3 ways to find the best UK university for your degree

Given the many factors involved, choosing the best university for your degree can be quite difficult.

Whilst it’s important to consider a university you can realistically hope to get into with your predicted grades, you should also think about the type of campus life and experience you hope to get from your time in the UK.

Here’s 3 ways to find the best UK university for your degree...

What type of university is it?

First off, take a close look at the particular kinds of universities to which you are applying by reading mission statements and getting a sense of their overarching goals. Look for the qualities that you value most, whether that’s an urban location, a socially active student body, or a vibrant sports scene.

At the same time, consider the requirements for entry in comparison to your academic record. This can be especially troublesome for more competitive schools that provide offers to fewer applicants, so you may want to balance the schools on your list.

Different types of universities can ensure career success, whether in finding a position after graduation or continuing into postgraduate coursework. Whatever you do, be realistic, and choose a back-up school, just in case.

Another consideration is whether you choose a practical-based university or a research-based one. Depending upon your career path and the sort of job you’d like to aspire towards at the end of your studies, choosing the type of university that suits you best could make a massive impact.

As an example, those who wish to go straight into a designer job in marketing would benefit more from a practical-based university and degree, gaining valuable experience in fulfilling briefs using specialist design software.

What is the campus life like?

University community is essential. The location will play a large role, as urban campuses will be livelier and closer to nightlife, while more self-contained universities will provide opportunities to study, rest, and play on campus.

For those who have an interest in a particular sport, has your potential new university got a team or club you can join? These are all things that will make your stay more homely and the opportunity to meet new friends.

Going to university is as much about the experience as it is studying, however from a study perspective, socialising means collaboration and for those looking to set-up their own business after studying, this could be your chance to find the perfect partner.

A great way to find out more about your potential university is looking at the latest National Student Survey which compiles the opinions of thousands of current students. Have a look at the latest survey here >>

What are the costs & benefits of each university?

Last but not least, calculate the exact advantages and disadvantages of each potential course.

Fees will vary by course and even within each university, but it’s important to choose a course for the opportunities it provides and its alignment with your preferences.

Scholarships can help if you find yourself looking at programs that might otherwise seem out of your reach. Whatever course you choose, though, be sure to organize your finances from the start, as it can be easy to lose track of loans and repayments.

For more information about further funding and scholarships, get in touch with the Across the Pond team.

At the same time, consider the benefits that each school can provide by analyzing student reviews and post-graduate success rates. You can access satisfaction rates through the National Student Survey to get a sense of how students felt after finishing their degree, from quality of teaching to comparisons with other programs.

At the same time, you can look at the percentage of graduates who have found successful careers or continued in postgraduate work, as well as their earning and employment rates.

Your next steps

Consider the university type, campus life, and costs and benefits carefully in choosing the degree course for you and your career plans when trying to find the best UK university.

For students interested in extremely specialized courses with limited offerings, this process can quickly become a simple matter. However, if your interests are a bit broader, these tips can be essential to finding a good balance in your applications between the ideal choice and the more practical alternatives that still live up to your dreams.