5 Things You Should Consider When Picking a University

You may have noticed Halcyon has had quite a few visitors this past week from universities across the globe. Well it's official – we are in the midst of university recruitment season, opening our doors to a variety of universities visiting London.

University reps know exactly who they are, what they look for in applicants, the services they offer, and what makes them stand out from other institutions. The real question is: do students have that same level of clarity about the schools they’re applying to?

Too often students create lists with the ‘typical’ or expected universities. When asked why they have selected these schools, their answers rarely go beyond ‘I know it's a good school’ or ‘I know someone who goes there and likes it’. While word of mouth feedback can be helpful, the research process behind choosing which schools to apply to should be deeply personal. Students who truly engage in the process of finding the right fit for them are not only more successful but happier long-term.

Students should consider a variety of variables during the research process. Think of it like this – you aren't just choosing a three to four year long brand, you're choosing a foundation for your career after graduation. In this labour market employers are looking for more than just a reputable university on your CV.  Employers look for industry experience, strong soft skills, and candidates who truly made the most of their degree. By taking the initiative to network on campus and beyond, you build real-world connections that can open unexpected doors.

This is all to say – if I were to go back to my uni days, here are the things I would look into before deciding if an institution is worthy of an application.

• Experience Building: What industry connections do they have outside of the typical careers office - are internships built into the program and how would they support me in getting regular exposure to the world of work within my field.
• Campus Opportunities: What opportunities on campus are offered where I can continue to grow my passions and interests that offer a space for me to network and continue to develop my soft skills.
• Student Satisfaction: What is their retention rate and student satisfaction rating? Are students actually happy there?
• Career Prospects: Once I graduate, how long will it take me to get into employment within my speciality and what is the baseline salary I could expect as a graduate student from that institution?
• Degree Alignment: Is the way my degree is going to be taught align with how I best learn? Will I academically thrive undertaking that degree there? Who will be teaching me? Are they experts in their field and will I have opportunities to work closely with them in their research?

Choosing a university can be a daunting, and at times overwhelming experience. My advice is to start early and make the most out of these universities' visits. Ask them the questions I’ve noted above and document what they say. The more info you get, the clearer picture you’ll have of your options, helping you figure out what you want not just from a university, but from your future. 

You got this!