useful links
General
Aim Higher
aimhigherwm.ac.uk
A Government-funded site about applying to university and being a student in the UK. It's got lots of useful stuff and is less dull to use than the DfES site (see below), but don't expect anything radical or not officially approved.
Benefit of a Career Plan - University of York
https://online.york.ac.uk/resources/aspiring-senior-managers-guide/benefits-of-career-plan/
The University of York has put together a helpful guide on the benefits of planning ahead in regards to your career path. Have a look if you're curious on the next steps to take and what you need to do to get that dream job.
CIFE
cife.org.uk
A collection of 17 private sixth form colleges specialising in advanced teaching. They have advice on choosing your A-level subjects to exams and retakes.
DfES (Department for Education & Skills)
dfes.gov.uk
The Government department that runs the education system and universities. Contains advice and reliable details about anything official to do with higher education and student finance. Also the latest on funding and policy changes and the Government's excuses.
The Independent's student website.
independent.co.uk/student
Lots of useful gubbins for the prospective and current student - there's education news, an A-Z directory of universities, advice on getting a place and what to do once you're there.
Justin Craig
justincraig.ac.uk.
A host of different revision courses for students who struggle with finding the right way to revise. Designed with both the parent and student in mind, the website provides information on the courses Justin Craig offer as well as the closest Justin Craig centre to you. So whether you're children are worrying about GCSEs or A Levels, Justin Craig might be able to help you help them.
The MyTutor Guide to UCAS
https://www.mytutor.co.uk/blog/the-mytutor-guide-to-ucas-your-one-stop-guide/
A blog for parents and students which clearly goes over the UCAS application process. If you're having any issues with your application, have read through for some helpful tips!
NUS (The National Union of Students)
nus.org.uk
NUS is the national body that brings together all the individual students' unions at all the individual universities and colleges. It represents students and campaigns on their behalf – they're the ones who organise the placard-waving marches. NUS also provides a whole load of services from a huge range of discounts to some of the best welfare advice available for students anywhere.
The Prince's Trust
princes-trust.org.uk
Help starting a business / resources for young people
S1 School Leavers Guide to getting a job in Scotland
https://www.s1jobs.com/resources/school-leavers-guide/
This is an excellent guide that has a lot of information for anyone in Scotland planning their next move after school. It includes information on Apprenticeships, Gap Years, Options and other helpful bits of advice to help you make an informed choice.
UCAS (The University & Colleges Admissions Service)
ucas.com
The organisation that handles most applications to almost every university and college in the UK. Lots of useful stuff (if a bit dull) about how they think the application system should work and some stuff about the universities themselves (based on info provided by the universities, so beware). Two other useful functions: a courses list, which is handy, but not as easy to use as Push Online's, and a questionnaire to help you decide what course is right for you.
University Compare website
https://universitycompare.com/
A comprehensive university comparison site, offering students resources, tools, student discounts and university stats and rankings.
Universities UK
universitiesuk.ac.uk
The umbrella organization of the universities, but this umbrella leaves the students out in the rain. It's basically a platform for university vice-chancellors.
University MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses)
futurelearn.com
Exploring the range of free online courses run by universities.
We are homes for students
https://wearehomesforstudents.com/
Allows you to search for student accommodation by putting in the location. Also has information on accommodation to help you find the perfect place to live as well as a handy blog with useful titbits for student life.
aimhigherwm.ac.uk
A Government-funded site about applying to university and being a student in the UK. It's got lots of useful stuff and is less dull to use than the DfES site (see below), but don't expect anything radical or not officially approved.
Benefit of a Career Plan - University of York
https://online.york.ac.uk/resources/aspiring-senior-managers-guide/benefits-of-career-plan/
The University of York has put together a helpful guide on the benefits of planning ahead in regards to your career path. Have a look if you're curious on the next steps to take and what you need to do to get that dream job.
CIFE
cife.org.uk
A collection of 17 private sixth form colleges specialising in advanced teaching. They have advice on choosing your A-level subjects to exams and retakes.
DfES (Department for Education & Skills)
dfes.gov.uk
The Government department that runs the education system and universities. Contains advice and reliable details about anything official to do with higher education and student finance. Also the latest on funding and policy changes and the Government's excuses.
The Independent's student website.
independent.co.uk/student
Lots of useful gubbins for the prospective and current student - there's education news, an A-Z directory of universities, advice on getting a place and what to do once you're there.
Justin Craig
justincraig.ac.uk.
A host of different revision courses for students who struggle with finding the right way to revise. Designed with both the parent and student in mind, the website provides information on the courses Justin Craig offer as well as the closest Justin Craig centre to you. So whether you're children are worrying about GCSEs or A Levels, Justin Craig might be able to help you help them.
The MyTutor Guide to UCAS
https://www.mytutor.co.uk/blog/the-mytutor-guide-to-ucas-your-one-stop-guide/
A blog for parents and students which clearly goes over the UCAS application process. If you're having any issues with your application, have read through for some helpful tips!
