Choosing the right university for you is a big task, with lots of different factors to consider. It’s important to remember that everyone’s priorities will vary and whatever order your priority list is, is valid. This article will consider the degree course itself, entry requirements, the location, opportunities, support networks, reputation and career opportunities.
1. Atmosphere
For me, the most important thing was not something you could google or read about, it was the feeling. I was lucky enough to be able to visit a few universities in person before applying, which is not something everyone has the opportunity to, often due to the cost, time and/or distance. However, it is something I would highly recommend should you have the option.
Sheffield was the first University I visited and my mum and I fell in love with it. We toured the campus and the accommodation, met some of the teaching staff, attended my course specific introductory talk and watched a taster lecture/debate session. The whole time exchanging glances and smiles because we both knew it was perfect for me. From the passion from the lecturer (who I am lucky enough to have this term, which gave me a very full circle moment!) to the atmosphere of the city, everything was just right and I would have happily cancelled all my other university visits – I didn’t though, I visited a few other universities and despite impressive records and facilities nothing captured my attention like Sheffield did. I’m very lucky that my mum not only loved it too, but has always allowed me to make such decisions for myself, based off my priorities and feelings which, after coming to university, I recognised is very much not the case for everyone! If you have parents or relatives that are vocal over your choice of university, take their feedback and concerns onboard but ultimately you will be the one spending your time there for the next few years, so try and take as much ownership over the decision as possible.
2. Degree course
This tends to be what people focus on when they first set out on deciding what universities they would like to apply to. The UCAS website is always a great place to start, I also found the app UniCompare really helpful to provide an overview of courses I may be interested in. Depending on what degree you are applying for, it is worth looking into contact hours and what exactly your modules will consist of and how much flexibility there is surrounding module choice. Although I hadn’t considered it before one of the open day talks at Sheffield touched on it, assessment methods can also be a really important factor to consider for some students. With my course, although some optional modules may have exams, the majority do not which means we are assessed in other ways, predominately through essays and critical journal articles. All of this information should be available on the university website.
3. Entry requirements
Although this depends on your personal situation, most people try to apply to universities with a range of different entry requirements just in case their A-levels do not go quite as planned. It is definitely a good idea to have a back up university in mind, although you can always apply through clearing you just typically have less options.
4. Location
The location of the uni can be a big factor in determining the type of experience you have there and deciphering the right university for you. For example, nightlife is typically better in city centres, whereas uni’s in rural or coastal locations are synonymous with more outdoorsy experiences. This makes it important to research your uni location, if you are unsure exactly what you would rather a uni that has a mix of both (i.e. Sheffield, although I am bias) is a great choice!
Lots of people also factor in how far away from home you are, for some the further the better but for others, being able to go home for a weekend every now and again is really important!
5. Opportunities
Aside from living arrangements and coursemates, societies are often where students make the majority of their friends so finding a university with societies you would be interested in joining is always a good idea. Most universities have a list of their societies on their affiliated websites. Double check the cost of joining and what kind of events they host to make sure it is up your street!
Another opportunity to consider is the option to do a year or a semester abroad or a year in industry/placement year!
6. Support
Although this may not seem an important thing for some people to consider, going to university is often one of the biggest changes in your life and you never know what struggles or problems may occur. Therefore, choosing a university known for good support and wellbeing services can be reassuring! This also feeds into previously mentioned contact hours and department specific things such as being appointed a personal and academic tutor. For more information on universities with good disability and dyslexia support check out my recent article.
7. Reputation
The reputation of University’s is often the first thing people consider, however, I would try to think of this in a more individualised sense. That is, have you heard positive things from former and current students? Rather than how it compares in league tables – although this can be important for future employers. I would just always maintain happiness and the overall student experience over a high ranking university personally.
8. Career opportunities
Employability after graduating university, although it seems like a long way off, is really important to consider. To research this, i recommend looking into employability rates for recent graduates and what support there is in place within the university to help support you with finding placement/internships.
Ultimately, knowing if it’s the right university for you will depend on lots of things, as well as a gut feeling. But hopefully this list makes sure you consider a wide range of things that are important when deciding where to study.
Last Updated on November 14, 2024
Published on October 31, 2024
I’m a second year Politics and International Relations student at Sheffield, I am particularly passionate about social justice, reducing inequality and international affairs. Outside of academica, I try to make the most of every day and like to keep myself very busy! I enjoy writing about student life, particularly top tips for new students and mental wellbeing.
