Choosing a university involves much more than comparing entry grades, rankings and attractive campus photographs.

You are choosing:

• What you will study.

• How you will be taught.

• How you will be assessed.

• Where you may live.

• What the experience may cost.

• Which support services you could need.

• Which career opportunities may become available.

The most useful university research begins with good questions.

UCAS recommends asking about teaching hours, assessment, compulsory modules, student numbers, placements, years abroad and graduate careers when attending an open day. It also encourages applicants to investigate accommodation, facilities, finance and support.

You do not need to ask all 25 questions in one conversation.

Different questions can be answered through:

• University websites.

• Course pages.

• Open days.

• Online events.

• Admissions teams.

• Current students.

• Lecturers.

• Accommodation staff.

• Student support teams.

• Discover Uni.

• Offer-holder days.

The aim is to move beyond:

and ask:

The 25 Essential Questions at a Glance

Questions About the Course

1. What will I actually study?

2. Which modules are compulsory?

3. How much choice will I have?

4. How is the course assessed?

5. How many teaching hours will I receive?

6. How much independent study is expected?

7. How large are the classes?

8. Who will teach me?

9. Is the course professionally accredited?

10. Can I change course or pathway?

Questions About Experience and Careers

11. Are placements guaranteed or competitive?

12. Can I study abroad?

13. What careers do graduates enter?

14. What careers support is available?

15. What opportunities exist outside the course?

Questions About Entry and Academic Support

16. What are the full entry requirements?

17. How do contextual offers work?

18. What happens if I miss my offer?

19. What academic support is available?

20. How are students given feedback?

Questions About Student Life and Practical Costs

21. What will the course really cost?

22. What accommodation is available?

23. What support is available for my circumstances?

24. What is daily student life actually like?

25. Would I still choose this course without the university’s reputation?

Why Asking Questions Matters

University marketing is designed to present the institution positively.

That does not make the information false, but it may emphasise:

• Modern facilities.

• Successful graduates.

• Attractive accommodation.

• Popular social spaces.

• High-profile opportunities.

Your job is to investigate how those claims apply to ordinary students.

For example:

• “Placement opportunities” does not necessarily mean every student receives a placement.

• “Flexible modules” may still involve a large compulsory core.

• “Excellent career support” may mean optional workshops that students must actively book.

• “Accommodation available” does not necessarily mean affordable accommodation is guaranteed.

• “Study abroad opportunities” may involve additional eligibility requirements and costs.

The strongest applicants do not simply collect information.

They test it.

When Should You Ask These Questions?

Use the questions at different points in your application journey.

Before Applying

Focus on:

• Course content.

• Entry requirements.

• Assessment.

• Accreditation.

• Placements.

• Location.

• Costs.

At an Open Day

Ask about:

• Teaching.

• Facilities.

• Accommodation.

• Student experience.

• Support.

• Daily life.

UCAS describes open days as an opportunity to experience the campus, examine facilities and speak directly to staff and students.

After Receiving an Offer

Investigate:

• Detailed module choices.

• Academic support.

• Accommodation allocation.

• Placement access.

• Student finance.

• Offer-holder activities.

Before Selecting Firm and Insurance Choices

Compare:

• Offer conditions.

• Course suitability.

• Costs.

• Accommodation.

• Student support.

• Whether you would genuinely attend either option.

Your firm choice is your preferred offer, while an insurance choice is a backup to a conditional firm offer. UCAS advises choosing an insurance course that provides a realistic alternative but is still somewhere you would genuinely want to study.

Questions About the Course

1. What Will I Actually Study?

Do not rely on the course title.

Two courses with the same title can contain very different modules.

For each course, investigate:

• First-year content.

• Compulsory modules.

• Optional modules.

• Final-year pathways.

• Dissertation or project requirements.

• Practical work.

• Research methods.

• Mathematics or statistics.

• Fieldwork.

• Laboratory work.

For example, a psychology degree may include substantial:

• Statistics.

• Research methods.

• Biological psychology.

• Laboratory reports.

A business course may include:

• Accounting.

• Economics.

• Data analysis.

• Organisational theory.

Ask:

A strong answer should explain the course’s structure rather than simply repeat the subject description.

Read How to Choose the Right Degree Course before comparing universities.

