The university application process can feel like a marathon, but you play a vital role in helping your young person reach the finish line. This timeline breaks down the UCAS cycle into manageable stages, from the first campus visit to results day.
Use this guide to stay ahead of key deadlines, manage the essential paperwork and provide the right support at the right time.
September - October: the discovery phase
The goal: narrowing down the options.
Your role: encourage your young person to order prospectuses/university guides and attend Open Days. Use this time to explore the campus atmosphere and compare specific course modules.
Action: if they aim for competitive courses like medicine or dentistry, or apply to Oxford or Cambridge, ensure they submit an application by the mid-October deadline.
Your role: keep the atmosphere calm. This deadline ensures the university gives your young person’s application the same level of attention as everyone else’s.
Action: apply before the January UCAS deadline (14 January 2026). They can still apply through UCAS until late June, but any application after the January UCAS deadline will be treated as a ‘late application’ on a first-come, first-served basis.
February – April: the funding window
The goal: managing offers and securing finance.
Your role: discuss offers as they arrive. If they don't receive any offers from their initial five choices, help them research new options in UCAS Extra.
Action: apply for Tuition Fees and Maintenance Loans through Student Finance as soon as the system opens in March. You will need to provide your tax details from two years ago to support their Maintenance Loan application.
Your role: help them weigh up the pros and cons of their top two. Consider daily travel costs, specific module choices, and the quality of wellbeing support.
Action: once they have made a firm choice, apply for accommodation immediately to secure their spot under the university's accommodation guarantee.
July: the pre-results prep
The goal: preparing a ‘just in case’ plan.
Your role: Be the cool-headed strategist. By exploring alternative pathways now, you can help lower the high-pressure stakes of Results Day.
Action: Research if backup universities offer a January start. This is a great ‘Plan B’ if they want a few months to work or travel before starting. Learn how Clearing works to reduce any anxiety. UCAS Extra closes now, making Clearing the main route for any new or late applications. Start a ‘month-one’ budget to cover the gap before their first loan instalment arrives in September.
August: the Results Day pivot
The goal: confirming a place and finalising the move.
Your role: take charge of the logistics on results day. Whether they are celebrating a Firm choice or navigating a new path, keep phones charged and your jargon buster ready. Prepare a quiet space if they need to call a university hotline.
Action: once the university confirms their place, they should check the UCAS Hub for their official letter. Help them finalise their housing and keep an eye out for an enrolment email with details on how to register and move in. Book a Clearing Open Day if they have switched to a new university.
September: the transition
The goal: preparing for independent living.
Your role: focus on essential life skills. Use these weeks to practice basic cooking, laundry and simple weekly budgeting before term starts.
Action: celebrate their hard work! Moving from the first application to enrolment is a massive achievement for both of you.
Alternatives to a September start
The traditional university calendar is no longer the only path to a degree. If your young person is reconsidering their chosen course, facing a change in circumstances, or simply needs more time to feel prepared, Coventry University offers a flexible way forward.
We provide six intakes throughout the year, ensuring they can begin their journey when they are genuinely ready to succeed, rather than being rushed by a September deadline.
UCAS Extra: If they no longer want to pursue their current choices, they can use UCAS Extra to find courses with later start dates.
Clearing: If they decide late in the day that they aren't ready for September, or want time to work or travel, they can find various start dates through Clearing.
Direct application: If they aren't ready to commit yet, they can apply at a time that suits them once they have their A level results in hand. They can do this directly with us rather than having to go through UCAS again.
No ‘lost’ year: Our multiple start dates mean they can take a short break to reset without waiting a full twelve months to start their career.
