Preparing for University: A Guide for Year 10 and 11 Students
- Jona Leka
- May 26, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 31, 2025
1. Identify Your Interests and Career Goals
Before diving into courses and university research for your future UCAS applications, take some time to reflect on your interests and career goals. This will help you choose the right A-Levels or vocational qualifications later.
What subjects do you enjoy most? Consider your passions, whether it’s science, history, art, business, or something else entirely.
What careers are you interested in? If you have a specific career in mind, research the qualifications you'll need. For example, if you want to study medicine, focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Most medical schools require at least two of these subjects, and A-Level grades typically range from AAB to AAA.
Even if you're unsure, thinking about your preferences now will give you a clearer direction when choosing your A-Levels. It’s crucial that the subjects you select align with your potential university courses or careers. Some degrees have strict entry requirements regarding subject choices. You can start exploring potential career paths by taking the free Bright Network Career Test. It takes just a few minutes and can provide valuable insight into your strengths and interests.
💡 Attend open days: Many universities host open days or virtual events where you can meet lecturers, ask questions, and tour campuses. This is an excellent way to understand what university life might be like and learn about the courses that interest you.
2. Start Gaining Work Experience Early
Work experience is one of the best ways to demonstrate your skills and commitment. It shows your real-world interest in the subjects you want to study at university. This experience is especially useful when writing your Personal Statement. Waiting until Year 12 or 13 to gain relevant experience may feel rushed, making it harder to find opportunities. Instead, utilize your time in Year 10 and 11 to explore different types of work experience that can give you an edge when applying to universities.
Why is Work Experience Important?
Pursuing work experience demonstrates your proactive approach and commitment to your future. It also helps you develop key transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Gaining experience in your chosen fields highlights your passion in your personal statement. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in helping you identify your interests and career goals. Experiencing diverse work environments allows you to pinpoint what you enjoy, where your strengths lie, and which career paths may be right for you.
How to Find Work Experience
Internships or Shadowing: Look for opportunities to shadow professionals or join internships related to your field. Companies often offer internships for younger students during school breaks. You can find internships through platforms like Bright Network and Forage, or reach out directly on LinkedIn for shadowing opportunities.
Volunteering: Volunteering is a valuable way to gain experience and make a positive impact. Activities like helping in a charity shop or supporting community events demonstrate your commitment to social good. You can find volunteering opportunities on sites like Vinspired or through local community notice boards.
Part-Time Jobs: Part-time roles in retail, supermarkets, or tutoring teach valuable skills like time management and customer service. Job boards like Indeed and Employment 4 Students are great resources, or you can check directly on supermarket and retail websites.
💡 For additional tips on finding work experience, check out our online course, Finding Work Experience Opportunities:
This online course provides detailed advice and links to help you find various general and subject-specific work experience opportunities.
3. Engage in Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are powerful components of your personal statement. They allow you to pursue your passions, meet new people, and showcase your leadership and teamwork abilities. Universities are eager to admit students who are well-rounded and demonstrate interests outside of academics.
Why Are Extracurricular Activities Important?
Admissions teams review applications to see if you’re passionate about things beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities are a fantastic way to illustrate this. Whether you join a school sports team, play an instrument, participate in a debate club, or volunteer in your community, these activities help you build essential skills. You will improve in time management, communication, and teamwork. Being involved in various activities creates a balanced profile, demonstrating that you’re well-prepared for university.
💡 To discover a wide range of extracurricular activities and what counts as good options, refer to our Finding Work Experience Opportunities course.
4. Using LinkedIn to Your Advantage
LinkedIn isn’t just for professionals; it's a fantastic tool for students. You can build your LinkedIn profile early to connect with professionals and explore career options.
Create a LinkedIn Profile Start by creating a professional profile that highlights your skills, interests, and any extracurricular activities or work experience you’ve already undertaken. Your profile will serve as an online CV and help you build a network in your fields of interest.
Connect with Professionals: Use LinkedIn to reach out to professionals in your desired industries. Ask for advice or request informational interviews to learn more about specific jobs and find shadowing opportunities. Joining groups related to your fields of interest can also enhance your engagement and learning.
Search for Work Experience: LinkedIn lists internships, volunteering, part-time jobs, and shadowing opportunities. Many companies post student openings directly on the platform, making it a valuable resource for discovering opportunities aligned with your career goals.
Follow Companies and Universities: Use LinkedIn to follow organizations and universities that interest you. This allows you access to updates, news, and events, giving you useful insights as you research your future career path.
5. Find a Balance Between Academics, Work Experience, and Extracurricular Activities
In Year 10 and 11, it’s important to remember that balance is key. While work experience and extracurricular activities matter, academic performance should always remain a top priority. Pursue activities that are genuinely meaningful to you, but avoid overwhelming yourself. Overloading your schedule can lead to burnout, negatively affecting your studies.
Time Management Tips
💡 Plan your week in advance to balance schoolwork with extracurricular activities and part-time jobs or volunteer work.
💡 Don’t feel pressured to overcommit. Choose extracurricular activities that align with your interests and goals.
💡 A few key activities where you can contribute meaningfully will be more impactful than a long list of less relevant experiences.
With these steps and strategies, you can begin preparing for your future university experience now. By exploring your interests and gaining real-world experience, you will set yourself on a path to success. The journey ahead may seem challenging, but with the right mindset and preparation, you’ll be ready to take that important next step in your education!
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