Why should I go to university?

There’s more to university than studying. 
 
Not only will going to university greatly improve your job prospects and help you advance your chosen career, but it will also open doors to new opportunities, help you develop new skills and build meaningful connections. 

What should I study at university?

If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone! Many students will be feeling unsure about what they want to study at university. But before you start looking at courses and universities, it’s a good idea to take some time to think about what you enjoy doing day-to-day, what subjects interest you the most, or maybe you already have a career in mind. 
 
You could also spend time looking at different job websites to get inspiration for possible career paths and look at what qualifications are needed. If you do have a specific career path in mind, you will need to check whether certain qualifications are listed in job specifications. 
 
Once you have a clearer idea of the subjects you’re interested in, you can start looking at courses on different university websites or use the UCAS Course Search tool to find out what courses are on offer across the UK. 

You can also speak to a Careers Advisor at your school or college if you feel like you need further guidance or support with your decision. 

What should I look for in a course?

Now that you have a sense of the subjects or courses you’re interested in, here are some points to keep in mind:

• First, start by reviewing the entry requirements. Make sure your predicted grades and subjects are a good match for that course. 
• Next, look at the course content. You want to make sure that the modules you’re going to be studying appeal to you. Often, similar courses will offer different modules. 
• Think about work experience opportunities such as placements or industry projects and whether these are important for your future career. 
• You also might want to check whether the course is accredited by a professional body. 
• Finally, you want to check the assessment methods used in the course, will it be exam or coursework based, or a mix of both.

What should I look for in a university?

Once you’ve narrowed down your course options, it’s time to look at the university itself. When choosing what university to study at, you should consider: 

• Rankings and reputation: University rankings will cover a lot of different categories such as subject rankings, research, sustainability and more. Find out more about the rankings and reputation of Queen’s.
• Location: Take into consideration where the university is located, is it close to student accommodation, what is the local area like, and what’s the student experience like in that city? Explore life in Belfast.
• Living Costs: Students will have different living costs depending on where they live, lifestyle choices and whether they have any financial commitments or dependents. We created a living cost comparison guide to show how Queen’s compares with other universities.
• Student Life: Understanding what it’s like to be a student at that university is important when making your choice. What kind of events does the university run throughout the year for students and how many clubs and societies are on offer? Find out more about student life at Queen’s.

How can I find out more about my chosen universities? 

One of the best ways to get an understanding of whether a university is right for you is by heading to an Open Day. 

Open Days are an opportunity for you to get a feel for what it’s like to study there, chat to current students, find out more about your chosen course from the people who will be teaching it and more.

 

Open Days also give you the chance to explore the city you’ll potentially be studying in. Take time to walk around the town or city to see if the surrounding area is somewhere you could envision yourself living. 
 
If you can’t make it to an Open Day, you may be able to experience the campus virtually. Check out our virtual campus tour to explore the Queen’s campus, accommodation, the local area and more. 

Should I stay at home, or should I go away for university? 

When deciding whether to move away for university or stay close to home, you should think about what suits you best, both academically and personally. 
 
Some students will choose to stay at home to save money, be close to family and friends, while moving away is where others feel like they will have more independence. 
 
When making your decision, consider things like your financial situation, confidence in living independently and your mental wellbeing. In the end, there’s no right or wrong choice, it’s about choosing the option that helps you succeed. 
 
Medicine student Kathryn shares her thoughts on why staying close to home was right for her. 

Should I live in university accommodation?

Living in university accommodation can be a great way for students to settle into university life. 

It offers a supportive environment where students can easily meet new people, build friendships, and feel part of the campus community from the start. 

• Find out more about Queen’s Student Accommodation
• Everything You Need to Know About Living in Queen’s Accommodation

Find out more

Everything You Need to Know as a First-Year Queen’s University Student

Queen’s Essentials: Resources to Support Your University Journey

Zoe Mackey Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.