2. Which Modules Are Compulsory?

Compulsory modules are the parts of the course every student must complete.

These matter because they may make up a large proportion of the degree.

Ask:

• How many modules are compulsory?

• Do compulsory modules continue in later years?

• Must I complete a dissertation?

• Are research methods compulsory?

• Are there required practical modules?

• Can compulsory modules change?

You may love the optional-module list but discover that students choose only one option each year.

UCAS recommends asking which modules are compulsory and which are optional when researching a course.

A useful follow-up question is:

Universities may list options that depend on:

• Staff availability.

• Student numbers.

• Timetabling.

• Departmental priorities.

3. How Much Choice Will I Have?

“Flexible course” can mean different things.

Ask:

• When do optional modules begin?

• How many can I select?

• Are places limited?

• Is allocation first come, first served?

• Can modules be taken from another department?

• Can I specialise later?

• Can I change pathways?

For a joint honours course, ask:

• Is the degree split equally?

• Can the balance change?

• Are there timetable clashes?

• Does one department control the degree?

• Can I move to single honours?

A student who values broad exploration may prefer a flexible structure.

Another may prefer a clearly defined programme with fewer choices.

Neither is automatically better.

4. How Is the Course Assessed?

Assessment affects your daily workload and may strongly influence whether a course suits you.

Possible assessment methods include:

• Examinations.

• Essays.

• Reports.

• Presentations.

• Portfolios.

• Practical work.

• Laboratory reports.

• Group projects.

• Performances.

• Online tests.

• Dissertations.

Ask for the approximate balance.

For example:

UCAS advises applicants to ask whether a course uses a mixture of coursework, examinations and presentations.

Also ask:

• Are examinations open or closed book?

• Are assessments spread throughout the year?

• How much group work is compulsory?

• Are presentations individual or group based?

• How long is the final project?

Read Study Skills for University to understand the demands of independent assessment.

5. How Many Teaching Hours Will I Receive?

Contact hours may include:

• Lectures.

• Seminars.

• Tutorials.

• Workshops.

• Laboratories.

• Placements.

• Studio sessions.

Ask:

Do not judge workload from contact hours alone.

A course with ten scheduled hours may require substantial:

• Reading.

• Research.

• Assignment work.

• Revision.

• Preparation.

However, teaching hours can still affect:

• How much staff contact you receive.

• Whether commuting is practical.

• Your ability to work part time.

• The structure of your week.

UCAS specifically recommends asking how many teaching hours a course provides.

6. How Much Independent Study Is Expected?

University is normally full-time study even when the timetable appears relatively empty.

Ask:

• How much reading is assigned?

• How many hours should students study independently?

• How frequently are assignments set?

• How demanding is practical preparation?

• How does workload change near examinations?

• How much time does the dissertation require?

Try asking a current student:

This may reveal more than the official timetable.

Read Time Management at University for practical planning advice.

7. How Large Are the Classes?

Class size can affect:

• Participation.

• Access to teaching staff.

• Feedback.

• Group discussion.

• The learning environment.

Ask separately about:

• Lectures.

• Seminars.

• Tutorials.

• Laboratories.

• First-year classes.

• Final-year classes.

A course may have lectures containing hundreds of students but seminars containing 15.

A useful question is:

UCAS recommends asking how many students are enrolled on the course.

Large courses are not automatically worse.

They may offer:

• More module choice.

• Larger societies.

• More specialist staff.

• Wider peer groups.

Small courses may offer:

• Closer staff relationships.

• Smaller classes.

• A stronger community.

8. Who Will Teach Me?

University websites may highlight famous academics.

That does not mean those academics teach every undergraduate class.

Ask:

• Who teaches first-year modules?

• How much teaching is delivered by professors or lecturers?

• Are postgraduate researchers involved?

• Who leads seminars?

• How accessible are staff outside classes?

• How are academic advisers allocated?

Postgraduate teaching assistants can provide excellent teaching.

The important questions are whether:

• They are trained.

• They are supported.

• Teaching is consistent.

• Students know where to seek help.

You could ask current students:

9. Is the Course Professionally Accredited?

Accreditation means that a course has been recognised by a relevant professional body.

It may be important for careers in areas such as:

• Engineering.

• Psychology.

• Architecture.

