A lot of people send me messages on Instagram about how to apply to study in the UK. Having gone through the process myself, I understand the process and wish I understood somethings better before submitting my applications.
JAMB UTME- Joint Admissions Matriculation Board, Unified Tertiary Matriculated Examination
Like many Nigerians, I sat for the JAMB exams in Senior Secondary School 3. And like many unlucky ones, I did not pass. I got 173/178 out of 400. It was obviously not enough to attend either the University of Ibadan or the University of Ilorin. I did JAMB the following year and got 289 which was great. However, with the corrupt system in Nigeria, and three years after I met the pass marks, I am still waiting to be offered a place.
A levels at Educational Advancement Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State
When all hopes of gaining admission into a Federal University fails, many people forget about going to university, others keep trying and write the UTME year after year. I was part of the minority who studied for A-Levels. This is usually with the hopes of gaining admission into the second year of a federal University. Others already know that they will "japa" soon (travel abroad to study) or at least have it as a backup plan.
My application to UK universities
I had always wanted to study abroad and had been doing my 'research. By that I mean spending hours on Google, on University websites and scholarship websites. The main goal was to find a cheap university. The 'best' and 'high ranking' universities had tuition fees that were unaffordable. Definitely outside of my parents annual income range. In this life, you need money to survive!
How did I apply?
I applied through UCAS to five universities, with the hope that a 'miracle of some sorts would happen.
I had to pay an application fee in dollars which I didn't have. Shout out to P and her mum for helping with this. Thanks to my mum for paying them back in naira.
Choosing the perfect university
I wanted to go to one of the best universities, but the best was out of 'our budget.
I was offered a conditional place at all 5 universities. I chose the University of East London (UEL) and the University of Westminster as my 'firm and insurance choices' respectively. UEL was the cheapest. The University of Westminster offered me a place too, but I missed their email. Pay attention to your emails, dear reader! I went through the processes needed to get a visa, got my visa after about three weeks to a month. The rest has been sweet and sour, but never bitter. Grateful everyday for the opportunity to have studied in the UK. Happy that I believed in myself and that God gave me the strength to carry on, in the most difficult times.
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