If you've decided that going university is for you, your next big decision is going to be choosing a course and university. Woohoo!
With a myriad of options available it can feel overwhelming to whittle down your choices to just 5 universities, so here's a breakdown of how to find a university and course that aligns with your interests, goals and aspirations.
Understand what you value
Before diving into university research, take some time to self-reflect and establish your interests, strengths, values, and long-term goals.
Ask yourself:
- What subjects or topics am I passionate about?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- What are my career aspirations?
- What is my preferred learning style (e.g., hands-on, theoretical, collaborative)?
- Would I like to study abroad and if so, for how long?
2. Speak to people with experience
After establishing more about what you're looking for out of your university experience, it's a good idea to research what current or recent students think about your potential course or university.
You can reach out to current students or recent graduates from the universities you're interested in via student forums, like The Student Room, or networking sites like LinkedIn. They can provide invaluable insights and help expand your network.
Equally, reading blogs or watching videos created by people who have attended university or studied your course can help you gain a better understanding of what university life could be like.
It's also a good idea to seek opinions from teachers, mentors or family members about different universities as they can offer different perspectives to help you make an informed decision.
3. Visit different universities
One of the best ways to understand if a university is for you is by visiting the university in-person. You can attend general open days or course-specific ones, but if you can't attend these, then you can visit a university town or campus independently to get a feel for the university instead.
When you're visiting universities, it's important to think about the distance from home, whether you like the general environment, travel options and your budget! Considering the cost of living and how potential financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and loans could help you live on-campus is an important part of understanding whether you can comfortably afford your chosen university.
4. Consider life beyond academics
University life isn't simply about studying; it's also about personal growth and development. Consider whether specific universities offer the extracurricular activities, clubs and societies that align with your interests and values.
It's also important to think about life after university too. Investigate the career opportunities associated with the courses you're considering; do they offer internships, study abroad programs, or job placement services for your course? If not, it's a good idea to research which universities offer these services too.
Ultimately, choosing your degree and university is a big decision. Just remember to keep your goals and values in mind while researching different courses and universities - that way you're bound to choose a path that is rewarding for you.
Good luck!