Year 13 can be a challenging time. It’s the final stretch of your schooling journey before heading off to university, or entering the world of work through an apprenticeship or job. At the minute, it probably feels like you’ve got a hundred things to juggle with revision, coursework, UCAS applications and apprenticeship searches. The good news is that, while daunting, Year 13 is totally manageable. We’ve put together five top tips to help guide you through it all.
Tip 1: Stay Organised.
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Use a planner or an online calendar tool (we at UK University Search love Google Calendar!). This can help you to keep track of your deadlines, and break down big tasks into small, manageable chunks.
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Using a planner can help you to remember when everything is due in, which is particularly important in Year 13 with regular coursework and UCAS deadlines.
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A good planning system also can prevent the dreaded ‘burnout’. By setting out a manageable stream of tasks to complete, you can avoid cramming everything into one day.
Tip 2: Build a Support System.
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Exams and university/apprenticeship applications aren’t something you have to tackle alone. Building a good support system of friends, family and teachers will make the process easier.
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Speaking to friends who are going through the same experiences will allow you to support each other, decreasing stress and helping you when you get stuck.
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Parents, siblings, or other relatives can provide you with encouragement. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to will make a world of difference.
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Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teachers and tutors, particularly when university applications start. They have guided plenty of students before you, and are experts in the process.
Tip 3: Build Independence Skills.
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Moving to university or moving out of home for an apprenticeship can seem scary, particularly if you haven’t lived independently before. Year 13 is the perfect time to start working on skills such as cooking and learning to budget.
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Start by learning how to cook some meals, and write down the instructions. This will help you if you decide to move away from home in September.
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Learning to cook also provides perfect time away from studies and schooling pressures, which will help with managing stress and avoiding burnout.
Tip 4: Search For Your Next Steps.
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It can be daunting imagining life away from home and school, but conducting research into what you want to do next can help you to make the right decision.
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Attend one of our fairs. Our events take place all across the country (and are completely free for you to attend!). Our events provide a wide range of exhibitors offering both University courses and Apprenticeships, so don’t worry if you haven’t decided which route you wish to take yet. You can find details on all of our events here.
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If you have an idea on which route or course you wish to take, start thinking about your personal statement. The process for personal statements has changed this year, and all details can be found on the UCAS site here.
Tip 5: Have Fun!
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Whilst searching for your next steps and keeping on track of your academic progress is important, so are the memories you make along the way.
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Make time for your friends. It is easy to get wrapped up in revising, however it is important to not neglect enjoying yourself and having fun with your friends. This can help to keep you grounded and motivated, avoiding the dreaded ‘burnout’.
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Balance work with downtime. You may find you study better when you avoid cramming and instead allow yourself time to relax. After you’ve finished a task; go for a walk, watch a film or just switch off for a while.
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Capture the memories. Take photos, write a journal or keep souvenirs. These memories will be nice to look back on after you’ve moved on into your next steps.
Remember, Year 13 is more than just exams, it’s about preparing for a new chapter of your life. It can be a stressful time for many, but by using these tips you can help yourself to stay motivated and grounded. You will come out the other side ready for your next step, whatever that may be.
