What Should I Consider When Choosing A University?  

If you’ve ever wondered how to choose a university for the next chapter of your studies, you’re not alone.

When it comes to study destinations and institutions, international students tend to be spoilt for choice as there are a myriad of options out there.

However, before taking the plunge, it is essential to understand your individual needs and choose your university wisely. This is because you would be investing a great deal of time, effort and money on your degree and it can also affect your future career prospects.

In the midst of your research, you might notice the QS rankings and use them to gauge whether or not a specific university is worth enrolling in. After all, a highly-ranked university would seem more prestigious.

The thing is, it is more important to go beyond the rankings and strike a balance between being aspirational as well as being grounded in the day-to-day stuff.

If you’re unsure of where to begin, read on to explore the factors to consider before making your selection.

6 Things To Consider When Choosing A University

1. The Study Destination & Your Desires

Studying abroad is very different from a vacation. After all, you’ll be there for an extended period of time (typically 4 years!) and it wouldn’t purely be for leisure.

Hence, it is important to factor in your personal preferences and lifestyle when deciding on a destination.

It helps to think about whether you’re someone who embraces peaceful countryside living or vibrant city life, as well as the kind of climate you might prefer. Even though many countries have different seasons, you wouldn’t want to end up in a destination that snows for half a year if you’re not able to tolerate the cold!

2. Tuition Costs & Cost Of Living

It takes a great deal of financial commitment to study abroad – from tuition costs to daily expenses – which is why it is crucial to have a clear idea about the total cost you’ll incur.

Once you gain a better understanding of the country’s living expenses, accommodation costs and tuition fees, you’ll then be able to prepare accordingly and set aside the necessary funds.

If you’re unsure, you can talk to friends or family members who might have experience being in the country you’re eyeing, whether for work, studies or leisure.

Apart from that, another thing to look out for is the opportunity to obtain a scholarship, which can do wonders in offsetting some costs and reducing the financial burden.

Depending on your university, there might also be a range of student support services to help manage the financial aspect of your student life – including housing and part-time employment.

3. University Prestige & Recognizability

Although we mentioned that the QS rankings are not the biggest deal-breaker in your decision, it definitely matters to some extent.

Graduating from a more recognized university would help when it comes to applying for internships or jobs and even boost your chances of getting into a good postgraduate programme, if that’s what you’re planning to do next.

Having said that, it is still more important to find a program that is aligned with your career goals as the knowledge and skills you will acquire is priceless.

4. Student Body & Campus Culture

As you’ll be living in your study destination for a few years, it helps to understand what social life and campus culture are like. For example, what the students there do for fun, the kind of activities available and whether most students live on- or off-campus.

You can also take a closer look at the extracurriculars or student groups available – be it in sports, art, theatre, music or other activities that overlap with your interests. This could be a great way to pursue your interests and hone your skills in that area, as well as make campus life more pleasant.

5. Travel Opportunities To Expand Horizons

One of the greatest non-academic aspects of studying abroad is the fact that you’ll have the time – be it on weekends or semester breaks – to travel within the country and perhaps explore different states or regions.

On top of gaining new experiences, you’ll be able to soak up the culture, go on adventures and offer all that your study destination has to offer.

6. Post-Graduation Opportunities

While graduation might be some time away, do you have an idea of what you wish to do after completing your degree?

Whether it’s furthering your studies with a master’s program or finding a job in your study destination, it helps to take a closer look at potential opportunities and make plans to achieve your next step.

Depending on the country, you might be allowed to work part-time throughout your study duration and gain the necessary experience for future jobs or obtain a certain visa that lets you extend your stay as you seek employment.

Take The Next Step Towards Studying In Your Dream University

Now that you have a better idea of what to factor in when selecting a university, do you have a clearer idea of where you wish to go?

Even if you aren’t 100% certain, we’re happy to help!

At IDP, we have a team of experienced education counsellors who will be able to provide tailored guidance and also navigate the entire application process with you – from course selection to accommodation arrangements.

Get started with your free counselling sessiontoday!