Academia 10: A Complete Guide to Choosing a University
Hello my beautiful friends!
I am currently looking at universities because I start applying to universities in September and the majority of university open days are during June and July. I have decided to write this blog post to outline what characteristics I am looking at whilst choosing my universities. Obviously, there are many other options aside from university including apprenticeships, foundation courses and work; however, I have not looked into these options, so felt unqualified to talk about them. Nonetheless, I hope your find my perspective on choosing a university both useful and interesting.
1. Russell Group vs. Non-Russell Group
A Russell Group university is a group of 24 research universities, which are viewed as the 'top' universities in the UK and are often favoured by employers. Therefore, if you are considering entering a competitive career, especially at a major company, attending a Russell Group may favour you. Reputably, these universities are competitive and subject-intense, so there are two major things to consider if you are looking at Russell Group universities.
Firstly, are your grades 'good enough' and what supercurriculars are you doing? This term many of you will sit your AS exams or Year 12 mocks, which will determine your predicted grades for university. Due to the competitive nature of Russell Group universities, entry requirements are often high, so it is important to study hard for these exams to ensure you fulfill the entry requirements. In addition, supercurricular activities will increase your competitiveness by bulking your personal statement. I explain supercurriculars and provide activity ideas here.
Secondly, are you willing to work hard? University is a chance to study towards a higher qualification, but it is equally a life experience. For many students, they live alone for the first time as well as making new friends (often meeting the person they marry), experiencing nightlife, travelling and lots more! You must decide why you are attending university. If your main reason is not "to study hard towards my next qualification", the Russell Group may not be the best option for you.
2. University League Tables
The Russell Group may not be the top universities for your specific subject. Look at impartial university league tables such as The Complete University Guide to gain an insight into which universities have the best course for your subject. Attending a university with a good course often means you are better set for your future career.
3. University Courses
On university websites in subject specifications or prospectuses there are outlines of what your course involves. Courses can vary from university to university. One university may cover content that is more interesting for you, and thus you may prefer this university. (Aside: I have ordered SO MANY prospectuses from my preferred universities because UK citizens can order them by post FREE OF CHARGE)
4. Accommodation (if you are not living at home)
It is very important to look at accommodation at university, how accommodation is allocated and cost. You do not want to be staying in some overpriced, dingy student hall with inadequate kitchen facilities for the first year of your university experience. Your university will be your home for three to five years, so you want it to be homely. The cost of accommodation is equally important because you do not want to be strapped for cash throughout your university years i.e. you want enough disposable income to go out and enjoy yourself!
5. Location and Facilities
Do you want a city university? Do you want good nightlife? Do you want entertainment venues nearby? Do you want to be surrounded by history? These are a few of the many questions you need to ask yourself. You know what your ideal university looks like! The best method of ensuring a university is right for you is to attend open days and there are lists of open days on university websites (sixth forms should allow absence if attending an open day on a weekday). As previously mentioned, you will be living at you university for three to five years of your life, so you want to be in comfortable surroundings.
Again, I hope this post is somewhat interesting and useful. Feel free to share your own tips about choosing a university in the comments.
I am currently looking at universities because I start applying to universities in September and the majority of university open days are during June and July. I have decided to write this blog post to outline what characteristics I am looking at whilst choosing my universities. Obviously, there are many other options aside from university including apprenticeships, foundation courses and work; however, I have not looked into these options, so felt unqualified to talk about them. Nonetheless, I hope your find my perspective on choosing a university both useful and interesting.
1. Russell Group vs. Non-Russell Group
A Russell Group university is a group of 24 research universities, which are viewed as the 'top' universities in the UK and are often favoured by employers. Therefore, if you are considering entering a competitive career, especially at a major company, attending a Russell Group may favour you. Reputably, these universities are competitive and subject-intense, so there are two major things to consider if you are looking at Russell Group universities.
Firstly, are your grades 'good enough' and what supercurriculars are you doing? This term many of you will sit your AS exams or Year 12 mocks, which will determine your predicted grades for university. Due to the competitive nature of Russell Group universities, entry requirements are often high, so it is important to study hard for these exams to ensure you fulfill the entry requirements. In addition, supercurricular activities will increase your competitiveness by bulking your personal statement. I explain supercurriculars and provide activity ideas here.
Secondly, are you willing to work hard? University is a chance to study towards a higher qualification, but it is equally a life experience. For many students, they live alone for the first time as well as making new friends (often meeting the person they marry), experiencing nightlife, travelling and lots more! You must decide why you are attending university. If your main reason is not "to study hard towards my next qualification", the Russell Group may not be the best option for you.
2. University League Tables
The Russell Group may not be the top universities for your specific subject. Look at impartial university league tables such as The Complete University Guide to gain an insight into which universities have the best course for your subject. Attending a university with a good course often means you are better set for your future career.
3. University Courses
On university websites in subject specifications or prospectuses there are outlines of what your course involves. Courses can vary from university to university. One university may cover content that is more interesting for you, and thus you may prefer this university. (Aside: I have ordered SO MANY prospectuses from my preferred universities because UK citizens can order them by post FREE OF CHARGE)
4. Accommodation (if you are not living at home)
It is very important to look at accommodation at university, how accommodation is allocated and cost. You do not want to be staying in some overpriced, dingy student hall with inadequate kitchen facilities for the first year of your university experience. Your university will be your home for three to five years, so you want it to be homely. The cost of accommodation is equally important because you do not want to be strapped for cash throughout your university years i.e. you want enough disposable income to go out and enjoy yourself!
5. Location and Facilities
Do you want a city university? Do you want good nightlife? Do you want entertainment venues nearby? Do you want to be surrounded by history? These are a few of the many questions you need to ask yourself. You know what your ideal university looks like! The best method of ensuring a university is right for you is to attend open days and there are lists of open days on university websites (sixth forms should allow absence if attending an open day on a weekday). As previously mentioned, you will be living at you university for three to five years of your life, so you want to be in comfortable surroundings.
Again, I hope this post is somewhat interesting and useful. Feel free to share your own tips about choosing a university in the comments.
It's very informative Guide to Choosing a University. thanks for sharing the article with us. Open University Courses
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading it. Glad you found it useful!
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