Open Days

University guide for parents


Setting sail for university life is a big step, and not just for our students. If you're a parent, guardian or caregiver, you probably have a few questions about what life and studying at UCA is like.

We're a close-knit community and the welfare of our students is as important to us as nurturing talent, academic attainment and gaining the skills and networks to be able to successfully carve out a career in the creative industries.

Below are links to information that will help to answer your questions and help you support your loved ones as they embark on university life, as well as answers to questions we often receive from parents.

Courses & entry requirements Fees & financial support How to apply Portfolio advice Careers & employability Accommodation Safety & security Wellbeing & disability support

Applying to university

How can we feel certain that my child has chosen the right course?

Choosing a degree is a big decision. Certainty in having made the right choice comes from research and experience, but the good news is you don't have to have all the answers in one day.

Often, schools and colleges will arrange trips to UCAS events - or run their own higher education events - where representatives from universities across the country will be available to speak to about their courses and student life.

This begins almost a year before the UCAS deadline, leaving plenty of time to research all the options that the applicant is interested in.

Encourage them to attend Open Days where they can speak with current students, tour university facilities and accommodation, hear more about courses from academics and just get a general feel for what it's like at the uni.

If you aren't able to make it to an Open Day, consider alternatives such as campus tours, webinars and virtual tours.

How does the university application process work?

Most UK students apply to university through UCAS, while international applicants will often apply directly to the university.

Through UCAS, students can apply for up to five courses. These can be at different universities or multiple courses at the same institution. This gives applicants flexibility if they're confident that they've found the right uni, but are still deciding between which subject they'd like to study.

Whilst researching courses, students attend Open Days and prepare a personal statement that will be submitted as part of their application. For creative subjects, this may also include developing a portfolio.

UCAS has an application deadline in January. Applications can still be made afterwards, but won't be given equal consideration, which means courses may have ran out of space.

After submitting an application, students may be invited to attend an interview, portfolio review, audition or applicant day, depending on the course and university. These events help applicants learn more about the course, meet staff and students, and decide whether the university is the right fit for them.

Once universities have responded, applicants can review their offers and select their first choice. Students who receive a conditional offer will also need to select an 'insurance' option as a back-up in case they don't meet the requirements of their first choice.

If a student doesn't secure a place through their original applications, or decides to apply later in the process, they may still be able to apply through Clearing.

For detailed guides about the application process please check our applying to UCA information.

Can I discuss my child's application on their behalf?

Our Admissions team can only discuss the students' application with you once they have given us their explicit consent.

If the applicant would like your support speaking to UCA about their application please first ensure they contact the Admissions team to confirm they are happy for you to do so:

How can my child afford to go to university?

University is a major investment, but financial support is available to help students manage the costs.

As well as tuition fees, accommodation, travel, study materials and day-to-day costs need to be factored in when making the decision to go to university.

Student funding is available for most UK students, and the additional costs are often covered by a combination of, government-funded maintenance loans, part-time work and budgeting.

Depending on individual circumstances, additional Scholarships may also be available.

Careers & employability

How will a creative degree help my child get a job?

Creative degrees help students develop specialist skills alongside wider qualities that all employers value, such as communication, collaboration, project management and creative thinking.

UCA degrees are built with future careers in mind. Students have opportunities to work on live briefs, receive industry feedback and gain experience presenting their ideas. Many courses also provide opportunities to engage with employers, visiting professionals and industry projects.

For example, there's a specific second year module in which students develop the professional skills by working on collaborative projects for real-world audiences. Alongside strengthening their creative practice, they'll gain experience in teamwork, project management, communication and responding to professional briefs.

Graduates from creative universities go on to careers across a wide range of sectors, including the creative industries, technology, education, business, marketing and entrepreneurship. Many also establish freelance careers or start their own businesses.

Want to read more on this? Check out this blog: Is a creative arts degree worth it?

Can my child get a job during their university studies?

Yes. Many students choose to work part-time while studying, helping them gain work experience, develop professional skills and contribute towards living costs.

The key is finding a balance between work and study. We always recommend that students prioritise their academic commitments and try to find work that can fit flexibly around their studies.

Many students find work at local businesses such as shops, bars and cafes, and some look for childcare opportunities. There are also some on-campus opportunities, such as work in the canteen or library, or promoting the university as a Student Ambassador.

Our Careers team can help students find opportunities and prepare applications.

UCA’s Creative Futures platform, as well as supporting students prepare for their future career, includes jobs and internship listings. 

Living away from home

Where will my child live during university?

There is on-campus accommodation at UCA's Canterbury, Epsom and Farnham campuses. Students intending to study in Maidstone can apply for accommodation in Canterbury and use the shuttle transport provided by the university.

There are also university halls in the local area that we have agreements with that are used to house UCA students.

Accommodation applications are primarily for first-year students, though there may be some exceptions for continuing students.

The Accommodation team provide guides and support for students looking for private accommodation in the local area. Often, students will group together to rent a local house/flat, but some opt to lodge with other families or move back home for their second and third year.

I'm concerned about my child's wellbeing, who should I contact?

You can raise a support concern directly to the university's Campus Life team, who help support the mental health and wellbeing of students.

There is lots of information about student wellbeing, including how to access support and make a referral on in our wellbeing and disability section.

If the student lives in university accommodation and you have an urgent concern about their wellbeing out-of-hours, please check our accommodation security contact details.

I'm helping my child move into accommodation. What do we need to do?

The student moving in to accommodation should receive all the details required via email, including what time to arrive and where to go to pick up their key near to their move-in date.

Make sure to check junk/spam folders in case the information accidentally ends up there.

If the move-in date is fast approaching and the student hasn't received the information they need, please contact the Accommodation team: accommodation@uca.ac.uk. 

I'd like to send my child a package, where should I post it to?

If you would like to send a care parcel or package, please ensure it's addressed directly to their accommodation address. If you're unsure of their postal address, you will need to ask the student to share it with you.

All parcels for residents are delivered to the site mailroom, logged and then residents have a window to collect twice a day, Monday-to-Friday. This is only a holding service and the UCA take no responsibility or liability of anything sent to the residents.

Will my child be safe at university?

We take student safety and wellbeing seriously at UCA. Alongside campus security measures, students have access to a range of support services designed to help them feel safe, supported and able to make the most of university life.

For many students, university is the first experience of independent living and we know this may be overwhelming for some, but it's  also an opportunity to build confidence and independence skills within a supportive and welcoming environment.

View our safety and security information