If you are considering University as one of your options you might find yourself doing virtual tours in the coming weeks. We have some handy questions for you to ask or research before you log on for the tour.
Exploring your course choices
As part of your tour you will get the chance to explore the part of the university responsible for teaching your chosen subject (often called the faculty or school). It is your chance to ask how things work, not all unis or courses are the same, some will have a focus on practical learning others will have more classroom time, some will focus more on independent learning.
Think about what you need to find out to make your next step:
- How many students take this course each year?
- Will I get a personal tutor and what is their role?
- How much time is spent in lectures and seminars
- How much independent study is there?
- How much team work
- How is time split between theory and practical work?
- Are placements or study abroad options on offer? How do they work?
- What careers have past students gone in to?
The social side
Whether you decide to stay at home and commute or move to a new place the social side of university is important for you to consider.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of living on or off campus?
- What sports and societies are available at the university?
- How far do you have to travel to get into university and around town?
- What facilities are available on campus: Shops, libraries, gyms, coffee shops, bars, study rooms etc
Careers and employability
You are only just making decisions on your University so it might seem too soon to start thinking about your career but it isn’t! Building your employability alongside your studies is great for building your experience, CV, confidence and trying out what you like.
- What opportunities are there to develop your employability skills?
- Is there a careers advisor on campus and how do you access them?
- Are there any connections with local employers?
- Are there any jobs on campus available for students?
- Are there any volunteering opportunities?
Support
University is a great chance to test out your independence skills but you are not on your own and you shouldn’t feel that way.
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What sort of student support provision is in place to help with
- Finance support
- Mental Health
- Buddy systems
- Halls of residence reps
- Course reps
