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How to Choose the Right University for You?
There are various factors to consider before choosing a university. Where should I go? What aspects are the most important? How prestigious is it? Do I stand a realistic chance of getting in? These are some of the concerns that any youngster may have before to starting school.
This blog post will cover all of these issues, as well as others.
This blog post will cover all of these issues, as well as others.
Introduction
With so many available, selecting a university in the United Kingdom can be challenging. But don’t worry, by keeping a few essentials in mind, you can whittle down your options and choose the ideal one for you.
Think about what you want to study in the first place. It's crucial to select a university that offers the subject you want to take since not all of them do. Some subjects like Veterinary Science are only taught in a few places. Others are taught more widely. When you've narrowed your search to the universities that provide the curriculum you're interested in, check their reputations and rankings. This will help you gauge the quality of the education you'll get and your chances of finding employment after you graduate.
Location is a crucial consideration, too. While this is often a secondary consideration, it will really help if you like the place where you study. You’re going to have to live there for at least three years after all! Do you want a big city like London, Glasgow or Manchester? Or a smaller one like Bath, Cardiff or York? Are you looking for hectic nightlife or access to countryside? Want to study abroad or stay near home?
The campus and student life of the institution must also be considered. All Universities and colleges have open days so do visit the campus in person if you can or take a virtual tour if not. Try to get a feel of the culture and community. You can also learn more about the extracurricular activities offered by the institution, as well as the support services they provide. Try to find a university where you can see yourself thriving both academically and socially.
And lastly, don't be reluctant to speak with existing or past pupils. They can provide you with an open and sincere account of what it's like to attend that institution and live there.
It's a massive choice, but by considering these points, you can discover the ideal University for you. Think carefully and don't be embarrassed to seek advice from teachers, friends and family. Happy searching!
Think about what you want to study in the first place. It's crucial to select a university that offers the subject you want to take since not all of them do. Some subjects like Veterinary Science are only taught in a few places. Others are taught more widely. When you've narrowed your search to the universities that provide the curriculum you're interested in, check their reputations and rankings. This will help you gauge the quality of the education you'll get and your chances of finding employment after you graduate.
Location is a crucial consideration, too. While this is often a secondary consideration, it will really help if you like the place where you study. You’re going to have to live there for at least three years after all! Do you want a big city like London, Glasgow or Manchester? Or a smaller one like Bath, Cardiff or York? Are you looking for hectic nightlife or access to countryside? Want to study abroad or stay near home?
The campus and student life of the institution must also be considered. All Universities and colleges have open days so do visit the campus in person if you can or take a virtual tour if not. Try to get a feel of the culture and community. You can also learn more about the extracurricular activities offered by the institution, as well as the support services they provide. Try to find a university where you can see yourself thriving both academically and socially.
And lastly, don't be reluctant to speak with existing or past pupils. They can provide you with an open and sincere account of what it's like to attend that institution and live there.
It's a massive choice, but by considering these points, you can discover the ideal University for you. Think carefully and don't be embarrassed to seek advice from teachers, friends and family. Happy searching!
The Best Universities for Studying in Britain
Many of the institutions in Great Britain are considered as being among the finest anywhere in the world. Students leave them highly qualified in their chosen field, with a trained mind, and fantastic written communication skills. The experience of living away from home and the many clubs, sports and socialising that students typically do also rounds and matures them as people ready for adult, working life. It is highly recommended that you apply to one of these universities if you want to get the best possible education.
1. University of Oxford
Oxford University is often regarded as the world’s greatest University. It is the oldest English-speaking institution and the world's second-oldest surviving university.
Over 100 Nobel laureates, 27 British prime ministers (including Margaret Thatcher), 29 foreign heads of state or government (including Mahatma Gandhi), and 23 saints are among Oxford's alumni.
It is extremely difficult to get into Oxford. You pick a subject then apply to a college. There are 44 different colleges and each college has an open day so you can tour them before you choose.
