Making the most of uni fairs

WHY ARE UNI FAIRS IMPORTANT?

Deciding to go to uni is a major, life-changing decision. Alongside buying a house, a university education is one of the biggest financial investments you can make... You wouldn’t want to buy a house without seeing it first, so why consider doing so with your uni?

When deciding to spend the next few years of your life studying and living in Coventry, you'll want to know a bit more about Coventry University or University of Warwick, the course and student accommodation that you’re about to invest your hard-earned money and time in. This is where student fairs and open days come in - here's just a few of the reasons why they're so beneficial:

•  Get to see the uni campus

•  Ask about different courses

•  Ask about the application process

•  Talk to professors

•  Meet current students

•  Get a feeling for what the uni and culture is like

•  Practise your interview skills

•  Find out about tuition fees

•  Ask about scholarships and bursaries 

•  Ask about any language requirements

•  Attend seminars with local professionals

•  Tour the student accommodation options

 
Don't worry if you can't get to an in-person fair due to being an international student, both Coventry and Warwick Uni also hold virtual events and you can book in a virtual tour with Coventry student housing providers to view the room options and facilities.

MAKING THE MOST OF UNI FAIRS

There will be a lot going on at any uni fair or student event that you attend, simply because there's so many different courses and topics to cover for such a wide range of prospective students. Check out our top 5 tips to help you get the most out of attending:

1) Prepare questions

If you already have an idea if you want to continue your studies at Coventry Uni or Uni of Warwick, or the specific course you want to focus on, you can prepare questions for those unis and departments. It can be useful to do a little research before going to these events so that you can ask specific questions, however there's no pressure and you'll also be inspired to ask additional questions once you're there.

2) Take a friend

The uni teams will always be super friendly, but we appreciate that it can still be a bit nerve wracking striking up a conversation with a stranger at a stall, so take a friend or family member with you to provide some moral support. If your school doesn’t already provide any uni fair trips, maybe suggest it to a teacher - not everyone is able to travel to events like these so it could also be beneficial for some of your classmates.

3) Grab a brochure

Make sure to grab a brochure or prospectus from each stand you visit as they're super handy to read once you're home and can properly digest all the info. We also recommend taking a bag with you so that you can carry anything you’re given as lots of uni and accommodation stalls will hand out freebies and tasty treats to make the most of. 

4) Talk to everyone

Even if you're almost certain which path you want to take, it's important to keep an open mind and talk to a range of people who provide different things. Sometimes a path you may not have considered yet could be the perfect next step in your education or student housing journey.

5) Ensure you have all the info you need

The admissions officers will be able to give you a rough idea of what grades you need to achieve in order to move onto the next step. This is essential in helping you stay motivated! By finding out exactly what qualifications you need in order to get onto the course you want, you'll be able to ask your teachers exactly what you need to do to make sure you achieve those grades.

COVENTRY UNI FAIRS

If you're considering applying for Coventry University, make sure to book onto one of their upcoming Open Days to get a real feel for what it would be like to be a student in Coventry. Located just an 18 mins walk from Coventry train station, or 5 mins from the city centre, it's the perfect opportunity to spend a day in the life of a Coventry student. You can spend as long or as little time as you like exploring the campus, the buildings and facilities, as well as meeting some of the current students, academic staff and members of the support teams.

The Students' Union Housing Fair is also the ideal place to speak with local Coventry student accommodation providers. Find out more about their room and contract options, prices, exactly what you get for your money and ask any questions you may have about your potential future home in Coventry. The providers who attend the housing fair are trusted landlords who've been reviewed to make sure they're providing the best possible accommodation to Coventry Uni students. It's really important that you're only connected with reputable accommodation providers and why the housing fair is the best opportunity to meet these providers.

The Canvas Coventry student accommodation team will be attending the next housing fair on Tuesday 31st January 2023 with information around their multiple student housing options in Coventry - make sure to check out their stand for exclusive offers and freebies.

TIME TO APPLY

After attending your chosen student fairs and deciding on the uni or unis you'd like to apply to in Coventry, it's time to submit your official application with UCAS.

The application is made up of 10 key stages and can be submitted via the UCAS website:

1.  Register with UCAS

2.  Complete your details

3.  Add your education history

4.  Complete any employment history

5.  Select your course choices

6.  Write a personal statement

7.  Submit your application to your referee

8.  Get a reference

9.  Pay your application fee (if required)

10.  Send your application through to UCAS

Don’t leave applying until the last minute as there’s quite a bit to do – but you don’t need to complete the application all at once. Take your time and check in with your school and referee to make sure you're submitting your best work and really selling yourself.

Coventry is a city like no other – one of the largest student hubs in the UK, the UK City of Culture for 2021 and a city of thinkers, doers and difference makers. It’s a place to make your mark. Got any other questions about student living in Coventry? Chat to our team - they'll be more than happy to help.