Studying in the UK is a once in a lifetime experience where you’ll learn at a world-leading university and embrace an exciting new culture. But how do you find the right university to suit you?

It’s more than picking the number one rated university. There’s a lot to consider, like your course, the local community and the support in place for international students. Here are four things you should know when choosing a university in the UK for your studies.

• Know that rankings are just one thing you should consider
• Try to make the most of open days and education fairs
• Choose a university with a community that suits you
• Find an effective transport network that allows you to explore the UK

Know that rankings are just one thing you should consider

Rankings don’t always tell the full story of a university and you should think of them as a guide. They are usually a good indicator of the general reputation of the university as a whole but often don’t consider the little things. Whilst university rankings are viewed as important by students, they need to look at looks at other things too when deciding.

Look for the courses and clubs that are relevant to you. A university that specialises in a niche subject might not be rated highly, but if you’re somebody interested in that course, it might be the best academic choice for your further education. All these things might go unnoticed on a league table.

Try to make the most of open days and education fairs

If visiting a prospective university isn’t feasible for you, some universities regularly travel to those who are interested in studying with them and hold education fairs. This is a good way to meet representatives from a prospective university and ask any questions you may have.

They understand not everybody has the funds to fly over for an open day so don’t worry if you’re saving for your studies.

Attending an open day is a great way to get a feel for the campus and courses they offer and should help you with your decision.

When visiting a university on an open day, you should take the time to explore any departments which you’re interested in and learn about the courses. It’s a chance for you to ask questions, visit the buildings you’ll be studying in and take a look around the accommodation. Here are some tips for making the most of a visit to an open day:

• attend some talks throughout the day to learn more about your prospective university
• make notes and take pictures of the campus to refer back to
• if you have time, visit the local city or town and have a look at what it has to offer
• talk to existing students around the campus if you can
• plan your day so you see and ask everything you wanted to

You can also research online about your prospective university, there will be lots of valuable information and insider knowledge from students in forums.

Choose a university with a community that suits you

Choose a university that’s home to a culturally diverse and welcoming community. When deciding on a university, you want to make sure that the teaching, campus and people are right for you. Living and studying in a new place might seem a little challenging at first, but you’ll quickly see that having a supportive community around you makes a big difference.

The best way to settle into student life is with individuals who are in the exact same situation as you. Plus, there’s no better way to make friends for life than by helping others to settle into the community you’ve just joined.

Having like-minded people learning with you will definitely ease any slight feeling of homesickness (which is a completely normal feeling to have) and make your university life even more enjoyable. Remember, your family is only a video call away and they’ll love to hear about all the clubs and activities that are keeping you busy.

Everybody is unique and what you want from your university experience is entirely up to you. You might want the comfort and intimacy of a campus like Lancaster or be part of a large urban metropolis like Newcastle University who have a London campus too.

Universities are more than happy to give you the support you need, whether that’s additional English speaking lessons or questions about your course. There’s always a friendly face available to answer any questions that you might have.

An effective transport network that allows you to explore the UK

It’s no secret that the UK has lots of fantastic tourist destinations and landmarks to visit. From the breathtaking Scottish Highlands to the museums and markets of London, there’s so much to see and do. Did you know that because the UK is such a culturally diverse country, each city has a unique feel?

For example, cities in Northern England are famous for their welcoming, fun and friendly communities.

To make getting around easy and stress-free, you want to make sure your university is in a city that’s well-connected to the other parts of the UK. You’ll find that the universities in major cities like Newcastle have access to a wide range of transport options and networks.

Not only do you want to be able to travel and see sights around the UK with ease, but you also want the airport to be easily reachable. It’ll make your journey to and from university so much easier if you’re visiting family or welcoming friends over to UK from back home.

There’s still a lot more to consider when it comes to studying in the UK. Things like visas, accommodation and finance all need to be figured out too.

Everything you need to know about studying in the UK

The UK is a popular destination for international students because of the world-renowned universities, fantastic transport networks and welcoming communities. There’s plenty to see and experience, including the unique British culture.

However, all the important things that are required to study here can get lost in the excitement. And you definitely want to make sure these are in place so you can enjoy your UK university adventure without any issues!

To help with that, download your all-in-one guide to studying at a UK university. From visa applications to accommodation, we’ve explained it all in our helpful guide. Click the link below to get your free copy.