Choosing a university is a huge decision. When you start your UCAS application, it’s easy to find the wide choice of universities overwhelming - from social life to career opportunities, there’s so much to consider! Luckily, we’ve compiled some of the most important things to look for when deciding where to apply to university.

Location, Location, Location

When it comes to choosing an ideal university location, there’s one question every prospective student must ask - do you prefer a campus uni or a city uni? A campus university is a university where facilities and accommodation are all in one place. The University of Warwick and the University of Bath are two examples of campus universities. On the other hand, a city university is a university that is spread out over a city. The University of Leeds and many London universities are city universities. A campus university often means a tight-knit community and access to everything you need within easy walking distance, while a city university is more dynamic and bustling. The downside of a campus university is a ‘bubble’ effect - you spend all your time in one place, with the same people - while at city universities, there may be less community spirit. Think about which lifestyle suits you best.

Another key consideration when it comes to location is the distance between your university and home. Some people like the ease of being within reach of their home town, while others like to escape and gain greater independence. Again, this is a very personal consideration. Whichever you prefer, you should also take public transport links into consideration - if you needed to get home without a car, would you be able to?

Accommodation

Not all university accommodation was created equal. Some universities offer much more ensuite accommodation than others, while some have facilities such as shared common rooms, which can be a great way to meet new people. Accommodation location and price also differs wildly - if you’re on a budget, it might be worth considering universities north of London, where student rent is cheaper. Think ahead to your second and third years of university, too - does the university have good student accommodation options after your first year? Are there good private renting alternatives?

Do You Have Any Specialist Interests?

Are you sporty? Do you love playing in an orchestra? Are you keen to be part of a political scene? Whatever your interests outside of academia are, you can find a university that suits your passions. While most universities offer a range of extracurricular activities, some have strong reputations in specific areas. Speaking to current students can give you a good idea of whether a university will fit your passions.

Social Life is Important

Whether you like going out or prefer staying in, you should look for a university with a welcoming and varied social life. If you enjoy going out, do a quick google search of the bars, pubs, and clubs in various university locations - websites like TripAdvisor will give you a good idea if there’s a lively nightlife scene. Conversely, if you’re looking for something more low key, see how many societies are on offer at the university. A good university should offer students the opportunity to start their own societies and meet people with similar interests.

Course Options Vary Between Universities

Studying history at York is a different experience from studying history at Loughborough, for instance. While university courses may sound the same across a wide range of unis, the course modules could differ considerably. For example, some universities may have required modules, while other universities offer greater freedom in module choices. Most subjects will give you a breakdown of the different modules available - read this carefully, and think about what interests you the most!

Career Opportunities at University

If you’ve barely started your personal statement for your UCAS application, then thinking about post-uni career options may feel like a step too far. The thing is, the more career opportunities provided by your university of choice, the more likely you are to find a career you enjoy when you graduate - so, if long-term success is something you care about, choosing a university with great career services is incredibly important. Does the university have any internship programmes? Does it host talks and networking events with major employers? Does it provide a career counselling service? These are questions you can ask on an open day to help you determine whether a university can help launch your future career. Look at graduate employment rates, too - you can find these on most university websites - as these give a good idea of how many graduates go on to full-time employment.

Wherever you’re applying, you’ll need a strong personal statement. Our expert team can help you get into your dream university - find out more here.

What Should I Look For In a University?