FAQs

When do I need to apply for student finance?

The sooner the better! If you’re ready, we advise that you make a start on your application straight away. Student finance can take a few weeks to be approved and they sometimes ask for additional information which can delay your application. Try not to leave it later than July to make your application - this still allows 6-8 weeks which is a typical length of time for SFE. Remember that they get hundreds of thousands of applications each year, so leaving it to the last minute might mean that your student loan arrives late.

When will I receive student finance?

As long as you’ve made your application in good time and have received confirmation from the relevant funding body (e.g. SFE, SFW etc.), then you should get your loan once you have completed all aspects of enrolment and are registered for your timetabled sessions.

I’m not getting a loan, I’ll be paying for my degree directly. Is there a payment plan, and where should I make the payment?

You can choose to either make a 100% payment on (or by) the first date of the first semester (Study block), or you can make two 50% payments. The first on or by the first day of the semester, the second on the first day of the second semester. You’ll need to make your payment(s) directly to Falmouth University which you can do via the payment portal.

When and how do I get a student bank account?

The majority of students are eligible for a student bank account. This means that you can access an interest free student overdraft during your studies which you then slowly pay off after you graduate (the overdraft usually remains interest free for 1-2 years after graduating). You’ll be able to look into this once you receive your UCAS acceptance letter. We strongly recommend that all students access a student bank account, if eligible, to help alleviate financial strain whilst studying. There are lots of different types out there so do some research to find the best deals!

USEFUL RESOURCES

Here are some useful resources which tell you all you need to know about Student Finance.

The Big Fat Guide to Student Finance 2022

UCAS' Guide to Student Finance

The Money Saving Expert Guide to Student Finance

What if I don’t get the grades I need for the course?

Once Clearing opens on 5th July, we’ll be able to chat with you about your options - it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of your journey with us, but we will need to speak with you to determine whether we can uphold your offer. You’ll be able to call us on results day if you have any questions.

I’ve accepted my place, but I’ve been asked to complete an APEL, what does this mean?

APEL stands for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning. There are a number of reasons why we might have asked you to complete this, including if you’ve been out of education for a while, or if you don’t have a level 3 qualification but have lots of experience. It’s so that we can make sure that you’ll be able to transition successfully into Higher Education. You’ll be sent the specific requirements for this directly - if you’re still not sure, please contact our admissions team.

How do I send my Level 3 certificates to you?

If you’re receiving your results this summer, in most cases your exam board will send your results directly to UCAS. If you completed your Level 3 qualification before 2022 then you’ll need to upload them to your My Falmouth portal.

What do I need to do for enrolment?

All applicants who have provided their required documentation (qualification certificates, Passport, English language test results*) by the end of August will be invited to enrol online on 1st September. The enrolment invitation will be sent to the email address that is registered to your UCAS.

*International applicants are required to evidence this. You will have been notified if this is needed to support your application.

When do I need to come in to register?

We’ll be sending you more details on the exact dates you’ll need to come in closer to the time, but for now make sure that you keep the week beginning 12th September in mind!

When will I get my timetable?

Timetables are usually released to you during induction week. If you have questions prior to then, please email admissions@dbsmusic.co.uk who may be able to give you an indication of your schedule. Please note, the timetable may not be finalised until induction week and therefore is subject to change up until that point.

Will I be able to talk to Student Support during Induction Week? Can I talk to them before Induction Week?

Yes - all students will have an ‘Initial Assessment’ and group talk with Student Support. The team will also be available for 1-2-1 drop ins during Induction Week. If you would like to get in touch with them sooner to discuss a specific need that you have, please email our admissions team, who will be able to put you in touch with our Student Support Manager.

What’s happening at Freshers’?

We’re putting together a programme of events, talks and workshops for you! We’ll be updating you with the details in August :)

What societies does dBs have?

We have a number of societies at dBs, including; DJ & Events, Women @ dBs, LGBTQ+, Gaming, Jamming and more! You’ll be able to find out more about all of these during your Freshers’ Week - We’re always open to growing the scope of our societies so when you join we encourage you to put forward any suggestions you have!

When do I need to find accommodation?

The earlier you get your accommodation sorted, the more relaxed you’ll feel about starting in September! Bristol is particularly competitive for student accommodation, and we highly recommend that you get in touch with our Accommodation Advisor, Annie Heyes (annie.heyes@dbsmusic.co.uk), or contact HYBR, our accommodation partner, to sort out your accommodation early.

What can HYBR do to support me in finding accommodation?

Acting as the go-between for students and landlords, HYBR can introduce you to housemates, share exclusive housing options, support with viewing properties, informing you of your rights as a student tenant and much more.

What else can I do to find housemates?

The dBs Institute Applicant Hub on Discord is the best place to meet with other applicants and find housemates. Using the accommodation thread you can speak with others looking for housing and set up private groups within Discord to share potential houses and organise viewings.

What accommodation options are available to me?

As a specialist institute, dBs does not have bespoke accommodation for our students. As a result, you will need to source your own accommodation in Bristol. This can either be in student halls, provided by organisations such as Unite, Collegiate, iQ etc., or through private student housing through letting agents and house sharing platforms.

You can see what options are available in our Accommodation Guide 2022/23.