For many people, the process of choosing a university is fraught with uncertainty. Where should you go? What subject should you take? Is it worth studying abroad? With so many choices, it can seem like there is no way to make the correct decision on what is right for you. Luckily, we are help to help! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to choose a university!
How To Choose A University
Step 1: Subject Choice
Naturally, the first thing you need to decide is what subject you actually want to do. If like the majority you are taking 3 or 4 A-levels, you are already off to a good start. Think about which subjects you enjoy the most, and the type of careers this might lead into. How do these careers fit in with your particular skills? Research the careers in detail and start reading university prospectuses. Look around and see if you can gain work experience before applying for the course. This will hugely strengthen your application, and show you how to choose a university.
Step 2: Courses
Now that you’ve selected your subject, it’s time to start looking into different university courses. When researching courses, it’s important to pay attention to the following:
- Structure. Structure is really important. You need to be sure that you are signing up for a course which suits you. For example, if you are expected to take a year abroad, and aren’t someone who likes travelling; then there is an obvious clash here. Or if you are taking a more practical course, but would prefer to get some theory lessons first; then a programme where you are thrown straight in the deep end won’t suit your interests. Paying attention to the structure will really show you how to choose a university
- Teaching style. It’s also really important that you are signing up for a course where the teaching style suits you. This differs, so make sure you get it right! Some courses are taught primarily using big lectures, whereas others are more focused around group work and discussion based seminars. Think about which learning style works best for you, and choose a course that suits this.
- Entrance requirements. Obviously, there is no point applying for courses where you have no chance of meeting the entrance requirements. It’s good to aim high, but you need to be realistic and give yourself the best chance possible, of learning how to choose a university.
Step 3: Location…Relocation?
Location is really important, and has a massive impact on your university experience. Do you want to opt for an on-campus university or a university based in a big city? Consider the accommodation too. You might prefer to be based on campus to put you closer to your lectures, or you might want to be away from the campus so you get more of a taste of outside life. How close do you want to be to home, and what about transport? All of these things need to be taken into consideration when deciding how to choose a university.
Step 4: Uni Life
We all know that university isn’t just about the work. It’s about the experience, so you need to make sure that the university you select has the right things for you. All universities are full of clubs and societies, but there are certain universities which have an outstanding reputation for certain activities. For example, if your hobby is Quidditch, you might consider joining Keele. For academic debate, universities such as Warwick take the plaudits. Make sure that if you have a particular niche interest, the university you are choosing can cater for this.
Step 5: Open Days
The final step in how to choose a university is to actually make sure you go and see the university yourself, before you apply. Book yourself onto open days, to see what life at the uni is really like. This is a game changer, and often makes your decision so much easier.
