It may have been 10 years since I first headed off to uni but it’s still something I think I can share a bit of wisdom on. Each year, there are thousands of students who descend on unis up and down the country. No matter what degree interests you the most, it’s super important that you pick a university and location that has everything you need. Understandably, choosing the right uni will be one of the biggest and toughest decisions you’ll make in life and here are five factors to consider beforehand. But, don’t worry – if you choose the ‘wrong’ one, it’s really not the end of the world, there’s always something you can do.
1. Academics
Understandably, you will want to pick a degree and university that offers everything you need and more. Whether you want to head into the world of business, healthcare, retail, or hospitality, picking the right course is important. The last thing you want is to waste time, money, and effort on a degree that doesn’t match your career goals, so you must look into entry requirements, the kinds of modules you’ll study, as well as success rates.
2. Accommodation
When living away from home, you will want to be in an environment that feels welcoming, warm, and safe. Downing Students are experts when it comes to student accommodation, and they pride themselves as being one of the best student accommodation providers in the country. Downing Students offer accommodation in a variety of cities, including Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, and London. You want your room to feel like a home away from home, so whether you opt for halls or go down the route of private renting, the final decision is up to you. Don’t underestimate how dirty other people are – if you can afford your own bathroom I would recommend it. No – I didn’t have one in my halls and yes I got a gross eye infection.
3. Location
Location is very important when picking a university. If you don’t like the idea of being a million miles away from home, choose a university that’s close to home that you can commute to and from. For those who are ready for an adventure, you may want to move to the other side of the country and try something new. Many universities in the UK are housed in towns and cities with good transport links, meaning you can travel back to see friends and family with ease.
4. Finances
Naturally, your finances will play a huge part in picking a university. If your heart is set on moving to London but you don’t have the finances to back up the big move, you may need to get a part-time job to keep afloat (and that’s including having student finance!). While students are typically known to be strapped for cash, having some kind of income can make the experience more enjoyable. The amount you pay in accommodation costs will vary depending on where you move to in the country, so you must bear this in mind before going any further.
5. Support
Moving to university and starting a new life can be super overwhelming. Therefore, picking a university that has a specialist support team in place to guide you throughout your course can make all the difference. Knowing there are people to speak to when things get tough can be a big help, so make sure you look into what kind of support the university has in place.
Living away from home for the first time can be a frightening experience. However, as long as you conduct thorough research into several unis, you should have a clearer idea of what you want which can help you feel more confident in your final choice.
