Five Key Things to Consider When Applying to University

There are many important factors to consider when choosing which university is right for you, but if you’re tentatively making your first steps on that often-daunting journey, below is a simple breakdown of a few of the key areas to keep in mind and get you started. 

The course 

The first step when filling out an application to university is of course to consider which course you want to undertake. With years of hard work ahead of you, it’s crucial that you opt for something that falls within your realms of interest, but it’s also important to note whether you have the minimum grade requirements to be eligible for a particular area of study. Realistically, it’s also worth remembering that many graduates don’t ultimately work within the sector they studied, so if you’re undecided about what’s best for you, it may be worth choosing a course that would offer transferable skills (such as a degree in English or a second language), rather than something very niche. 

The reputation 

When you’ve picked a course, the next step is choosing the actual universities you want to apply to, and it’s definitely worth taking the time to do a little research. Check where a uni sits in recent polls, rankings and studies with regards to the likes of pass rates, academic excellence and student satisfaction. Better yet, try and speak to former students who can give you an honest, insider’s opinion on what it’s really like to be enrolled in a specific place. 

The location 

Aside from the uni itself, it’s also important that you do a little digging into the surrounding area. After all, student life isn’t exactly known for being cheap, and the cost of living can vary hugely from city to city, so if finances are a major concern for you, check out how expensive each respective city is when it comes to significant expenses (like rent, and travel costs to visit home), as well as the simple, day-to-day outgoings. Aside from the cost, it’s also worth looking into what the area is like in terms of the nightlife and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring it’s somewhere you think you’ll be happy. 

The admin 

We all wish it was as easy as getting an acceptance letter to your desired uni and simply turning up on the first day of Freshers Week, but the reality is that there is a lot of boring, albeit vital, admin that must be attended to before your studies start. This ranges from securing appropriate accommodation (which can usually be organised through the uni) to applying for a student loan, so that you can afford to live. These, and any other necessary bits of admin, should all be taken care of ASAP to avoid any unwanted problems when the semester gets underway. 

The alternatives 

In all the excitement of finishing school and seeing your friends send off their uni applications, not to mention the confusion about what you want to do with the rest of your life whist still so young, it can be all too easy to get pushed into applying to somewhere simply because it’s what you feel you should do, rather than what you actually want to do. So, whilst it’s important to consider and compare potential universities, it’s also worth exploring other potential paths altogether (be it shorter-term college courses, apprenticeships, internships, working your way up the ladder, or otherwise), as what’s right for one person or profession doesn’t automatically apply to everyone, and success comes in many forms. 

from Finance Girl http://www.financegirl.co.uk/five-key-things-to-consider-when-applying-to-university/