NUS (The National Union of Students)
nus.org.uk
NUS is the national body that brings together all the individual students' unions at all the individual universities and colleges. It represents students and campaigns on their behalf – they're the ones who organise the placard-waving marches. NUS also provides a whole load of services from a huge range of discounts to some of the best welfare advice available for students anywhere.
The Prince's Trust
princes-trust.org.uk
Help starting a business / resources for young people
S1 School Leavers Guide to getting a job in Scotland
https://www.s1jobs.com/resources/school-leavers-guide/
This is an excellent guide that has a lot of information for anyone in Scotland planning their next move after school. It includes information on Apprenticeships, Gap Years, Options and other helpful bits of advice to help you make an informed choice.
UCAS (The University & Colleges Admissions Service)
ucas.com
The organisation that handles most applications to almost every university and college in the UK. Lots of useful stuff (if a bit dull) about how they think the application system should work and some stuff about the universities themselves (based on info provided by the universities, so beware). Two other useful functions: a courses list, which is handy, but not as easy to use as Push Online's, and a questionnaire to help you decide what course is right for you.
University Compare website
https://universitycompare.com/
A comprehensive university comparison site, offering students resources, tools, student discounts and university stats and rankings.
Universities UK
universitiesuk.ac.uk
The umbrella organization of the universities, but this umbrella leaves the students out in the rain. It's basically a platform for university vice-chancellors.
University MOOCS (Massive Open Online Courses)
futurelearn.com
Exploring the range of free online courses run by universities.
We are homes for students
https://wearehomesforstudents.com/
Allows you to search for student accommodation by putting in the location. Also has information on accommodation to help you find the perfect place to live as well as a handy blog with useful titbits for student life.
Welfare
Teen Addiction Group
https://www.addictiongroup.org/addiction/uk/
https://www.addictiongroup.org/addiction/teens/
A website which raises awareness of the dangers of addiction for teens and helps them to stay drug free while also informing them about drug culture.
Addiction Resource
https://addictionresource.com/
A website which raises awareness of the dangers of addiction and helps students stay drug and bully-free
Ask Frank
talktofrank.com
Independent Government-funded advice about drugs. Focuses on health effects and the law, but it's not preachy.
Brook Advisory
brook.org.uk
Sex and contraception advice for anyone under 25.
National Nightline
nightline.ac.uk
Contains quite a bit of advice, but also tells you about local Nightline services – many universities have one and they're often the best first stop in a crisis
National Union of Students
nus.org.uk
Helpful advice on all aspects of student life from the UK's student representation and services body.
The Samaritans
samaritans.org
A useful back-up to universities' own nightline services if you just need an anonymous ear to talk you through a particularly blue patch.
Student Health
studenthealth.co.uk
Advice from doctors.
Woman Student Online
womanstudent.co.uk
Not just for the ladies, the articles on this site give bite-sized bits of info on all kinds of student matters
https://www.addictiongroup.org/addiction/uk/
https://www.addictiongroup.org/addiction/teens/
A website which raises awareness of the dangers of addiction for teens and helps them to stay drug free while also informing them about drug culture.
Addiction Resource
https://addictionresource.com/
A website which raises awareness of the dangers of addiction and helps students stay drug and bully-free
Ask Frank
talktofrank.com
Independent Government-funded advice about drugs. Focuses on health effects and the law, but it's not preachy.
Brook Advisory
brook.org.uk
Sex and contraception advice for anyone under 25.
National Nightline
nightline.ac.uk
Contains quite a bit of advice, but also tells you about local Nightline services – many universities have one and they're often the best first stop in a crisis
National Union of Students
nus.org.uk
Helpful advice on all aspects of student life from the UK's student representation and services body.
The Samaritans
samaritans.org
A useful back-up to universities' own nightline services if you just need an anonymous ear to talk you through a particularly blue patch.
Student Health
studenthealth.co.uk
Advice from doctors.
Woman Student Online
womanstudent.co.uk
Not just for the ladies, the articles on this site give bite-sized bits of info on all kinds of student matters
jobs and careers
Adzuna
https://www.adzuna.co.uk
Adzuna is a search engine for job ads that lists every job, everywhere. They provide smarter search options and powerful data about the job market, giving you the information you need to take control of your career.
All about apprenticeships
allaboutapprenticeships.co.uk/
Offers free advice and guidance to young people as well as hundreds of apprenticeships on offer for you to choose from. You can search for apprenticeships by location, industry, and apprenticeship level.
CRAC (Careers Research Advisory Centre)
crac.org.uk
Its name and website make it seem like it's some official organisation, but as far as Push has ever been able to tell CRAC is a commercial organisation. They're welcome to inform us otherwise if it's not true. Having said that, its information is very good anyway and their icould resource is definitely worth a look.
Employment4students
e4s.co.uk
Job opportunities for students, including internships, holiday jobs and gap year placements.
