Choosing your university is one of the hardest decisions you may make in your young adult life. It is one of the major turning points in your early life and, eventually, your career. Choosing your program and which university to pursue it from is something that often takes a fair amount of thought and deliberation. It is even harder for international students who want to travel out of their home countries to attain a better education and pursue better career opportunities.
With that said, this article will generally apply to all students but slightly more so to international students when it comes to choosing a university. This article aims to help all those students who are entering a new phase of their lives and aid them in navigating the process. It can be an extremely stressful time, especially for students coming to the US.
Rest assured, it gets easier, and everything falls into place. Read till the end of this article to develop a holistic idea about how to choose your university and excel in the next four years of your life.
1. The cost factor
When choosing a university, perhaps the main factor that students consider is the total cost. College is expensive, especially in the US. It’s expensive enough for locals to take student loans and pay them off over years and decades. One of the biggest challenges international students face is the right to work and lack of US work experience.
So, what you need to do is find a university that offers Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) as a means to solve this issue. Enrolling in Day 1 CPT universities allows you to add to your work experience from the first official day of university. It helps you kick-start the process of gaining work experience and makes you more employable in the future.
American students should also consider working alongside their education to reduce the financial burden. Finding the best value for money universities requires a fair degree of time and research. So, research prices, scholarships, financial aid, and accommodation before finalizing the university. Also, consider finding employment on campus, such as TA-ships and RA-ships.
2. University ranking and status
When choosing a university, it is important to consider the reputation of the school and the employability of its graduates. After investing significant money and time in your education, it would be a shame to end up in a university not well-respected by employers.
Employers are becoming increasingly selective and more likely to hire graduates from top-tier universities. This is because these universities have a reputation for providing students with a high-quality education. They also have strong alumni networks that can help graduates find jobs.
Of course, finding an affordable university that fits your budget is also important. However, you should not sacrifice the reputation of the school for the sake of saving money. A good education is an investment in your future, and it is worth paying a little more for a university that will give you the best chance of success.
3. Location and accommodation
It is not uncommon for students to have to move across the country to attend their preferred university. Moving away for college is something that most young adults need to consider early on. However, moving across the country can also mean incurring additional expenses such as boarding, lodging, and food.
The best option would be to find a college in your hometown if it meets your requirements. If you live in a college town, that’s half the problem solved.
Living on campus can give you the true college experience you might be looking for, but it can also be quite expensive. Another great option to consider is finding a house with roommates and splitting the rent and utility costs. This can significantly reduce your annual costs while still giving you a sense of the college experience.
4. Safety and Security
You want to be part of a university that takes safety seriously. Unfortunately, we live in a time when gender-based violence and minority targeting are extremely high. College campuses are hot grounds for covert criminal activity, and it would be best to research safety protocols before enrolling in a program.
It’s important to consider reading forums and discussion groups to develop a general idea about the university. If nothing else, consider speaking to a few students from the university so that you have a sense of satisfaction before enrolling.
This factor will have a significant impact on your overall college experience.
5. Campus life and the overall college experience
The college experience can help shape you as a person and give you social exposure that you might never have had before. So, it’s natural to want more than just a degree from your time at university. You will be able to meet new people, make friends, and learn to be independent. You will also have the chance to explore your interests and passions through extracurricular activities.
College is so much more than the certificate you gain at the end of the process. It’s about memories, experiences, and a chance to learn in and outside the classroom. It is important to find a balance between academics and social activities. Don’t get so bogged down in your studies that you forget to enjoy yourself. Make time for friends, hobbies, and activities that you enjoy.
Conclusion
These are some things you can consider when choosing your university. From considering the cost to choosing the best campus life, these factors can help you navigate the process and select a college that suits your needs.
We understand that this can be an extremely stressful time in your life; therefore, it would be best to consider these and other general factors when picking out a university. International students have it slightly harder as they have the additional task of gauging whether to stay in the US or return to their home countries.
Whatever decision you make, we hope that you are satisfied with your choice.
