Choosing a university can be very exciting, but also a little stressful because it feels like a commitment. Spending so much time in one place is a big decision, then you are also faced with the type of degree you want to complete, so you have to narrow down your options. With all the stress it takes, always remember that this is an exciting new journey and you are going to enjoy it entirely. The only question now is, how to choose the right university.
Start with your Course
Before you can choose the right university, you are going to have to start by deciding what course you want to do. You may have one university in mind, only to find out that they do not offer what you are looking for. Now that you have your course chosen, you will have a starting point for your search. This might be a good time to send your essay to someone offering a personal statement review service because you already know what you want to study.
Can you do it?
This is definitely going to put a damper on things, but it is still important to discuss. When you decided on your course, you need to be honest with yourself and make sure that you are capable enough to see it through. If your passion is in maths and you decide to take a course in English Literature, are you going to be able to do this and be happy at the same time? Do not look at other people, but look inwards and decide from there. We all have our own level of intelligence, but with hard work, nothing has ever been impossible.
Reviews
You can learn a lot about an institution by looking at the reviews linked to it. There are so many places online you can go to and read some reviews of present or past students. You will also be able to find reviews written by experts and what they think about the university you are interested in. It is not to say that this will be the point where you finally decide, but it is an important step in finding the right university.
Open Days
If you want to get a feel for the place before you commit, you can go to an open day hosted by the universities that interest you. Walk around on the campus and take it all in. Do you see yourself spending the next 3 to 8 years in this place? If there is a feeling of peace and motivation in the air, you’ve found your place. Out intuition is powerful and if you are not connecting with the university, it is probably best to move on. Take note of the information shared about the university and make sure that it syncs with your morals.
Costs
We want to believe that we can just go to any university we want to, but some of them are just not affordable at all. It is important to have a look at the fees structure and see if you will be able to manage the payments. One day I went to one of my friends and told her to check my personal statement because I have already chosen my university. That is when she told me that I might not be able to afford the costs. When I looked at the fees structure, I was surprised and let’s just say, had to look for alternative options.
Accommodation
Are you going to live on the campus or rent a place with some of your fellow classmates? This is very important and you might have to look at options available before you make your final decision. It would be a sad day if you find your perfect match, only to find that there are limited options for accommodation. The key here is to not sleep on it too long. As soon as you receive your acceptance letter, book your place at wherever you decide to stay. Remember, you are not the only student looking for accommodation and you want to get first option if possible.
Extracurricular Activities
Did you play a lot of sport in school or are you a great dancer and would like to continue your training? Look for a university that offers these activities. For some reason, many students do not take this into consideration, assuming that it would be. Make very sure, because you do not want to take a few years off practicing your skills. Your time will not always be spent in the class or studying. There will be some free time for activities that you actually enjoy and look forward to. Make sure these are offered on campus or nearby.
Requirements
Now that you know which university you are going to, start gathering all the documents and information you need to apply. Do your personal statement review, because for many universities this is the deciding factor. Make sure you ask your selected individuals to start writing your recommendation letters and sort out any financial matters now. Ask the school for documents needed and discuss everything with your family and loved ones. Be completely prepared for your move to university, once you are accepted.
Conclusion
This is an exciting time in life and it should be seen that way. Do not make it stressful for yourself. At the end of the day you are going to find your perfect match ad you are going to be so happy with your choice. It is always better to prepare before you commit. By following these steps, you are going to have a great university experience. This time will go by very quickly and you need to be present at all times. Also, work hard at everything you do, because it will surely pay off. I wish you good luck on this new journey you are about to embark on. No one can take this experience and gained knowledge from you!