Figuring out which university is the right one for you can be a long and arduous task. There are so many moving parts and decisions you have to make that it can become overwhelming. To minimise the search, here are five questions that you should ask yourself when considering the universities on your list.
What Is Most Important To Me?
Firstly, you need to figure out your priorities. What is most important to you when you think about your time at university? It could be getting your degree, making new friends, joining a new team. Some people want to study close to home, others want a whole new start.
Whatever it is for you, be sure that the university you choose ticks most, if not all of these points.
Also consider if there is anything that would be a deal breaker for you. This will filter out irrelevant universities and create a smaller pool of universities that you wish to apply to.
What Do I Want From My University Experience?
When considering universities, this is arguably the most important of all your possible questions. Of course, you are going to university to further your education and secure a degree, but there is so much more to life at university. So, other than this, what else are you hoping to get from your experience?
Some people want to make lots of new friends, immerse themselves in a new culture. Others wish to learn a new skill or further their knowledge on something outside of their degree.
How Do I Want To Learn?
Universities will teach the same subject but very differently, so you need to figure out what teaching method best suits you. The best way to decide if you like the teaching styles of the professors is to attend the open evenings at as many campuses as you can. Talk to the teachers and past students and try to gauge if you would enjoy that teaching style.
You can also go online and look at what topics you will cover on your chosen course. These topics may differ from university to university, so chose the ones you are most taken with.
What Are The Accommodation Options?
Firstly, you need to ask yourself if you are going to live on campus or at home. Many students live in the university city when they go to university, however this can be a very expensive option. Others stay at home and commute to classes. There are positives and negatives for both living options, but you need to figure out which is best for you.
Once you have decided, you need think about how the universities you are applying for work with this plan. If you want to live on campus, what are your options? Do you want to share your living space? Are you comfortable living in mixed gender spaces? Can you afford the rent?
Can I Picture Myself At This University?
Finally, after all of this, can you visualise yourself living, working and socialising at this university for a minimum of three years? This will be your new home for the foreseeable future, so you need to like it.
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