It's Christmas!

There may seem lots to do around the holiday time: wrapping presents, revising for exams, or making your university application, if you haven’t already. But we want you to have a stress-free Christmas - you deserve a holiday! So here are some tips to make the most of your break.

Mockin' around the Christmas tree

A-Level students – you may have your mock exams after Christmas.

Yes, mocks don’t count for your final grade, but they are a great way to prepare you for what’s to come. Also, many universities use your mock exam result as part of your application, so it can help give you the best chance of going for a place you really want.

You can also use them to see how you’re getting on with your course - helping to identify any areas you may need to focus on a little more.

So, this is a great time to perfect your revision technique, ready for your final exams. Firstly, put a really good timetable together so you can make sure you have plenty of down-time over the holidays and get that well-deserved break.

And mock exams will give you a taste of what the summer exams will be like. You’ll be in the same conditions as your final exams, so when it comes to it, you’ll be familiar with the setup. Check out our article in week 21 for revision tips if you have mock exams coming up.

All I want for Christmas (is to finish my UCAS application)

The other big thing that’s coming up is the deadline for UCAS applications. 6pm on 29 January to be precise.

If you’re yet to submit yours, don’t panic. There’s still time! The Christmas break is an ideal time to think about the open days you visited and the courses you’re thinking about. Don’t rush putting the finishing touches to your application. Give yourself some time and space to make sure you’ve got everything covered. And if you can, ask someone to give it a check-over to make sure everything’s present and correct. And don’t forget, if you haven’t used all your five choices yet, you can always add more at this stage. If you want to do this, try and add them before the January deadline, as if you wait until after, some popular courses may not have vacancies after this date.

And our extra gift to you is some quick links to the 52 Weeks articles that can help with planning your application!

• Registering with UCAS
• Choosing the right course
• Make a statement with your personal statement
• Personal statements part two

Don't stress - celebrate!

The holidays can be a stressful time with numerous things to organise, regardless of your celebration. Whether you're observing Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, or any other holiday, it's important to remember that this season is about creativity, traditions, and spending time with loved ones. Stress can lead to impulsive purchases that strain your budget. Instead, take some time to plan and find inspiration to make the most of the holidays. You've worked hard all year, so don't forget to treat yourself and enjoy the festivities.