Choosing the right university can be a tricky one. After all, it is going to be your whole existence for at least the next three years so you want to be sure you are getting it right. Here is a little guide to show you some of the factors to take into account when making this momentous decision.
University Reputation
Every university has a reputation and the logical line of thinking would be to say to go to the finest institution you can get accepted to. But, in reality, it’s not really as simple as all that as some universities have a reputation that’s good for specific types of courses and although it may offer a very wide range of courses the type you want to study might not be its strong point.
What Do You Want To Study
So it is important to know what you want to study. But how is it best to figure this one out? Well for some this is a really simple task, if you want to be a doctor or an architect or something similar then you choose the course that’s directly designed for that type of vocation. But for others, it’s not so clear cut, as some careers have multiple routes to success. In this case, maybe get in touch with potential future employers to ask what they would ideally like to see in a graduate’s application and that may help direct your course choice. Many students even have multiple careers in their life now.
Use Online Tools To Compare
There are many great online tools to help you find the right school for you to study at. Universities UK has a fantastic list of all universities to help you decide where you should study, it shows you course information, ratings and even what places to go and do things nearby are so you can make a full comparison.
Visit The Campus
You can only find out so much by reading prospectuses and reviews. To properly get a feel for the institution you should visit and see if you can arrange to have a talk with teaching staff in the department for which your preferred course is run. Most campuses have organised open days where you can get a proper tour of the facilities, see places like the teaching areas, student union and even what the accommodation is like for residential students. You should take the time to walk around the town centre of the city to see what the area as a whole feels like.
Think About Location
Where you want to study can also be an important deciding factor in choosing where to apply to. Many students feel it is an essential part of the college experience to stay away from home, experience a new city and get that feeling of liberation from the home for the first time. Alternatively, it can be a real money saver if you choose a location close to the family home and decide to commute in from home.