Fast Tomato
fastomato.com
Career and course suggestions, aimed at year 9 and above.
FutureLearn
https://www.futurelearn.com
A brilliant resource of online courses for you to take from the comfort of your own home and build your skills and encourage personal development.
Graduate Prospects
prospects.ac.uk
Claims to be "official" on the basis of its links with the universities' careers services. Fair enough. The information is pretty comprehensive.
Graduate Recruitment Bureau
grb.uk.com
Recruitment agency specialising in graduate positions, internships and work experience
Honest Product Reviews: Best Job Sites
https://honestproductreviews.com/best-job-sites/
Honest product reviews have put together a research guide on the Best Job Search Sites to help you find what works best for you in your own personal job hunt.
Hot courses
hotcourses.co.uk
College and university courses around the UK, from Law degrees to evening classes in toenail biology.
How to write a resume?
https://www.hiration.com/blog/how-to-write-a-resume/#resumevscv
A comprehensive guide to writing a resume and CV with samples and examples to help you get started with your job applications.
How to ace a video interview
https://www.sellickpartnership.co.uk/candidates/interview-tips/top-tips-to-ace-a-video-interview
With the 2020 pandemic a lot of companies have begun interviewing using video calls, which presents a whole new range of things for candidates to consider. This guide covers all the things you might not have thought about and offers some useful tips.
The Telegraph
jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers
Telegraph's Careers Advice site which offers news on job sectors, job profile guides, plus interviewing/CV guidance and tips.
Lingo24
lingo24.com/careerguide.html
Fancy making a living by translation or interpretation? Lingo24 offer a rather swanky career guide, forum and recruitment opportunities.
National Student Drama Festival
nsdf.org.uk
Each year some of the best student actors get together and put on a festival of shows in Scarborough. A must for anyone who imagines treading university boards to broader stardom.
National Student Television Association
nasta.org.uk
A network of 12 student TV stations. Interesting enough, if that's your thing.
NovoResume Careers blog
https://novoresume.com/career-blog
A careers blog which offers career and resume guidance that is free, non-commerical, and well-researched.
Student Job
studentjob.co.uk
A job site built with students in mind. There are lots of internships and part time jobs from big-time student recruiters which are perfect for filling in the hours between classes and getting a bit of extra cash. Those baked beans won't pay for themselves.
UK Course Finder
ukcoursefinder.com
Answer a series of questions about likes and dislikes (albeit in rather broad strokes) to narrow down what kinds of courses may suit you.
WikiJob
wikijob.co.uk
Graduate job interview questions, aptitude tests and CV & cover letter advice.
https://www.adzuna.co.uk
Adzuna is a search engine for job ads that lists every job, everywhere. They provide smarter search options and powerful data about the job market, giving you the information you need to take control of your career.
All about apprenticeships
allaboutapprenticeships.co.uk/
Offers free advice and guidance to young people as well as hundreds of apprenticeships on offer for you to choose from. You can search for apprenticeships by location, industry, and apprenticeship level.
CRAC (Careers Research Advisory Centre)
crac.org.uk
Its name and website make it seem like it's some official organisation, but as far as Push has ever been able to tell CRAC is a commercial organisation. They're welcome to inform us otherwise if it's not true. Having said that, its information is very good anyway and their icould resource is definitely worth a look.
Employment4students
e4s.co.uk
Job opportunities for students, including internships, holiday jobs and gap year placements.
Fast Tomato
fastomato.com
Career and course suggestions, aimed at year 9 and above.
FutureLearn
https://www.futurelearn.com
A brilliant resource of online courses for you to take from the comfort of your own home and build your skills and encourage personal development.
Graduate Prospects
prospects.ac.uk
Claims to be "official" on the basis of its links with the universities' careers services. Fair enough. The information is pretty comprehensive.
Graduate Recruitment Bureau
grb.uk.com
Recruitment agency specialising in graduate positions, internships and work experience
Honest Product Reviews: Best Job Sites
https://honestproductreviews.com/best-job-sites/
Honest product reviews have put together a research guide on the Best Job Search Sites to help you find what works best for you in your own personal job hunt.
Hot courses
hotcourses.co.uk
College and university courses around the UK, from Law degrees to evening classes in toenail biology.
How to write a resume?
https://www.hiration.com/blog/how-to-write-a-resume/#resumevscv
A comprehensive guide to writing a resume and CV with samples and examples to help you get started with your job applications.
How to ace a video interview
https://www.sellickpartnership.co.uk/candidates/interview-tips/top-tips-to-ace-a-video-interview
With the 2020 pandemic a lot of companies have begun interviewing using video calls, which presents a whole new range of things for candidates to consider. This guide covers all the things you might not have thought about and offers some useful tips.
The Telegraph
jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers
Telegraph's Careers Advice site which offers news on job sectors, job profile guides, plus interviewing/CV guidance and tips.
