1) Do your research
It's absolutely crucial that you make sure you do your research when looking at your university choices, not only is it a huge financial investment it is setting you up for your entry into the world of employment. Moreover, depending upon your course you will be at your chosen university for a minimum of 3 years and for some courses a minimum of 5 years! More research helps you to make more informed decisions and additionally it can help you with your application as well as your personal statement.
2) Visit the university & city (However possible)
It is crucial that you have some knowledge of the city and university and are not entering your time on your course completely unaware of somewhere which will essentially be your second home for the next 3 years. Now, this point comes with obvious geographical obstructions for some, however, there are online alternatives such as online tours or researching youtube videos of reviews - super important as you are guaranteed more authentic feedback with people recalling their first or second-hand experiences. Just think about trying before you buy! You would not buy a house without having a proper look whether this being online or in person, so you should apply the same rules with your university choices.
3) Look at accommodation
Having a look at the accommodation on offer at your university choices allows you to further make a more informed choice, as little details such as there being a specific type of accommodation on offer can help finalise between your firm and insurance choice. Once again online tours and youtube videos of peoples personal accounts are valuable as they are speaking from first-hand experience and opinions with no ulterior motive, in comparison to a lecturer for example who is being paid to sell the university to you.
4) Don't follow friends & family
When starting your journey in higher education it is so important that you do your own thing and follow what feels right for you. Your boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, mum or dad will not be writing your essays, reports or sitting those exams for you. You must have that passion or at least have some interest in your course and university, it's your journey and your path and that is what should guide you.
5) Future prospects
Questions to consider: How will this university help me as a stepping stone to my next step? Have you looked at statistics or university guides? If you are unsure of how to select your finalised university options have a look at statistics and league tables, these can help narrow down your choices if this is something which you hold of value. You want to make sure you are going to the best place for you!
6) Go with your gut - as cliche as it sounds!
When you know you defienelty know - It's a feeling and picking youruniveristy is all about feeling right and what suits YOU best.
7) How I picked my current university
I was invited to the post-offer day for my university, for those who don't know this is an open day specifically for people who have received an offer to study at their universities where they applied to. This kind of open day is more specific and guided as the people who attend have applied and are considering putting that university as their firm or insurance. Similarly to standard open days, there is the opportunity to have campus and accommodation tours and talks from finance to the specific course structure and content. After coming to a post-offer day that's when I knew which university I wanted to go to and firmed my first choice university and never looked back since!
