If you’re at the point where you need to make a decision on which college to attend in the new year, it’s understandable if you’re feeling rather overwhelmed and daunted. Choosing the best university for you is an important decision, particularly with the costs of getting a degree constantly rising and the need for college to pay off after graduation ever greater.
While naturally most students and their parents examine a university’s academic reputation and level of prestige, there are many elements besides these initial factors that may also impact your decision. Here are some other factors for your consideration in order to find a university that will be the right fit for your needs.
Campus Facilities
Campus facilities are always something to investigate. If you are a commuter, what are the parking options like? If you have any special needs, you may require things such as disabled parking spots, ramps, bathrooms for less-mobile students, teaching aids for the sight- or hearing-impaired, etc.
Many students will also be keen to find a university where they can get access to specialized equipment related to their degree such as excellent sporting facilities or on-site accommodation for the duration of their studies. Furthermore, security and safety may be a key consideration. You might be interested in finding a campus with features like on-site security staff, cameras, good lighting, parking lots located close to classrooms and so on.
University Culture
Of course, when it comes to studying at university, many people are also focused on what kind of culture 
they will get to be a part of. Since such a big factor of university life tends to be making long-term friends from all sorts of backgrounds, and engaging in fun activities each week, it’s important to look into the culture of a college before you enroll in a degree.
You might find out about the types of clubs and associations you can join, what kind of community spirit is fostered, how diverse the range of professors and students is and if there is a positive, inclusive, upbeat vibe on campus.
Career and Other Support
Once you get your degree, you want to be able to get a job that makes your studies worthwhile. It helps, therefore, to attend a university where you will be provided with wide-ranging career support, both while you’re still studying and after you have graduated.
Ask the institutions on your shortlist to give you information about the type of support they offer. For instance: Do they set up job fairs, help students obtain internships, provide career counseling and interview coaching, assist with the creation of resumes and cover letters and/or foster alumni networking and employer referrals?
If affording college is tough for you, try to find a university that has the financial aid package for you, such as scholarships, grants, monetary assistance and other opportunities available for those in need. You may also be interested in completing part of your degree overseas. If so, find out from the universities you talk to if study abroad programs are available.
Location
Location is another key factor for many students. For example, if you want to stay at home with your parents while you attend classes on campus, you’ll need to find a college within easy driving or public transport distance. On the other hand, if you’ve been hoping to get some distance from your family so you can spread your wings, you might be more interested in a campus located further away.
If you’re working part-time or full-time, or have children, aging parents or other familial responsibilities to take care of each week, location will also be vital for you. You’ll need to find a campus that will give you a short commute time and/or enable you to get home quickly if an emergency arises.
Study Options
Lastly, when evaluating universities, think about study options, too. That is, if you need flexibility in how quickly you finish your degree or the specific subjects you study, find a university that allows students to combine degrees, accelerate studies or have freedom in the classes they choose.
Study options also come into play if you need the ability to study remotely, rather than on campus. For example, you may be looking to enroll in online business certification programs, or an online degree in engineering, or a teaching degree that’s offered digitally, etc.
Online study could be a must because you need to fit studies in around a job or childcare, because you have learning difficulties that make in-person classes too challenging, or because you want to stay living in your current abode but can’t get access to your preferred course locally. No matter your reasons, if you need to opt for an online program, investigate your choices up-front and ensure there is an accredited option available.
