8 Key Things To Consider When Choosing A University

Choosing your course can make or break your college experience. When deciding, consider everything from your interests, education goals, and preferred curriculum.

Does this school have a course for my preferred subject?

Does this university have a strong reputation in my chosen field?

Would I rather complete a thesis based on an independent research project or pursue a structured coursework program?

Ask yourself what you want to get out of your college education and evaluate your options from there.

While it is not a compulsory requirement, getting into a prestigious school with high international rankings can help you in the long run.

For some, university prestige still matters today. Schools with higher rankings are often associated with higher-quality degree programs, more majors available, and better career opportunities.

If this is something you’re looking for, it would be useful to look up the top universities in the study destination country you’re interested in.

Regardless of whether you study overseas or not, university tuition fees are a costly expense that can have long-term implications in your life. Finding out how much tuition fees cost upfront should be the first step in your search for the ideal college.

Nonetheless, don’t let the price of your dream school weigh you down. Look into the different financial aid and support programmes offered by the university, which can help you significantly defray the costs.

Apart from employment prospects, one of the key driving forces that inspire students to study abroad is the change of environment and learning more about new cultures.

However, it’s not as simple as booking a holiday trip.

Can I afford the cost of living in this city?

How far away is the study destination country from home?

How often will I be able to travel back home during breaks?

These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself before coming to a decision.

Take the time to do your research and reflect on whether your plans are aligned with your budget.

From the environment to campus culture, you can already get a sense of whether you want to be at a particular school or not. While larger institutions have better resources for networking, smaller campuses may present more opportunities for active participation and personalised feedback.

Essentially, the student culture in a university shapes students’ mindset and character in the next four years, so make sure it’s an environment in which you’ll thrive.

Your student accommodation is your home away from home. It’s important to find a place that suits your needs and budget. Two of the most common accommodation options among students are campus dorms and apartment living.

Typically, staying in a dorm would mean less privacy and living with other roommates. But if you enjoy meeting different people and don’t mind sharing a space with them, this may be the option for you.

On the other hand, renting your apartment is a good way to get more privacy but it’ll surely cost you more. When making this decision, make sure to consider all these aspects.

Being in a university environment is one of the best times to be networking. Not only is it a great way to gain knowledge about your respective field, but it also opens up plenty of opportunities even before entering the workforce.

If you don’t know where to start, consider joining a society or organisation. Network with faculty members to get industry insights firsthand. Get involved on campus and always be open to creating new connections.

We know how challenging it can be to make such a massive decision as this. That’s why we’re here to help.

If you’re interested in pursuing your university education abroad, get in touch with our counsellors by visiting our nearest IDP branch to guide you through the process from start to finish.

Kickstart your journey with IDP today!