With over 160 universities in the United Kingdom alone, trying to choose the right city for university can seem like an overwhelming task. Having a subject or a particular course in mind that you’d like to study can be a huge help as it allows you to narrow down your choice of universities. There are a couple of factors that come into play when deciding on your university city, and it is important to carefully consider each of them.
Below are some factors that we’d suggest considering when it comes to choosing your university city.
What courses does the university in that city offer?
The most important decision of all; what do you want to study? Before you even start researching cities, you must figure out what subject you’d like to take into further education and have a look at which universities offer it. This will ultimately help you narrow down universities and cities right from the off.
Campus facilities and resources
Research the university campus and the resources they have on site. Is it a large or a small campus? Is it spread across the city with different schools or is it all in one place? Do they have a library? Research centres? A sports hall? All of these elements play a part in your university experience and should be researched upon. If you’d like to attend a university in a smaller city, then the campus may be smaller, such as York. But a larger city such as Edinburgh, may have campuses spread around the city. If it is a larger campus, maybe have a look at the local transportation and discover how easy it is to get to and from different parts etc.
Extracurricular activities and societies
A lot of students tend to lean towards university after A Levels for the social aspect, as much as the academic aspect, so extracurricular activities and societies are important to learn about too. Why not look at the society Instagram page? Does it look like there are societies you want to be involved in? Also, have a look at any other extracurricular activities they offer, such as becoming a student rep or volunteering in the local community. All these opportunities enable you to become more involved with the university and attached to the city, they’re a good starting point to see if you could see yourself fitting in in that place.
Social and cultural activities
As well as socialising at university, think of outside of university too. Have a look at nearby bars, pubs, nightclubs, live music venues etc. Or if you’re looking for a slower pace, maybe look at the cafes, shops and community groups in the city. Which does the city offer more of and which are you more inclined to? It’s important to weigh up your options and decide carefully on which suits you best.
Cost of living
One of the most important factors of all in the current climate is the cost of living. For most students, it is their first taste of being away from home and often managing expenses is a vital learning curve. On top of your rent, think about all the added expenses; travel, food, transportation, bills, utilities. It’s important to remember universities can offer support on living costs and there’s always the option of working while at university.
Safety
Although it may not be at the forefront of your mind when researching university cities, safety is an important factor to consider. Get to know the city, so you’re aware of any safety precautions you may need to take.
Career and long-term opportunities
Ultimately, the end goal for many is that you gain a full-time job in the industry you studied in. Consider what is the opportunities are like in your preferred city for this whether you could see yourself living there long-term once university has ended. The job market is ever-changing, and so researching this before attending university is vital. It may also be worth looking at the university’s alumni page and researching services they offer to their alumni, so when you leave university, you know you still have their support if needed.
Ultimately, the best thing you can do to choose the right city is to visit the universities! Ideally in-person, although virtual viewings are still useful if you’re unable to get to an open day. Try to get a feel for the campus, the buildings, the lecturers, and just as importantly, the city itself. Going to open days will broaden your horizons and help you settle on which university, and its city, is right for you. Attending more than one open day, or visiting all five of your options, is a good way to clarify your thinking and ask questions to students living there or your potential lecturers.
