Abi is a 20-year-old student mom , currently studying Events & Hospitality. She applied to study at Worcester and she shares her experience with us.
To apply or not to apply? That is the question. The answer (for me anyway) is YES!
I first applied to study at university in December 2016 and received two conditional offers the next day, one from the University of Gloucestershire to study a Marketing, Advertising and Branding degree and the 2nd (the offer I have accepted) to study Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, here at the University of Worcester.
I found the application process mostly easy, I filled out the form quickly on UCAS, but got stuck when it came to the personal statement section, so many questions were whizzing round in my head about it.
Fortunately I had help from my college tutor and the college librarian who gave me ideas and proofread what I’d put whilst giving me constructive criticism. It took me three drafts to finally get it perfect for sending off with my finished application.
I applied for three different courses at three different universities. I went on an open day here, at the University of Worcester, and also went to the application day at Birmingham City University before making my final decision.
Because of having a young child, I went for the easier, local option of staying in Worcestershire as it meant that I could still see my little one on a daily basis, it is also cheaper for me to live at home than to live in halls.
For me, the most frustrating part of the application process was applying for student finance because of having a dependent child. I had to send off his birth certificate and a letter to support my child benefit claim, as evidence to prove that he is my child and that I am eligible for claiming the ‘Parent’s Learning Allowance’.
This was all fine, the forms were simple and didn’t take long to fill out and I sent it altogether in one envelope, the only problem came about after I’d sent the forms and evidence off, being one for not spending money (unless I really think it’s necessary) I sent it with just a first class stamp on and simply popped it in the post box.
The issue was that I couldn’t track my letter to make sure it actually arrived, so the manic panic person I am started worrying and kept phoning up to ask if they had been received.
One time I rang up and the student finance system was down so they weren’t able to check online for me, I was not impressed! Eventually, I got through about 3 weeks after I’d sent the evidence, to be told that it had been received and I was allowed the extra money. Phew!
When I eventually got my confirmation letter through and my evidence returned, I knew I was on the home straight. I quickly signed and dated the declaration form and sent it off.
So glad I have done all the application stuff, now just to play the waiting game and see if I get onto my course, once I’ve achieved GCSE maths.
Wish me luck!
Worcester Student Life 