Factors To Consider When Choosing A University

by: Isabella Goode

University is expensive, with the average costs reaching as high as £40,000 depending on your situation. As such, you need to make sure that you choose the education establishment that’s right for you.

To help, I’ve put together a list of factors you need to consider before you shortlist universities and start applying.

Location

The location of your university will be a key consideration if you’re planning to stay on or near the campus. The best location for you will depend on what you want from your degree experience. If you want to see your family regularly, then you should consider a university that is near to your hometown. However, if you’d prefer to move far away from home and see more of the world, then you can check out the establishments based further afield, or even international universities. When considering the location of potential universities, you also need to think about the experiences you want to enjoy and the facilities you expect nearby. Once you know what you want, you can start to find universities that suit your needs.

Fees

Cost is a crucial factor, as you will be saddled with substantial debt when you take on a university degree. If you’re a UK citizen studying here, then the costs are set, but for international universities, you could end up paying more. You also need to check out the bursaries and scholarships that your university offers, to see if you are eligible to get extra funding for your education.

The Cost Of Living

Once you know how much money you can expect, you can see if it is sufficient to fund the cost of living near to your chosen university. If you’re planning on studying in London, then you need to be prepared to spend more money on essentials like rent, food and bills. However, some cities cost less to live in, meaning you’ll have more disposable cash to spend having fun.

Academic Accomplishments

Every university runs research, presents papers and hosts conferences alongside providing a learning experience for students. Read work published by your shortlisted universities to see how well-regarded it is, so you can choose a uni with the facilities and academic drive to help you achieve your dreams. You should also check out the teaching staff and see how involved they are in their fields so that you can start learning from renowned experts who are always learning and adapting.

Accommodation Options

For students who are planning to move away from home for uni, accommodation is essential. You need to check out the on and off-campus options so that you can find one that suits you. Check out rent costs and the quality of the accommodation in the surrounding area, as well as its availability, so you can work out if you’ll be able to find a safe, comfortable home throughout your studies.

Remote Learning

If you want to take on a university degree in combination with your existing lifestyle and career, then you should explore the remote learning options on the market. Thanks to the Coronavirus outbreak and the expansion of remote learning technology, there are now more flexible degree options than ever before, so you can find the one that suits your unique needs.

Ranking

University league tables show you how prestigious each establishment is, as well as whether it provides a satisfactory university experience. Find out how your shortlisted universities stack up against other establishments so that you can choose one that will enhance your CV and boost your job prospects in the future.

Making a choice can be tough, especially one as crucial as which university to attend. I hope this article has helped you to make the best choice for you and that you enjoy a great university experience.