Are you thinking about life after sixth form? Whether you’re still weighing your options or have sent in your UCAS application, you may be curious about university life.
Sixth form is essential for preparing students for higher education. However, moving to university means significant changes in academics, social life, and daily routines. From newfound independence to shifts in teaching styles, university offers a whole new experience.
Join us as we explore the main differences between sixth form and university.
What is sixth form?
Sixth form covers the final two years of secondary education for students aged 16 to 18, which teachers refer to as Key Stage 5. Students study for AS and A levels or attend vocational courses.
In schools with a sixth form, students continue their education within the same community. If a school doesn’t have a sixth form or a student wants to study a subject that isn’t offered, they can attend a sixth form college instead.
Both options help students prepare for university or full-time employment.
What is a university?
Universities are where students pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in specialised subjects. You can study for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree, each offering deeper knowledge and expertise in your chosen field. Educators call this higher education.
Most students start university at 18 or older, but universities don’t enforce a minimum age requirement, so younger students who excel academically can enrol with parental consent.
Is college the same as university?
The term “college” can be confusing because many American universities have “college” in their names. A UK college is typically a place to pursue further education, like AS and A levels, although it’s sometimes also possible to obtain a degree there. However, colleges and universities generally cater to different age groups and levels of study.
Academic differences between sixth form and university
In academic terms, there are significant differences between sixth form and university.
Subject focus
Students typically study multiple subjects in sixth form, which helps them build a strong academic foundation before narrowing their focus at university. Studying for a degree allows you to explore subjects in depth, which requires more critical thinking and independent research than at A level.
Teaching style
Sixth form teachers lead structured lessons, guide students through the curriculum, and track their progress. At university, students take charge of their learning. Lectures provide core content, while tutorials and practical sessions encourage discussion and deeper engagement.
Then, tutors expect students to research independently and expand their understanding beyond the lecture theatre. The fast-paced nature of university courses demands strong time management and self-motivation.
Assessment methods
Students in sixth form complete frequent assignments and assessments. In contrast, university students face fewer tasks and exams, but they’re more challenging. Higher education essays and coursework need deeper analysis, while exams focus on applying knowledge rather than memorising facts. Without regular feedback, students must take the initiative to track their progress and seek help when needed.
Support system differences
Universities encourage independent learning, so students get less personal support than in sixth form. However, they still offer support when needed. Students can contact their personal tutors and lecturers with questions about their university studies. They can also seek help from their school of study for workload issues, while student unions provide personal support through well-being services.
Another significant difference in support systems lies in the availability of academic resources. University libraries provide more specialised resources and research databases than colleges. These libraries also offer different study spaces, including rooms for individual study, collaborative work zones, and quiet areas. Dedicated librarians actively assist students with research, offering expertise and helping them find resources to enhance their academic work.
Lifestyle differences between sixth form and university
Some students enjoy the lifestyle changes as much as the educational aspect of university.
Living arrangements
For most sixth form students, living at home with their parents is the norm. Moving to university often means leaving home for the first time — unless students choose a local university to save on costs.
In their first year, many students stay in university halls of residence, where they have a bedroom and share kitchen and bathroom facilities. By the second and third years, most move into house shares with friends.
Living independently means taking on household responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping — tasks your parents may have handled for you at home.
Financial responsibility
University life comes with greater financial independence. Students manage tuition fees, student loans, rent, and household bills while budgeting for groceries, transport, study materials, and social activities.
Balancing expenses with a limited income from loans, parental support, and part-time work is essential. You’ll need to discover how to budget effectively and make informed spending decisions to avoid financial stress.
Time management
Shifting from a set school schedule to a flexible university timetable requires strong time management skills. Students need to organise study sessions for exams and assignments without tutors’ help. Developing self-discipline and effective scheduling habits is essential for achieving academic success.
Social differences
People often consider their university years the best of their lives for good reason.
Friendships
Higher education provides opportunities to meet diverse individuals from varied backgrounds, while sixth form typically consists of local teenagers. Leeds’ universities collectively host around 80,000 British and international students each academic year.
Students also form larger social circles in university, connecting with classmates, housemates, and people they meet through social events.
Social events and nightlife
Freshers’ Week is an explosion of activities, events, and social interactions unlike anything you’ll experience in sixth form.
At university, you’ll quickly meet new people through student union events, on-campus bars, and various clubs and societies. If you think a club for your niche hobby doesn’t exist, prepare to be surprised — check out some of the University of Leeds’ most unexpected societies.
When students live away from home, they plan their social lives around university friends. You can expect nights out, housemate hangouts, shopping, workouts, and fun day trips together.
Final thoughts
Sixth form and university differ in many ways, shaping your personal and academic growth. While some changes bring challenges, others create exciting and rewarding opportunities. As you prepare for university, consider these differences and think about renting all-inclusive student accommodation to simplify your finances. This will give you more time to focus on studying, socialising, and enjoying your university experience.
