August 21, 2018, by Talia Jeffries

How to choose a university

You’ve just about decided on a course, and you’re relieved that the big, life-changing decisions are over. Think again – they’ve only just begun.

Everyone is different, but luckily, so is every university. No university is better than the other, really, it’s all about which is the best fit for YOU. Here are the top things to look for when choosing where to study:

1. Academic Standing

You should always set your goals on something aspirational, whilst making sure that they’re realistic. Sounds impossible, huh? Consider your predicted grades and your own ambitions when picking which university to study at. Don’t apply to Oxford if you’re on track for 3 Bs, but don’t be afraid to apply to a great university, even if you’re worried about your grades. Your A-Levels are 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration – you’ll get the grades based on how much work you put in, and you’ll put more work in if you have a goal to work towards. It’s all about finding a university that places in that middle-ground between the impossible and the easily achieved. This balancing act can be a little bit difficult, but you can always find a different university through clearing or adjustment on results day. In the meantime, you can check out these various university league tables and see where you think you’ll fit best:

The Complete University Guide

Guardian university league tables

Top Universities

2. The Course

If you’ve had a look at the league tables, you’ll notice that each university will specialise in different subjects. Make sure that the course you’ve chosen is a good choice for your university. For example, Russell Group universities are great for academic and traditional disciplines, whereas former polytechnic universities are excellent choices for vocational degrees.

3. Student Life

For many people, the student lifestyle is the best part of going to university. So, it’s important to research how affordable the city you’re studying in is, and what that city has to offer. For example, if you’re looking for great nightlife, a huge variety of societies and sports teams, and a growing arts and music scene, Nottingham is an excellent choice. The city offers everything from shopping, to clubbing, to art classes and gigs. However, you may prefer a University located in a more serene, countryside area, in which case perhaps a university like Exeter could be the one for you.

4. The Campus or the City?

The way in which different universities are mapped out might sound like a negligible aspect of university life, however, it actually has a huge impact on the student experience. Some people may prefer to be on a campus, like Nottingham, where you’re in your own private student bubble, with all necessities located within 15 minutes (or 20 minutes on a bus into town). On the other hand, you may like to be in a university that’s placed within the lively city center, like Nottingham Trent, where you’re among real Nottingham life and in a walking distance from restaurants and clubs. Equally, it’s important to think about how accommodation impacts this decision. At Nottingham, all first year accommodation is placed within the campuses, so you’re in walking distance from your friends in other halls and your lectures. There is a variety of self-catered and catered accommodations to choose from, so make sure you explore these choices and see if the university you’ve chosen offers the right option to you.

5. Open Days

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, compile a shortlist of your favourite universities and book yourself on to some open days! You’ll find that you can only really get a feel for a university when you see it in the flesh, and can truly imagine yourself studying there. This will give you the chance to ask important questions about your course, have a tour around the campus and accommodations, and go for a walk around the city.

If you’ve completed all these steps, you are now fully equipped to pick the best university out there for you, and can go on to daydream about your future life as a student. Enjoy!

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