Who are we and what are our aims?

unofficial-guides.com^™ is a newly formed organisation of students. We aim to provide the most student friendly and honest alternative information on Higher Education for prospective students and parents. This is in response to our awareness that many prospective students are ill informed and overawed with regard to the choice of universities and colleges currently available.  Our thoughts were confirmed by the initial unofficial-guides.com^™ survey.

We are currently operating strategic partnerships with the Telegraph Group, Amazon.co.uk, and Opendays.com.

The unofficial-guides.com^™ survey?

The survey was implemented in two parts. The first part was aimed at current university students, preferably at the end of their first or final year. Students, from a variety of Universities, were asked if everything at university was as expected before they arrived. Those that answered no to this question were then asked to highlight the areas that they felt previously ill prepared.

Many suggested that they were ill prepared for the amount they drank during Fresher's Week! Although, without doubt, true, others cited money management, the reality of independence, and the differing teaching methods from school, as areas for which they could have been more ready. These topics, and others, will be covered in the unofficial-guides.com^™ advice pages, to be added in the coming weeks.

The second part of the unofficial-guides.com^™ survey, was aimed at prospective students in the final two years of school. Those that intended to go to university were asked what information they would like about an institution before applying. Much of the information wanted was not readily available in the official university prospectuses.

Over 60% of those questioned complained that not enough social life information was to be found. Furthermore, many prospective students wanted better gender and social composition statistics. Almost all prospective students thought that the price of beer (and other drinks) was an important determinant of where they apply... information on which was sadly lacking!

What is available on unofficial-guides.com^™?

unofficial-guides.com^™ provides alternative guides to UK universities, as well as a searchable directory of all University and Student Union websites. The advice section is still growing and will include a range of topics written by students, and people knowledgeable in a variety of fields, to help make the transition from school to university as smooth as possible. There is a useful links section, and a book and music store, with university and academic books.

Written and updated by students across the country, the unofficial-guides tell you what the social life, accommodation and facilities are really like at each university. Useful statistics and honest opinions also form part of the guides so prospective students and parents have correct and unbiased information to make an informed decision.

How is the information gathered?

The unofficial-guides.com team gathers information from a range of sources, including students, student unions, universities and higher education organisations like HESA. Our primary source, however, are the students without whom we would not be able to bring you the honest opinions and the latest information on what's happening, where.

We are grateful for the help of many people and organisations, who have supplied us with information and assistance. If you are a university student, and would like to assist in writing a guide or an advice page, please contact us.

Why are the unofficial-guides superior to other guides?

Only students write the unofficial-guides. Our printed competitors say they are written 'by students for students', but this is not entirely true. While some students assist with the guides, they are large companies with professional editorial teams, that write the guides in a way that will appeal to all the parties involved (including the universities), thus maximising company profits. As a result, you may find unofficial-guides.com^™ - and its aim to give prospective students the most honest information - more controversial!

The unofficial-guides can be updated instantly (well, in about 30 seconds). Unlike our printed competitors, the unofficial-guides are web based, and can be updated instantly. The printed guides can only be updated when there is a new print run, usually once a year.

The unofficial-guides are FREE. We make our money through content licensing and advising companies who wish to target the student market - by writing their content or advising on an effective marketing strategy.

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