It seems to have been a fleetingly short space of time from that very first day at school to now being one of the ‘big’ students previously looked up to. Some big decisions on which A-levels to study have been made, but already there’s a need to start thinking about which course and the appropriate universities to apply for, or to decide whether to pursue an entirely different path.

Where do pupils start when considering which university to attend and course to study? Firstly, most schools and colleges have a programme in place to support students applying to university and experienced staff available to provide assistance. The next port of call is to visit one of the many generic search engines such as Which? University or What Uni? These sites provide basic information to help find a course, offer advice on what to include in a personal statement and how to prepare for university interviews. Alongside each particular degree, there will be further details on possible career paths and expected salaries graduates can hope to achieve. It’s important for pupils to be honest with themselves and not let parents lead them into making a choice that their hearts and minds aren’t really locked into. Parents will have their own opinions as to what their children are capable of and should be doing. Exerting too much pressure and influence on any reluctant offspring is not the best path to success.

Following last May’s official review of higher education, tuition fees are due to reduce in the near future, however, going to university will still be an expensive option. Finding yourself on a course you thought was the right one, but actually has turned out not to be, can be an expensive mistake. So do as much research as possible and undergo some soul searching to establish what it really is that’s going to light and continue to stoke the inner fires.

Choosing a course is the starting point. Then research which universities offer that course and look into each aspect of the study programme – they will differ from institution to institution. A university’s location and degree standing will also be factors to consider. Moving away from home can be a leap into the unknown that many may find daunting, and the fact that mum and dad are within reach could be the determining factor. Again, the pupil should decide and not the parents. This is the first journey along the road to independence that young people take and there are many valuable lessons to be taken on board. By all means have a safety net, but make sure that net doesn’t turn into something more restricting.