Every important question to ask when searching for your dream university

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.  

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.