• Accounting.

• Healthcare.

• Surveying.

• Computing.

Ask:

• Which organisation accredits the course?

• Is accreditation current?

• Does it cover the complete degree?

• What professional exemptions does it provide?

• Are additional qualifications still required?

• Does the placement affect accreditation?

Do not assume that every course with the same title has the same professional recognition.

Check the professional body’s records as well as the university website.

Read Choosing a Degree Based on Your Career before applying to a professionally regulated route.

10. Can I Change Course or Pathway?

Interests can change after you begin.

Ask:

• Can students transfer between related degrees?

• When must a transfer be requested?

• Are transfers dependent on grades?

• Can I add or remove a placement year?

• Can I switch from single to joint honours?

• Can I transfer from a foundation year to direct entry?

• Would changing course affect student finance?

UCAS recommends asking whether students can switch courses if they discover that the original course does not suit them.

A university does not have to approve a transfer.

The answer may depend on:

• Available places.

• Entry requirements.

• Module compatibility.

• Departmental approval.

• Timing.

Read Can You Change Course After Starting University?

Questions About Experience and Careers

11. Are Placements Guaranteed or Competitive?

A placement can be valuable, but the phrase “placement opportunity” needs investigating.

Ask:

• Is the placement compulsory or optional?

• Is a placement guaranteed?

• Must students find their own employer?

• How many students successfully secure one?

• Which employers have recruited recent students?

• Are placements paid?

• What support does the university provide?

• What happens if I do not secure one?

• Are international students eligible?

Do not assume that being enrolled on a placement-year course guarantees a position.

The university may provide:

• Vacancy listings.

• CV support.

• Interview preparation.

• Employer events.

The student may still be responsible for applying and competing.

Discover Uni notes that work experience as part of a course can support later employment, while also advising applicants to interpret course-level employment information carefully.

Read Placement Years: Are They Worth It?

12. Can I Study Abroad?

Ask:

• Which destinations are available?

• Is study abroad guaranteed?

• How are students selected?

• Which grades are required?

• Are places limited?

• What language skills are needed?

• How does it affect course length?

• What fees apply?

• Which travel and accommodation costs must students pay?

• What happens if a destination becomes unavailable?

Also check whether the overseas modules count towards:

• Your final classification.

• Professional accreditation.

• Compulsory course requirements.

A year abroad may be an excellent opportunity.

It can also require additional:

• Visas.

• Insurance.

• Flights.

• Deposits.

• Emergency funds.

Read Study Abroad Years Explained.

13. What Careers Do Graduates Enter?

Do not ask only:

Ask:

• Which jobs do graduates enter?

• Are they graduate-level roles?

• Which employers recruit from the course?

• How many continue to postgraduate study?

• Are graduates using what they learned?

• Is further professional training required?

• How long does it normally take to enter the field?

Discover Uni publishes course-comparison information using sources including the Graduate Outcomes survey, which asks graduates about employment, earnings and their views of work around 15 months after completing their course.

Read the data carefully.

Check:

• How many graduates responded.

• Whether results are course specific.

• Whether data has been grouped with similar courses.

• Which year the data covers.

Small samples and grouped data require caution. Discover Uni clearly identifies where course-specific information is unavailable or has been combined with other courses.

Read Careers by Subject and What Employers Really Look For.

14. What Careers Support Is Available?

Most universities offer careers support.

The quality and accessibility of that support may vary.

Ask:

• Can first-year students use the service?

• Are individual appointments available?

• Does the service review CVs and applications?

• Are practice interviews provided?

• Which employers visit campus?

• Is support available after graduation?

• Are internships advertised?

• Is specialist advice available for international students?

• Does the department have its own careers programme?

A strong careers service is useful only when students can access it.

Ask current students:

Read Building Employability at University.

15. What Opportunities Exist Outside the Course?

University value is not limited to lectures.

Ask about:

• Societies.

• Sport.

• Volunteering.

• Student media.

• Competitions.

• Research projects.

• Student ambassador work.

• Enterprise support.

• Language learning.

• Mentoring.

• Employer events.

These activities can help students develop:

• Confidence.

• Leadership.

• Teamwork.

• Communication.

• Practical experience.

• Friendships.

However, do not choose a university solely because it has 200 societies.

