Deciding on higher education can be daunting. The choices of institutions and courses seem endless and you may not know where to start, but fear not! There are plenty of ways that can help you decide on higher education even if you cannot visit them in person just yet. Here are some of our top tips.
1. Do your research
Universities aren’t like supermarkets; you can’t just pop to your nearest one! There’s plenty of research that needs to go into choosing the perfect place for you. UCAS is a great starting point as you can see all the institutions that offer your course of choice. We would also recommend attending open and taster days. These are a great way to get a feel for an institution and its offerings. Check out this blog for some questions to ask at an open day.
2. Network
Each year, many students transition to higher education, so you’re not alone. Networking and reaching out to others may help you get a wider perspective on your options. Joining forums such as The Student Room allows you to browse commonly asked questions and access support with student life. You could connect with current higher education students on LinkedIn, particularly those who already go to the institutions that interest you. This could help you get a better idea of life as a student. You can also chat online with some of our current Pearson College London students here.
3. Choose an institution based on your study preferences
It’s no secret that higher education requires prolonged periods of studying, whether that be reading, completing assignments or exams. Unlike level three qualifications, each higher education institution has its own way of assessing students. Some courses may have more exams than assignments and vice versa. At this stage, you should consider how you prefer to learn best and choose an institution based on this.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
There are over 160 higher education institutions in the UK and narrowing these down isn’t an easy task. There’s a lot to consider and if you’re currently studying it can be even harder. Therefore, it’s really important to ask for help if you need it. This can be anyone from a friend to a career’s advisor. Most schools have teachers dedicated to supported students transition to higher education, but you can also check out review sites such as What Uni or The Uni Guide for some more information.
5. Take time to consider your options
Building on our last point, deciding on higher education is a pivotal moment in your career but it can also be overwhelming so our last tip is all about being kind to yourself and accepting that you may not have everything sorted as quickly as you think. Good decisions take time so be patient and try not to make any rash decisions.
Interested in business or the creative industries? Learn about our undergraduate courses at Pearson College London on our website.