Lingo24
lingo24.com/careerguide.html
Fancy making a living by translation or interpretation? Lingo24 offer a rather swanky career guide, forum and recruitment opportunities.
National Student Drama Festival
nsdf.org.uk
Each year some of the best student actors get together and put on a festival of shows in Scarborough. A must for anyone who imagines treading university boards to broader stardom.
National Student Television Association
nasta.org.uk
A network of 12 student TV stations. Interesting enough, if that's your thing.
NovoResume Careers blog
https://novoresume.com/career-blog
A careers blog which offers career and resume guidance that is free, non-commerical, and well-researched.
Student Job
studentjob.co.uk
A job site built with students in mind. There are lots of internships and part time jobs from big-time student recruiters which are perfect for filling in the hours between classes and getting a bit of extra cash. Those baked beans won't pay for themselves.
UK Course Finder
ukcoursefinder.com
Answer a series of questions about likes and dislikes (albeit in rather broad strokes) to narrow down what kinds of courses may suit you.
WikiJob
wikijob.co.uk
Graduate job interview questions, aptitude tests and CV & cover letter advice.
money advice
Experian
experian.com
The credit reference agency – the place to start trying to get information if you find yourself being refused credit.
Money Saving Expert
moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-tuition-fees-changes
Student loans mythbusting
National Association of Student Money Advisers
nasma.org.uk
No actual advice on this site – it's an organisation for the advisers rather than the students themselves – but it does have a directory of approved advisers.
National Debtline
nationaldebtline.org
Free debt advice (not exclusively for students).
Scholarship Search UK (SSUK)
scholarship-search.org.uk
Part of the Hotcourses website, featuring money advice, a database of funding and scholarship opportunities and tools like budget planner and wage predictor.
Student Cash Point
studentcashpoint.co.uk
A very in-depth and snazzy source for student funding info. Everything from student grants, loans, scholarships, bursaries, awards and anything else in between.
Student Loans Company Ltd
slc.co.uk
Runs the student loans scheme.
The Windsor Fellowship
windsor-fellowship.org
Sponsorships, community work, summer placements and a range of undergrad development programmes, primarily for gifted Black and Asian students.
UCAS
ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/undergraduate-student-finance-and-support
UCAS's guide to undergraduate student finance
BUDGET BUYS AND FREEBIES
Big Yellow Self Storage
www.bigyellow.co.uk
Super safe storage for your stuff - perfect for the holidays. Student discounts are available. It's also big and yellow.
Freebiers' Club
www.freebiersclub.co.uk
Free stuff and discounts (not exclusively for students).
Just-Eat
www.just-eat.co.uk
Hungry students with enough pennies behind the sofa can browse all the local takeaways and then place their order through this internet shop.
Student Free Stuff
www.studentfreestuff.com
The clue's in the name. Special offers, competitions and so on aimed at students. You may get useful freebies, but you'll almost certainly get a lot of spam.
Voucher Cloud
www.vouchercloud.com/student-discount-guide
Gives you the best student discount codes that you can access through your NUS, Student Beans or UniDays memberships
VoucherCodes
www.vouchercodes.co.uk
Discounts and printable vouchers for shops, restaurants and more.
Promotional Codes
www.promotionalcodes.org.uk
More print-outs for five finger discounts. Claim your proverbial free lunch.
experian.com
The credit reference agency – the place to start trying to get information if you find yourself being refused credit.
Money Saving Expert
moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-tuition-fees-changes
Student loans mythbusting
National Association of Student Money Advisers
nasma.org.uk
No actual advice on this site – it's an organisation for the advisers rather than the students themselves – but it does have a directory of approved advisers.
National Debtline
nationaldebtline.org
Free debt advice (not exclusively for students).
Scholarship Search UK (SSUK)
scholarship-search.org.uk
Part of the Hotcourses website, featuring money advice, a database of funding and scholarship opportunities and tools like budget planner and wage predictor.
Student Cash Point
studentcashpoint.co.uk
A very in-depth and snazzy source for student funding info. Everything from student grants, loans, scholarships, bursaries, awards and anything else in between.
Student Loans Company Ltd
slc.co.uk
Runs the student loans scheme.
The Windsor Fellowship
windsor-fellowship.org
Sponsorships, community work, summer placements and a range of undergrad development programmes, primarily for gifted Black and Asian students.
UCAS
ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/undergraduate-student-finance-and-support
UCAS's guide to undergraduate student finance
BUDGET BUYS AND FREEBIES
Big Yellow Self Storage
www.bigyellow.co.uk
Super safe storage for your stuff - perfect for the holidays. Student discounts are available. It's also big and yellow.
Freebiers' Club
www.freebiersclub.co.uk
Free stuff and discounts (not exclusively for students).
Just-Eat
www.just-eat.co.uk
Hungry students with enough pennies behind the sofa can browse all the local takeaways and then place their order through this internet shop.
