Crossroad's pick

Hi!

Today I'd like to focus on something rather serious. As If I wasn't serious enough haha.

Time is ticking and we all at some point of our life time will be placed into the position where we will have to decide whether to apply for university or start our full time jobs. I'm not about to disadvantage any of the mentioned choices. After all it's up to you .

In this article I'll explain why I handed in my own university application.

Current state

As you already know I graduated last year and now I'm taking a GAP YEAR.

Personally I think that this path was the best I could have chosen for several reasons.

Some people might argue that coming suddenly to halt at studying process can result in loss of the ability to learn as much as you did in your secondary school. To certain point they are not wrong.

If you however continue studying on your own at home, having your individual time schedule it shouldn't affect your abilities much. Reading, writing notes, visiting educational courses, watching classic movies (in my case) this is just short list of things which can undoubtedly help you to stay in shape. Although there are moments when I'm afraid that my knowledge or language level is fading, there are also those marvelous times when I feel super confident about myself.

Having no problem with getting used to different schedule, I managed to combine studying, work, courses and free time. Honestly, this year (technically half a year ) has given me more than I learned at school without a great deal of stress. Also I needed to gain some experience and get familiar with the field I want to study because my grammar school was so time consuming that I couldn't do what I loved the most.

As I mentioned I'm currently attending a film related course lead by Freecinema (freecinema.cz). It takes place every Tuesday and you get the chance to experience what is really behind the silver screen through seminars and presentations done by experienced professionals. Therefore if you are a movie fanatic or just a person having a great passion for film-making I suggest you search something alike in your city.

Why did I exactly decided for Uni

Change your life!; Get familiar with university life through various events !; Make a difference!

Although all the mentioned statements are undoubtedly exciting they are not my case.

I applied because I wanted to study film related course which will help me on my way to become filmmaker and since we have just 3 schools, two of which being private and one elitist- old school oriented state school. Not to say that private schools are bad place to study at, but from what I heard from the students and friends who are attending them I made my own opinion.

Film industry is ever evolving field and if I studied it in here I wouldn't be able to get as involved in international film work as if i studied it abroad. Also the fact that studying abroad is a good chance to meet people from all around the world and get invaluable contacts which is a huge benefit.

Therefore I decided to pack my luck into infinity backpack and apply!

Story behind my application

Last year I said goodbye to two great friends who decided not to take gap year. Brave souls.

They were successfully accepted to Bucks New University and moved in their new flat in the end of September 2017.

They encouraged me to try it with them last year but I was just unsure of my knowledge and most of all my English level that I have rather taken a gap year. A coward decision? Yeah maybe a bit...

Inspired by their success and all the benefits that I've mentioned above helped me to make a stone firm decision (not to forget about the support from my family, friends and my two gurus).

How can I apply for university?

Before you get to this point, consider everything thoroughly. Are you responsible enough? Are you willing to dedicate 3 years or 4 of your life to studying / in different language ? Are you chasing your dream ? Can you live on your own without a help of your parents?

Don't underestimate the questions and preparation time it is IMPORTANT!

Alright, let's say you are decided, confident and ready.

If you are living in UK I believe you are familiar with the application process but if you are an international or EU citizen you might not be.

So your 'hot file' consist of application form (you fill in your name, previous studies along with the A levels or equivalent exam including marks you received, a reference from your teacher) , Personal Statement where you write 4 000 characters about how motivated are you to study your course what experiences and talents you have etc., sometimes you are required to submit portfolio if you are applying for art oriented courses.

* In most of the cases you will have to apply for students loan to help you finance the studies. Check your course fees in advance.

Then you wait being bit anxious about what the answers from universities will look like.

Help centers for Czech fellas

If you are from Czechia you can ask for help in Unilink center ( unilink.cz ). It is a help center lead by students who either finished their studies in UK or are currently studying. You arrange meeting and ask them for help with your application. You will be given a buddy who will go through the ordeal of personal statement and filling forms. I personally got in touch with them because I knew they helped my friends last year.

What I can say more. They are all super supportive, they truly want to help you get in. Not even mentioning that they encourage you on your way through the application process! Lovely people!

I'm incredibly glad I did contact them. I wouldn't be able to place my application on my own and now I have received my first unconditional offer!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Okay what next?

Waiting for the next steps like making your firm and insurance uni choice. Later on you'll have to apply for accommodation and then ? Flight tickets, packing and then Adios!

How am I doing

As mentioned above I received 1 unconditional offer, 2 conditional ones. I'm happy because the uni which offered me a firm place is the one I wanted to attend the most (Portsmouth uni). Yet I'll wait for other replies to make the very last decision.

If you have some further questions about the application process you can visit the website of ucas.co.uk or university websites.

Good luck to you all who are considering studying on university!!

Have a nice rest of the day :) !