Ask:

• Which groups are active?

• How expensive are memberships?

• Are beginner sessions available?

• Are activities accessible to commuting students?

• Do meetings conflict with teaching or placements?

Read Joining Societies and Making Friends at University.

Questions About Entry and Academic Support

16. What Are the Full Entry Requirements?

Do not stop at the headline offer.

Ask about:

• Overall grades.

• Required subjects.

• Specific subject grades.

• GCSE English and mathematics.

• UCAS Tariff requirements.

• Vocational qualifications.

• T Levels.

• International qualifications.

• Practical endorsements.

• Admissions tests.

• Interviews.

• Portfolios.

• Work experience.

A course asking for AAB might also require:

• An A in mathematics.

• GCSE English at grade 6.

• An admissions test.

• A portfolio.

Ask:

Get the answer in writing when your qualification combination is unusual.

Read Understanding University Entry Requirements and Required Subjects Explained.

17. How Do Contextual Offers Work?

Contextual admissions consider achievement in relation to an applicant’s circumstances.

Ask:

• Which criteria are used?

• Do I need to complete another form?

• Is eligibility identified automatically?

• What is the contextual offer?

• Are outreach programmes linked to reduced offers?

• Does the policy differ by course?

• Is an eligible applicant guaranteed a reduced offer?

Possible criteria may include:

• Care experience.

• Estrangement.

• School or college.

• Home area.

• Financial circumstances.

• Caring responsibilities.

• Participation in access programmes.

Policies vary between universities.

Never assume that qualifying at one institution means you qualify at another.

Read Contextual Offers Explained.

18. What Happens If I Miss My Offer?

Ask the admissions team:

• Are near-miss applicants reconsidered?

• Does the university review the complete application?

• Could I be offered a related course?

• Is a foundation year available?

• Would a priority review of marking be considered?

• Who should I contact on Results Day?

No university can promise in advance that it will accept lower results.

The answer depends on:

• Available places.

• Your grades.

• Other applicants’ results.

• Required subjects.

• The size of the shortfall.

Still, understanding the process can help you prepare.

Read What If You Miss Your UCAS Offer? and Clearing Explained.

19. What Academic Support Is Available?

Ask about:

• Personal tutors.

• Academic advisers.

• Writing support.

• Mathematics support.

• Study-skills workshops.

• Library training.

• Peer mentoring.

• Language support.

• Revision sessions.

• Dissertation supervision.

Useful follow-up questions include:

• How often do students meet personal tutors?

• Are appointments bookable when needed?

• Is support individual or group based?

• Is there help for students returning after a gap?

• What happens when a student begins struggling?

Do not wait until you are enrolled to discover that the support you assumed existed is limited or difficult to access.

20. How Are Students Given Feedback?

Feedback helps you understand how to improve.

Ask:

• How quickly is marked work returned?

• Is feedback written, recorded or discussed?

• Can students ask questions afterwards?

• Are draft assignments reviewed?

• Do students receive feedback on examinations?

• How is group work marked?

• How are concerns about marking handled?

Discover Uni includes student views covering areas such as assessment and feedback, academic support, organisation, learning resources and student voice. Its comparison tool can help applicants examine these areas across courses.

Do not treat one percentage as the final judgement.

Where feedback scores appear weaker, ask the university:

• Why?

• What has changed?

• What improvements are planned?

Discover Uni itself recommends asking institutions about weaker results and what they are doing in response.

Questions About Student Life and Practical Costs

21. What Will the Course Really Cost?

Tuition fees are only part of the cost.

Ask about:

• Accommodation.

• Books.

• Equipment.

• Laboratory clothing.

• Art materials.

• Printing.

• Software.

• Field trips.

• Placement travel.

• Professional checks.

• Auditions.

• Study abroad.

• Graduation.

Ask directly:

Also investigate:

• Scholarships.

• Bursaries.

• Hardship funds.

• Placement support.

• Travel grants.

• Equipment loans.

For students normally living in England, support may include Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans, although eligibility and the amount available depend on circumstances and the applicable funding system. Students can apply before their university place is confirmed and update the course later.

Students from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should use the relevant national finance service.

Read Student Finance Explained, Cost of Living at University and Hidden Costs of University.

