Applying to university? Discover 5 essential things to consider, from course options and accommodation to social life and career opportunities.
Applying to university can be incredibly daunting, especially when there are so many options to consider! These are my top 5 things to consider when applying to university to make sure you are making the best decision for you.
One of the biggest things to think about when applying to university is whether you are more drawn to a city vibe or a smaller town atmosphere. A big city can bring lots of benefits, there are lots of things to do such as restaurants, nightlife, shops, and activities. However, it is busier and noisier, something that you may not prefer. A smaller town on the other hand may lack such a variety of things to do, but would have a smaller community feel, as well as more nature and local parks to enjoy. Birmingham has the best of both worlds, with the green campus university in Edgbaston just a 10-minute train journey into bustling Birmingham.
Another thing to consider during university applications is the way your course is taught. You may initially be attracted to a subject because you enjoy it at A-Level, but without looking deeper into the course you could miss how differently it is taught at university level. I would recommend looking into how many contact hours your course has, the type of teaching (whether it is labs, lectures, seminars or tutorials), whether your course has optional modules so you can tailor your own learning, and which compulsory modules you will take. This will give you a bigger picture of whether the course is for you!
One question you should ask yourself when applying to university is which aspects of your social life are important to you. Are you an athlete who enjoys sport? Then I would recommend looking at universities with thriving sports teams. Do you want to make the most out of the nightlife aspect of university? Then perhaps a city university would be more for you! Do you have a particular hobby that you would like to meet like-minded people through? It sounds like you should be looking at universities with a range of societies, such as the University of Birmingham, which has over 500 societies and clubs.
When applying for university, it is good to consider the range of accommodation options that are on offer. Assessing if there are a range of budgets, room types (en-suite, studio, shared bathroom), how close the accommodation types are to the campus, and the quality of the rooms are all important things to do. It is also a good idea to look into the housing situation for second and third years. This can give a wider picture of your living situation whilst at university, as you want your new university city or town to feel like your home.
In an age where a third of the UK population holds a degree, attending a university that gives you the opportunity to stand out whilst preparing for the world of work is brilliant. You can consider whether the universities you are applying to hold successful careers fairs; whether they have careers networks and support services; if a placement year would be possible on your course; if there are opportunities for study abroad; and if they help with internship applications. Applying to a university that can provide all or most of these services will help you to succeed in the long term!
Thank you for reading! Hopefully these tips help you.
I am currently a second year politics and international relations student at UoB! I love going to the gym, playing netba...
