Choosing the right place to study
When it comes to choosing a course or university to study at, it can be a big decision to make. You and your friends might not all be thinking of going to the same one or you may even be thinking of living away from home for the first time.
Although it is daunting, it is also a pretty exciting time as you get to meet new people, learn new things and have different experiences.
It is also worth bearing in mind that you will be studying somewhere new for two, three or maybe even four years, so you need to be sure you are going to the right place for you.
 Before you decide on a place to study, ask yourself these following questions. If you are happy with the answers you get from most of these questions then chances are that you'll be happy studying there:
> What are the entry requirements for the course and are they achievable?
> Do the subjects really motivate and interest me?
> Does the course build on my real strengths?
> What quality of jobs do graduates get when they leave? Are they the sort I would like?
> What reputation does this course and university have, particularly with employers?
> What learning approaches are used? What is the balance between lectures and seminars; theoretical and practical work and group and independent study? Is this my preferred way?
> How flexible is the course?
> What are the facilities offered by the college or university, including specialist equipment if necessary?
> What level of personal one-to-one support am I given?
> Is there a strong focus on developing employability skills as well as academic excellence?
> How can the institution help me find quality work experience?
> n Does it meet my other preferences - geographically, socially, people and entertainment wise?
> What are the social events and societies on offer?
> Do they have an open day that I could attend?
> What's my gut feeling?
Try and speak to people who are already studying at the places that you are looking at and ask them what they think of it. They may be people who have the same hobbies and interests as you so if you know that they enjoy it at a certain place, then chances are that you will enjoy it too.
If you are a disabled student, there are several other things you may need to think about when deciding where to continue your education. These include things like what support you may need while studying, if you require any specialist equipment to help you study and what money and funding may be available to you. You should be able to get advice from the careers adviser at your FE College or school and from your local Connexions Service, which can offer support up until the age of 25.
Who can help
The Higher Education Gateway provides information on a wide range of topics to help students and their parents or advisers to make the right decisions.
Visit their website at www.hero.ac.uk
For an independent guide to finding the right university visit www.push.co.uk/.
Details of all the support that the DfES offers to Higher Education students can be found at www.dfes.gov.uk/studentsupport
RealUni is the only alternative prospectus to give any university student in the UK the opportunity to upload a review of their Course and University. Visit www.realuni.com.
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