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Applying to university mustn’t be rushed. When it comes to applying to university, you need to make sure you have weighed all the pros and cons behind your decisions, whether they be related to the course you’re looking to study or based on the university you’re thinking of attending.
Applying to university
What is the right course for you?
Many students worry about choosing their university course, it’s a very common worry. When it comes to choosing your university course, we recommend that you think long and hard about what you are passionate about.
Studying a course that you are interested in and passionate about will make your time at university much easier for you and will make your university experience much more exciting as well. If you have a passion for creative writing, then a creative writing course is a very good option for you. If you have a real passion for animals, then a Zoology degree is a great way to go as well.
But it is isn’t just course content that you should keep an eye on! The method of teaching or grading should also be something for you to consider as well. Examinations are a prominent feature of most university degrees, but if you feel you perform better outside of exams, then it is better to focus on a university degree that is better suited to coursework or practical work, rather than examinations.
How far away from home are you?
This will depend on how homesick you can potentially feel. For students that are very homesick or don’t like being away from friends and family for extended periods of time, then we do not recommend studying abroad or studying a long way away from your home. You’d be surprised just how quickly homesickness can kick in for several university students.
Another element to consider is whether or not you are happy with the setting of the university. By this, we mean an urban vs rural setting. If you crave the hustle and bustle of the city, then we recommend that you look into urban universities as a place to study, like St. George’s, University of London. If you are someone who prefers to stay away from the city and prefers to stay near the country or in a more secluded spot for university, then we don’t recommend that you look into city universities.
The distance from home has a more profound impact on the decision to go to university than you think.
What is the career path?
The career path of the course you’re studying is an important factor to consider as well and not just from the course, but also the university itself!
The curse is very important to the future career prospects that you have, but also for the overall industry experience that you may receive and the industry contacts that you may make. With these courses, you need to make sure that there are opportunities to work within the sector, either as part of a work experience placement or for general work post-graduation.
Your university must also be considered in this regard as well. Does the university offer you support for the career prospects you have? Do they have industry contacts? These are elements that can help you with your future career prospects and you want to know that the university you are going to can support you with what you want to do next.
Many universities also offer a wide variety of taster events or career days for students, which are essential for students that are looking to take their very next steps. Make sure that you attend these days and speak to your lecturers and see what they can do to help you out.
What is the area like?
Its all well and good choosing a city university because you crave the hustle and bustle of the city centre, but make sure you check out what the city is like. Make sure you check out the crime statistics, see what shops & services are nearby and have a look around if you go for a university open day.
No matter where you go, you still need to do your research before you start applying to university in a city you are not familiar with. Don’t take a chance, do your research beforehand and see if this is an area that you want to study in.
Is the university right for you?
This is such an important part of your decision. Is the university that you are considering going to the right fit for you? Does it have the right kind of support for you? What do previous alumni have to say about the university course that you did? Are there good facilities for you to use? These are questions that are essential for any prospective students.
For those that are doing science-based subjects or more practical-based work, you need to make sure that you have got the right kind of facilities to support you and the university work that you are doing.
Dialogue with your lecturers is important as well. Your lecturers will be the main source of information for you on your university course and you need to make sure that they are well versed in what they’re doing. Most lecturers tend to have industry experience and have a good understanding of how to gain a foothold in the industry you’re looking to break into as well.
There are lots of things to consider when applying to university, but make sure you consider whether this is the right course for you, how far away from home the university is, what the career path of the course is like, what the area around the university is like and whether or not the university is the right fit for you and what you want to do.