Student Free Stuff
www.studentfreestuff.com
The clue's in the name. Special offers, competitions and so on aimed at students. You may get useful freebies, but you'll almost certainly get a lot of spam.
Voucher Cloud
www.vouchercloud.com/student-discount-guide
Gives you the best student discount codes that you can access through your NUS, Student Beans or UniDays memberships
VoucherCodes
www.vouchercodes.co.uk
Discounts and printable vouchers for shops, restaurants and more.
Promotional Codes
www.promotionalcodes.org.uk
More print-outs for five finger discounts. Claim your proverbial free lunch.
gap years
https://www.australia.com/en/youth-travel/australia-inc.html
If you're aged bewteen 18 and 34 and have a Working Holiday Visa, you can live and work in Australia for a year.
aventure.co.uk
Africa and Asia Venture (AV) has been sending gap year volunteers on gap year projects since 1993. Focusing on teaching projects, community and conservation projects in Africa and Asia.
bunac.org
Work, volunteer and teaching abroad programmes in various countries.
cactustefl.com
Courses and lots of information and advice on choosing the right teaching course for you.
campamerica.co.uk
Not the Will and Grace appreciation society but the starting point to a vacation job in the states.
carolinesrainbowfoundation.org
Charity established to raise awareness of safety issues amongst backpackers and gappers; set up in memory of Caroline Stuttle, who was killed in Australia during her gap year.
concordiavolunteers.org.uk
Concordia International Volunteers is a charity which offers affordable volunteering opportunities all over the world.
dotefl.com
Global TEFL course directory that also offers information and advice on teaching English abroad and online.
fco.gov.uk
The Foreign Office for travel advice.
https://gapforce.org/gb
If you're thinking about embarking on a gap year and want to see what options are available or are seeking advice on what path to take take a look at Gapforce, which covers a range of destinations and helps you get exactly what you want from your gap year.
gapwork.com
Find a working holiday abroad.
gvi.co.uk
Volunteer abroad on critical conservation and community projects.
idealist.org
An interactive site founded by Action Without Borders. Thousands of volunteering placements are available all over the world.
iGapYear.com
Gap year placements, projects and courses. Search hundreds of paid and voluntary projects, TEFL and sports courses all in one place. Cheapest travel, accommodation, insurance, destinations - a mouth-watering buffet of information.
i-to-i.com
Information on gap year travel, volunteer abroad opportunities, TEFL Courses and working abroad as well as alternative spring breaks.
kiyasurvivors.org
Kiya Survivors is a charity providing a new beginning for Peruvian children and young people, as well as Peru volunteer programmes.
masta.org
Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad.
mindthegapyear.com
Specialist insurance, document protection and other safe travel services.
nonstopadventure.com
Nonstop Adventure specialises in gap years and holidays with a difference.
opwall.com
Operation Wallacea offers scientific Conservation Expeditions to Indonesia, Honduras, Egypt, Cuba, Peru and South Africa.
parcel2go.com
Living in another country for a year is a fantastic experience that everyone should have the opportunity to do. However, choosing 20kg of your possessions that are important enough to take on the plane is both upsetting and futile. The peeps at Parcel2go let you have your cake and eat it by offering an international courier at student friendly prices, so you can take all of your shoes along for that year in Rome...
raleighinternational.org
Raleigh runs four-week to ten-week expeditions to India, Borneo, Costa Rica and Nicaragua for anyone considering taking a gap year or a career break.
realgap.co.uk
This site is simple, easy and has a good range of gap year ideas as well as a good indication of what they might cost (travelling round Asia for a year - for example - ain't free). Their ideas are all sorted by what you might want to do, so it's great for inspiration.
theleap.co.uk
The Leap specialises in eco-tourism gaps in Cambodia, Africa, and Borneo.
tickettoridegroup.com
Ticket to Ride is the original surfing gap year career break organisation.
usasummercamp.co.uk
Organises trips to summer camps across the USA.
volunteerlatinamerica.com
Volunteer and study abroad opportunities.
vso.org.uk
Perhaps known more for sending older professionals to placements overseas, VSO also do youth placement schemes for 18-25 year-olds, both in the UK and globally.
world-challenge.co.uk
Varied schemes for 6-25 year-olds, with everything from team building exercises to voluntary and paid placements.
yearoutgroup.org
Offering opportunities to people taking a gap year.
