Every important question to ask when searching for your dream university

When searching for your dream university it’s important to start your research early, identify exactly what you’re looking for and know the right questions to ask when speaking with the institutions you’re interested in.       

At TopUniversities, we work with thousands of students through their university search, so we know what’s important when it comes to deciding your future. 

Whether you’re looking at university websites, attending open days and university fairs, chatting with students and faculty, speaking with admissions staff or attending online webinars, here’s every important question to help you choose the right university for you. 

Questions about the university 

Beyond the programme you choose to study, it’s important to get a feel for the university as a whole and understand what’s on offer for students across the campus and how you’ll be supported. 

How does the university rank? 

University rankings are a great place to start your research. With the QS World University Rankings, you can filter the top universities around the world by region, subject and sustainability performance. 

Is it a campus or city university? 

At a campus university, all student facilities are based on one site, where you’ll study, live and enjoy student cafes, shops and pubs. At a city campus, university buildings are spread across the city among other businesses, offices, shops and eateries. Open days are a great way to get a feel for the difference. 

How big is the student population? 

Fewer students can mean a stronger community feel, where you know your course mates better and the academics know you by name. Larger universities can have the added benefit of a livelier campus, a busy social life and potentially more opportunities.  

How diverse is the student body and how are marginalised groups represented and supported? 

Understanding the diversity of the student body and how the university represents and supports all students will show how in tune the university is with its students and understanding what they need. 

What extracurricular activities are on offer for students? 

While your studies are the priority, there’s much more to student life. From student societies and sports clubs to student nightlife and volunteering opportunities, there are many ways to make the most of your time at university. 

What student support services are there? 

You never know when you may need your university’s support, whether you need medical attention, mental health or disability support, faith support or help with a matter of equality, diversity and inclusion. Support services are there for students throughout your studies.  

Is accommodation guaranteed and what options are available? 

Universities sometimes guarantee student accommodation in your first year but it can depend on if you’re a domestic or international student. Try to ask about accommodation early as some universities may have a first-come-first-served policy.  

What amenities can I find on or around campus for students? 

As well as a place to stay while you study, it’s important to find out what you’ll have access to on or around campus, like supermarkets to buy food, a laundrette for washing clothes, cafes, bars and pubs, local transport, and entertainment like cinemas and music venues.  

Are there scholarships available? 

Universities often have their own scholarships available for students and partner with regional and international organisations to provide scholarship opportunities for specific subject areas, or to support students from low income or marginalised backgrounds.  

How does the university see its role in sustainability and social impact?

With climate change at the forefront of many students’ minds, it’s becoming more expected that students will want to know what universities are doing to create a more sustainable and socially just world, and how these topics are embedded into the curriculum for your learning.   

Is there a careers service and what does it offer?  

University careers services provide invaluable support for students, helping you to feel workplace-ready by the time you graduate – offering everything from CV and interview preparation, to skills workshops and help finding internships and part-time jobs. 

 

Questions about the programme 

University websites and prospectuses can provide detailed information about programme content, modules and structure, but there are many questions you can ask to gain a better idea of the experience you’ll have.  

How much contact time will I have on the programme? 

Depending on what you study, you may have a few hours of lectures, seminars and tutorials per week and the rest of your time will be dedicated to independent study. Or your programme may require you to be in classes all day Monday to Friday, and even into the evenings.  

What’s the student to faculty ratio? 

The ratio of students to faculty staff can indicate how much academic resource is made available to students, from teaching in lectures and one-to-one tutorials to the pastoral and academic support you might receive when you need help.  

What academic support is available for students? 

If you’re struggling with a course assignment or with learning the material, who can you go to? Are there workshops to help students to keep up with the coursework? Are there classes to help international students to develop their language skills?  

What industry connections and work experience opportunities are possible? 

A top university will have strong connections across several industries, where professionals work with the university to speak at guest lectures, attend student networking events, collaborate in live business projects and even offer internships. 

Will I be able to engage in projects outside of the classroom? 

Some departments encourage students to actively engage in extracurricular projects to help develop their learning. It could be entering student competitions, like building a race car as engineering students, or finding a design solution to a climate change issue.  

What are my career prospects if I choose this course?  

What percentage of students find a related graduate job within three years of completing their studies? What roles do graduates typically go into? Is the department linked with organisations and enterprises that recruit graduates? 

Are there mentorship opportunities for students? 

Working with an experienced mentor – who can help to identify your goals and guide you through opportunities and challenges – is one of the most underrated aspects of student life, but it can be hugely valuable for your development.  

Is there an option to study abroad? 

This is a popular question that lots of students want to know. What opportunities are there to study abroad for a semester or even a year and what destinations can you choose from? Is everybody able to study abroad or are a few students selected for the opportunity?  

What facilities are available to enhance my learning? 

The facilities you have access to will depend on your subject. Universities will have facilities available for all students, such as libraries and study spaces, but there may be additional pieces of equipment, laboratories or art studios to help you make the most of your studies.  

Does the course align with my interests? 

This is a question for you! Now you have all of the information you need to make a decision, do you feel like the programme(s) align with your interests in the subject and your career goals? Be honest with yourself about what you want to achieve, and which modules make you feel excited to learn.  

 

Questions about the city 

Just as important as the university and programme you choose, getting a feel for the city you’ll live in should be a major part of your decision.  

Where in the city is the university based? 

Is the university in the centre of the city or at a location on the outskirts? This will make a difference to where you live, how you commute to and from classes, and how you’ll spend your time.  

What’s the city/location like?  

Whether you’re looking for a big, sprawling city with skyscrapers and a vibrant nightlife, a destination filled with parks and green spaces, or a campus near the beach, it can be helpful to speak to current students about what the location is really like and how they find it.  

How much of the population is made up of students? 

Understanding how many students make up the city’s population can give you an idea of how student-friendly it is. In cities where there are lots of students, there’s often more shops and entertainment targeted towards you and more venues offering student discount!    

What is the public transport like? 

In big cities where you’ve got more distance to cover, or at a campus university outside of the city, it’s important to understand how efficient the public transportation system is. Are there regular buses, trams or trains? Is it affordable? Do they run late into the evening?  

Is it safe? 

Possibly the most important question to ask – is the city going to be safe for you? This could differ depending on cultural attitudes towards marginalised groups, and even laws that prevent you from being yourself. The Safe Cities Index provides statistics about 60 major urban areas in the world and can be a helpful guide.