Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
No two universities are the same. There are loads of factors which could be important to you, and although this may seem overwhelming at first, once you break it down and look at each factor independently, it becomes a lot easier to make those vital decisions.
Need to look at a few more unis before making your choice? Search unis in the UK right here!
Student support on offer
Your university can provide support for many challenges which you might face while studying. In addition to extra academic resources and guidance, this can include personal, financial and accommodation related support, so it’s reassuring to know that your university has you covered. Student reviews are often the best way to get an idea of how strong the services are, so read up on your five university choices to ensure you’re in good hands.
Cost of location
When it comes to choosing a university location, cost can often be the deciding factor. Large cities frequently report a higher cost of living than rural areas, although this is only a rule of thumb so be sure to research carefully. Key financial considerations include rent, transport, groceries and entertainment. There are plenty of city-based cost of living guides online which can give a clear indication of what to expect.
Distance from home
Distance can be important for different reasons, depending on whether you’re the sort of person who plans to visit home frequently while at university, or if you’re looking to go somewhere new and live independently.
If you’re planning on making regular trips home, consider the available transport routes between areas of the UK, and think about the actual door-to-door time taken to travel between your student accommodation and home as well as the relative cost of making the journey.
Safety of location
This can be a key factor in many large urban locations, although most university campuses will be very well designed for student safety and will have security teams in place throughout the year to ensure a safe campus.
Give some thought to whether you’ll be living on or close to campus, and which areas of the town you’ll likely be living in your second and third year, as well as your commuting routes. Think about the type of activities you’ll be getting up to and the availability of reliable late-night public transport and taxi services. Student reviews will be able to give you an informed opinion on this type of thing.
Size of town or city
Largely down to personal preference, you might seek the bright lights and endless opportunities of a big city, or perhaps you’d rather live and work in a close-knit community with amenities within easy walking distance. Regardless, you’ll be spending at least three years living there, so think about how to make the most of your experience.
Type of uni
Campus or non-campus? Russell Group, Red Brick, or Specialist? Think about the daily reality of studying at each of your university options as well as what you’re hoping to get from your time there, and if these things are important to you, then use them to inform your choices.
Size of uni
Universities come in all shapes and sizes, from a few hundred students strong to populations of more than 40,000. This will affect your student experience, from the feeling of community to the amount of funding and resources which an institution has to offer. Consider the population of the university location as well as whether there are other universities in the immediate area.
Societies and extracurricular opportunities
Involvement in clubs and societies is frequently mentioned as a major part of what makes student life so memorable, and it’s often where you’ll make close friendships which can last far longer than your time at university. It goes without saying that the bigger the university, the more societies will be available to join, and most probably the more funding will be available too.
Facilities the uni offers
Beyond academic and course-specific facilities, have a think about the many amenities which you’ll use that could make a difference to your experience. This can include the quality and location of your accommodation, the amount of green space and recreational areas which the university provides, or the amount of entertainment, exercise and sports facilities which you’ll have access to.
Scholarships
Although you’ll probably have your course fees and maintenance loan covered by Student Finance, going to university will probably still require some personal investment. You may benefit from applying to scholarships and bursary schemes available at university, where you can find further subsidies and discounted costs. Full details are available on the university fees and funding pages, so check them out.
Need more advice on choosing the perfect uni? Check out our handy guide!