Full details of the Oxford admission process are available here.
At undergraduate you will generally need at least three As at A Level.
The first round is usually a specific intelligence test such as a TSA, BMAT or PAT dependent on your subject. If successful, you’ll be invited to round two, an interview with your potential tutors at your chosen college. If successful in this, you’ll be made an A Level offer which you need to achieve eg. AAA.
Oxford has a 17,5% Acceptance Rate
Over 100 Nobel laureates, 27 British prime ministers (including Margaret Thatcher), 29 foreign heads of state or government (including Mahatma Gandhi), and 23 saints are among Oxford's alumni.
It is extremely difficult to get into Oxford. You pick a subject then apply to a college. There are 44 different colleges and each college has an open day so you can tour them before you choose.
Full details of the Oxford admission process are available here.
At undergraduate you will generally need at least three As at A Level.
The first round is usually a specific intelligence test such as a TSA, BMAT or PAT dependent on your subject. If successful, you’ll be invited to round two, an interview with your potential tutors at your chosen college. If successful in this, you’ll be made an A Level offer which you need to achieve eg. AAA.
Oxford has a 17,5% Acceptance Rate
2. University of Cambridge
Cambridge is the UK’s second-oldest university and the debate about whether it’s better or worse than Oxford has been raging since its foundation in 1209.
Both Oxford and Cambridge have beautiful buildings and a college structure. Cambridge is like a big village, arguably prettier. Oxford is more a big, bustling town.
Many renowned alumni have graduated from the Cambridge Uni, including Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Bertrand Russell, John Locke, Wittgenstein, Francis Bacon, and Lord Byron.
All major international rankings tables, place the University among the top 10 universities in the world. Some say it’s the best.
Like Oxford, it’s extremely hard to gain entry into Cambridge. You will need to register and take tests and interviews dependent on your subject. You can apply for a specific college or using an open application across the University.
A full explanation of Cambridge entry is here.
If you’re successful, you’ll be offered a place dependent on achieving your A-Level grades typically around AAA though it can be higher or lower.
21% Acceptance Rate
Both Oxford and Cambridge have beautiful buildings and a college structure. Cambridge is like a big village, arguably prettier. Oxford is more a big, bustling town.
Many renowned alumni have graduated from the Cambridge Uni, including Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Bertrand Russell, John Locke, Wittgenstein, Francis Bacon, and Lord Byron.
All major international rankings tables, place the University among the top 10 universities in the world. Some say it’s the best.
Like Oxford, it’s extremely hard to gain entry into Cambridge. You will need to register and take tests and interviews dependent on your subject. You can apply for a specific college or using an open application across the University.
A full explanation of Cambridge entry is here.
If you’re successful, you’ll be offered a place dependent on achieving your A-Level grades typically around AAA though it can be higher or lower.
21% Acceptance Rate
3. Imperial College London
Imperial College London is part of the University of London and is often ranked as the 3rd best University in the UK just behind Oxford and Cambridge.
Set in Kensington, West London, it’s great for someone who wants to be at a top institution in one of the world’s great cities.
It specialises in many sciences: such as the hard sciences like chemistry, engineering, and maths but also softer sciences such as finance, media, and business studies.
It’s known for being a great research University and is world renowned.
It was established in 1907 after King Edward VII granted it a Royal Charter, and it first opened its doors in October of that year.
To gain entry you will typically need to get AAA at A Level however you can even be asked for A*A*A* dependent on the competitiveness of the subject.
Full details are available here.
14,3% Acceptance Rate
Set in Kensington, West London, it’s great for someone who wants to be at a top institution in one of the world’s great cities.
It specialises in many sciences: such as the hard sciences like chemistry, engineering, and maths but also softer sciences such as finance, media, and business studies.
It’s known for being a great research University and is world renowned.
It was established in 1907 after King Edward VII granted it a Royal Charter, and it first opened its doors in October of that year.
