Selecting the right university
Important things to consider when making your final decision:
| Consideration | Questions to think about |
|---|---|
| Course | - what are the entry requirements and how many places are there? Also think about the modules - you may find the content differs widely for the same subject at different institutions. Think about the type of assessment as this may also differ. |
| Quality and Investment | - each university is regularly assessed on the quality of its academic provision and student satisfaction. Details can be found on the Quality Assurance Agency website ,your chosen university's Students' Union website and the National Student Survey website. |
| Scholarships and bursaries | - most English universities offer scholarships and bursaries. The amount available will differ and could depend on factors such as household income, postcode and academic achievement. Check out the bursary map to find out what is available at which universities. |
| Professional accreditation | - a professionally accredited course may be required in certain industries, for example, health and social care, law and psychology. Check out the prospectus for further details. |
| Location | - where do you want to live and what type of campus do you want to attend for example rural or city, one campus or several sites? How close to home do you want to be? Think of the distance and the travelling costs. |
| Facilities | - how well equipped is the university for the subject you want to study? You may also want to think about arrangements for work placements and opportunities to study abroad. You should also think about whether a university and its location have the facilities to pursue your leisure interests. |
| Accommodation | - does the university have halls of residence or will you have to rent a shared house or flat? The cost of accommodation and everyday living costs can vary greatly. |
| Social life | - making friends and trying new activities will be important so check out local clubs and societies. The Students' Union will play an important role so it's worth finding out what's on offer at your short listed institutions. |
Visiting institutions
It's crucial you try to visit your chosen institution before making your firm choice. Many students visit several institutions before making their decision. All universities have general open days and some offer subject specific activities to prospective students.
As a member of Passport there are a range of activities you can get involved in here. Events such as open days offer general information on higher education and also some subject specific information. Other activities include subject specific taster sessions to help you confirm the subject you are choosing is right for you.
If you want to book a place on any of the events listed on our website you can do so online or call us. If you can't find the subject or date you're looking for contact the Passport Team for further information.
