08 Aug 2016

Our local universities have developed certain reputations over the years. We know the coastal unis are laid back, with students skating through barefoot, wetties peeled down and worn as pants to class. We know the top city universities are where most of the smarter kids who got good ATARs go, who’ll be challenged with harder subjects (or so they say). While reputations aren’t everything – as the uni experience is all about what we make it – these places have gained a reputation for a reason.

But how do we know what to choose?

Your Degree

Before you choose your university, you’ll first have to figure out what it is you want to study. Have a look at course lists in the locations you’re interested in and decide what appeals to you and your career aspirations. This process will weed out a few of your options if a uni doesn’t offer the course you are interested in.

It’s also important to look into the Times Higher Education Global Employability University Rankings, which ranks universities based on their number of work-ready graduates. The following graph is amazing – in the Asia Pacific, employers are more concerned about the University from which you graduated rather than your cover letter, extra-curricular activities and experience abroad. It’s pretty much on par with grades, too. Crazy!

universitygraph

Prestige

With the above stats in mind, if you have the marks consider applying to some top tier universities. This may result in better opportunities post-degree and could give you an edge over your peers.

Open Day

Go to their Open Days! Jot them down into your diary then actually go. Ask all the questions, meet all the people, attend all the free lectures, visit all the student accommodation options if you’re moving on-campus for your studies. Sus out if the uni and its campus feels right for you. I guarantee you the day is always loads of fun.

Your Personality

What kind of people do you love hanging out with? Where do you like to spend your free time? By the sea, in the city, in regional towns? As much as your academic work at university is important, you need to enjoy yourself – you’ll be spending the best of three years there, at the very least! Choose something that suits your character as well as your academic goals and career aspirations.

Your Struggles

Did you struggle to focus in high school? Did you work better under pressure or with some freedom in your learning experience? The expectations are much higher at university and it’s up to you to meet them – not your teachers, not your parents. You need to choose a university that will challenge you in the areas of your life you struggle with. You should always be learning, adapting and challenging yourself and, while you don’t want to bury yourself in over your head, you want something that can push you out of your academic and social comfort zone.

Universities have a huge network of support services such as counselling, academic skills, essay writing and disability support. Everything you need is there for you, and it’s so easy to access these services without fear or judgement. Don’t let your struggles prevent you from going to the university you want to go to!

Opportunities

Once you nail your options down to two or three, have a look into the opportunities the university provides their students. Any cool exchange programs? What are the societies like? Any scholarships?

Ask!

If you know someone who has been to the university, even if that someone is a Facebook ‘friend’ you’ve never actually spoken to, reach out. This is your future! I’m sure they’ll happily talk about their experiences. You can also make the most of any university’s Open Day by asking your questions to any of the hundreds of willing volunteers as well.

Everyone Else

You should consider where your friends are going and where your parents want you to go last. At university, you will meet people straight away and you will break away from your bubble quicker than you realise. Don’t take another’s choice of university too seriously, especially if it’s founded on stereotypes and assumptions. Broaden your horizons, expand your circle of friends and give yourself a new adventure.

Most of all, enjoy the process. You’ve decided to embark on a wild and fulfilling journey! Whatever you choose will be beneficial to you in ways you could never imagine.