Step One: Your UCAS Application

Before you begin your journey to university, your first step will be to prepare and organise your UCAS application. The UCAS website has lots of information on courses, open day events, entry requirements as well as application information and deadlines.

All the key information you will need on UCAS and how to start your application can be found on their website here.

If you have any difficulties in accessing any parts of the website, contact the UCAS customer services on the UCAS Accessibility page.

Declaring your vision impairment on the UCAS form

When you apply through UCAS, you can declare that you have a disability on your application form. This could be a beneficial way to notify the universities you are applying to of your type of vision impairment. This information is confidential between you and the university.

It can really help to declare your vision impairment right at the start. It can help to ensure that any accessibility needs can be identified throughout your application process- such as designated living spaces, a support worker or extra adaptive equipment.

You may choose not to declare your vision impairment until you have been accepted. We recommend that you check what support is available beforehand and be prepared that there may be delays in getting this in place at the start of your studies if undisclosed. Studential has a useful page on their website about declaring a disability on a UCAS application.

The UCAS website ‘Disabled students’ section provides more general information to support your application, and their Frequently Asked Questions page provides further advice around declaring your disability.

Also, take a look at our guide to Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) here.

Top tips

• Decide what you want to study. Applying for a course that you are genuinely interested in makes preparing your UCAS application much easier. Being realistic about your grades and chances is vital. Include a mix of reach, match, and safety choices to improve your chances of receiving offers.. Once you have decided what you want to study, it’s time to start exploring the different universities that offer your chosen course. The UCAS website has a course search tool which you can use to research options. Or you can read Step Two: Applying for University, for further support on choosing a course.
• Start your UCAS application early. One of the best things you can do is start thinking about your application early, particularly if you are thinking of applying to Oxford or Cambridge. Check out our guide to Oxbridge here. This can also give you time to prepare documents, do your research, and gather references.
• Write a great personal statement. Your personal statement is part of your UCAS application. It is where you write about what you hope to achieve on a university course, what you hope to do after it, and why you are applying to this particular university. It is your chance to show a demonstrable passion and understanding of your chosen subject away from exam results. A good personal statement can mean the difference between receiving an offer and being unsuccessful, so it’s important you take the time to consider what you want to include in it. The University of Sussex has a helpful guide on their website, with tips for writing a personal statement.
• Ask teachers, family, or mentors for feedback. Avoid clichés and focus on what makes you unique. Remember, this is a crucial part of your UCAS application, so dedicate the time it deserves
• Secure a reference. Your UCAS application needs a reference, usually from a teacher, tutor, or employer who knows you well. Provide them with plenty of notice and share your personal statement draft so they can write a detailed and supportive recommendation. A strong reference can make a real difference to your application.
• Before submitting, double-check every section for accuracy and completeness. Mistakes or missing information can delay processing. Once you’re happy, submit your application through UCAS. UCAS has a helpful guide on their website, with further tops tips for applying to them.