Choosing a University

There are many factors to consider when choosing a university, not least does it offer exactly the kind of course you want to do? University is about much more than the studying you will do there. It is about meeting new people, having new experiences and widening your horizons, as much as anything else. So, with that in mind, when it comes to choosing where you want to apply to, think about these considerations:

• Does it offer the course that interests and motivates you the most?
• Can you meet the entry requirements for the course you want to do there?
• Will it give you the opportunity to build on your past achievements and strengths?
• Is it close enough to home (if you will be living at home through HE) or within a distance you are happy travelling (if you will be moving away)?
• What reputation does the university have?
• What reputation does the course have?
• Does the university excel in any particular area? Would your course be sidelined in favour of its 'pet' courses or are all treated equally?
• Would you be able to study in a way that suits you? How many lectures would you have to attend and how much private study would be expected? Is there any practical work to do? Would you get a year out in industry or abroad?
• Would you get any one-to-one tutoring?
• What weighting do exams have on the course? Is any coursework taken into consideration?
• If you have any practical special needs can the university cater for you?
• Would you get a chance to learn skills that would make you more employable than other graduates?
• Would you get a chance to do some work experience?
• Does the university have an active student union? What entertainment would there be on offer? Does it offer a good social life?
• How good are the sports facilities?
• Is it a campus university (where most of the university buildings, including halls of residence, are in one area, often with green space in between) or are the buildings spread out across a town or city?
• What kind of student accommodation is there? Would you be guaranteed in a place in a hall of residence for your first year at least?
• What is your instinctive feeling about the place?

The only way to know if you will be happy at a particular university is to visit it and have a look around. All universities have open days and you should definitely attend any at universities you are considering applying to. Even if is a long way away, it is well worth the effort. You can get a list of all the open days and book online at www.opendays.com

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