Hey :)
You're right it's required to apply for studies as soon as possible so that they say a year before would be the best. However, it's written that an entry process ends usually on the 15th January (unless u wanna study medicine etc. cos then u gotta apply sooner) Anyways, u have to take an exam: at least CAE but better would be IELTS. Most of the unis require it. What's more u gotta pass ur finals (matura exmas) quite good (75% at least). Everything depends on you :)
Look at the following steps:
1. find out everything about the unis that u r interested in.
2. choose the best courses that u like.
3. Register at ucas.com and start ur application process.
4. Be patient :)
Good luck :)