Six Things You Need To Consider Before Picking A University

One of our student contributors shares her advice.

Here are six things anyone about to venture into uni (or is considering it on the horizon) needs to think about before embarking on the next step of your education.

ATAR scores aren’t everything.

Although end-of-Year 12 exams and their equally scary counterpart —ATAR scores— are made out to seem like the only thing that will get you into university, they aren’t.

If you are not able to get into your desired course with your ATAR, there are always bridging courses available. Although it may seem like a bit of a detour, it will actually add to your credits when you begin your degree, allowing you to begin your second year as normal.

Some universities have higher ATAR acceptance scores, so if your scores are lower than you expected, consider a university that allows, say, more seventies in your chosen course, rather than just eighties. Having higher requirements does not necessarily constitute a better university.

Choose the course that best suits your talents and tastes.

Ensure that the course you select is one you are actually interested in and capable of passing. Choosing to study high-end subjects like engineering or medicine, when you know they will be too difficult, will just cause you to stress more than necessary.

Not only that, but choosing a course you enjoy will make going to classes a lot easier and more enjoyable. Well-rounded courses with skills in multiple areas can also help you work in a variety of fields, rather than just one.

Don’t worry about “going alone”, as you’ll meet new people.

Although it’s fun to have your high school friends at university, it isn’t always for the best. The university you choose should be catered to the experience you want as an individual, not what your friends want. Besides, making friends is easier if you aren’t always sitting with people you already know. Once you meet the people in your lectures and tutorials, you’ll see how easy it is to get along, as they tend to have the same interests. Don’t be afraid to join university clubs either; from athletic, to business, science, zombie hunting and the religious, there is a club for everyone. (And if there isn’t, you can start your own club just as easily!)

You need to plan out how you’re getting there.

If you choose to study at a university in your state, you have to determine what mode of transport you will take. If you plan to drive each day, consider parking costs (some universities use smartphone apps for each day, whilst others have permits). Be sure to check parking regulations, as some universities do not allow first years to park on campus.

Public transport is cheap and many bus routes go directly to universities. However, it can sometimes be unreliable due to delays and timetable changes, (such as with public holidays).

Be sure to figure out how long it will take you to get to university, and be willing to travel that distance each day.

Accommodation too!

For rural, international, or interstate students, accommodation is something you will have to consider. Living on campus, such as in dormitories, means you are very close to campus, but it can be limited and hard to gain a spot. There is also the option of student housing nearby, allowing you to rent a room on a student’s budget.

Once you’ve taken all this into consideration, remember…

The decisions you make are not final! If you decide later that you don’t enjoy your course, you can change it. University is flexible; find the one for you. If its uni that doesn’t suit, that’s fine too. There are plenty of other educational opportunities available.

For information on a particular university, call their ‘future students’ number. Good luck!

Sarah Bellis is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.