How to Choose the Right Universities to Apply To

There are hundreds of universities in the UK and many more across the world. If you've decided that you want to earn a degree qualification, there's certainly no shortage of options to choose from when it comes to deciding where you'd like to study. But with so many options, narrowing it down to just five or less to apply to can be confusing and if you like the look of several universities, it can seem downright impossible. Here are some top tips to keep in mind that may help you narrow down your choices when applying to universities.

First of all, consider what you want to study as this will be a huge factor in determining the most suitable universities for you. Most universities tend to focus more heavily on some departments more than others, even if they offer a wide range of courses. Learn as much as you can about different universities and the departments that they tend to invest in the most. Sites like UCAS offer percentages of students that go on to pursue successful careers in their chosen subject after graduating; this can help you determine which university is best for your chosen path.

Speaking to current and former students at the universities that you have an interest in will help you get a better idea of whether or not it is the right choice for you. There are various ways to do this, including student forums like The Student Room, where you can find students from all over the UK discussing a wide variety of topics. Social media is also a good place to start as many students are in social groups that you can join to ask questions. Don't just ask about courses and teaching; find out about the campus culture and any extracurricular activities that you might be interested in, too.

Comparison sites like University Compare are a great place to start when it comes to finding out more about universities that you might like to study at. University Compare allows you to search for various universities and find out more about them; for example, you can see the Southampton University ranking along with all you need to know about this university before deciding whether or not it would be a good fit for your study plans.

Probably one of the best ways to find out more about a university and decide whether or not it's right for you is to visit an open day. These are usually held a few times throughout the academic year and allow you to get a full tour of the campus, classrooms, and facilities, and you might even be able to sit in on a lecture for your chosen subject. You'll also be able to speak to current students, see student accommodation options, and check out the student union and societies to help you get a better feel for the place and decide if you fit in.

While the university that you attend does not hold as much weight as your degree when it comes to helping you reach your career goals, some are better than others when it comes to preparing you for the world of work. If you have a particular career goal in mind for the future, some universities are going to be a better option for helping you achieve it. Career advisors tend to be well-versed in which universities are better choices for certain career paths, so speaking to one can help you decide on the right option for you. You can find independent careers advisors to speak to, or there may be one at your college. Careers advisors from your chosen university are knowledgeable about the different courses on offer and will be able to help you make the right choice of course.

Finally, think about other factors in your life that might have an effect on the university that you choose. First of all, consider how much funding you are going to receive from student finance and compare this to the cost of living for students at the universities you are considering. If there's a shortfall, will you be able to get financial help from your parents or other family members? Or will you need to get a part-time job? If you're considering working as a student, consider opportunities for work in the university city. Does the uni have job options for students? Are there pubs, bars, restaurants or supermarkets nearby that could offer you part-time work while you study?

Every university is different and there are hundreds to choose from. Keep these tips in mind when putting together your application to help you find the best place to study.