To gain entry you will typically need to get AAA at A Level however you can even be asked for A*A*A* dependent on the competitiveness of the subject.
Full details are available here.
14,3% Acceptance Rate
4. King's College London
King's College, London is a very prestigious University and is often ranked in the top 10 in the world. It was founded on February 4, 1829 by King George IV.
It is based on the Strand and at Waterloo in Central London and also at Guy’s and King’s College Hospitals. It teaches a very wide range of subjects including the arts, law, and many medical students such as doctors, nurses, physios, psychologists and more.
Guy’s Hospital is based in Central London, just South East of London Bridge, while King’s is in the London suburbs in Denmark Hill.
Being a top British University, you will typically need As and A*s at A Level to get in. With less popular subjects, you may get away with the odd B.
Being based in London, social opportunities are immense however living costs tend to be higher.
13% Acceptance Rate
It is based on the Strand and at Waterloo in Central London and also at Guy’s and King’s College Hospitals. It teaches a very wide range of subjects including the arts, law, and many medical students such as doctors, nurses, physios, psychologists and more.
Guy’s Hospital is based in Central London, just South East of London Bridge, while King’s is in the London suburbs in Denmark Hill.
Being a top British University, you will typically need As and A*s at A Level to get in. With less popular subjects, you may get away with the odd B.
Being based in London, social opportunities are immense however living costs tend to be higher.
13% Acceptance Rate
5. University of St. Andrews
The oldest and generally ranked the top University in Scotland, just ahead of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the University of St. Andrews is a very well-respected institution.
The town boasts the home of golf and one of the most famous courses in the world. The University has many famous alumni including William, Prince of Wales and Kate his wife who he met there.
St. Andrews is no London, however. A tiny Scottish town on the North Sea Coast between Edinburgh and Dundee, don’t go here if you want the bright lights or a warm location. Take you warmest clothes and a woolly hat because in winter it’s going to get cold.
St. Andrews is sometimes ranked higher than Oxford and Cambridge. The University is large with over 10,000 students studying a wide range of subjects.
The grades you will need to get in are high. Expect to need As and A*s normally at A Level or Highers.
The town boasts the home of golf and one of the most famous courses in the world. The University has many famous alumni including William, Prince of Wales and Kate his wife who he met there.
St. Andrews is no London, however. A tiny Scottish town on the North Sea Coast between Edinburgh and Dundee, don’t go here if you want the bright lights or a warm location. Take you warmest clothes and a woolly hat because in winter it’s going to get cold.
St. Andrews is sometimes ranked higher than Oxford and Cambridge. The University is large with over 10,000 students studying a wide range of subjects.
The grades you will need to get in are high. Expect to need As and A*s normally at A Level or Highers.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at a UK University?
Costs at UK universities average roughly £9,250 per academic year. This is the total amount a student must spend for their education, which includes tuition and other fees and expenses.
The total amount spent on higher education might vary widely from one country to the next. You may expect to pay between £6,000 and £9,000 per year to attend university in England at a school that is not a member of the elite Russell Group.
Top 5 Most Expensive Unis in England:
The total amount spent on higher education might vary widely from one country to the next. You may expect to pay between £6,000 and £9,000 per year to attend university in England at a school that is not a member of the elite Russell Group.
Top 5 Most Expensive Unis in England:
- University of Cambridge - £9,250 tuition fee for the year
- University of Oxford - £9,000 tuition fee for the year
- Imperial College London - £8,700 tuition fee for the year
- University of Edinburgh - £7,200 tuition fee for the year
- King's College London - £6,800 tuition fee for the year
Information for International Students: What is the Cost of Studying Abroad at a University in England?
A great way to broaden your views and immerse yourself in a new culture is by studying abroad. It may, however, be expensive. The good news is that numerous English institutions have inexpensive tuition fees.
