UCAS Fairs
The beginning of March heralds the start of the UCAS Fair “circuit”, which for universities signifies the start of the recruitment cycle for September 2013 entry. For the University of Huddersfield, the first fair at the Manchester Central Convention Centre is always exciting as this is where we get to launch our new undergraduate prospectus. The students don’t hold back and we always get some very immediate and honest feedback!
As you know, UCAS fairs are a great opportunity for your students to research lots of universities at one event. Huddersfield will be at the following UCAS fairs in 2012:
| DATE | EVENT | VENUE |
| 5/6 March | Manchester | Manchester Central Convention Centre |
| 7/8 March | Greater Lancashire | Bolton arena |
| 14/15 March | Northern Ireland | Kings Hall |
| 19 March | Cardiff | UWIC Indoor Athletics Centre |
| 21/22 March | Sussex | University of Sussex |
| 23 March | Hereford and Worcester | University of Worcester |
| 27 March | North East Wales | Glwndwr University, Wrexham |
| 28/29 March | East Midlands | University of Derby |
| 28 to 31 March | London | National Hall, Olympia |
| 18/19 April | Northampton | University of Northampton |
| 24 April | Durham | Spennymoor Leisure Centre |
| 25 April | Tyneside | Metro Radio Arena |
| 12 June | Lincolnshire | University of Lincoln |
| 13/14 June | Merseyside | University of Liverpool |
| 15 June | Norfolk | University of East Anglia |
| 16 June | Suffolk | University Campus Suffolk |
| 19 June | Humberside | University of Hull |
| 20 June | Sheffield | Sheffield Arena |
| 21/22 June | West and North Yorkshire | Leeds Metropolitan University |
| 27 June | Staffordshire | Staffordshire University |
| 28/29 June | Birmingham | University of Birmingham |
| 29 June | North West Cumbria | Sands Centre, Carlisle |
| 30 June | Kendal | Kendal Leisure Centre |
| 3/4 July | Hertfordshire | University of Hertfordshire |
Your students may also find our guide to making the most of UCAS fairs a good starting point.
Making the most of UCAS Fairs
UCAS fairs are a great opportunity to find out about:
- What going to university can do for you – while you’re studying and when you graduate
- Where to study
- What to study
- The social life
- The facilities and services offered by different universities
Before you go to the fair, it’s best to:
- Do some research into different universities
- Pick around 10 universities that you’re interested in
Once you’re at the fair:
- Find out where the 10 universities you shortlisted are (there’s always an exhibitor map so you can spot where you need to go)
- Ask the people representing the universities questions to really find out if it sounds like your kind of place – don’t just pick up a prospectus or brochure and go
- Make notes (otherwise you might forget who said what!)
- Browse around other stands – sometimes you could spot a course or university you didn’t even know existed, but could be the one for you!
- Check out what seminars are on offer at the fair and go along to any you think might be useful
What questions should you ask?
Which course?
- What are the entry requirements for the course?
- What makes the course you offer different/special to that offered by other universities?
- Are there any opportunities for field trips or study/work abroad?
- Can I do a sandwich placement as part of my course?
- What career opportunities will be open to me?
- Does it provide exemption from any professional examinations?
- Does it provide a professional qualification or is it recognized by any professional bodies?
Which university?
- Location – is it in the city or in the countryside?
- Size – how many full-time students are there?
- What types of student accommodation are available?
- Are first year students guaranteed a place in halls?
- What sort of social life is provided?
- What sports facilities do you have?
- Is there a club or society I can join? (if you have a particular hobby/interest)
- Travel – how easy/ cheap is it to get to and from home?