40% of students ‘unhappy or having second thoughts’ with university choices, only 4 days after Ucas 2016 cycle closes

Affected students urged to be sure change of heart is ‘real’ - and not just a case of cold feet

(Monkey Business Images/REX Shutterstock)

It’s only been four days since the Ucas application deadline for the 2016 cycle closed, but 40 per cent of students have already told a new poll they are unhappy with, or regretting entirely, their university choices.

The poll, carried out by the world’s largest online student community The Student Room, surveyed just over 1,420 students to reveal ten per cent of students are not happy, and 30 per cent are having second thoughts, with their decisions, even though the application window was open from 25 September 2015 until 15 January.

The site said general consensus highlighted students are making their decisions “far too early” and one student told the poll: “I regret it [applying early] because I really want to apply to some unis now, but I can’t.

“My first choice is three-and a-half hours away which is too far for me. I’m still figuring out what to do.”

Others felt the offers they had received from universities were too high based on their predicted grades, and are now feeling nervous about achieving their grades this summer.

Hannah Morrish, education community manager at The Student Room, said: “As the cycle progresses and plans become more ‘real’, many people become nervous and question whether they’re making the right decision.

“If you are now regretting your choices, it is important to be sure this change of heart is ‘real’ - and not just a case of cold feet.”

The team at The Student Room said applicants who are feeling doubtful should seek advice from teachers, friends, family, or from student experts on their website. Morrish also advised: “If you can, go and visit the universities you plan to choose as your firm and insurance, and see if you can book an appointment with the course leader to discuss your situation.

“Above all, stay calm and consider why you’re having second thoughts - and then look at all your options depending on where your application is in the cycle.”

Prior to the 2016 window closing, Ucas’ head of adviser experience, Louise Evans, had urged applicants to double-check choices carefully, all the while remembering “it’s not a big risk” to pick one or two courses which ask for grades “which may be a stretch” alongside others which match teachers’ predictions more closely.

“This could give you more options when it comes to making your decisions later in the year,” she added.

University and college decisions will be made on, or by, 5 May and students will have until 8 June to accept any offers.