The duration of your programme, the institution you choose, and your home country all affect the price of studying abroad at an English university. If you are from the EU or EEA, you will only have to pay tuition for one year if you enrol in more than three months of classes. This fee will be higher and could even surpass what students pay in their home countries to study if you are not from the EU or EEA.
Choosing the ideal college might be challenging. There are several things to think about, from price to location to rating. The top ten most affordable universities in England are listed below for you to take into account when choosing where to pursue your higher education.
The Telegraph UK released their annual university rankings.
Here are the top 10 cheapest universities in the UK according to the ranking:
10. University of Central Lancashire
9. University of Bedfordshire
8. New College Nottingham
7. Manchester Metropolitan University
6. Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
5. Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
4. Hertfordshire University, Hatfield Campus
3. Plymouth University, Hemby Bridge Campus
2. Northampton University, Northampton Campus
1. Worcester University, Worcester
The duration of your programme, the institution you choose, and your home country all affect the price of studying abroad at an English university. If you are from the EU or EEA, you will only have to pay tuition for one year if you enrol in more than three months of classes. This fee will be higher and could even surpass what students pay in their home countries to study if you are not from the EU or EEA.
Choosing the ideal college might be challenging. There are several things to think about, from price to location to rating. The top ten most affordable universities in England are listed below for you to take into account when choosing where to pursue your higher education.
The Telegraph UK released their annual university rankings.
Here are the top 10 cheapest universities in the UK according to the ranking:
10. University of Central Lancashire
9. University of Bedfordshire
8. New College Nottingham
7. Manchester Metropolitan University
6. Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
5. Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
4. Hertfordshire University, Hatfield Campus
3. Plymouth University, Hemby Bridge Campus
2. Northampton University, Northampton Campus
1. Worcester University, Worcester
Individual sessions with a tutor can help you prepare for a range of tests. They will teach you the skills and knowledge required to pass your tests. Everything from essay and coursework writing to general study skills, exam methodology, and revision is covered.
Check the list of verified tutors here.
Check the list of verified tutors here.
Ariadna Gardner
Xpertia Methodologist
How to Get Into UK Universities or Colleges
Students who want to enrol in a university normally apply for a place via UCAS the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK.
This is normally done in the year before a student takes their A Level exams or equivalent qualifications.
UCAS has a yearly cycle and it is important not to miss the dates. Your school or sixth form college career service will typically help you or if not your teachers. If you are a mature student or a postgraduate then you typically apply direct to the University.
This is normally done in the year before a student takes their A Level exams or equivalent qualifications.
UCAS has a yearly cycle and it is important not to miss the dates. Your school or sixth form college career service will typically help you or if not your teachers. If you are a mature student or a postgraduate then you typically apply direct to the University.
UK University Admissions Process in Detail
- Register with UCAS
- Fill out your personal details and your education and employment history
- Select up to five courses. If you don’t want to apply to all five courses first you can say apply to 3 first and hold back 2 choices to use later
- Write your personal statement – this is your chance to tell the universities why you’d be a great student: why you like their institution and what skills and experience you have – it’s anything from 1,000 to 4,000 characters long and you can write it in your own style. It’s best to sell yourself in this statement. Spell and grammar check it.
- Review and provisionally submit your application
- Get a reference, pay your application fee, and then finally submit your application to UCAS
Now it’s time to cross your fingers and hope that you get a positive response from as many institutions as possible. Some will ask you to sit tests, or attend interviews before they make you an offer.
Others may make you an offer straight away.
Sadly, others may reject you. The typical rejection rate is around 50% so don’t be downhearted if you get one or two rejections as most people get some offers and some rejections.
And of course, if you have multiple offers you may want to visit the Universities if you haven’t already or do more research to decide which is your preferred choice.
A UK university's offer letter and acceptance procedure
Once you have your offer letter, it’s time to put our head down and revise to make sure that you make your grades. Good luck!
For a full explanation of the UCAS process for an undergraduate click here
How Much Does UK University Cost and How Can You Finance it?
A lot but it’s generally worth it.
