You probably already have a good idea of which university you will be attending from the next academic year. You probably had somewhere in mind before you applied to UCAS; it’s highly likely you added on a couple more universities just to keep your options open. Maybe your first choice was disappointing or you didn’t expect to like one of your reserve choices, but did like it. Now, you have several offers and you do not know which to choose.
Attend Open Days
You can’t really know what a university is like until you visit. This way, you can get a feel for campus life, the pride of the establishment, the quality of teaching and talk to existing students about what they particularly like about studying there. It is essential that you attend at least one open day for each university. If you are still deciding between your last 2-3 choices, there is no harm in attending another.
Consider the Course
The next most important to your decision is the course and your requirements. Examine the course content in detail – including and especially 2nd and 3rd year module choices. If you are taking a history degree for example, you want to ensure that the history periods covered are relevant to your strengths and interests. The course make up is based on the background and research areas of the faculty. You will learn mostly about what they know as a group. Also, learn the difference between MA and MSc courses. The choice you make will shape your career.
Visit the Town / City
One element that some students overlook is the town or city where the university is located. You will live there for the next three years, so make sure that you can see yourself living there. If you like a lively atmosphere, then a small city such as Durham or Exeter may not be suitable for you. Likewise, if you prefer the quiet life, the worst thing you can do is study in the centre of London or Manchester. The cost of living will affect your finances – so research the rent cost of a typical 2nd and 3rd year accommodation too.
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Pros and Cons List
No course will be perfect, no town or city will be perfect, and you may have to compromise on some things. Here, you are looking for the “best fit”. To accomplish that, make two lists for each of your choices – the good points should you choose to study there and the negatives of studying there. Seeing those hard facts written down is a great way to come to a decision.
Gut Feeling
All things being equal, your final decision may come down to your gut feeling and the vibes you get from the campus or the town. Trust your gut; it helps you make the right decision. When all else has been weighed up and evaluated, all you may have left is your intuition.