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Choosing your university is one of the most important decisions of a young adult’s life. The school you pick could make a huge difference in your chances of success, how well regarded you will be as a job candidate, and how much you can expect to get paid once you’re finished. Also, choosing the wrong school could affect your motivation, while some schools might make it more difficult for you to stay focused. This is why it’s essential that you do some introspection and know exactly what to look for in a school. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself when picking a university.
On or Off Campus?
One of the choices you’ll have to make is whether you want to live on or off campus. If you live close to the university of your choice, already have housing secured, and don’t necessarily want to deal with campus life, then the choice is easy. However, some may want to enjoy the full student experience, or simply don’t have the option of going back home.
For these people, the campus facilities will be a huge determining factor when picking a university. This is why we suggest you check out sites like Uni Compare and browse these accommodation options. The Kent uni accommodation is recognised as some of the best in the country, and you should take the time to see their various halls in detail. You’ll be able to check out starting prices, locations, and the type of housing as well.
What’s the School’s TEF Ranking?
Rankings are usually the most important criteria for picking a school. However, many people will stick strictly to league tables. Another ranking you should check out is the Teaching Excellence Framework, or TEF for short. This will give you a clear indication of the level of teaching for any given school. Schools will get either a bronze, silver, and gold rating, allowing you to quickly see which ones you should avoid and those you should consider.
What About My Particular Course?
Another thing you should consider is how well the school ranks for the specific course you had in mind. A school might look poor on the surface because of its position on the league tables, but they might excel in certain areas. These specialist schools are often highly regarded in their respective fields and among employers in these sectors. By going only for the headline-grabbing universities, you might not only be disappointed in the program but spend extra money on just the name.
Should I Visit?
If the university you were thinking of is on the other side of the country, then making the trip might be difficult. However, it is still worth it if you were interested in one school in particular. You might get turned off the minute you get there and dislike the general ambiance, or you might fall in love instantly. Nothing beats a well prepared open day visit to make a final decision on which university you will choose.
So, before you decide to enrol in any university, make sure that you ask yourself these questions, and look at as many options as possible. This could be the difference between enjoying some of the best years of your life or losing time and interest in higher education.