22. What Accommodation Is Available?

Ask:

• Is university accommodation guaranteed?

• Which applicants qualify for the guarantee?

• What is the deadline?

• How are rooms allocated?

• What are the cheapest options?

• Are bills included?

• How long is the contract?

• How far is accommodation from teaching?

• Is accessible accommodation available?

• What happens if I accept through Clearing?

• What private options exist?

UCAS recommends viewing accommodation during open days and asking about both university-managed and off-campus options.

Do not tour only the most expensive newly built room.

Ask to see:

• A standard room.

• Shared facilities.

• Laundry.

• Kitchens.

• The route to campus.

Read University Accommodation Explained and How to Apply for Student Accommodation.

23. What Support Is Available for My Circumstances?

This question may involve:

• Disability.

• Neurodivergence.

• Mental health.

• Long-term illness.

• Care experience.

• Estrangement.

• Caring responsibilities.

• Parenting.

• Faith.

• International student status.

• Commuting.

• Financial hardship.

Ask:

• Which team should I contact?

• What evidence is required?

• How early should arrangements begin?

• Is accessible accommodation available?

• How are examination adjustments organised?

• What mental health provision exists?

• Is emergency financial support available?

• What happens during placements?

• Can I speak to a student with similar experience?

UCAS recommends meeting disability or student support teams during open days and discussing individual needs as early as possible. Available support varies, although universities have duties to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students.

Do not ask only whether support exists.

Ask how students access it and how long the process normally takes.

Read Supporting Student Wellbeing and Looking After Your Mental Health.

24. What Is Daily Student Life Actually Like?

Ask current students rather than relying only on staff presentations.

Useful questions include:

• What does a normal weekday look like?

• How often are students on campus?

• What do students do at weekends?

• Is the course community friendly?

• How expensive is the area?

• Is public transport reliable?

• Are students able to find part-time work?

• What happens when students do not drink alcohol?

• How safe does the area feel at night?

• What do you wish you had known before starting?

Try asking:

The second half often produces the more useful answer.

Remember that one student’s experience is not universal.

Speak to several people where possible.

25. Would I Still Choose This Course Without the University’s Reputation?

This is the final test.

Imagine removing:

• The league-table position.

• The famous name.

• The impressive architecture.

• The social media reputation.

• Other people’s approval.

Would you still choose the course because of:

• Its modules?

• Teaching?

• Assessment?

• Placements?

• Support?

• Career opportunities?

• Location?

• Affordability?

A prestigious university can still offer the wrong course for you.

A less famous university may provide:

• Better placement access.

• More appropriate modules.

• Stronger accreditation.

• Lower living costs.

• More suitable teaching.

• Better support.

Read Should Rankings Influence Your Choice? and How University Rankings Work.

Who Should You Ask?

Different people can answer different questions.

Admissions Staff

Ask about:

• Entry requirements.

• Qualification combinations.

• Contextual admissions.

• Interviews.

• Portfolios.

• Applications.

Course Lecturers

Ask about:

• Modules.

• Teaching.

• Assessment.

• Research.

• Placements.

• Academic expectations.

Current Students

Ask about:

• Workload.

• Feedback.

• Daily life.

• Support.

• Accommodation.

• Course organisation.

Careers Staff

Ask about:

• Graduate roles.

• Internships.

• Employer connections.

• Careers appointments.

• Alumni support.

Accommodation Staff

Ask about:

• Room types.

• Allocation.

• Guarantees.

• Costs.

• Contracts.

• Accessibility.

Student Support Teams

Ask about:

• Disability support.

• Mental health.

• Financial advice.

• Care experience.

• Estrangement.

• Caring responsibilities.

Students’ Union

Ask about:

• Independent advice.

• Societies.

• Representation.

• Cost of living.

• Housing.

• Student concerns.

Red-Flag Answers to Watch For

Be cautious when answers are:

Extremely Vague

For example:

Ask:

• How many students secure them?

• Which employers participate?

• Are they paid?

Different From the Course Page

Ask which information is current.

Save written confirmation where the difference is important.

Focused Only on Exceptional Students

One graduate working for a famous company does not represent every outcome.

Ask what most graduates do.

Unable to Explain Compulsory Costs

The university should be able to identify known required costs.

Dismissive About Support

A supportive institution should explain the process rather than suggest that students rarely need help.

