News flash! Host Shortlisted for Three Prestigious GSL (Global Student Living) Awards 2025 and Retains Platinum Operator Certification
UCAS Application Terminology
Thinking of applying for college or university? Finding your way around UCAS? A little confused? Don’t know your Clearing from your Insurance Choice?
Don’t worry, we have made a list of the terminology, so you don’t have to.
Click on a term to take you to the explanation ⬇
UCAS | UCAS TARIFF POINTS | ENTRY REQUIREMENTS | PERSONAL STATEMENT | CLEARING | STUDENT LOAN | MEANS TESTED | BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS | CONDITIONAL OFFER | UNCONDITIONAL OFFER | UCAS TRACK | UCAS EXTRA | FIRM CHOICE | INSURANCE CHOICE
UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is the central portal for information on all full-time undergraduate courses available throughout the UK. Their online service allows students to find courses, track progress and respond to offers.
UCAS Tariff Points.
UCAS has a tariff system or ‘UCAS points’ which converts qualification grades into points e.g., “BBC” is the equivalent to 112 UCAS points. Grades are added together to give a total which can be used as an entry requirement for a course. UCAS has a useful tariff calculator online.
Entry Requirements.
The criteria that students must meet to be offered a place on a course, such as achieving certain results at school or college. Different universities and courses will have different entry requirements which will be listed on UCAS, university websites and in university prospectuses.
Personal statement.
A vital part of the university application to convey why a student wants to study the chosen course, to demonstrate to admissions tutors why they should be offered a place on their programme.
Clearing.
The summer period, including the time after A-Level results are released, where universities advertise remaining places on their courses.
Student loan (maintenance and tuition fee loans).
Repayable money from the Students Loan Company (SLC) available to help students with living costs (maintenance) and tuition fees.
Means tested.
Assessment made on household income to determine how much financial support a student is entitled to.
Bursaries and scholarships.
Non-repayable funding to assist with the cost of studying at university. This sometimes comes in the form of credit to use on campus or with approved retailers.
Conditional offer.
A student is made a conditional offer by a university if they are predicted to meet the entry requirements of the course. The offer is dependent upon a student meeting the requirements, for example achieving certain results in their BTEC, A Levels or other Level 3 qualifications.
Unconditional offer.
An offer of a place on a course with no conditions which can be accepted straight away.
UCAS Track.
Students can log into UCAS track to check the status of offers as well as amend any details.
UCAS Extra.
If students are without an offer, UCAS Extra offers an additional choice.
Firm choice.
The preferred or first choice university on a UCAS application.
Insurance choice.
The second choice university on a UCAS application to act as a reserve if a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements of their firm choice.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for our latest tips, news and updates.
#HostEnvironmentalPledge.
Getting serious about the environment we live in.
To become more ‘environmentally friendly’, Host is launching the #HostEnvironmentalPledge campaign to encourage responsible behaviour and drive sustainability across our sites throughout the UK and Ireland.
It’s a simple campaign! For every percent we reduce our overall utilities (electric, water and gas) consumption by we donate to one of our nominated charities.
Show me all newsLatest news
News flash! The benefits of working in your university city over the summer
As the academic year winds down, many students start packing their bags and heading home for a much-needed break. But what if you stayed in your university town or city instead? Picking up a summer job where you study can be a game-changer - not just for your bank balance, but also for your personal growth and career prospects. Here's why staying local this summer might be one of your smartest moves yet, along with practical tips to make the most of it.
News flash! Discover your ideal student home in London with Host
Choosing where to live during your studies in London is about more than just finding a place to sleep - it’s about finding a supportive, safe, and enriching environment that enhances your university experience. Here's why thousands of students choose Host as their student accommodation provider in London every year.