If you're aged bewteen 18 and 34 and have a Working Holiday Visa, you can live and work in Australia for a year.
aventure.co.uk
Africa and Asia Venture (AV) has been sending gap year volunteers on gap year projects since 1993. Focusing on teaching projects, community and conservation projects in Africa and Asia.
bunac.org
Work, volunteer and teaching abroad programmes in various countries.
cactustefl.com
Courses and lots of information and advice on choosing the right teaching course for you.
campamerica.co.uk
Not the Will and Grace appreciation society but the starting point to a vacation job in the states.
carolinesrainbowfoundation.org
Charity established to raise awareness of safety issues amongst backpackers and gappers; set up in memory of Caroline Stuttle, who was killed in Australia during her gap year.
concordiavolunteers.org.uk
Concordia International Volunteers is a charity which offers affordable volunteering opportunities all over the world.
dotefl.com
Global TEFL course directory that also offers information and advice on teaching English abroad and online.
fco.gov.uk
The Foreign Office for travel advice.
https://gapforce.org/gb
If you're thinking about embarking on a gap year and want to see what options are available or are seeking advice on what path to take take a look at Gapforce, which covers a range of destinations and helps you get exactly what you want from your gap year.
gapwork.com
Find a working holiday abroad.
gvi.co.uk
Volunteer abroad on critical conservation and community projects.
idealist.org
An interactive site founded by Action Without Borders. Thousands of volunteering placements are available all over the world.
iGapYear.com
Gap year placements, projects and courses. Search hundreds of paid and voluntary projects, TEFL and sports courses all in one place. Cheapest travel, accommodation, insurance, destinations - a mouth-watering buffet of information.
i-to-i.com
Information on gap year travel, volunteer abroad opportunities, TEFL Courses and working abroad as well as alternative spring breaks.
kiyasurvivors.org
Kiya Survivors is a charity providing a new beginning for Peruvian children and young people, as well as Peru volunteer programmes.
masta.org
Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad.
mindthegapyear.com
Specialist insurance, document protection and other safe travel services.
nonstopadventure.com
Nonstop Adventure specialises in gap years and holidays with a difference.
opwall.com
Operation Wallacea offers scientific Conservation Expeditions to Indonesia, Honduras, Egypt, Cuba, Peru and South Africa.
parcel2go.com
Living in another country for a year is a fantastic experience that everyone should have the opportunity to do. However, choosing 20kg of your possessions that are important enough to take on the plane is both upsetting and futile. The peeps at Parcel2go let you have your cake and eat it by offering an international courier at student friendly prices, so you can take all of your shoes along for that year in Rome...
raleighinternational.org
Raleigh runs four-week to ten-week expeditions to India, Borneo, Costa Rica and Nicaragua for anyone considering taking a gap year or a career break.
realgap.co.uk
This site is simple, easy and has a good range of gap year ideas as well as a good indication of what they might cost (travelling round Asia for a year - for example - ain't free). Their ideas are all sorted by what you might want to do, so it's great for inspiration.
theleap.co.uk
The Leap specialises in eco-tourism gaps in Cambodia, Africa, and Borneo.
tickettoridegroup.com
Ticket to Ride is the original surfing gap year career break organisation.
usasummercamp.co.uk
Organises trips to summer camps across the USA.
volunteerlatinamerica.com
Volunteer and study abroad opportunities.
vso.org.uk
Perhaps known more for sending older professionals to placements overseas, VSO also do youth placement schemes for 18-25 year-olds, both in the UK and globally.
world-challenge.co.uk
Varied schemes for 6-25 year-olds, with everything from team building exercises to voluntary and paid placements.
yearoutgroup.org
Offering opportunities to people taking a gap year.
study abroad
The British Council
britishcouncil.org.uk
The Government-backed website promoting UK education and culture to our foreign friends. Useful information about how the UK higher education system works for international students, how to apply and potential sources of funding.
ERASMUS
erasmus.ac.uk
If your university takes part in the Erasmus exchange scheme, you could spend between three months and the whole academic year in another European country.
International Students
internationalstudent.com
The international student site with study abroad information, services and resources designed specifically for you.
britishcouncil.org.uk
The Government-backed website promoting UK education and culture to our foreign friends. Useful information about how the UK higher education system works for international students, how to apply and potential sources of funding.
ERASMUS
erasmus.ac.uk
If your university takes part in the Erasmus exchange scheme, you could spend between three months and the whole academic year in another European country.
International Students
internationalstudent.com
The international student site with study abroad information, services and resources designed specifically for you.
International students
The British Council
britishcouncil.org
The Government-backed website promoting UK education and culture to our foreign friends. Useful information about how the UK higher education system works for international students, how to apply and potential sources of funding.
Central Applications Office (Ireland)
cao.ie
Deals with Higher Education applications for the Republic of Ireland. Search for a course or access the applications handbook.
Education UK
educationuk.org
Information about studying in the UK from the British Council (see above)
International Students
internationalstudent.com
The international student site with study abroad information, services and resources designed specifically for you.
UKCOSA (The Council for International Education)
ukcosa.org.uk
Advice for anyone from abroad thinking of studying in the UK and for anyone in the UK thinking of studying abroad. Really helpful.
UK Student Loans Guide
https://www.studying-in-uk.org/uk-student-loans/
The UK student loans are unavoidable, though painful, step in an international student’s life, so this guide aims to give you the tools to find the best solution.
Univisits
univisits.com
Univisits lays on tours of universities in the UK and Ireland. There are special tour packages or they can tailor one to suit your needs - this includes travel, accommodation and food. It's just like being a rock star...sort of.
