UCAS Discovery Event: Farnbouragh

I traveled from Dublin to Farnborough to attend the UCAS Discovery event. It was a packed and insightful day, with plenty of opportunities to explore what UK universities have to offer.

I managed to attend several informative talks, including:

• How to Stand Out: UCAS Application and Personal Statement Tips

• Study Abroad as Part of Your Course

• Your Options Explained: How to Figure Out What’s Right for You

• Student Finance Explained

Throughout the day, I had the chance to speak with a variety of UCAS and university representatives. One highlight was hearing about the ongoing development at one of my former universities—Loughborough. Their representative shared that the gym facilities have now doubled in size and can accommodate entire teams of Premier League referees, all without disrupting the elite student athletes who train there. It was impressive to see how the campus continues to invest in top-tier facilities.

What stood out most was the diversity of institutions represented—from specialist universities in veterinary science, business, and fashion, to more traditional members of the Russell Group. As I listened in on student conversations with representatives, common themes emerged around key concerns such as:

• Accommodation options

• Employability prospects after graduation

• On-campus facilities

• University location and accessibility

It’s clear that competition among UK universities for prospective students is intense. This has led to substantial investment in academic programs, student experience, and campus infrastructure—something that was evident throughout the event.