Getting into a university is a challenging and costly process (both on your time and money). Knowing beforehand if you have chosen the right university can avoid you from wasting those resources. Thus, it would be best if you do your research first to make informed choices, before it’s too late or too costly for you to turn back.
So how would you know you’re selecting the right university for you? Here are some indications useful for you to know.
University and Subject Rankings
Ranking of subjects is equally important as university ranking. It’s worthy to note that some universities may not have high ranking as a whole university but rank high in certain subjects than the others. So, if you find your chosen university or subject positioned high on the list, it’s a sign that you’re on the right track. (You can check here The Complete University Guide league tables for the ranking of your chosen subject or university and find out how they compare with the other universities: http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings)
Industry Connections
Another important sign: the university has strong partnerships with related industries. This association is essential for work placements or internships that could potentially open several work opportunities for you in the future. It’s best to inquire if the university has this for the program you wanted to take.
Right Course
Studying can be more fun and easier to bear if you’re completing a degree that you wanted. A study showed that selecting the wrong course was a significant reason as to why students leave their universities. So, finding the course that matches your interests in that university can be a good start. You can check feedback from previous students or alumni to give you a good background of the course.
University Culture
Your environment is also as important as choosing the right course. Remember, you will stay there for a while so you have to consider your student experience for the entire time. Think carefully whether you like a large campus with a lot of students you can potentially meet or you want a more intimate environment for a more peaceful time to study. Choices of students vary from one another as some prefer smaller universities than the larger ones. Find a university where the educational culture fits your personality.
Duration
This can be most considered by international students as they also need to spend for their accommodation for the entire time they’re studying. The standard for the UK universities is a full time degree with three-year duration. But, there are universities offering four-year courses (normally those having industrial placements for one year such as IT or Engineering). Therefore, it’s vital to think first what progression you are targeting before jumping off.
Deciding which university to go to has a significant impact on your social as well as your professional life. Therefore, do your research in advance and make a wise decision.
Resources:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/
