Research Your Dream
Attending university is a huge commitment, not only mentally but also financially.
So how do you make sure you choose the right university and how do you get started? A good first step is to compare and contrast the quality reports at the following links:
Scottish Higher Education Funding Council
Welsh Funding Councils
Quality Assurance Agency
HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England)
Once you have researched possible universities, try to draw up a list of five high possibilities, then think about each university and answer the following questions:
- Is the course right for me?
- What is the typical learning environment and will this suit me?
- What is the course success and failure rate?
- Do I get one-to-one contact with a tutor?
- Does the course provide extra support if I need it?
- What is the availability of computers and technology?
- Does the course have any work-related opportunities?
- How successful are former graduates?
- What are the current research programmes?
- What is the cost of living?
- How expensive is the accommodation?
- How does the university sit in the league tables?
- What is the crime rate?
By answering these questions, you are one-step closer to choosing the right university for you. Open days are also a great way to find out what university life would be like.
What if I am a foreign student?
The support for international students differs between universities. Most importantly try to talk to the admissions department about accommodation and your fees.
Next: Hot Admission Tips.