The university life you’ve dreamt of is within touching distance. Only one significant milestone stands between you and your dream university: the interview.
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting the opportunity to engage with admissions officers or feeling a tad nervous about the prospect, both feelings are totally normal, and everyone is in the same boat.
We’re guessing you’ve landed here because you have an upcoming university interview, and here at Vita Student, we are here to guide you through the process.
From decoding common questions to remembering your strengths, we’ll equip you with the strategies you need to shine brightly in your university interviews.
Let us help you navigate the interview process from start to finish.
How to get ready for a University Interview
Preparing for a university interview can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.
It’s your opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, accomplishments, and aspirations to the admissions committee.
Step 1: Research the University
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research the university, its history and its specialisms. Understand its mission, values, academic offerings, and extracurricular opportunities. This knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the institution and shows that you’ve done your homework.
Step 2: Re-read Your Application
Familiarise yourself with your application materials, including your personal statement, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant documents. Be prepared to discuss your experiences, interests, and goals in detail, as no doubt the interviewer will have your application in front of them, ready to discuss!
Step 3: Practise Common Questions
Show that you’ve done your research by practising answers to common questions. Every faculty and university is different, depending on what subject you’re hoping to study. Some courses are more competitive than others and require you to do some further research into the mechanics of the course or prepare for a role-play scenario.
As a general rule of thumb, anticipate and practise answering common interview questions such as:
● Tell us about yourself and your background.
● Why are you interested in this university?
● What are your academic and career goals?
● How do you plan to contribute to the university community?
● Why does this course appeal to you?
● Discuss a challenging academic project or problem you’ve encountered and how you overcame it.
● What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you plan to address them during your time at university?
● Discuss a current event or issue that interests you and explain why.
● What makes you stand out from other people wanting to study here?
● Can you tell me about a challenge you’ve overcome and what you’ve learned from it?
Step 4: Highlight Your Strengths
Reflect on your strengths, experiences, and achievements, and think about how they align with the university’s values and expectations. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving skills, creativity, and resilience. Remember, being able to back up a point with evidence is always beneficial!
Step 5: Prepare to Ask Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewer about the university, its programs, campus life, research opportunities, and anything else that interests you. This shows your genuine curiosity and engagement, which may earn you extra brownie points. After all, you are also interviewing them to see if the University is a good fit for you!
Some examples of questions to ask in university interviews:
- What opportunities are available for students who love to _?
- What are some important aspects of campus life?
- How does the university help its students secure employment?
- What makes you proud to be affiliated with this university?
- What qualities does this university look for in its students?
- How is this university addressing different social causes?
- What internships or work placements are available for my course?
Step 6: Practise Your Communication Skills
Practise speaking confidently and articulately about yourself and your experiences. Ahead of the big day, ask someone you feel confident with to role-play trial interviews to help visualise the scenario. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. Practise active listening and engage with the interviewer respectfully.
Step 7: Dress Appropriately
Dress in an appropriate and professional attire that reflects your respect for the interview process and the institution. Choose clothing that leans to the formal side and is neat, clean, and appropriate for the occasion.
Step 8: Stay Calm and Be Yourself
Easier said than done right? But seriously, take deep breaths and remember to be yourself. On the day of the interview, try to stay calm and composed. Confidence, authenticity, and enthusiasm can go a long way in making a positive impression.
Step 9: Follow Up with Interviewer
After the interview, consider sending a thank you email to your interviewer expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterating your interest in the university.
By following these steps and adequately preparing for your university interview, you can present yourself in the best possible light and increase your chances of success.
And following your university interview, your thoughts may turn to your university accommodation…
Where will you live?
What is available to you?
What are your options when it comes to choosing university accommodation?
Many new students in the UK stay in university halls during their first year, but you don’t haveto live in university-provided accommodation.
Living in private accommodation, like our Vita Student Residences, has many extra benefits you might not have considered or even know about.
For students with an all-in attitude.
Vita Student is the only student accommodation with everything covered.
We differ from standard university accommodation by offering an all-inclusive service, allowing you to focus on your studies and your student experiences.
Here’s a taster of what life at Vita Student Accommodation looks like…
● We offer modern facilities in buildings right in the centre of where you’ll want to be as a student living in a new city.
● You can maintain your health and fitness with our free on-site gyms, open 24/7.
● Make friends and connections at our world-famous events, which take place daily within our buildings. Some of our weekly events include cooking classes, skincare masterclasses, private shopping events, craft workshops and career talks!
● Fortnightly housekeeping is also included in your room price, so you can spend more time studying or doing what you enjoy.
● We go beyond the norm with access to free career talks, CV advice and our exclusive alumni network.
If you like the sound of what you’ve read, don’t wait around; competition to secure Vita Student accommodation is fierce, and the only way to get ahead is to get in touch.
