What to Study and Where
Choosing a College
Like choosing a course, it will pay off if you also do your research on choosing a college. College websites will have lots of information (including photos) on college life, facilities, activities and more. If you can, pay a visit to the college and have a walk around, ideally during an open day or alternatively at any other time during the academic year.
The checklist below may help you to decide the best college for you:
• Do I need to stay where I am living at present (e.g. for family or work–related reasons), or can I relocate to student accommodation on-campus or nearby?
• What will different college options cost? Estimate them. Can I meet the costs in each case?
• If I am going to commute to college, can I do so easily on public transport or would I need a car (and associated expenses)?
• Am I happy with a ‘big campus’ experience (possibly involving large classes), or would I prefer a smaller college?
• I have a disability. How disability-friendly is the college (e.g. physical layout)?
• I am a mature student. Are there good facilities and supports for mature students in the college?
• What kind of post-entry learning support is on offer in the college?
• What kind of extra-curricular facilities and activities are offered and how important is this to me?
• What about the broader social and cultural life of the college? How important is this to me?
Facilities and Activities in College
Colleges differ greatly in size and scope and the facilities and activities available will vary. You can, however, expect to find the following available:
| Students' union (office/facilities) |
Library | Student clubs/societies | Student/staff crèche |
| Chaplain | Counselling service | Disability service | Career service |
| Health service | Access office | Access to sports facilities (on/off-site) | Social and cultural events |
| IT facilities and wi-fi | Restaurant(s)/Café(s) | Shop | Lockers |