Choosing a University is important, but choosing the right one for you is key. I was 17 and naive when UCAS was thrust upon me. I found myself head in hands under a pile of prospectuses wondering where to begin. Thankfully, I knew from a young age of what I wanted to be but for those who were clueless, their task was doubly hard.
The hunt began with an internet search that told me which Universities offered my course. Those whose websites were easy to navigate and made the most of virtual tours, photographs and student eye views were most appealing because it proved that they were fresh and in touch with their students. Then it was a process of elimination.
Naturally, I wanted the best course. Because journalism is so competitive, it was obvious I’d need something to make me stand out and so I opted for an accredited course. I’d heard great things about other Universities but sadly, the fact their course was not professionally recognised meant they stood no chance in my mind. Next I considered the quality of teaching, the number of students who get jobs after graduation, the cost of living and finally, the location. Unfortunately, University is expensive enough without having to spend hundreds of pounds travelling across the country whenever I fancied a weekend at home.
It is true what they say that first impressions count. On my very first Open Day, I was greeted with a warm welcome by the University staff. I shook hands and had a lively conversation with the Head of Department which told me immediately that I would be a student at this University and not a statistic. Q&A with the tutors also proved useful and put faces to the names I had read so much about. There were 70 nervous youngsters in that room. They made us feel straight at home which was a big tick in the box.
Not every visit was as successful. Soon after, I visited a different University courtesy of an internet route planner because we had not been sent directions in the post. This time, although staff were friendly, the day was thrown into chaos as nobody had a timetable of events. Coupled with a few students who were overheard joking and criticising their own University, it was a poor reflection of where I would be studying.
Of the seven Universities I chose just three made regular contact with details about the course, information on city life and upcoming events on the social scene. In my view, there are two factors which most influenced my choice of University. The course was the most important. However, it is the people who will make your time at University a professional and enjoyable experience that most swayed my decision.
The hunt began with an internet search that told me which Universities offered my course. Those whose websites were easy to navigate and made the most of virtual tours, photographs and student eye views were most appealing because it proved that they were fresh and in touch with their students. Then it was a process of elimination.
Naturally, I wanted the best course. Because journalism is so competitive, it was obvious I’d need something to make me stand out and so I opted for an accredited course. I’d heard great things about other Universities but sadly, the fact their course was not professionally recognised meant they stood no chance in my mind. Next I considered the quality of teaching, the number of students who get jobs after graduation, the cost of living and finally, the location. Unfortunately, University is expensive enough without having to spend hundreds of pounds travelling across the country whenever I fancied a weekend at home.
It is true what they say that first impressions count. On my very first Open Day, I was greeted with a warm welcome by the University staff. I shook hands and had a lively conversation with the Head of Department which told me immediately that I would be a student at this University and not a statistic. Q&A with the tutors also proved useful and put faces to the names I had read so much about. There were 70 nervous youngsters in that room. They made us feel straight at home which was a big tick in the box.
Not every visit was as successful. Soon after, I visited a different University courtesy of an internet route planner because we had not been sent directions in the post. This time, although staff were friendly, the day was thrown into chaos as nobody had a timetable of events. Coupled with a few students who were overheard joking and criticising their own University, it was a poor reflection of where I would be studying.
Of the seven Universities I chose just three made regular contact with details about the course, information on city life and upcoming events on the social scene. In my view, there are two factors which most influenced my choice of University. The course was the most important. However, it is the people who will make your time at University a professional and enjoyable experience that most swayed my decision.
View this article in its original context here: http://www.unite-group.co.uk/data/Reports/Campus%20Life%20Low%20res%20Sept%202007.pdf
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