Applying to university is incredibly exciting. Heading off to uni can open all sorts of new doors to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, lifelong friendships and experiences that shape your future.
But with loads of universities and thousands of courses to choose from, it can be difficult knowing how to get started on your new journey. That’s why we’ve created this guide.
At the University of Stirling, we understand that no two students are 100% alike. The right uni or course for your friends or family might not necessarily be the right fit for you.
So before you start filling out your UCAS application, it’s essential to ask yourself three really big questions:

1. What are my goals?
This is the first big question you’ve got to ask yourself before applying to university.
Take a moment to really reflect on your academic interests, lifestyle and career aspirations. What are you into? What subjects ignite your passion? Are you already leaning toward a specific career path, or are you still unsure and want to explore different options?
From these questions, try to piece together a couple of long-term goals. Understanding those goals will help you identify undergraduate courses that align with your interests.
For example, maybe you’re fascinated by environmental issues. You might want to explore courses in Environmental Science or Ecology and Conservation. Or maybe you love writing and telling stories. In that case, you might want to look at Journalism Studies or English Studies.
You’ve also got to consider the skills you want to develop as part of your uni experience.
Do you want to get practical knowledge to prepare you for the workforce? Are you more interested in theoretical study? Different universities and courses take different approaches towards course delivery, and so it’s important to choose the right teaching and learning style for you.
By assessing your goals and expectations for the future, you should be able to make a lot of headway towards figuring out which university and which degree is right for you.

2. What sort of uni culture fits my lifestyle?
Every university has its own unique culture – and that culture will play a central role in your uni experience. So, think about what kind of environment you thrive in.
Are you looking for a bustling campus where those always loads going on? Do you prefer a quieter setting with a close-knit community? Or are you looking for a happy medium between the two?
Research student life before applying to university, and look at extracurricular opportunities that’re available on each campus. What clubs and societies are available? Is there a community of students that share your interests and passions?
Here at Stirling, we’re ranked 1st in the UK for campus environment and Top 10 for clubs and societies.
Wanna know why? Because we offer 120+ clubs and sports teams so that students like you can find your tribe – not to mention world-class student support to make sure you always feel like part of our diverse and global community.
It’s also important to think about each university’s location and campus facilities. Do you prefer an urban setting or a more rural environment? Are you looking for a big and busy city, or more of a community feel?
By answering these little questions, you should be able to develop a firm idea of how the campus culture at each uni on your shortlist fits in with your lifestyle.

3. How will I fund my studies?
We know that life is pretty expensive right now – and so one of the top questions you should ask yourself before applying to university is how you’re planning to fund your university experience.
Tuition fees, living costs, and additional expenses can add up quickly, so it’s essential to have a clear financial plan in place. Research the tuition fees for your chosen courses and consider your funding options, such as scholarships, grants and student loans.
A big aspect of this will depend on where you’re from:
- Joining us from Scotland? You won’t have to pay tuition fees. The Scottish Government pays these on your behalf through the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) – but you must apply for this funding every year.
- Joining us from elsewhere in the UK or the Republic of Ireland? You can apply to your local funding body to get a tuition fee loan. But here at Stirling, we also offer generous scholarships – including our Honours Year Scholarship, which covers the full cost of your final year of study.
- Joining us from overseas? If you choose Stirling, EU and other international students are eligible for a range of scholarships designed to help finance your education here in the UK.
Questions about how to fund your studies? It’s important to get in touch with all the universities you’ve shortlisted to ask about different opportunities and support available.
It’s important to remember that every student is unique – and so you might have a few additional questions or considerations to bear in mind, too.
Just remember: we’re here to support you every step of the way. So if you’re considering joining us here at Stirling, our team is always happy to hear from you to answer questions – no matter how big (or small) those questions are.