How to choose a university in a place you can’t visit

Sometimes studying abroad (or even domestically) can present the issue of how to choose a university sight-unseen if you can’t afford to or don’t have the time to visit the campus beforehand.

There’s some steps you can take to find your place in the world that should give you a pretty clear picture of the university but you’ll have to do some digging. Whether you’re more concerned about the program and not where the university is located or if you know you want to live in a specific country and are looking to narrow your choices, we can start the hunt here:

1. University rankings

Look at university rankings, but don’t let them rule your decision. There’s all sorts of university rankings out there and while they can be very helpful in seeing where a university stacks up against others, some people get a bit carried away with these. A great regional school may not always have a global ranking that knocks your socks off, but it’s not to say they won’t have great programs.

I found university rankings to be helpful when I was looking to do my MA in London; I used them more for narrowing down my choices of where to apply, but ultimately chose based on other factors. Look at multiple rankings, there are different methodologies so no two university rankings are alike.

Comparing performance across some different reports can give you an idea of where a school sits among its peers. It can be helpful to look by subject if you want to see what universities have strong reputations in your specific area of study. QS has overall and also subject rankings, you can certainly start there.

2. Online university guides and student forums

Find some online university guides and student forums. It helps to hear things from a student perspective and get some honest opinions that you won’t find on the university sites. If a school has an awful library, they’re certainly not going to tell you about it, but other students will! 

3. Request prospectuses

Most universities will have literature they can send you with course listings, photos, testimonials, etc. It’s nice to have these to see a general overview of campus but keep in mind that these are clearly professional shots of staged beautiful people shown touching lab equipment that is probably state of the art that you will never need to use.

There’s a bit of an agenda amongst the packets of information… they want to inform you of their strong points but they’re also trying to win you over like an eager first date. Once you’ve had enough of assault on the eyes with statistics of their achievements and job placement ratios, limber up and start to make your shortlist.

4. Make a spreadsheet

If you’re particularly geeky like I am, making a spreadsheet can be helpful in how to choose a university. Put in application deadlines, tuition fees, make some ratings on what you thought of their campus, location, etc. Pick some of your top choices and put in your calendar when the application deadlines are so you don’t forget!

5. How to choose a university using... GOOGLE STREETVIEW!

Once you’ve picked your top choices, read some student opinions and have seen the glossy prospectus, do a little old fashioned stalking. I do this with apartment hunts, but the same can be done with universities as well. Don’t just zoom around campuses, try to have a look at the areas and where you would be living.

If you don’t like the look of things, go back to your shortlist spreadsheet and jot some notes. But on the topic of maps, now would be a good time to find out what matters to you… is there an abundance of coffee shops nearby? How far is the gym? Can you walk around, do you need to drive, where are the bus stops? How dodgy is the walk to the dorms? You can do a lot with Google maps, so if you’re not physically able to fly out for a campus tour, this might be your next best option.

6. Social media

Some universities have Youtube channels with campus tours, interviews with faculty, etc… if you want to get a more visual guide, check to see if they have a presence here. Also, look at the Facebook groups and see what pictures and stories they’re posting!

If you want to get a bit more in-depth, see if the university alumni group has any members you can chat with, if you have specific questions, there will likely be someone who has gone through the program before who could give you some practical advice.