What to consider when selecting your university

Deciding which university to study at is an important milestone, and it’s normal to feel uncertain about your decision. In this short guide, we outline some of the key factors you might want to consider when selecting your university, so you can feel reassured that your decision aligns with your needs and goals. 

Admission requirements 
One of the first things to consider when selecting your university is admission requirements. Do your predicted grades meet the entry requirements? Are test scores, interviews, or pre-requisite courses required? Ensuring you have a thorough understanding of the university admission process will help you to focus your efforts on universities where you meet the criteria, and where the admission process suits your skills. This will help you save time and increase your chances of acceptance.

Location
Location is another important factor to consider. Would you prefer to study closer to home or further away? If it’s the former, you might want to check if the university has good transport links to your home. Consider whether you’re looking for a larger city vibe or somewhere more rural. For example, Warwick Business School offers a great balance of the two, providing a spacious green campus, while benefiting from excellent transport links to towns and cities like Coventry, Leamington Spa, Birmingham and London. If possible, try to attend one or more open days so you can get a feel for the location and what it has to offer. 

Course format 
When choosing a university, consider the format of the course to ensure it aligns with your learning style and career goals. If you’re a hands-on learner, check the course has enough practice-based learning opportunities- whether that’s internships, volunteering, or project work. You may also want to consider if your chosen course offers different ‘pathways’ or ‘tracks’ if you are looking to specialise in particular areas of interest. For example, if you choose to study at Warwick Business School on either the BSc Management or BSc International Management course, you can opt for our pathway routes that allow you to specialise in areas such as entrepreneurship, accounting, and finance. A year studying or working abroad will also be either a built-in requirement or an optional component of the course. Alternatively, if you want a broader curriculum, ensure there are enough elective modules to provide variety. 

Campus life and culture 
Don’t overlook the importance of campus culture when deciding on your university, as it will likely shape your overall experience. Consider whether you prefer a vibrant social scene with clubs, societies, and events, or a quieter, more academic-focused environment. If diversity and inclusivity matter to you, explore the student groups and organisations available to support different cultural, religious, and social backgrounds. At the University of Warwick, you'll find a lively and diverse campus, home to over 250 student-run societies and a strong sense of community, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Campus facilities 
University amenities and facilities can vary depending on the size of a university, so take the time to explore what’s on offer.  Ask yourself what’s important to you: for instance, is having a well-equipped sports hub particularly important? Or maybe you want a campus that has multiple eateries, entertainment facilities and shops within it? At the University of Warwick, we provide top-tier facilities, including a state-of-the-art Sports and Wellness Hub, a wide range of cafés and restaurants, and one of the largest multi-art centres in the UK. If having a good place to study is important to you, you may want to look at the different study spaces available to see if they fit your requirements.  You can take a look at Warwick’s study spaces here. 

Career prospects 
It’s important to consider how a university is going to support your future career prospects. Look into things like the university’s employability rates, their industry connections, and its alumni network. You also might want to look at how they support you throughout your studies via their career’s services. Do they offer 1-to-1 career advice and support? Do they host regular employability skills workshops and networking opportunities? For example, here at Warwick Business School, our CareersPlus team provide careers services exclusively for Warwick Business School students, offering everything from 1-2-1 coaching, work placement and internship opportunities, employer events and much more. A university that prioritises career development can significantly enhance your chances of success after graduation, so it’s important to consider this when selecting your university. 

To conclude, choosing which university to study at is a very personal decision, but by taking the time to carefully research and identify what matters to you, you can feel more empowered to make a decision that aligns with your goals and sets the foundations for your future enjoyment and career aspirations. Good luck with making your choice!