Typical tuition fees are £9,250 a year for a home student who is an undergraduate at a British University. Over a typical three year course that’s £27,750. You’ll need to add on top of this typical living costs. These can widely vary from £500 to £2,000 a month.
Overseas students on average pay £22,200 a year according to The British Council or £66,600 over 3 years.
With tuition fees now so high most UK students will apply for a student loan to pay them. The important thing to know about these loans is that they are more a graduate tax than a loan. You will only be expected to pay them off if you earn above a certain level, currently this is £27,295 a year. The more above this you earn the more you’ll pay off.
Many students work in holidays to earn money to live; some even during their course. And there’s always family who hopefully may be able to help.
Most universities have bursaries and scholarships. These are often for high achievers or people from poor backgrounds but do look and apply, you never know. Sometimes, students who get the highest marks in their first year exams get a reward such as a scholarship. At my Oxford college, the top achievers got a free dinner once a week known as formal hall.
Typical tuition fees are £9,250 a year for a home student who is an undergraduate at a British University. Over a typical three year course that’s £27,750. You’ll need to add on top of this typical living costs. These can widely vary from £500 to £2,000 a month.
Overseas students on average pay £22,200 a year according to The British Council or £66,600 over 3 years.
With tuition fees now so high most UK students will apply for a student loan to pay them. The important thing to know about these loans is that they are more a graduate tax than a loan. You will only be expected to pay them off if you earn above a certain level, currently this is £27,295 a year. The more above this you earn the more you’ll pay off.
Many students work in holidays to earn money to live; some even during their course. And there’s always family who hopefully may be able to help.
Most universities have bursaries and scholarships. These are often for high achievers or people from poor backgrounds but do look and apply, you never know. Sometimes, students who get the highest marks in their first year exams get a reward such as a scholarship. At my Oxford college, the top achievers got a free dinner once a week known as formal hall.
How an Online Tutor Can Help You Get into the UK's Top Universities
It is not simple to gain admission to a top university in the United Kingdom. You must have great academics, extracurricular activities, and a personal statement that sells you superbly.
There are, however, several ways to get into a good university in the UK if you are ready to invest some time and money in yourself.
One way is by using an online tutor. An online tutor can help you improve your grades and polish your personal statement so that you can get into the best universities.
Personal statements are frequently the most crucial aspect of an application. It is your opportunity to tell the university what distinguishes you and why you should be admitted. Students may struggle to compose a high-quality personal statement that will get them into their selected university. A tutor can assist students with this process because they are more experienced and understand how to compose a successful personal statement.
There are, however, several ways to get into a good university in the UK if you are ready to invest some time and money in yourself.
One way is by using an online tutor. An online tutor can help you improve your grades and polish your personal statement so that you can get into the best universities.
Personal statements are frequently the most crucial aspect of an application. It is your opportunity to tell the university what distinguishes you and why you should be admitted. Students may struggle to compose a high-quality personal statement that will get them into their selected university. A tutor can assist students with this process because they are more experienced and understand how to compose a successful personal statement.
Conclusion
There is much more to a university education than simply lectures and homework.
You should be aware of what you want to study and your talents so that choosing a university is less difficult. Three to four years is a long time, so choose wisely. Choosing a subject you are really interested in or one that will give you the career you really desire is usually the best.
The place is important too; think about what kind of city or town you’d like to study in and, of course, pitch yourself at the right level academically. Not too high but not too low.
We hope that this blog post has given you some guidance and inspiration for your next academic endeavours.
Good luck!
You should be aware of what you want to study and your talents so that choosing a university is less difficult. Three to four years is a long time, so choose wisely. Choosing a subject you are really interested in or one that will give you the career you really desire is usually the best.
The place is important too; think about what kind of city or town you’d like to study in and, of course, pitch yourself at the right level academically. Not too high but not too low.
We hope that this blog post has given you some guidance and inspiration for your next academic endeavours.
Good luck!
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