Going to university is a big step for most people, but breaking down your requirements can be helpful when deciding where to go. Before you get to that point, it’s always advisable to look around a few universities to gain an idea of what it is you are looking for, what you like and what you don’t. Most universities have several open days throughout the year to help you decide, and it’s important to try and visit the universities you wish to apply to.
Here’s a few pointers to help you decide which university to go to!
1. What course do you want to do?
This may seem obvious, but if you find a university you love that doesn’t do a course which appeals to you, it’s only going to end up in heartbreak. Consider what study option(s) appeal to you, and if you are unsure then pop along to a few university open days and taster days, and sit in talks on a whole bunch of different subjects.
If you’re still unsure of what subject is for you, try exploring courses which typically aren’t taught in your school or college. This may open up your eyes to a whole world of subjects you hadn’t looked at before, from Digital Culture to Dentistry, Philosophy to Physiotherapy. Definitely seek advice from your school careers team too!
If you are really struggling to find a course which feels right for you after all of that – don’t panic! Try brainstorming the skills you have and the skills you wish to develop. Then do a second brainstorm with your interests. Pick 1-2 points from each brainstorm and type them into a search engine alongside the words “university course” and see what comes up. You might be surprised at the programmes which match your skills and your interests!
2. So you found your course, but what about the university?
There are a many different things to think about when it comes to finding the perfect university for you. Have a think about the following points to help you narrow down the university choices available to you:
- City or countryside university?
- Single campus or spread out buildings?
- Big nights out or quiet nights in?
- Living at home or living away?
- Catered halls or self-catering?
- Traditional university or modern?
- Collegiate university or non-collegiate?
- Large or small?
- The UK or international?
It may be helpful to create a chart with a tally of the universities you are interested in to find a clear overall winner, possibly adding in points for ranking, reputation and research quality too – or whatever areas matter most to you. If you really like the look of a university that doesn’t tally well, have a think about what it is that appeals to you about that university and consider making that an area for you to measure against.
3. Be realistic about your grades – but not pessimistic!
A good way to help narrow down your options is to look at the universities with grade requirements which fit in with the grades you are hoping to get. Don’t let it deter you though if your favourite university is asking for a couple of grades above what you’re planning on getting. This might be the motivation you need to work that little bit harder!
Remember that UCAS lets you have 5 university choices, so be sure to use them wisely.
4. Let your gut decide
This is a risky point, but something you can’t ignore! Sometimes where you want to go to university ultimately comes down to a gut feeling. Some places feel right the moment you step through the front door, whereas others might not. This is why it’s super important to go to as many open days as you can manage. Not only will this reveal what the buildings are like, but also will give you a chance to meet the academic staff and your potential classmates, and to find out more about your chosen course(s). What’s more, it will show you what the journey to and from university will be like which may help you decide if you should live in halls or if it’s possible to live at home. Basically, knowledge is power!
5. The foolproof approach
Most importantly: ensure you visit several different universities! You won’t truly know how you feel about a place unless you go and see it and talk with the academic staff who run your course. Take pictures and make notes on the areas which matter most to you. Ask yourself if the university was as good as you had hoped, and if it made you feel welcomed and happy. Did you find the people easy to talk to, and could you see yourself studying there for 3 or 4 years?
Try to use your notes to find common themes. Did you find you were happier at universities based in the countryside, or ones spread out over a city? Did you enjoy the universities which had the best accommodations or the ones which meant you could commute from home? Did the libraries make an impact on your choice? And so on… With this knowledge you will soon be on your way to finding the university which is right for you.
6. It’s your choice!
Of course listen to your friends and family, but remember that choosing the right university for you is a matter of personal preference. Your perfect university may be a world away from what your friends like, but don’t worry; university is a great chance to meet new people, to make new friends and to explore existing or new interests!
Wherever you end up, we hope it’s the right place for you. Take a look at what the student ambassadors at King’s reveal to be the top questions they are asked during an open day.
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