Welcome to the very first episode of University What Why How, a new podcast for anyone thinking about going to uni. Offering unbiased, impartial advice to anyone thinking of university or apprenticeship, we’ll tackle everything you need to know - including whether uni’s even the right call for you.

Each episode your host, Zoe, will explore some aspect of the application process or the uni experience, walking you through step-by-step - along with advice, support, and – where we can – personal stories from students who’ve already made the leap.

This week, we’re kicking off with a big one – the January UCAS deadline. If you’re not sure what that is, don’t worry – that's what we’re here for. What is the deadline? What do you need to do? And what does it mean if you miss it?

Along the way we'll explore and explain a few essentials, if you're new to all this: what UCAS is, how the uni application process works, personal statements, UCAS tariff points, foundation years and more.

Got questions? Want more? Take a look at our companion guide, 52 Things To Do - a year-long programme of articles and advice designed to walk you all the way from application to starting uni. And you can always drop us an email if you've got any questions, at schools.colleges@solent.ac.uk - Sam, or Zoe, or someone else from our fantastic support team, will be happy to help.