How to pick the right university.

It's a big decision to narrow down your university choices to your top two. So how do you do it?

When I was picking which universities I wanted to attend, I concentrated on which university offered the best course, course units, the location (for me it was important to be a distance from home to develop independence but close enough to travel back when I wanted to), and finally, the reputation of the course at the university.

So what should you consider?

The course. First and foremost it is all about what course you will be studying. There is no point spending £9,000 a year on a course that you don't really want to do at a university you chose because you thought it was nice. When you're considering the course, make sure you know what kind of units you will be taking to see if it's the best fit for you. Additionally, make sure you know and understand what kind of assessments you will be given. Will they be mostly exams? Written assignment? Portfolio tasks? Practicals? Presentations? Or other types of assessments?

Bedfordshire on map of England.

The location. For many, the location is an important factor in choosing which university you want to attend. Some people want to stay near the comfort of home, others may wish to move as far away as they can. Whatever you wish to do, make sure the location is right for you. The Luton campus has a train station located an approximately 10-15 minute walk away, so travel is no hassle.

The reputation. Many people find the reputation of the university and/or the course important. People often want a university that is recognisable on their CV. The linguistics (including TEFL) course at the University of Bedfordshire is currently ranked number 6 on the Complete University Guide. However, it is important to note that reputation at a university isn't always the most important factor, as you will get the same degree at all universities.

The support. Taking the amount of support each university provides is a good thing to consider. With the English Language and Communication department being a relatively small department, it means that the amount of support and concentration on the students is large, Additionally, there are many university services designed to help students for example SiD (The student information desk) and PAD (Personal Academic Development) and more.

The University of Bedfordshire: Luton.