Applying for uni

[nex18]

My dd is in Y13 so looking at applying for uni for next year. How does she decide where to go without the chance to go and look around? Obviously she’s looking at the courses carefully but what about the feel for the place, the facilities and accommodation etc?

One of mine wanted a particular course and it was that or nothing - without even looking round.

With the other two it started with looking at courses. One of them was influenced by the proximity to his then girlfriend (now wife) but the university was ranked very highly for his subject. Even before visiting he had decided that that was where he would go.

My youngest did workshops and summer schools at a couple of universities and definitely preferred one over the other. She was persuaded to look at another university by her brother which she did because it was a fun few days away with him and her sister in law. She really liked the area and the student village but would not have considered it if she hadn't visited first.

Her choice was based on the course, the distance/ease of travel home, and the proximity of her siblings - close enough to visit for the day but not so close they would be breathing down her neck and watching her every move.

Universities are having online open days. Obviously not the same as in person but you can talk to your future lecturers and get a feel for what the course, lectures and relationships with academics are like.

Another idea is the Student Room. Find out what students on a course think.

University online open days have been informative, as has unibuddy which has allowed DD to chat online to current students and ask lots of questions.
We’ve been told to look at what research the universities are currently undertaking too, and what publications the professors at uni have to see if it fits with your own interests.

If you are on Facebook there is a group called What I Wish I Knew About University. It is very supportive and helpful. The higher education boards on mumsnet are helpful as well.