This informative article contains 8 important factors to consider when choosing a university or college.
We are in an era where many undergraduates choose Universities to attend based on many wrong reasons without actually taking into consideration important factors.
On a daily basis, many students get influenced because of their choice of school. Bearing this in mind, it is imperative that prospective students do not make decisions out of just the fleeting emotional feeling. It is one of the important decisions anyone would make, hence some factors beyond “I want to be in the same Institution with my besty” or “I love how they dress,” must be considered before making a choice.
This article will briefly share some of these features that must influence a person’s decision on an institution after making a choice of course.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE
1. Why do you want to go to school?
While this does not really have any direct connection with the institution, it is important to to ascertain why you really want to go to University. Is it because your other colleagues have gotten admission or there is enough money to take you through the four or five years in the four walls of a university or to earn a living? This might seem like a difficult question to answer, therefore warrants a time of self-reflection. Different people have different reasons for earning a degree, so as a individual, you should have your reasons too before going through the rigorous process of gaining admission and going through classes for averagely four years of your life. So what is yours? When you are able to find an answer to this pertinent question, you have taken a first and major step to your success. Finding a cogent answer to this question makes it easy for you to make your choice without sentiments.
2. Geographic Location
Secondly, with the level of insecurity around the world, especially in African countries like Nigeria, the geographic location of the school is also a very vital factor to consider when choosing a University. How safe is the environment? What’s the distance from home. Interestingly, many students prefer schools that are states and countries away from home because they do not want where their parents can easily monitor their activities. Whatever the case may be, while running away from home, ensure you have carried out adequate research about your choice University to ascertain the crime rates and weigh your options.
Also, what is the weather condition of the school environment? can you cope with very high or low temperatures? For students seeking admission abroad, the weather conditions of the school should be considered before making a choice.
3. Financial Cost
Another important factor is the financial involvement. After taking other options into consideration, the cost of the university can thwart your plans. Therefore, count your cost and let it be part of your first considerations. For instance, earning a degree in the US can be very expensive especially when you consider tuition, housing, food, transport, books and the overall cost of living, unless you seek funding or scholarships. But in countries like Germany and other European countries, tuition can be very affordable. This still boils down to research. If you want scholarships choose a school with such options and if not make sure you are able to foot your bills throughout your stay in the school. Note that in order to assist students financially, some schools have work-study options where students can study and take jobs for a limited number of hours per week. If you think you can combine both tasks, schools with such options would be recommended.
4. Academic Reputation
While choosing a University to study in, look beyond the beautiful structures. Instead, an important factor to also consider is it’s reputation. Does the school have international reputation, how are the faculty members and quality of research output? Are the courses outdated or relevant to teach in-demand skills for tomorrow’s career? Most importantly, are their courses accredited by the right bodies? You wouldn’t want to spend time and resources only to find out your choice course is not accredited.
A university is said to be credible if they have a conducive research environment and output, so how well does your choice of university support research development and innovation?
To find out some of these, visit the school’s website for details on your chosen course, the course requirements, units, profiles of faculty members etc.
5. The student-to-faculty ratio
You should also consider the student to faculty ratio. A lot of people cannot cope academically in a class of many students. If you happen to fall into this category, you would have to opt for schools with fewer students. Examples are specialized colleges for specific courses. There are institutions of science and technology where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related courses are taken. It is expected that such schools possess the necessary facilities such as laboratories, gadgets etc, for intensive and practical study for the few students and faculty members accessing intensive.
6. Extra-curricular activities
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Extra-curricular activities are also as important as academic work. Students should also consider the social life of the school. Extra-curricular activities have proven to improve academic performances, giving students the liberty to explore their interests and improve essential life skills. Examples of such groups are debates clubs, athletics societies, writers clubs, culture clubs, volunteer and community service groups, student newspaper clubs etc. As a social or extroverted person or sportsman, a school with significant extra-curricular activities is fit, so you can express yourselves, even though there should be a balance.
7. Religious Factor
It is very important to consider the spiritual climate of the university. There are universities that are denominational, hence expect admitted students to adhere to their religious principles. A conservative would be advised to either attend a liberal university or a school that supports his convictions. Most of the private universities are religious in nature because they adhere to the beliefs of the owners and other shareholders, hence the values, objectives of the school would reflect significantly. So, if you can’t cope in such Institutions, it is best to avoid such institutions.
8. Availability of Financial aids
While in university, students at some point might have to undergo research or trips that might require some substantial financial investment, depending on the course in question. A science-related course, for instance, might require funding at some point for a research programme, hence such students might consider a school where financial aids for research are available. Though this might not be very necessary as an undergraduate, Postgraduate student might want to consider this. Search thoroughly for schools that have financial aid options. However, there are private organizations both local and international that partner with certain universities to provide special funding to students to pursue that research endeavour. Some examples are DAAD, Chevening, Erasmus etc.
BOTTOM LINE
It is beautiful to earn a degree to get the most out of your life and career; however, these and many more are some of the factors to consider before making a choice of University, in order to avoid painful stories of regrets in the future. All of these information can be gotten in the university’s website or a request emailed to the appropriate authorities.
In all, before you make the choice, make indepth research and ask questions where necessary.
