Find the Right College and University
A Guide to Choosing an Institute of Higher Education
May 1, 2009
There are several criteria to consider when selecting the right place to spend some of the most important years of your life.
Degree Course
If you know which field you want to specialise in, go somewhere where you can focus on your major from the first year. If you are undecided about what you want to do, opt for a school with a broad based approach; these require students to take classes in a wide range of subjects first, providing a well-rounded education.
School Reputation and Faculty Strength
The Ivy League and Oxbridge Universities are famous institutions that every student aspires to. Others are particularly well-known for a specific major, like architecture or astronomy. Check ranking tables that provide both an overall assessment of the university and specialist areas of strength.
Type and Location
All colleges are different in many ways. Do you prefer single sex or coed, a religious affiliation or secular in essence? Does an urban campus life excite you or would a small town environment in the countryside be more palatable? The options are almost limitless so be clear on what’s important to you.
Distance from Home
For some, the full experience of university life and campus living is attained from being far away from home. Others may want to be close enough for frequent visits to loved ones. Do you have family commitments which require proximity? Do you get homesick easily? How important is independence to you?
Financial Considerations
Undergraduate education can put a strain on your financial resources. Check if your school awards scholarships, bursaries, student grants, or university hardship funds. If you need a student education loan, seek out student loans companies with a higher education loan program. Aid is available out there; you just need to find it.
Activities and Events
Don’t neglect the areas outside academia. If you are a sports enthusiast, consider a place with a tradition of sporting achievements. If you love the outdoors a campus in a natural setting provides opportunities for hikes. If you are a theatre buff head somewhere buzzing with arts and theatre programs.
Industry Internship
Job attachments provide students with relevant work experience and professional development. Check with your prospective school for good quality internship programs that give you an insight and practical experience of the industry. And ask what kind of support they provide in helping students secure internships.
University Culture
If you can, visit the school and allow time to speak to other students, eat in the dining hall, sit in on classes and pop into the students union. See if the culture suits you and if you fit in as a part of the community. There needs to be match and a sense of belonging or you could be in for a miserable college life.
Other Degree Options
If your financial or family circumstances do not allow for a full time university education, think about part-time courses or distance education learning programs or correspondence study. Given the benefits of an online degree and the proliferation of elearning courses by several reputable universities, this is an option you may wish to seriously consider.
Take Time Off
There is no rush to go to university. Many students take a year off to work, travel and/or do voluntary work, and their experiences cause them to become better students, more motivated and focused. Such experiences add practical value to your degree and help you gain an edge over your peers.
College years are arguably the best of your life and which university you go to makes a great difference. Choose with care and have fun!
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