Top 5 tips to choosing the right university for you
The process of applying for university can be daunting. From selecting an undergraduate course to deciding on the academic institution to study at, future university students can sometimes feel lost.
Here is a quick guide to what you should consider when making that important choice!
1. Location location location
Where the university is located will play a critical role in deciding whether you apply or not. As most degrees take 3-years to complete, think to yourself if you can imagine living and studying here. Do you prefer a busy city or would you rather spend your student years in somewhere more rural? A top tip would be to visit the campus to get a feel of what it might be like if you study there.
2. Course structure
Most university websites advertise their course structures so you can see if it would be a match for you. Is the area within the subject something you have a strong interest in or does the course let you choose your modules? Alternatively, you could contact the admissions team directly and they are often happy to answer any questions you may have. This should play a key role in your decision making because each university offers something different!
3. Teaching style
Important statistics such as lecturer to student ratio, class size and types of assessments can be readily found. It is important to consider if you prefer learning through group work/seminar discussions or learning purely from lecturers. The type of assessment is also something to consider as you may prefer coursework over exams or something more practical!
4. What do other students think?
You may be lucky to know someone who has already studied at that university so feel free to ask them questions! Alternatively, you can find opinions online to get a feel of what being a student at that institution would be like. Information about student services, how helpful the staff are, facilities such as libraries and even what student societies you can join will greatly help your decision making.
5. Ranking
Reputation comes with ranking and has a good indication of level of teaching for the university you are applying to. Metrics such as student satisfaction and if the university has a high research output can be important considerations based on your interests. Not only this, it can give you an idea of the facilities the university has such as number of libraries and the employability prospects once you graduate.
Our expert mentors at Geniuson can provide practical insights into this process and create a road map for each student to achieve their dream subject or institution. As our mentors have gone through the admissions process themselves, they can provide relevant and meaningful guidance. Our mentors are experienced in assisting students from the Top 20 Universities in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2021) and understand how to give you a competitive edge.
Please check out our admissions consulting service for more information!