Parcel to Go
parcel2go.com
Living in another country for a year is a fantastic experience that everyone should have the opportunity to do. However, choosing 20kg of your possessions that are important enough to take on the plane is both upsetting and futile. The peeps at Parcel2go let you have your cake and eat it by offering an international courier at student friendly prices, so you can take all of your shoes along for that year in Rome...
Prepare for Success
prepareforsuccess.org.uk
Aimed at international students, this site gives a great guide to starting life at uni and good tips on how to settle into academic life.
Studying-in-UK.org
https://www.studying-in-uk.org/
A website dedicated to prospective and current international students in the UK that has been recommended by various universities, prestigious newspapers, and higher education websites in the UK and abroad. It is one of the most complete ones you can find, containing information and advice on budgeting that will really help international students wanting to study in the UK.
University guide Covid
universityguide.org.uk/#covid
An International Student's Guide to UK University during the Covid-19 pandemic to help share useful advice and information, covering things such as the impact of COVID-19 on young people's mental wellbeing, advice for students studying in the UK and how the new academic year might look . Check it out to get all the information you might need for coming to the UK from abroad in the current climate.
britishcouncil.org
The Government-backed website promoting UK education and culture to our foreign friends. Useful information about how the UK higher education system works for international students, how to apply and potential sources of funding.
Central Applications Office (Ireland)
cao.ie
Deals with Higher Education applications for the Republic of Ireland. Search for a course or access the applications handbook.
Education UK
educationuk.org
Information about studying in the UK from the British Council (see above)
International Students
internationalstudent.com
The international student site with study abroad information, services and resources designed specifically for you.
UKCOSA (The Council for International Education)
ukcosa.org.uk
Advice for anyone from abroad thinking of studying in the UK and for anyone in the UK thinking of studying abroad. Really helpful.
UK Student Loans Guide
https://www.studying-in-uk.org/uk-student-loans/
The UK student loans are unavoidable, though painful, step in an international student’s life, so this guide aims to give you the tools to find the best solution.
Univisits
univisits.com
Univisits lays on tours of universities in the UK and Ireland. There are special tour packages or they can tailor one to suit your needs - this includes travel, accommodation and food. It's just like being a rock star...sort of.
Parcel to Go
parcel2go.com
Living in another country for a year is a fantastic experience that everyone should have the opportunity to do. However, choosing 20kg of your possessions that are important enough to take on the plane is both upsetting and futile. The peeps at Parcel2go let you have your cake and eat it by offering an international courier at student friendly prices, so you can take all of your shoes along for that year in Rome...
Prepare for Success
prepareforsuccess.org.uk
Aimed at international students, this site gives a great guide to starting life at uni and good tips on how to settle into academic life.
Studying-in-UK.org
https://www.studying-in-uk.org/
A website dedicated to prospective and current international students in the UK that has been recommended by various universities, prestigious newspapers, and higher education websites in the UK and abroad. It is one of the most complete ones you can find, containing information and advice on budgeting that will really help international students wanting to study in the UK.
University guide Covid
universityguide.org.uk/#covid
An International Student's Guide to UK University during the Covid-19 pandemic to help share useful advice and information, covering things such as the impact of COVID-19 on young people's mental wellbeing, advice for students studying in the UK and how the new academic year might look . Check it out to get all the information you might need for coming to the UK from abroad in the current climate.
POSTGRAD FUNDING
Courses Online - Top tips to fund your postgraduate degree in 2021
www.coursesonline.co.uk/top-tips-for-funding-your-postgraduate-degree-in-2021/?ab=1&utm_referrer=
A handy page to see what your options are for being funded for a postgrad degree in 2021.
Economic and Social Research Council
esrc.ac.uk
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
epsrc.ac.uk
Medical Research Council
mrc.ac.uk
Natural Environment Research Council
nerc.ac.uk
www.coursesonline.co.uk/top-tips-for-funding-your-postgraduate-degree-in-2021/?ab=1&utm_referrer=
A handy page to see what your options are for being funded for a postgrad degree in 2021.
Economic and Social Research Council
esrc.ac.uk
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
epsrc.ac.uk
Medical Research Council
mrc.ac.uk
Natural Environment Research Council
nerc.ac.uk
accommodation
Big Yellow Self Storage
bigyellow.co.uk
Super safe storage for your stuff - perfect for the holidays. Student discounts are available. It's also big and yellow.
Easyroommate
easyroommate.co.uk
Easyroommate lists rooms all over the UK allowing you to post and search. It also has great statistics on how much average rent is for lots of locations over the country - allowing you to see how expensive it is going to be to live there, and figure out if you're getting fleeced.
Luxury Student Homes
http://www.luxurystudenthomes.co.uk/
They provide some of the highest quality student accommodation right across Liverpool and combine high quality interior fit and finish with top of the range facilities to create the ultimate student accommodation experience with no hidden fees attached.
