There are 170 higher education institutions in the UK, each one different from the next. Therefore, knowing how to conduct effective research and narrow down your options when choosing a university is essential.

After you’ve decided what degree to study, the next important question all students must answer is where to study. This is one of the most significant decisions you will make and will shape your future plans and experiences after university. It can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to look, so we’ve put together some helpful points to guide you in the right direction.

Location

A great place to start is by considering the different locations where you can complete your studies. You need to be able to feel at home in the town or city as you’ll hopefully be there for a number of years. Therefore, where possible, we recommend visiting the university so you can shortlist some and tick off others.

When choosing a university, moving away is not necessarily the only option. You may need to weigh up the benefits of living at home while studying against the new experiences of studying in a new city. For some students, having the security of being close to friends and family will outweigh the positives of meeting new people. This can also ease the financial burden.

Look at the accommodation options that are available. Utilise student accommodation services to find information on the student-oriented parts of the city and the amenities in the area.

Costs

Aside from course fees, there are various extra costs associated with going to university. So, when considering your options, it’s important to take into account factors like:

  • Rent and utility bills
  • Public transport
  • Learning materials and subscriptions
  • Sports or social club memberships
  • Groceries
  • Insurance (health, car, etc.)

All of this is in addition to the cost of enjoying the social aspects university life can offer. One of the great parts of university life involves making the most of venues that offer student discounts. For example, you can avail of 30% off public transport with a Student Oyster photocard, plus student discounts in retail, entertainment, restaurants and lots, lots more. However, even with all the available discounts, costs can still add up. Therefore, it’s important to set yourself a budget so you can enjoy your social life while still being able to afford groceries at the end of the month!

For more information on university costs, check out our dedicated page.

Course Content

No two courses are identical, and there are multiple factors to consider when looking into their content, such as:

  • the number of lectures
  • the tutors and lecturers teaching the content
  • the variety of modules covered
  • how you’ll be assessed – e.g. exams, coursework, presentations, etc.

Some degrees will give you the opportunity to spend a year overseas or complete a work placement in industry to support your knowledge with experiences in a real-work setting. Some can provide the opportunity to study remotely or part-time if you have other responsibilities or commitments in life.

Don’t be afraid to contact the universities directly to get answers to your questions, they’ll be more than happy to help.

Facilities and Societies

Making the most of your time at university will include taking advantage of the many sports clubs and other extra-curriculum activities they have to offer. It can be important to supplement your studies with some ‘me-time’, which may involve playing football or joining an active film society. Universities will often arrange events themselves for students to enjoy, so research what they have to offer.

They can also provide services for those struggling with aspects of their course or their well-being. For instance, student unions are there to offer support with mental health issues, financial advice and accessibility. Knowing where to turn when faced with a variety of problems will safeguard you if you find yourself struggling with university life.

Where to Look For Advice

If the university and surrounding area are new to you, it can be hard to know who or what to trust. Some useful ways of obtaining an accurate picture include:

Open Days

Universities will host numerous open days throughout the year. This will provide you with the opportunity to visit and look around the area and its surrounding location, whilst gaining a feel for its atmosphere.

Admissions Officers

Admissions officers can be found on campus or by attending careers fairs and open days throughout the country. They will be able to answer your specific questions about entry requirements and course content.

Current Students

Asking for advice from past and present students on forums, blogs, and social media is a great way to gain insight into life on campus.

Rankings

Looking at university ranking tables can be a great source of information when comparing multiple options. Ranking can help you to discard those that don’t score high enough on areas you consider important.

Key Takeaways: Choosing a University

With so many excellent higher education institutions in the UK, finding the one that suits you best will take time and plenty of research. Firstly, you’ll need to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in terms of location, course type and the extra-curricular activities that are of interest to you. After that, attending open days to speak to admissions officers and present and past alumni will give you a feel for each university. This will make the tough task of choosing a university much easier and help you get started on the right foot.