Criteria for selecting university
What criteria should we consider when selecting a university? Is it overall ranking or subject ranking. I am confused
I wouldn't put too much weight on league table rankings. These are very variable year on year and the methodologies can be...questionable.
As a general very vague indicator of things as a starting point, they're ok to reference to get a rough feel for things, but I wouldn't focus on minutiae of "X uni dropped 2 places from last year!" or "Y uni is 3 places ahead of Z uni so Y is better". And also take the overall rankings with a pinch of salt anyway.
I would focus first of all on the individual courses and content of those - does the specific material covered in each module and range of indicative options align with your interests? Also consider how large the range of optional modules are - if there's only a couple options to choose between each year, this can suggest a somewhat weaker academic department due to not having the funding/staffing to put on a wider range of modules and/or being unable to attract and support a range of specialists.
Then look at the different unis in practical terms - what do you think of those cities? How affordable are then? What facilities, clubs, societies etc does each uni have? Are there any that are deal breakers for you (e.g. do you NEED to have a uni with a swimming facility available because you love doing your laps every day?), or any that you felt a real connection with on an open day (although bear in mind open days are curated events - they're trying to show you the best of what they have and avoid showing any downsides or negative opinions!).
As a general very vague indicator of things as a starting point, they're ok to reference to get a rough feel for things, but I wouldn't focus on minutiae of "X uni dropped 2 places from last year!" or "Y uni is 3 places ahead of Z uni so Y is better". And also take the overall rankings with a pinch of salt anyway.
I would focus first of all on the individual courses and content of those - does the specific material covered in each module and range of indicative options align with your interests? Also consider how large the range of optional modules are - if there's only a couple options to choose between each year, this can suggest a somewhat weaker academic department due to not having the funding/staffing to put on a wider range of modules and/or being unable to attract and support a range of specialists.
Then look at the different unis in practical terms - what do you think of those cities? How affordable are then? What facilities, clubs, societies etc does each uni have? Are there any that are deal breakers for you (e.g. do you NEED to have a uni with a swimming facility available because you love doing your laps every day?), or any that you felt a real connection with on an open day (although bear in mind open days are curated events - they're trying to show you the best of what they have and avoid showing any downsides or negative opinions!).
Reply 2
Location, location, location.
There are of course exceptions, but if most universities do the subject you want to do and you don't have a specific occupation in mind for afterwards then I can't think of anything more important than location, it's where you have to live after all.
There are of course exceptions, but if most universities do the subject you want to do and you don't have a specific occupation in mind for afterwards then I can't think of anything more important than location, it's where you have to live after all.
Reply 3
Original post
by Sree MWhat criteria should we consider when selecting a university? Is it overall ranking or subject ranking. I am confused
Here are my suggestions:
•
Subject ranking
•
Overall ranking / reputation
•
Graduate prospects
•
Social / uni life
•
Cost of living
•
Ability to live in uni accommodation
•
Campus or city uni
Reply 4
Hi there,
For me, the number one thing to look at is the subject ranking/availability. I think this depends on whether you are doing a relatively popular or really niche course. My course is very niche, and there is only two other universities in the UK that offer it, so that really narrowed down my options.
From there, I picked the location that I thought I would enjoy living in the most, as well as being somewhat close to home if I wanted to go back to visit (I also didn’t want to travel all the way up to Dundee).
I think another very important thing to think about is affordability - there is no point going to a university/city where you can’t afford to live at all. If you are looking at bigger cities, there are likely to be more opportunities for part time work compared to smaller campus universities.
I would also try to visit each university you are looking at on an open day, to see whether you like the facilities/student atmosphere at each, as well as exploring the campus or city/town to help decide if you might enjoy living there.
Hope this helps!
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)
For me, the number one thing to look at is the subject ranking/availability. I think this depends on whether you are doing a relatively popular or really niche course. My course is very niche, and there is only two other universities in the UK that offer it, so that really narrowed down my options.
From there, I picked the location that I thought I would enjoy living in the most, as well as being somewhat close to home if I wanted to go back to visit (I also didn’t want to travel all the way up to Dundee).
I think another very important thing to think about is affordability - there is no point going to a university/city where you can’t afford to live at all. If you are looking at bigger cities, there are likely to be more opportunities for part time work compared to smaller campus universities.
I would also try to visit each university you are looking at on an open day, to see whether you like the facilities/student atmosphere at each, as well as exploring the campus or city/town to help decide if you might enjoy living there.
Hope this helps!
Jorja (LJMU Student Rep)
Reply 5
20
Original post
by Mr ADBLocation, location, location.
There are of course exceptions, but if most universities do the subject you want to do and you don't have a specific occupation in mind for afterwards then I can't think of anything more important than location, it's where you have to live after all.
There are of course exceptions, but if most universities do the subject you want to do and you don't have a specific occupation in mind for afterwards then I can't think of anything more important than location, it's where you have to live after all.
Actually, 'location' is meaningless if you sign up for the wrong course because thats all you focussed on. Three years is a long time to be miserable because you didnt actually think about what you would be studying every day,
Reply 6
Hi there,
You've already had some great advice.
I would personally caution against looking too much into subject rankings. Things like the Complete University guide or one of the major league tables (Times HE, Guardian) are a good starting point to get an idea for unis, but rankings won't tell you how much you'll enjoy the course and your life there.
I would suggest focussing on, in order of priority...
Rankings are important as you want to make sure your uni is high-performing for your subject, but it should by no means be at the top of your priority list, because rankings won't tell you if that uni is the right one for your needs.
And of course, what you should prioritise is a personal decision depending on your situation and what is important to you - these are just suggestions! 🙂
I hope this helps, best of luck!
University of Bath
You've already had some great advice.
I would personally caution against looking too much into subject rankings. Things like the Complete University guide or one of the major league tables (Times HE, Guardian) are a good starting point to get an idea for unis, but rankings won't tell you how much you'll enjoy the course and your life there.
I would suggest focussing on, in order of priority...
•
Course contents - do the modules interest you/align with any career goals you have/do you think you'd enjoy them? Does your course include a year-long placement or industrial experience option?
•
University facilities - What are your course facilities like? is there enough for you to do there besides studying such as clubs, societies and sports? What part-time work options are available?
•
University vibe - campus or city? University size? And do you feel 'at home' there, can you visualise yourself enjoying student life here?
•
City - how far is the uni from the city? How big is the city? Do you like the city? Is there enough to do there? Access to supermarkets, parks, coffee shops, nightlife, pubs, things to do? Is it considered a safe city?
•
Cost of living - what is the cost of living in the area? OIs there any support from the uni in terms of scholarships/bursaries or a student money advice team? How much will accommodation cost you in the city?
Rankings are important as you want to make sure your uni is high-performing for your subject, but it should by no means be at the top of your priority list, because rankings won't tell you if that uni is the right one for your needs.
And of course, what you should prioritise is a personal decision depending on your situation and what is important to you - these are just suggestions! 🙂
I hope this helps, best of luck!
University of Bath
(edited 9 months ago)
Reply 7
Original post
by McGingerActually, 'location' is meaningless if you sign up for the wrong course because thats all you focussed on. Three years is a long time to be miserable because you didnt actually think about what you would be studying every day,
3 years is also a long time to be miserable because you're living in the wrong location.
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