How to Feel Confident Walking Into Your University Interview

There’s no sugarcoating how terrifying university interviews are, especially if it’s your first interview and you don’t know what to expect. From what to wear and how to prepare, to the next steps after your university interview, there’s so much to think about. 

But it’s also an incredibly exciting time! It’s the first page of your next chapter. So with a mixture of preparation and determination, you can turn those worries into confidence and walk into your interview feeling like a pro.

If you’re looking for some friendly advice on how to prepare for a university interview, we’ve compiled all of our tips into one simple guide to help you manage this emotional rollercoaster. Let’s dive right in!

What to Expect

First things first. Not all interviews will be the same. Some are one-on-one chats, others might be panel interviews or group discussions. It all depends on your course and university. And if you’re an international student, yours will likely take place online via video call.

Knowing the format beforehand will help ease any anxieties you may have and give you a sense of control. Most universities will tell you what to expect, so don’t be afraid to ask for details.

Different universities have different interview styles as well. For example, some may focus more on your chosen subject and problem-solving, while others may lean more into your personal statement and future goals. If you want advice specific to your university and course, try reaching out on forums like Reddit and Facebook groups!

Preparation

Student interview preparation starts with lightly planning your responses to common questions, without going into too much detail. Preparing answers for your interview is a wise move because it gives you a solid foundation, and having pre-prepared responses can even boost how confidently you present yourself (even if you’re bricking it on the inside!

On the flip side, you don’t want to memorise your answers, either. If you’re overly focused on reciting the answers and you make a slight hiccup, you’re more likely to lose focus throughout the rest of the interview. Whereas if you just have a couple of bullet points jotted down, you can turn the interview into a much more conversational interaction without sounding like a robot. Remember, the interviewer wants to hear the authentic you, not a rehearsed version. So jot down your motivations, passions, and experiences, and let the conversation take its course.

To get you started, here are a few common interview questions for university that you can start to think about:

• Why do you want to study this subject?
• What interests you about our university?
• Tell us about a challenge you overcame.
• What are your future career plans?

Practice Makes Comfortable

We won’t say “perfect” because interviews aren’t about being perfect. They’re about being prepared, thoughtful, and being yourself. If you want to show confidence for your university interview, you need to put yourself in control, which you can achieve just by practising, and doing it out loud can seriously help with this. Give these tips a go and you’ll be a pro in no time:

Mock interviews

Ask a friend, teacher, or family member to do a mock interview with you. Not only will this help you to practice what and how you’ll speak, but you can also receive feedback and advice on how to improve.

Record yourself

Now, you might feel a little bit silly doing this, but recording yourself can be super useful, especially if you don’t feel comfortable practising in front of your peers. When you play it back, you can spot nervous habits or filler words, which you can then work on improving. 

Talking about your subject

Another of our university interview tips is to talk about your subject at any opportunity you’re given. Whether you’re chatting to your granny at a family gathering or discussing life after college with your teacher, practice explaining your subject clearly and enthusiastically whenever you can.

Dress the Part to Feel the Part

Now comes the tricky part: what to wear for a university interview. You don’t need to rock up in a full suit (unless you want to. It would certainly make an impression), but it’s worth choosing an outfit that makes you feel polished, put together, comfortable, and, most importantly, confident. 

Think smart-casual. Neat trousers or a skirt, a tidy top or shirt, and clean shoes. You’ll want to avoid anything that makes you fidget or worry because your full focus should be on the conversation, not how itchy your jumper of choice is!

Remember, looking your best helps you feel your best, and that confidence will shine through. 

Mindset Over Perfection

Nerves are a good thing. It shows that you care. But don’t let nerves convince you that your interview will be a disaster. Instead, try reframing your mindset. It’s not a test, it’s an opportunity. A chance for you to have a conversation about something you’re really passionate about. 

Try some calming techniques the night before or the day of, including:

• Deep breathing exercises.
• Visualising a positive outcome.
• Writing down a few encouraging affirmations (e.g. “I know my stuff”, “I am prepared”, “I belong here”).

The interviewer wants you to do well, so don’t let your own mindset sabotage you.

Interview Day Logistics 

The morning of your interview is not the time to be running around looking for train tickets or deciding what to wear.

Here’s your night-before checklist:

• Lay out your clothes.
• Double-check the time and location (or video link).
• Plan your route and aim to arrive 15–20 minutes early.
• Get a good night’s sleep (seriously, sleep helps everything).
• Pack essentials: ID, interview invitation, pen/paper, water bottle.

On the day, give yourself plenty of time to get ready and breathe. And if it’s an online interview, check your tech (and Wi-Fi) ahead of time.

You’ve Had Your Interview, Now What?

First of all, well done! Interviews can feel intense, and you did it. 

One of the next steps after your university interview is to reflect. What went well? What would you improve for next time? Then, let it go. There’s nothing you can do now to change the past, so release all of your anxieties. The hard part is done.

While you wait for results, it’s a great time to start thinking about your next big step: where you’ll live. Sorting out your student accommodation early can make the whole university transition smoother and a lot less stressful.

At aparto, we know choosing a place to live is a big deal. That’s why we’ve created spaces that are friendly, welcoming, and made to feel like home from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re a domestic student or travelling from abroad, finding the right environment helps you thrive, both academically and personally. And if you didn’t get the news you were hoping for, we can also offer support for clearing, too.

University interviews might seem scary at first, but with some solid preparation and the right mindset, they’re totally manageable. You’re not expected to have all the answers, just to show up, be curious, and let your passion come through.

This is just one part of your journey. Whether your interview goes exactly to plan or throws you a few curveballs, it’s all part of learning, growing, and stepping into the next exciting chapter of your life.

So go in there with your head held high and be proud of how far you’ve come. You’ve got this.

Once those offers start coming in, don’t forget your future home is just as important as your course. Start exploring aparto’s student accommodation options that help you feel at home from day one.