Researching the Right University

Choosing the right university is a major decision. With over 160 universities in the UK offering thousands of courses, it can feel overwhelming to navigate so many options. Here, I will share advice I wish I had when making my own decision, which I hope will help you navigate this process more confidently.

My University Journey

I am currently an Architecture student at the University of Greenwich. This was not the first path I envisioned for myself during secondary school or even in sixth form.

However, my journey to reading Architecture taught me that indecisiveness can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. Now, I am very happy with where I am and what I am doing, and I hope that this blog will help you find your own fulfilling path, knowing that it doesn't always turn out like you originally planned!

Getting Started: The UCAS Application

UCAS, short for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is the platform where you can select up to five universities to apply to. It serves as the starting point for most students in the UK, streamlining the application process and providing valuable tools to help you make informed decisions.

This is the first step in your university journey and arguably one of the most critical parts of the process. Through UCAS, you will submit your application and begin refining your options. An online UCAS applications tutor can help provide some assistance in improving your chances in getting an offer.

Finding the Right Course

There are several tools and websites to help you search for specific courses and universities to see what’s out there. For example, WhatUni allows you to filter course options based on your preferences, such as location, predicted subject grades, and course availability.

Do make sure you check online which degree would require specific A-level qualifications for courses. For example, for Medicine: Chemistry, Biology and Maths are required. Some courses may not need any specific A-levels but need a minimum ABB. They may also accept equivalent total grade credits if you end up getting 1 grade above expected and one below, for example. It all depends on the university. 

• Medicine: A*A*A
• Law: BCC-A*AA
• Business management: AAA-BCC
• Dentistry: AAB

Check online for the specific university and the degree of your choice to keep them in mind as your overall target.

Assessing University Rankings

Sites like Universitycompare.com and Complete University Guide use student responses to give an overall rating of the university where they attend.

While rankings should not be the sole determinant of your choice, they can provide valuable insights from students who have recently attended.

Look at rankings for specific courses rather than just the overall university standing. If you want to do something in particular, don’t assume one of the ‘big name’ universities will automatically be the best option for your course. Consider factors like student satisfaction, facilities, employability rates, and research quality when interpreting rankings.

I personally used WhatUni to narrow down my choices, and I recommend creating a list of your top ten options to start with. From there, consider practical factors like:

• Travel time: How long would it take to commute by car or public transport?
• Student-friendly amenities: Are there affordable shops, restaurants, and social spaces?
• Cost of living: What are the average rental and daily living expenses in the area?
• Course facilities: Does the university offer the resources and equipment you will need?
• Career opportunities: Does the university have strong industry connections or placement options?
• Teaching support: What is the lecturer-to-student ratio, and are academic support services readily available?
• Ranking: What rank is the university for your specific degree? Does it match your aspirations?

There is an option to do a “sandwich year” or essentially a year abroad, some courses do offer this and you’ll be able to see this on UCAS within choosing your course for a university, do double check as many universities allow you to continue to do studies in countries like Singapore, USA, Australia and more if this is something that you would like to do.

Curriculum and Modules

Universities often allow you to shape your own curriculum, which can vary significantly between institutions. It is essential to review the modules offered in your chosen course. This will help you understand what you will be learning and whether the course aligns with your interests and goals. 

Keep in mind that university study often involves significant self-directed learning that requires a lot of discipline, so it is important to be prepared for that shift in responsibility. A-Levels usually a good preparation for this, but there is still a significant step up!

Importance of Open Days

Attending university open days is a crucial step in your decision-making process. I remember visiting the University of Greenwich on an open day and feeling connected to the campus. Walking in and seeing the architecture studios gave me a clear picture of what studying there would be like.

It also gave me the chance to meet current students and ask them about their experiences, which reassured me that I had made the right choice. Many sixth forms and colleges allow time off for these visits, so take full advantage. Open days give you the opportunity to:

• Explore the campus and local area.
• Visit potential accommodation.
• Check out facilities like libraries, lecture halls, and specialised equipment for your course.
• Meet future tutors, lecturers, and even prospective classmates.
• Ask about student support.

During the pandemic, many universities developed virtual tours, which are still available in some cases. While these can be helpful, visiting in person offers a more immersive sense of the environment where you will be spending a significant portion of your life.

Location matters:

• Proximity to home: Would you rather stay close to family or move away from home?
• Urban vs. rural: Would you thrive in a bustling city or a quieter, campus-focused environment?
• Cultural scene: Is there local entertainment in the area which matches your interests? (see what happens during the year of the university that you are applying to, see the activities, i.e. game nights, fundraisers, unique student society opportunities)

Financial considerations:

University can be a significant financial commitment. Make sure that you evaluate:

• Tuition fees: compare the living costs between different universities and consider whether they align with your budget.
• Scholarships and bursaries: Research the financial support available for your chosen course and university
• Living expenses: Factor in accommodation, food, travel, and other essentials when assessing affordability
• Part-time work opportunities: Does the university or the surrounding area offer flexible job options for students? (You can also do work from home for certain jobs, like tutoring, but use sites like LinkedIn to see the opportunities in the area.)

Also an important piece of information, check online or call to see how much your specific degree will cost, as not every degree costs the same average of £9,535 and making sure to fill out the government form to Student Finance England to let them know where you will be going and if you’re requesting student finance. (https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk/)

Use this to calculate how much maintenance loan you’re eligible for (https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator)

Career Prospects

The goal of the university is to prepare you for your future career. Investigate:

• Internship and placement opportunities: Does the university have connections with industries relevant to your field?
• Graduate employability rates: What percentage of graduates find employment in their chosen field?
• Professional accreditation: Is your course recognised by relevant professional bodies? (Law, Medicine, Architecture, etc.)

One great resource for comparing graduate prospects is the Complete University Guide website, where you can view the full table and compare universities for graduate employment and whether they feel fulfilled and “on the right track” in their early careers.

For specific internships and placement opportunities that are linked to a university, you will have to dig a little deeper into the university's course website and prospectus.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, choosing the right university involves balancing practical considerations with your personal interests and long-term goals. While parental input can be valuable, this is your journey, and it is important to focus on what will make you happiest and most fulfilled.

Take the time to research thoroughly, visit campuses, and reflect on what you want from this next stage in your education rather than being fixated on a university because of its status. Furthermore, if you are just not that passionate about any course you have seen so far, take your time to consider if it’s the right choice.

You can always consider taking a year out of education to explore more options and find something you want to commit to for the next few years to specialise in. I know a lot of people who have done this with great success, as they just didn’t feel ready for university yet, and none of them regret it.



Good luck with your university search—I hope this guide helps make your journey a little smoother!