Mystudenthalls
mystudenthalls.com
A dedicated student halls search engine, providing students free access to compare and contrast hundreds of high-quality student rooms and halls.
Myurbanjungle top 10 tips for viewing student accommodation
https://myurbanjungle.com/explore/blog/top-10-tips-for-viewing-a-student-accommodation/
A handy guide for when you’re viewing student accommodation. With things that you might not have thought about beforehand so the process is more efficient and you end up somewhere you actually like!
Shelter
shelter.org.uk
Shelter is a national charity which campaigns to keep roofs over heads. Click here for particular advice for students, or call the free advice line on 0808 800 4444.
Student Accommodation in the UK
accommodationforstudents.com
Good search facility for properties across the country – the majority of which seem to be letting agency listings. Site requires free registration to see all details. Perhaps more a second resort after trying the university accommodation or housing service.
bigyellow.co.uk
Super safe storage for your stuff - perfect for the holidays. Student discounts are available. It's also big and yellow.
Easyroommate
easyroommate.co.uk
Easyroommate lists rooms all over the UK allowing you to post and search. It also has great statistics on how much average rent is for lots of locations over the country - allowing you to see how expensive it is going to be to live there, and figure out if you're getting fleeced.
Luxury Student Homes
http://www.luxurystudenthomes.co.uk/
They provide some of the highest quality student accommodation right across Liverpool and combine high quality interior fit and finish with top of the range facilities to create the ultimate student accommodation experience with no hidden fees attached.
Mystudenthalls
mystudenthalls.com
A dedicated student halls search engine, providing students free access to compare and contrast hundreds of high-quality student rooms and halls.
Myurbanjungle top 10 tips for viewing student accommodation
https://myurbanjungle.com/explore/blog/top-10-tips-for-viewing-a-student-accommodation/
A handy guide for when you’re viewing student accommodation. With things that you might not have thought about beforehand so the process is more efficient and you end up somewhere you actually like!
Shelter
shelter.org.uk
Shelter is a national charity which campaigns to keep roofs over heads. Click here for particular advice for students, or call the free advice line on 0808 800 4444.
Student Accommodation in the UK
accommodationforstudents.com
Good search facility for properties across the country – the majority of which seem to be letting agency listings. Site requires free registration to see all details. Perhaps more a second resort after trying the university accommodation or housing service.
travel
Lonely Planet
lonelyplanet.com
Travel resource with an environmentally-friendly agenda.
National Rail enquiries
nationalrail.co.uk
Train timetables and the latest about how many of them aren't actually running and whether it's leaves on the line or the wrong kind of snow that's to blame.
Paull's Vehicle Rental
https://www.paullsvehiclerental.co.uk/
A family-run car and van hire company based in Leicester who have been offering vehicle hire since the 1970s. They offer student discounts and under-25 car hire at great prices so if your university is in their area it may be worth a look!
Q Jump
qjump.co.uk
Buy train tickets online and check timetables.
The Rough Guides
roughguides.com
Thousands of destinations, both in the UK and internationally.
Student Universe
studentuniverse.co.uk
Student travel, student fares.
lonelyplanet.com
Travel resource with an environmentally-friendly agenda.
National Rail enquiries
nationalrail.co.uk
Train timetables and the latest about how many of them aren't actually running and whether it's leaves on the line or the wrong kind of snow that's to blame.
Paull's Vehicle Rental
https://www.paullsvehiclerental.co.uk/
A family-run car and van hire company based in Leicester who have been offering vehicle hire since the 1970s. They offer student discounts and under-25 car hire at great prices so if your university is in their area it may be worth a look!
Q Jump
qjump.co.uk
Buy train tickets online and check timetables.
The Rough Guides
roughguides.com
Thousands of destinations, both in the UK and internationally.
Student Universe
studentuniverse.co.uk
Student travel, student fares.
DISABILITIES
RNIB
www.rnib.org.uk
A national charity that provides information, support and campaigns for blind people and their family, friends and employers.
Shine Charity
www.shinecharity.org.uk
A host of information sheets, a helpline, fundraising opportunities and details of local asbah associations.
DfES (Department for Education & Skills)
www.dfes.gov.uk
The leaflet Bridging the Gap: A Guide to Disabled Students' Allowances is available from the DfES.
Dyslexia Action
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk
News, information, support, and details of awards and bursaries for students with dyslexia.
www.rnib.org.uk
A national charity that provides information, support and campaigns for blind people and their family, friends and employers.
Shine Charity
www.shinecharity.org.uk
A host of information sheets, a helpline, fundraising opportunities and details of local asbah associations.
DfES (Department for Education & Skills)
www.dfes.gov.uk
The leaflet Bridging the Gap: A Guide to Disabled Students' Allowances is available from the DfES.
Dyslexia Action
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk
News, information, support, and details of awards and bursaries for students with dyslexia.