Going beyond the University Rankings - What Really Matters When Choosing Where to Study?

Choosing a university can be a daunting task, and like most international students, you may rely on university rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, especially if you're focusing on universities in the UK or US, where most of the world's top 10 universities are situated.

But how do you really know what the rankings are about and what they measure? Are you confident that these are the metrics you want to base your entire choice of study abroad destination on?

To help you make the most informed decision, in this blog we have listed out some ideas of what else to look for when choosing a university, in addition to its ranking position.

Variety and quality of courses

Once you've decided what career you want to pursue for the rest of your life, it's important to make sure that the university you choose will prepare you for it.

Firstly, make sure that the courses and modules are current, and that the university is research-orientated and up-to-date in the field you want to specialise in.

You can also check the professors' portfolios and teaching experience, as this will form the core of your university experience. Some of this information can be found in university rankings, but not in detail, so it is better to check the university's academic staff pages.

After your research, you may find that the most relevant academic and author in your subject is a professor at one of the other universities you are considering applying to.

Safety and security

It is important that you feel safe wherever you go.

First of all, check out the city in which the university is located. Find out if it's safe, what the crime rate is and how late the public transport runs in the area.

Then check the university's website to see if they have their own security services on campus and in halls of residence. One of your university's main objectives should be your safety.

University facilities and support services

As well as feeling safe, it feels good to know that you have someone to talk to. Not your friends, but professional staff who know how to deal with all sorts of student problems. This includes financial problems and advice, health and wellbeing services, general student services, the Students' Union or even library services.

To find out more, go to the university's website and see what services they offer.

Funding options and reasonable tuition fees

Since you're going to be studying for a few years, it's wise to make a financial plan.

If you're moving away from home, this includes living costs, travel costs, tuition fees, study materials, the list goes on and on.

That's why you should explore all funding and scholarship options to see if the university of your choice offers any kind of financial support.

Some universities offer paid tuition fees, some one-off scholarships, some both and some none at all. This may be the deciding factor if you cannot decide which university to apply to.

Social life and leisure

When you're not studying, you'll probably want to relax, socialise or find a hobby.

Many universities offer the opportunity to join a student society or club through their Student Union or Student Services.

Societies and clubs are like small, university-based NGOs that you can join for little or no fee. They can be sports, arts, religious, social or hobby based.

Another thing to check is if your campus has sports facilities such as a gym or swimming pool where you can take care of your mind and body, usually for a much lower price than off-campus options.

And of course, at the end of the day you'll probably want to grab a bite to eat or a drink with your friends, so a pub or cafe on campus is a must. Take a virtual tour of the campus and explore the options.

Rankings of universities rarely take into account all of these aspects. Of course, rankings are still very useful for checking out a university's research opportunities and successes, number of international students, size and number of total students, and the like.

Conclusion

Hope this blog has given the required information for you to make a judicious decision in choosing a suitable university. However, for further details you will probably need to check each individual university's website to see what they offer and what current students and alumni of the university have to say.

Our experts at MWT Education Consultancy have helped thousands of universities to achieve their dreams of studying abroad. If you have any questions or doubts regarding choosing the right university, call us and gets all your questions and doubts clarified by our experts at MWT Education Consultancy.