Overly Pushy

Do not allow urgency, promotional emails or accommodation pressure to replace careful comparison.

Dependent on “It Usually Works Out”

Ask what happens when it does not.

For example:

• What happens if no placement is secured?

• What happens if accommodation is unavailable?

• What happens if an optional module does not run?

How to Record the Answers

Create a comparison table for every serious option.

Record:

• Facts.

• Personal impressions.

• Follow-up questions.

• Sources.

• Dates.

Course information can change, so note when you checked it.

Discover Uni allows applicants to save and compare UK undergraduate courses using official information, student views and graduate outcomes.

Questions to Ask at Different Events

At a UCAS Exhibition

Focus on quick comparisons:

• What makes this course different?

• What are the required subjects?

• Is a placement included?

• Which open day should I attend?

• What support is available?

At an Open Day

Investigate:

• Teaching.

• Facilities.

• Accommodation.

• Location.

• Student experience.

• Support services.

At an Applicant or Offer-Holder Day

Ask detailed questions:

• Which optional modules usually run?

• How are placements allocated?

• What happens if I miss my offer?

• How do students receive feedback?

• Which accommodation is realistic on my budget?

Before Choosing Firm and Insurance

Confirm:

• Offer conditions.

• Course structure.

• Accommodation process.

• Costs.

• Insurance suitability.

• Whether you would attend both choices.

Read Firm and Insurance Choices Explained before submitting your replies.

Questions Applicants Often Forget to Ask

Students frequently forget to investigate:

• Whether placements are guaranteed.

• How optional modules are allocated.

• How much group work is compulsory.

• How long accommodation contracts last.

• What course costs are excluded from tuition.

• Whether careers support continues after graduation.

• How easy it is to change course.

• How support works during placements.

• Whether commuting is realistic.

• What happens when accommodation is unavailable.

These details may affect daily life more than:

• The number of cafés.

• The appearance of the main building.

• The free bag received at the open day.

The tote bag may be excellent.

It should not make the final decision.

University Question Checklist

Course

• I have read the full module list.

• I know which modules are compulsory.

• I know how much choice is available.

• I understand the assessment methods.

• I know the typical teaching hours.

• I understand the independent workload.

• I know the class sizes.

• I checked accreditation.

• I investigated transfer options.

Experience and Careers

• I know whether placements are guaranteed.

• I know who finds the placement.

• I checked study-abroad costs.

• I researched graduate destinations.

• I reviewed Discover Uni carefully.

• I know what careers support is available.

• I investigated extracurricular opportunities.

Entry and Support

• I checked the complete entry requirements.

• I checked GCSE requirements.

• I checked contextual eligibility.

• I understand what happens if I miss my offer.

• I know how academic support works.

• I know how feedback is provided.

• I contacted relevant support teams.

Money and Accommodation

• I calculated likely living costs.

• I identified compulsory course costs.

• I checked scholarships and bursaries.

• I know the accommodation deadline.

• I understand the contract length.

• I investigated lower-cost options.

• I know whether accommodation is guaranteed.

Final Decision

• I would genuinely study the course.

• I could live in the location.

• I understand the disadvantages.

• I compared it with other courses.

• I am not choosing it purely for reputation.

• I would still attend if it became my insurance choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Questions Should I Ask at a University Open Day?

Prioritise questions about:

• Modules.

• Assessment.

• Teaching hours.

• Placements.

• Careers.

• Accommodation.

• Costs.

• Support.

• Daily student life.

UCAS recommends preparing questions in advance so that you can speak to staff and students and make direct comparisons.

Should Parents Ask Questions at Open Days?

Parents and carers can ask useful questions about:

• Finance.

• Accommodation.

• Safety.

• Student support.

• Travel.

However, the applicant should lead the academic decision and ask their own questions about the course.

The student will study the degree and needs to understand the answers personally.

Should I Ask Questions That Are Answered Online?

Yes, when:

• The information is unclear.

• Two pages conflict.

• You need an explanation.

• You want to know how the policy works in practice.

• Your circumstances are unusual.

Avoid using limited one-to-one time to ask for information that is already completely clear.

Is It Better to Speak to Lecturers or Students?

Speak to both.

Lecturers can explain:

• Course design.

