Hi Everyone! This one is all about choosing a university – a lot of factors can come into play but it’s important to think about what is important to you. If you are struggling to get started, this is hopefully going to give you some ideas to think about!  

I’ve also created a video with my top tips for you to watch here!

1.Course 

It’s easy to get caught up in how a university looks on social media or how prestigious it sounds. But the reality is, you’ll spend most of your time studying so look closely at: 

– The modules (they vary more than you think) 

– How you’ll be assessed (coursework vs exams) 

– Whether there are placement years or internships 

Two universities offering the same subject can feel completely different academically 

2. Location 📍 

Ask yourself: 

• Do I want to be close to home or move away? 

• Would I enjoy a big, busy city or something quieter? 

3. League tables should not be a determining factor  

A lower ranked university may be better for the subject you are studying so league tables should not have too much weighting

You can gain a better idea if you instead focus on: 

-> Employment rates  

-> Average salaries in the area 

-> Internship opportunities  

-> Research opportunities – all the RO Partner universities are Research Intensive Universities, meaning they focus on performing cutting edge research alongside teaching for students. Look out for the opportunities available on your course!

4. Support and student life  

University isn’t just lectures and exams, and as you will be living there for maybe 3+ years it needs to feel like somewhere you belong. 

Look into: 

• Societies and clubs – any that catch your interest? (But remember you can always start your own society if there are enough people with the same interest – so don’t let that put you off) 

• Support services (academic and mental health) 

• The overall student atmosphere 

5. Finances  

Some places can be more expensive in terms of accommodation, cost of living and activities etc. So, it may be useful to consider if there are any bursaries or scholarships available. Having a realistic expectation of money and budgeting now can save you a lot of stress later down the line.  

TOP TIP 🌟 

*Definitely attend any open days or at least visit the university to get a feel of what the city/environment is like. It can make more of a difference than you think and shows you the reality of how it will be studying at the university. 

You can find a list of RO Partner university Open Days on our events page, and remember, they count towards your 2 RO event requirement!

When you visit, pay attention to: 

• How the campus feels 

• What current students say – ask about their experience 

• Accommodation and facilities 

Also, it’s completely normal not to be 100% sure what you want to do so keeping your options open can help. Let me know if you have any thoughts and I’d be glad to hear them. Also get in touch if you have any questions by emailing me at ro.ambassador@newcastle.ac.uk 😊