out ready to go.

4. Dress smart, you might not agree that presentation matters but you will feel more confident if you present yourself well. 

Looking the part, as in smartly dressed, is important but being yourself is more so.

We (the interviewer) want you to feel comfortable and calm, able to talk about your work and ask the questions you need - but it's important to express yourself too.

5. portfolio preparation

Go through your work and sketchbooks, selecting only the best pieces. Think about what to say when explaining your work. Make sure you can carry your portfolio, it’s not too big or too heavy.

The Art & Design Portfolio

Art and design students tend to spend a lot of time preparing their portfolio of work to show at an interview - of course, the amount and level of work depends on the background of the student:

• If you are a school leaver then you will hopefully have had a teacher assisting you

• If you are a student on a Foundation course then you will have likely attended workshops on portfolio preparation.

• If you have been studying a design subject prior then you are probably well advised and prepared - but this is not everyone who comes for an interview, we know that so start creating your portfolio now.

READ: I share my tips on portfolio preparation here

The portfolio is where you show off your work to date. It’s basically a folder or online link where you showcase what you can do, what you have done, and the direction of interest you have within the arts.

If you don’t have a portfolio yet or are worried it’s not ready for an interview, I teach Portfolio Preparation class you can sign up for here. 

Arrive 5-10 mins early

Don’t be late, it’s rude and shows that you aren’t organised.

If something happens outside of your control, call ahead and let the person interviewing you know (know their name for the university switchboard or reception to put your call through or have the office’s phone number to hand).

My advice for the Interviewee

AKA: the applicant (you), nervously clutching your sketchbooks and portfolio, sitting awkwardly in the welcome talk.

Relax.

It’s going to be OK and you are probably really prepared - you’ve done the hard work, now is the time to show it all off.

Use this time to speak to the person who is interviewing you. Ask them about the University or College, its students, the course, staff, the way they teach, and the way they expect you to work and learn. Discuss the projects you will do, and the experience current students are having.

Walk around the campus and check out all the facilities, ask for a tour if there is not one on offer and see if you can meet some of the existing students to ask them the questions you do not want to ask the staff. 

Take photos and note to help you remember, and check out the course blog if they have one.

The Interviewer: probably someone from the course team (teacher), the person making the decision and so - the person to show off to - but do not go over the top, be yourself. 

WHAT THEY WILL ASK YOU

1. Explain your choice for this course, University/College

Yes, this interview is for the academic interviewing you to determine if you are a good fit for the course but it’s also an opportunity for you to see if the course and university are a good fit for you. 

Trust your gut on this, you will get a good feeling if it's the right fit for you.

2. Have a relevant story you’re ready to share

An ice breaker - this is often used to get you to share something personal about the subject and why you’re interested in studying it. Name 2 designers you admire

A classic interview question so be prepared and have your designers at the ready. Know how to pronounce their name, some projects, and their style of work. Usually, this isn’t to judge you but more to get you talking about design and inspiration. 

If you are applying for Interior Architect then talk about a building you visit where you liked it, why? How did it make you feel, do you know how to style it is in, what materials are used, etc. It is good to have thought this through beforehand as it will act as an ice breaker and start the conversation moving along.

Good examples can be:

• A building you’ve visited

• A small project you have completed or are working on

• A trip you took

• A summer job you had

• Someone who works in the industry that you know

3. Name 2 Designersyou admire

A classic interview question so be prepared and have your designers at the ready. Know how to pronounce their name, know of some of their key projects, and be able to discuss their style of work.

This question, if asked, isn’t in here to judge you but more to get you talking about design and inspiration.

If you are applying for Interior Architecture then talk about a building you visit and why you liked it. How did it make you feel, what do you know about its design style, the materials used, etc.

It’s good to have thought this through beforehand as it will act as an ice breaker and start the conversation moving along.

Show your work - the Portfolio

The interviewer will ask to see the work you have brought with you. Take your portfolio, or laptop, and put it on the table. Flick through the work, giving a short explanation of each piece. 

Try to show a good mixture of work, and medium and if you have large pieces or models then bring in photographs of the work. 

Do not undersell yourself, your work took you a lot of time and effort - do it justice and talk about it with passion and energy.

If this sounds daunting and you would like a little bit more help, we offer portfolio assistance to help you best prepare.

Thank the interviewer for their time

Try to end on a positive note, and show the interviewer that you are ready and eager to join the course. Ask any remaining questions before thanking them for their time.

Asking questions can be helpful for both you and the interviewer. Have at least 2 questions in mind. You don’t need to be overly keen but if you have something worth asking, ask away.

Speak to other students and candidates

The other student interviewing might turn out to be your future classmates, coursemates, roommates, etc so it's worth chatting with them. Ask where else they’re applying, what they thought of this course, and where they’re from. If you get on with them, get their contact details or find them on Facebook, there’s no hard in making the connection. Start networking now.

Ask for a tour of the campus

It’s good to see around the campus, especially the places where you would be studying - it’s even better if this tour is done by current students as you can ask them for real insight.

Find out what they think of the course, tutors, projects, workload, university, accommodation, etc. 

Try to take some time on your own to look around the university. Take a walk into town. Get a feel for the area as it might be your home for the next 3+ years. 

Reflect

You don’t have to make a pro/con list but have a think about, and compare, this university course to wherever else you interviewed before accepting your place. 

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Well done

Hopefully now you can sit back and wait for the offers