• Teaching.

• Assessment.

• Research.

• Academic expectations.

Students can describe:

• Workload.

• Organisation.

• Feedback.

• Social life.

• Everyday experience.

Can I Trust Student Reviews?

Student views can be useful, but individual experiences vary.

Look for repeated themes rather than relying on one extremely positive or negative review.

Use official course-comparison data alongside:

• Open days.

• Current students.

• Course pages.

• Independent research.

What Is Discover Uni?

Discover Uni is an official service for searching and comparing UK undergraduate courses.

It includes information such as:

• Student views.

• Continuation.

• Employment.

• Graduate earnings.

• Graduate perceptions.

The available information depends on the course and sample size.

Are Graduate Earnings a Good Way to Compare Courses?

They are one useful measure.

They should not be used alone because outcomes vary according to:

• Career.

• Location.

• Further study.

• Graduate background.

• Labour markets.

• Sample size.

Check whether the published information relates to the exact course or a wider subject group.

What Should I Ask About Placements?

Ask:

• Are they guaranteed?

• Are they paid?

• Who finds the employer?

• How many students secure one?

• Which employers recruit?

• What happens if I do not find one?

• Are there extra fees or travel costs?

What Should I Ask About Accommodation?

Ask:

• Is a room guaranteed?

• What is the deadline?

• What is the cheapest option?

• Are bills included?

• How long is the contract?

• How far is it from teaching?

• Is accessible accommodation available?

• What happens after first year?

What Should I Ask About Student Support?

Ask:

• Which team provides the support?

• How do I register?

• What evidence is required?

• How long do arrangements take?

• Does support continue during placements?

• Is adapted accommodation available?

• Can I speak to a current student?

What Should I Ask Current Students?

Ask:

• What surprised you about the course?

• What is the workload really like?

• How useful is the feedback?

• What is the most difficult part?

• How accessible are lecturers?

• What do you wish you had known?

• Would you choose the course again?

Should I Ask About Contact Hours?

Yes.

Ask for a typical timetable and clarify what counts as contact time.

Remember to include independent study when comparing workloads.

Should I Ask About Class Sizes?

Yes.

Ask separately about lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratories.

The overall course size may not tell you how often you receive small-group teaching.

Should I Ask About Optional Modules?

Yes.

Ask:

• How many can you choose?

• Are places limited?

• Do all advertised options run?

• How are students allocated?

• Can modules be taken from another department?

Should I Ask About Changing Course?

Yes.

Understanding the process does not mean you expect to change.

It helps you know how flexible the university is if your interests develop.

What Should I Ask Before Choosing an Insurance University?

Ask yourself:

• Would I genuinely attend?

• Are the conditions more achievable?

• Can I afford it?

• Is accommodation available?

• Do I like the course?

• What happens if I am placed there on Results Day?

An insurance choice is not useful if you would refuse to attend.

How Many Universities Should I Compare?

Research more than the five choices you may eventually use.

A useful process is to:

1. Create a broad list.

2. Compare eight to ten courses seriously.

3. Visit or investigate the strongest options.

4. Select up to five final choices.

Read How Many Universities Should You Apply To?

What If a University Cannot Answer My Question?

Ask:

• Who can answer it?

• When will the information be available?

• Can the answer be emailed?

• Is there an official policy?

A university may not know future optional modules or exact accommodation availability.

It should still be able to explain the process and likely timeline.

Final Advice

The best university questions are not designed to impress the person answering them.

They are designed to uncover information that affects your decision.

Ask about:

1. What you will study.

2. How you will be assessed.

3. How much teaching you will receive.

4. Which choices you will have.

5. Whether placements are guaranteed.

6. What graduates actually do.

7. How support works.

8. What the course really costs.

9. Where you might live.

10. What happens when plans go wrong.

Do not settle for vague phrases such as:

• Excellent employability.

• Flexible course.

• Supportive community.

• Exciting placement opportunities.

• Affordable student city.

Ask what those phrases mean in practice.

A university should not be chosen because it produced the most polished open-day presentation.

Choose it because, after asking detailed questions, you understand:

• The course.

• The opportunities.

• The limitations.

• The costs.

• The environment.

The right questions will not make the decision for you.

They will give you the information needed to make it properly.