What kind of things should I consider when choosing a university or college? |
Universities differ greatly in size, atmosphere and location. Some institutions were built as green-field campuses in the middle of the countryside, whereas others are located in busy city centres or spread out across several locations.
Some institutions may be close to home, others further afield. Which would suit you better - A local institution in the middle of a city or a uni. in the countryside miles from home?
Of course, it's not just universities that offer higher education courses - many further education colleges also offer them too. Would this kind of environment suit you better or would you benefit from a "university experience"?
If you would need to move away from home what kind of accommodation is on offer both through the institution and in the private sector - and at what cost?
Other things to bear in mind include whether you want to study at an older university or somewhere newer and more modern, and whether an institution offers the kind of facilities you are looking for. These may be connected with your course (a good library or IT suite), your particular needs (accessible buildings, special needs support) or your interests (good sporting facilities, a range of student activities and events).
You might like to find out more about the research interests and specialisms of members of staff and what links exist with employers or other universities.
It's also important to find out about the entry requirements for particular courses at your chosen institution - can you realistically make the grade? Similar courses at the same (or different) university or college may have different entry requirements so it's worth doing some research.
Overall, if your studies are to be successful, you should be happy and relaxed in your surroundings, and feel supported. As your course may last three or four years it's important to find out as much as you can about each institution on your shortlist to make the right choice for you. 
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