Higher Ed Decisions - Choosing where to study

How to decide on your place of study isn't an easy process. In part your decision will be made by the kind of course you want to do and perhaps were you might like to study but there are other factors to consider. In this careers poster blog we've listed these key factors in our new career poster graphic available for schools.  This is a great graphic for 6th forms, study areas and career library areas. View more at our store

Course Content 
This can be seen as the number one factor when choosing a place of study.  In fact, 73% of applicants said course content was important when making their choice.  It’s imperative to investigate course content carefully; this is because often similar sounding courses actually cover significantly different subject areas.

Academic Reputation 
Where are they in the University league tables?   Six in ten applicants say that overall academic reputation is important when deciding upon a place of study.  Having a degree from a highly ranked university can give you an advantage with employers and in certain career sectors.

Graduate Employment Rates
Graduate employment rates reveal the percentage of university graduates in employment or further study six months after graduating.  Six in ten university applicants said that graduate employment rates were important when deciding upon a place of study

Academic Facilities
58% of applicants said that the quality of the university’s academic facilities is important when deciding where to study.  Academic facilities may include the library, IT suites or laboratories.

University and Employer Links
50% of university applicants said that links between the university and employers is important when making their university choice.  When completing a more vocational type degree these links can be of particular value.

Location
Location can also be seen as an important factor when deciding upon where to study for university applicants.  Some students may want to live in places where there is a lot to do, or somewhere that has a vibrant night life.  Alternatively other students may prefer somewhere rich in culture, where they can investigate history and meet lots of different types of people.  Another thing to factor in to this decision is how close you want to live to home; some students may want to branch out and move far away while others may prefer to remain in familiar territory.

Student Life
It is also worth considering a school’s extra-curricular activities as some universities may offer a greater number or variety to choose from.  Extracurricular activities could consist of clubs, volunteer opportunities, sports groups or even being part of a religious organisation.

School’s Demographics
When students are deciding upon a place of study they may have a particular preference relating to the schools demographics.  For instance some may be interested in a university with a particular race or religious affiliation.  Another notable factor in this decision could be male to female ratio within the university.

Student/Professor Ratio
For some university applicants the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with teachers and professors and gain extra support is of primary importance.  Because of this it is worth investigating the student to faculty ratio intently.

Tutors
Does the University have highly qualified professors?  A good professor can have a distinctive impact on your studies, adding interest to your degree, and ultimately influencing later life choices.

Costs
General living costs of the area can also be an important factor when deciding upon university for applicants.  Especially important could be the cost of a pint in a local pub or renting costs within the area. Other costs that may impinge more significantly may be the course fees.  

Student Accommodation 
Student life and the quality of student accommodation can have an important impact upon a student’s time of study.  For those looking to pursue an active student life and make lots of new friends it is worth investigating the percentage of students living on campus.

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